system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 54-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of progressive tingling and weakness in both of his legs for the past two days. The patient reports that his symptoms interfere with his ability to walk. Two weeks ago, he had an upper respiratory tract infection, which resolved spontaneously. His vital signs are within normal limits. Examination shows weakness in the lower extremities with absent deep tendon reflexes. Reflexes are 1+ in the upper extremities. Sensation to pinprick and light touch is intact. Romberg's test is negative. Laboratory studies show a leukocyte count of 12,000/mm3. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis results show:
Opening pressure normal
Protein 200 mg/dL
Glucose 70 mg/dL
White blood cells 4/mm3
This patient is at increased risk for which of the following conditions?"
assistant
Respiratory failure