skip to main content

Severe community-acquired pneumonia — RCPSC EM MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateRespiratory emergenciesSevere community-acquired pneumoniaRCPSC EM

A 45-year-old man with fever and cough has respiratory rate 34/min, oxygen saturation 87% on room air and blood pressure 90/52 mmHg. Chest radiograph shows right lower-lobe consolidation and lactate is 4.5 mmol/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Severe community-acquired pneumonia with septic shock physiology

Consolidation, hypoxaemia, hypotension, tachypnoea and elevated lactate indicate severe pneumonia with sepsis. Management includes oxygen, cultures, early antibiotics and resuscitation.

Reference: Canadian community-acquired pneumonia guidance; Surviving Sepsis Campaign; CAEP sepsis resources