All practice questions

A 55-year-old woman with a history of alcohol-associated cirrhosis presents to the emergency department with a 1-day history of fever, diffuse abdominal pain, and confusion. Her temperature is 38.2°C (100.8°F), blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg, and pulse is 110/min. Physical examination reveals a distended abdomen with shifting dullness and diffuse tenderness to palpation without rebound or guarding. Asterixis is present. Laboratory studies show a serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen of 32 mg/dL, and total bilirubin of 4.5 mg/dL. You suspect spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Arrange the following management steps in the most appropriate chronological sequence for this patient.

A 42-year-old construction worker is transported to the trauma bay shortly after falling from a height of approximately 20 feet (6 meters). On arrival, his airway is secure, and breath sounds are present and equal bilaterally. His heart rate is 135/min, and blood pressure is 78/50 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation is 97% on ambient air. The patient is confused and appropriately localizes to painful stimuli. Two large-bore intravenous catheters are placed, and warmed isotonic crystalloid fluids are rapidly infused. Physical examination reveals a rigid, distended abdomen with diffuse tenderness. The pelvis is mechanically stable to anteroposterior and lateral compression. A focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) reveals a significant collection of anechoic fluid in the hepatorenal recess. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

During a routine workplace health screening, an occupational physician evaluates a veteran mechanic who has been struggling to walk across the garage floor without stopping to catch his breath over the past month. The patient reports waking up multiple times at night feeling suffocated, a sensation that improves after sitting on the edge of his bed for several minutes. He has smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for thirty years. Blood pressure is 142/88 mm Hg, heart rate is 98/min, and respiratory rate is 20/min. Physical examination reveals an apical impulse palpated in the sixth intercostal space, anterior to the midaxillary line. Auscultation identifies an extra low-frequency heart sound occurring just after S2. Lung auscultation demonstrates fine inspiratory crackles in the dependent zones bilaterally without wheezing or prolonged expiration. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test to establish the underlying cause of this patient's symptoms?

A 52-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by emergency medical services after being involved in a head-on motor vehicle collision. She is confused, tachypneic, and has blood on her face from a scalp laceration. Her vital signs show a blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg, a heart rate of 118/min, and a respiratory rate of 26/min. According to the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol, arrange the following initial management steps in the correct chronological order.

Match each clinical presentation of a suspected or confirmed systemic fungal infection with its most appropriate first-line targeted therapy or initial empiric management strategy.

A 45-year-old woman with a history of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis is evaluated in the hospital for acute-onset shortness of breath and a severe headache. She is currently on postoperative day 3 following an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Her temperature is 37.8°C (100.0°F), blood pressure is 215/115 mm Hg, pulse is 108/min, and respirations are 24/min. Physical examination reveals taut, thickened skin over her face and fingers. Lung auscultation reveals bilateral basilar crackles.

A peripheral blood smear demonstrates numerous schistocytes.

Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 4-week-old male infant is brought to the pediatric clinic by his first-time parents who are concerned about multiple symptoms. They report that he "spits up" approximately one to two tablespoons of uncurdled milk after nearly every feed, although he feeds eagerly and does not appear irritable. The parents also noted a "terrible rash" that appeared on his face a week ago. Furthermore, they are worried because his hands remain tightly fisted, he does not yet reach for objects, and his breathing occasionally sounds noisy and raspy when he is crying. The infant was born at 39 weeks gestation via an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. His weight has increased from 3.2 kg (7 lb 1 oz) at birth to 4.1 kg (9 lb). Current vital signs show a rectal temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F), heart rate of 145/min, and respiratory rate of 40/min. Physical examination reveals multiple erythematous papules and pustules confined to the cheeks and forehead without a surrounding erythematous base. Lung auscultation is clear with no retractions, and the cardiac examination is unremarkable. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 64-year-old woman with a known history of severe emphysema presents to her primary care physician due to progressive swelling in both her legs over the past three weeks. She notes a mild increase in exertional fatigue but denies any recent fever, chills, chest pain, or changes in her baseline chronic daily cough. Her temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F), blood pressure is 128/78 mmHg, pulse is 96/min, and respiratory rate is 18/min. Pulse oximetry shows an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Physical examination reveals a barrel-shaped chest and distant heart sounds. A prominent right ventricular heave is palpated along the left sternal border. When the patient is positioned at 45 degrees, her jugular venous pulsations are visible 6 cm above the sternal angle. Lung auscultation demonstrates globally diminished breath sounds with a prolonged expiratory phase, but no crackles or wheezes are heard. There is 2+ pitting edema in both lower extremities extending to the mid-calves. Which of the following is the most likely underlying pathophysiological mechanism responsible for this patient's new physical examination findings?

Evaluate the following patients presenting to the emergency department with severe abdominal symptoms. Match each patient's clinical presentation with the most appropriate initial operative or non-operative management strategy.

Emergency medical services bring a 72-year-old female resident of a skilled nursing facility to the acute care clinic due to progressive abdominal swelling, intractable vomiting, and profound weakness over the past day. Her past medical history includes an open total abdominal hysterectomy five years ago. On initial assessment, her temperature is 39.1°C (102.4°F), pulse is 128/min, respirations are 26/min, and blood pressure is 78/45 mm Hg. The patient is poorly responsive. The abdominal examination demonstrates severe distension, generalized rigidity, and diffuse rebound tenderness with absent bowel sounds. Initial laboratory analysis shows a white blood cell count of 22,000/mm³ and a serum lactate concentration of 6.2 mmol/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

During routine evening rounds, a physician is asked to assess a patient who recently underwent abdominal surgery. The patient is a 54-year-old male who had an open partial colectomy for a large, benign colonic polyp 48 hours ago. The nursing staff reports that his temperature has increased to 38.5°C (101.3°F). Vital signs show a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg, pulse of 96/min, and respirations of 20/min. Oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. The patient feels slightly fatigued but denies any chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain with urination. He is currently receiving patient-controlled intravenous morphine. On physical examination, the abdomen is mildly distended with hypoactive bowel sounds, and the surgical dressing is clean and dry. Auscultation of the chest reveals diminished breath sounds bilaterally at the lung bases without crackles or wheezes. There is no calf swelling or tenderness. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention for this patient?

A 58-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by his roommate due to progressive confusion and lethargy over the past 3 days. The patient has a history of alcohol-associated cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hypertension. The roommate reports that the patient recently doubled his daily dose of furosemide because his leg swelling was worsening, assuming it was due to his "heart acting up." The patient is lethargic but arousable and is oriented only to person. Temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), blood pressure is 105/65 mm Hg, pulse is 110/min, and respiratory rate is 12/min. Physical examination reveals scleral icterus, spider angiomata, and marked ascites. A coarse, flapping tremor of the hands is observed upon wrist extension. Jugular venous pressure is 5 cm $H_2O$. Breath sounds are slightly decreased bilaterally with prolonged expiration. Laboratory studies show:

Sodium: 132 mEq/L
Potassium: 2.6 mEq/L
Chloride: 85 mEq/L
Bicarbonate: 36 mEq/L
Blood urea nitrogen: 48 mg/dL
Creatinine: 1.7 mg/dL (baseline 0.9 mg/dL)

Arterial blood gas analysis on room air shows a pH of 7.53, $pCO_2$ of 47 mm Hg, and $pO_2$ of 68 mm Hg.

Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

Match each characteristic colonoscopic finding with the most likely corresponding clinical diagnosis.

Paramedics bring a lethargic 45-year-old male patient to the acute care unit. According to his brother, the patient has consumed heavy amounts of alcohol daily for the past two weeks while completely abstaining from solid foods. Over the last 96 hours, he has suffered from intractable emesis. Physical examination reveals a deeply furrowed tongue, delayed capillary refill, and a loss of skin elasticity.

Laboratory evaluations reveal the following:

Urinalysis is strongly positive for ketones.

Assume a baseline normal serum anion gap of 12 mEq/L and a normal serum bicarbonate of 24 mEq/L. What is the calculated delta ratio ($\frac{\Delta AG}{\Delta HCO_3^-}$) for this patient?

A 42-year-old man presents to his primary care provider reporting a gradual onset of profound sluggishness, increased sensitivity to cold, and worsening constipation over the past five months. He also mentions a decreased interest in sexual activity. He has no significant past medical history and takes no medications. Vital signs show a temperature of 36.4°C (97.5°F), blood pressure of 105/70 mm Hg, and a pulse of 54/min. Physical examination reveals a puffy facial appearance, dry skin, and a delayed relaxation phase of the deep tendon reflexes. Visual field testing is intact to confrontation. Laboratory evaluation yields the following results:

Which of the following is the most likely underlying mechanism for this patient's laboratory findings?

A 55-year-old hospitalized man collapses while walking in the telemetry unit hallway. He is unresponsive, and no carotid pulse is palpable. A code blue is activated, and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is initiated. The defibrillator pads are applied, and the monitor displays coarse ventricular fibrillation.

Arrange the following critical management steps in the chronological order they should be performed according to advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) protocols, assuming the patient remains in refractory ventricular fibrillation throughout the resuscitation.

A 71-year-old man is evaluated in the clinic for increasing fatigue, muscle cramps, and intermittent confusion over the past week. He has a long-standing history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cor pulmonale. Three weeks ago, his primary care physician significantly increased his daily dose of oral furosemide to manage worsening lower extremity edema. On physical examination, the patient has a barrel-shaped chest, prolonged expiratory phase, and diminished breath sounds bilaterally. Trace pitting edema is present in the lower extremities.

Arterial blood gas on room air reveals:
pH: $7.39$
$p\text{CO}_2$: $60$ mmHg
$p\text{O}_2$: $58$ mmHg

Serum chemistry panel shows:
$\text{Na}^+$: $139$ mEq/L
$\text{K}^+$: $2.8$ mEq/L
$\text{Cl}^-$: $92$ mEq/L
$\text{HCO}_3^-$: $36$ mEq/L
Blood urea nitrogen: $32$ mg/dL
Creatinine: $1.4$ mg/dL

Which of the following best characterizes this patient's acid-base status?

A $72$-year-old man comes to the clinic reporting a $6$-week history of progressively worsening shortness of breath, a dry cough, and generalized fatigue. He has a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a myocardial infarction $3$ years ago. His daily medications include apixaban, amiodarone, metoprolol succinate, and atorvastatin. Vital signs show a temperature of $37.1^\circ\text{C}$ ($98.8^\circ\text{F}$), blood pressure of $128/78\text{ mm Hg}$, and pulse of $64\text{/min}$. Oxygen saturation is $92\%$ on room air. Jugular venous pressure is $6\text{ cm H}_2\text{O}$. Cardiac auscultation reveals a regular rate and rhythm with no murmurs, rubs, or gallops. Pulmonary examination reveals fine bilateral inspiratory crackles but no wheezing. Laboratory studies reveal:

- Leukocyte count: $7,200/\text{mm}^3$
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): $85\text{ pg/mL}$ (normal $< 100\text{ pg/mL}$)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): $7.2\text{ }\mu\text{U/mL}$ (normal: $0.4\text{--}4.0\text{ }\mu\text{U/mL}$)
- Free $T_4$: $1.8\text{ ng/dL}$ (normal: $0.9\text{--}1.7\text{ ng/dL}$)

High-resolution computed tomography of the chest demonstrates bilateral ground-glass opacities and focal areas of consolidation. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A medical student is reviewing thyroid laboratory panels in the endocrine clinic. Match the following thyroid function test and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) laboratory profiles with the most accurate underlying clinical diagnosis.

A 56-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by paramedics after being found unresponsive in an alley. The paramedics administered intravenous naloxone en route, which resulted in a transient increase in his respiratory rate, but he remains obtunded upon arrival. The patient is unhoused and has a history of severe alcohol use disorder. His temperature is 36.1°C (97.0°F), blood pressure is 105/65 mm Hg, pulse is 92/min, and respirations are 8/min and shallow. Pulse oximetry shows 88% on room air.

Laboratory studies show the following:
Serum sodium: 142 mEq/L
Serum potassium: 4.8 mEq/L
Serum chloride: 100 mEq/L
Serum bicarbonate: 12 mEq/L
Blood urea nitrogen: 32 mg/dL
Serum creatinine: 1.7 mg/dL

Arterial blood gas analysis on room air:
pH: 7.18
$pCO_2$: 50 mm Hg
$pO_2$: 60 mm Hg

Based on these findings, which of the following best describes this patient's acid-base disturbance?