Nokea
A 60-year-old woman presents with pruritus, jaundice, and xanthomas. Laboratory tests reveal elevated cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Primary biliary cirrhosis
- B. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- C. Gallstones
- D. Pancreatic cancer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is A: Primary biliary cirrhosis.
Rationale:
1. Pruritus, jaundice, and xanthomas are classic symptoms of cholestatic liver disease.
2. Elevated cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase levels are characteristic of primary biliary cirrhosis.
3. Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune disease affecting small bile ducts, leading to liver damage.
4. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (B) presents with similar symptoms but typically affects larger bile ducts.
5. Gallstones (C) could cause jaundice but would not explain the elevated cholesterol levels.
6. Pancreatic cancer (D) may present with jaundice but is less likely given the specific lab findings.
You may also like to solve these questions
A 35-year-old man presents with fatigue, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Laboratory tests reveal hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and low cortisol levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Cushing's syndrome
- B. Addison's disease
- C. Hypothyroidism
- D. Pheochromocytoma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is Addison's disease (Choice B) because the symptoms match adrenal insufficiency. The low cortisol levels indicate adrenal cortex dysfunction, leading to fatigue and weight loss. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia result from mineralocorticoid deficiency. Hyperpigmentation occurs due to elevated ACTH levels stimulating melanin production in Addison's. Cushing's syndrome (Choice A) presents with high cortisol levels, opposite to the low levels seen here. Hypothyroidism (Choice C) does not typically cause hyponatremia or hyperkalemia. Pheochromocytoma (Choice D) manifests with hypertension and catecholamine excess, not seen in this case.
A 56-year-old white male complains of intermittent dysphagia for the past three months, particularly with the ingestion of meat. He has no difficulties swallowing liquids. He has no history of smoking, uses no medications, and has had no weight loss. What test would be best to evaluate him?
- A. Upper endoscopy
- B. Chest/abdominal CT scan
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Esophageal manometry
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Barium swallow. In this case, the patient's symptoms suggest a possible esophageal disorder affecting solid food ingestion. Barium swallow is a non-invasive test that can detect structural abnormalities in the esophagus, such as strictures or tumors, that may be causing dysphagia. It is the best initial test to evaluate the patient's symptoms as it provides a detailed visualization of the esophagus and can identify the cause of dysphagia. Upper endoscopy (choice A) would be appropriate if structural abnormalities are suspected. Chest/abdominal CT scan (choice B) may not provide as detailed information about esophageal function. Esophageal manometry (choice D) is more useful for evaluating motor function of the esophagus, which is not the primary concern in this case.
A 60-year-old man 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 an overactive thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. The low TSH is due to negative feedback as the high free T4 suppresses TSH production. Hyperthyroidism fits this clinical picture, as opposed to hypothyroidism (choice A) which would have high TSH and low free T4 levels. Thyroiditis (choice C) typically presents with symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism and is usually transient. Thyroid cancer (choice D) is less likely given the presentation of symptoms and specific lab results.
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.
A 40-year-old woman presents with a history of chronic constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. She notes that the pain is relieved with defecation. She denies any weight loss, blood in her stools, or nocturnal symptoms. Physical examination and routine blood tests are normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Inflammatory bowel disease
- B. Irritable bowel syndrome
- C. Celiac disease
- D. Lactose intolerance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The key clues in the question are chronic constipation, bloating, abdominal pain relieved with defecation, and absence of alarming symptoms. These symptoms align with the Rome IV criteria for IBS. Inflammatory bowel disease (A) typically presents with more severe symptoms, including weight loss and blood in stools. Celiac disease (C) is associated with malabsorption symptoms and autoimmune features, not typically seen in this case. Lactose intolerance (D) presents with symptoms after consuming dairy, which is not mentioned in the patient's history. Therefore, based on the clinical presentation and exclusion of other conditions, the most likely diagnosis is IBS.