They are presumably trying to demonstrate that she has an acute viral-type syndrome given the flu-like illness with fever, muscle aches, and generalized misery. COVID-19 wasn’t an answer choice. Note the CXR says “interstitial infiltrates,” which is the Step code phrase for atypical infection (as opposed to consolidative pneumonia).
lsmarshallAn odd question. If it was influenza pneumonia is classically described as bilateral diffuse interstitial infiltrates. Even Dorian anki deck has a flashcard on it. Looking at pubmed, there are articles supporting viral pneumonia being classically bilateral (here is one https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513286/).
Not sure why NBME insists on putting in random irregular details like that. Good explanation tho+
submitted by ∗bwdc(697)
They are presumably trying to demonstrate that she has an acute viral-type syndrome given the flu-like illness with fever, muscle aches, and generalized misery. COVID-19 wasn’t an answer choice. Note the CXR says “interstitial infiltrates,” which is the Step code phrase for atypical infection (as opposed to consolidative pneumonia).