A patient presents with a sensation of fullness and pressure in the left ear, along with hearing loss and occasional tinnitus. Otoscopic examination reveals a retracted tympanic membrane with decreased mobility on pneumatic otoscopy. Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for this presentation?
- A. Acute otitis media
- B. Otitis externa
- C. Serous otitis media (otitis media with effusion)
- D. Cholesteatoma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presentation described with a sensation of fullness and pressure in the left ear, along with hearing loss and occasional tinnitus, and the findings of a retracted tympanic membrane with decreased mobility on pneumatic otoscopy are most consistent with serous otitis media, also known as otitis media with effusion (OME). OME is characterized by the presence of non-infected fluid in the middle ear space, leading to symptoms such as ear fullness, hearing loss, and occasionally tinnitus.
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During the immediate post-operative phase , the PRIMARY goal of the health care team is to maintain ventilation. Which of the following situations should be observed as a result of hypoxemia?
- A. Excess carbon dioxide in the blood
- B. Increasing ammonia in the blood
- C. Decreased oxygen saturation
- D. Reduction of blood Ph
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: One of the main consequences of hypoxemia, which is low oxygen levels in the blood, is decreased oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are bound to oxygen. When there is insufficient oxygen in the blood due to hypoxemia, the oxygen saturation levels will drop. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, rapid heart rate, and ultimately can result in tissue damage if not corrected promptly. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is crucial in the immediate post-operative phase to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation for the patient's recovery.
A patient with a history of Hodgkin lymphoma presents with fever, chills, and generalized malaise. Laboratory tests reveal pancytopenia, circulating Reed-Sternberg cells, and bone marrow involvement. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?
- A. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)
- B. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
- C. Aplastic anemia
- D. Paraneoplastic syndrome
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient is presenting with symptoms and laboratory findings consistent with a paraneoplastic syndrome related to Hodgkin lymphoma. In this case, the fever, chills, generalized malaise, pancytopenia, circulating Reed-Sternberg cells, and bone marrow involvement are all indicative of a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with Hodgkin lymphoma. Paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that are triggered by an abnormal immune response to a neoplasm, such as Hodgkin lymphoma, leading to various systemic manifestations.
A patient presents with gradual, painless visual field loss in both eyes, particularly in the peripheral vision. Tonometry reveals elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for this presentation?
- A. Open-angle glaucoma
- B. Closed-angle glaucoma
- C. Age-related macular degeneration
- D. Diabetic retinopathy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient presents with gradual, painless visual field loss in both eyes, particularly in the peripheral vision, which is characteristic of glaucoma. The elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on tonometry further supports a diagnosis of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and typically presents insidiously with a slow progression of vision loss. In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye remains open but becomes less efficient over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. This results in peripheral visual field loss. Closed-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, presents more acutely with sudden eye pain, redness, and blurred vision due to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure from a blocked drainage angle. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy typically do not present with elevated IOP or peripheral visual field loss.
Following a severe traumatic brain injury, a patient is experiencing alterations in consciousness characterized by periods of wakefulness but with no meaningful interaction with the environment. Which term best describes this state?
- A. Coma
- B. Vegetative state
- C. Minimally conscious state
- D. Locked-in syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A vegetative state, now more commonly referred to as unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, describes a condition where the patient is awake but with no awareness of themselves or their surroundings. This state usually follows a severe brain injury, such as traumatic brain injury. Patients in a vegetative state may have sleep-wake cycles, open their eyes, and even exhibit reflex movements, but they do not demonstrate any meaningful interaction with the environment. Differentiating between coma and vegetative state is important, as coma implies a complete lack of consciousness, while patients in a vegetative state have preserved wakefulness without awareness. Minimally conscious state (choice C) refers to a condition where there are some minimal signs of awareness or purposeful interaction, making it a different state than the one described in the scenario. Locked-in syndrome (choice D) is a condition where the patient is conscious and aware but unable to move or communicate due to paralysis, which is not consistent
Autonomy is the prerogative of the patient to give consent or refusal of treatment with the EXCEPTION of which of the following situations?
- A. Erroneous belief of a head of a church
- B. Negative effect of superstition
- C. Near death
- D. Peer pressure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make decisions about their own health care, including the ability to give consent or refusal of treatment. This right is based on the patient's own beliefs, values, and preferences. However, in the case of an erroneous belief of a head of a church, it may conflict with the patient's own autonomy and ability to make decisions based on their own beliefs. In such a situation, it is important for healthcare providers to respect the patient's autonomy while also addressing any potential conflicts that may arise from external influences such as the erroneous belief of a head of a church.