Step 1 - Respiratory System Questions

Physiology > Respiratory > USMLE/COMLEX 1 - Prep Questions

Q. An active, 22-year-old woman presents to her family physician admitting to increased fatigue and lethargy. She also states her skin is pale despite being “outdoorsy” spending several hours each week outside. In addition, she states her urine looks dark and brownish upon initial morning urination. The patient denies any other issues and states that, besides being tired, she feels well. A CBC shows: Low Platelet Count, Low WBC Count, Low RBC Count. The patient’s RBCs are mixed with acidified normal serum. In addition, there is lysis of her RBCs at both body temperature and room temperature. In comparison, no lysis occurs with normal RBCs at either temperature. What is the likely physiological cause of the patient’s disorder?

Complement-mediated lysis of RBCs resulting from a decreased respiratory rate leading to Respiratory Acidosis.
The Osmotic lysis of RBCs resulting from a decreased respiratory rate leading to Respiratory Acidosis.
Complement mediated lysis of RBCs resulting from a decreased respiratory rate leading to respiratory alkalosis.
Complement mediated lysis of RBCs resulting from an increased respiratory rate while sleeping leading to respiratory acidosis.
Osmotic lysis of RBCs resulting from an increased respiratory rate while sleeping leading to respiratory alkalosis.
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