The most common termination of lobar pneumonia is:(1989)
**Core Concept**
Lobar pneumonia is a type of pneumonia characterized by an acute inflammatory process that affects one or more lobes of the lung. The **pathogenesis** of lobar pneumonia involves the invasion of the lung parenchyma by a pathogen, most commonly **Streptococcus pneumoniae**.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common termination of lobar pneumonia is **resolution**, where the inflammatory exudate is completely cleared from the lung tissue, and the lung architecture returns to normal. This process involves the activation of **immune cells**, such as macrophages and neutrophils, which phagocytose the pathogens and debris.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Is incorrect because **abscess formation** is a rare complication of lobar pneumonia.
**Option C:** Is incorrect because **gangrene** is a rare and severe complication of lobar pneumonia.
**Option D:** Is incorrect because **empyema** is a collection of pus in the pleural space, which is not a direct termination of lobar pneumonia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Lobar pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, but **Streptococcus pneumoniae** is the most common cause.
**Correct Answer:** C. Resolution.