A 42 Year Old Presents with Dyspnea; Rapid, Shallow Breathing;

Multiple Choice

A 42 year old presents with dyspnea; rapid, shallow breathing; inspiratory crackles; decreased lung compliance; and hypoxemia.Tests reveal a fulminant form of respiratory failure characterized by acute lung inflammation and diffuse alveolocapillary injury.What is the most likely diagnosis supported by the patient's condition?

A) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
B) Sarcoidosis
C) Postoperative respiratory failure
D) Malignant respiratory failure