Nokea
A 45-year-old woman with occasional indigestion has had episodes of chest pain and dysphagia to both solids and liquids. An upper GI series and EGD fail to disclose any structural abnormalities. What is the most appropriate initial therapy?
- A. Sucralfate
- B. Proton pump inhibitor
- C. Prokinetic agent
- D. Benzodiazepine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proton pump inhibitor. In this case, the patient's symptoms of chest pain, dysphagia to solids and liquids, and indigestion suggest possible gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A proton pump inhibitor helps reduce gastric acid production, alleviating symptoms and potentially healing any esophageal damage caused by reflux. This is the most appropriate initial therapy as it targets the underlying cause.
A: Sucralfate is a cytoprotective agent that may help with mucosal protection but does not address acid suppression, which is crucial in GERD.
C: Prokinetic agents enhance gastrointestinal motility and are not the first-line treatment for GERD.
D: Benzodiazepines are not indicated for the treatment of GERD and do not address the underlying acid reflux issue.
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A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Laboratory tests reveal low TSH and high free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Hypothyroidism
- B. Hyperthyroidism
- C. Thyroiditis
- D. Thyroid cancer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperthyroidism. In this case, the low TSH and high free T4 levels indicate overproduction of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Low TSH is a result of negative feedback due to high T4 levels. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, resulting in excess thyroid hormone production. Other choices are incorrect because hypothyroidism would show high TSH levels, thyroiditis typically presents with thyroid tenderness and inflammation, and thyroid cancer usually does not cause these hormonal imbalances.
A 45-year-old man with a history of chronic heartburn presents with progressive difficulty swallowing solids and liquids. He has lost 10 pounds in the past two months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Esophageal stricture
- B. Esophageal cancer
- C. Achalasia
- D. Peptic ulcer disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Esophageal cancer. This patient's symptoms of difficulty swallowing solids and liquids, along with unintentional weight loss, are concerning for a malignancy like esophageal cancer. The progressive nature of dysphagia and significant weight loss are red flags for cancer. Esophageal stricture (A) can cause dysphagia but typically presents with a history of chronic inflammation or injury. Achalasia (C) is characterized by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to dysphagia, but it is less likely in this case due to the weight loss. Peptic ulcer disease (D) usually presents with epigastric pain and can cause weight loss, but it is less likely to cause progressive dysphagia.
A 46-year-old man with a history of cirrhosis is brought in by his wife because he has been acting strangely. On examination, he is disoriented, ataxic, and has slurred speech. He is also hyperreflexic. His white blood cell count is normal. His hematocrit is 34%. Coagulation times are elevated. His ammonia level is normal. Which of the following statements regarding his management is correct?
- A. He should be treated with a low-protein diet and lactulose
- B. Lorazepam is not the drug of choice to control his behavior
- C. He should not be placed on gentamicin prophylactically to prevent the development of peritonitis
- D. If the patient complains of pain, acetaminophen should be avoided and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents should be used
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: He should be treated with a low-protein diet and lactulose. This patient is presenting with hepatic encephalopathy, as evidenced by his altered mental status, ataxia, slurred speech, hyperreflexia, and normal ammonia level. The management of hepatic encephalopathy involves reducing the production of ammonia in the gut. Lactulose is a non-absorbable disaccharide that helps trap ammonia in the gut and promote its excretion in the feces. A low-protein diet is also recommended to decrease ammonia production.
Option B is incorrect because lorazepam is not the drug of choice for managing hepatic encephalopathy; it can worsen the condition. Option C is incorrect because gentamicin is not indicated in this scenario. Option D is incorrect because acetaminophen should be avoided in patients with liver disease due to the risk of hepatotoxicity; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
A 65-year-old woman presents with difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and a history of long-standing heartburn. She has been on proton-pump inhibitors for years, but her symptoms have worsened. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Peptic stricture
- B. Esophageal cancer
- C. Achalasia
- D. Esophageal spasm
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Esophageal cancer. Given the patient's age, symptoms of difficulty swallowing and weight loss, along with a history of chronic heartburn not responding to proton-pump inhibitors, esophageal cancer is the most likely diagnosis. Esophageal cancer commonly presents with dysphagia, weight loss, and a history of chronic reflux. Peptic stricture (A) typically presents with dysphagia but is less likely given the worsening symptoms despite treatment. Achalasia (C) presents with dysphagia and regurgitation, but not typically with weight loss. Esophageal spasm (D) presents with chest pain and dysphagia, but not typically with weight loss or chronic heartburn.
The client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being taught about dietary modifications by the nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Increase your intake of spicy foods.
- B. Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
- C. Consume a high-fat diet.
- D. Drink caffeinated beverages with meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid lying down immediately after eating. This instruction helps prevent acid reflux by allowing gravity to aid in digestion. Lying down can cause stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus, exacerbating GERD symptoms. Increasing intake of spicy foods (A) can irritate the esophagus, consuming a high-fat diet (C) can delay stomach emptying and worsen symptoms, and drinking caffeinated beverages with meals (D) can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to more reflux.