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High-altitude illness — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardEnvironmental emergenciesHigh-altitude illnessABEM Board

A 44-year-old hiker presents as triage level 2 with dyspnea, cough, ataxia, and confusion at 12,000 feet. Oxygen saturation is 72%, and lung exam reveals crackles. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — High-altitude pulmonary edema with cerebral edema features

Hypoxemia, crackles, dyspnea, ataxia, and confusion at altitude suggest HAPE with HACE features; descent and oxygen are critical.

Reference: Wilderness Medical Society altitude illness guideline; ABEM EM Model