Which of the following statements characterizes irritable bowel syndrome?
- A. Typically does not cause anemia
- B. Not generally associated with intestinal E. coli
- C. Can be associated with anxiety and/or depression
- D. Not often associated with bloody diarrhea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. While IBS can lead to symptoms like diarrhea or constipation, it typically does not cause anemia (choice A), is not generally associated with intestinal E. coli (choice B), and is not often associated with bloody diarrhea (choice D). However, IBS can indeed be associated with anxiety and/or depression (choice C) due to the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain. This association is well-documented in IBS patients, highlighting the importance of considering psychological factors in managing the condition.
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Which of the following clinical findings in a 51-year-old woman is consistent with Graves disease?
- A. Thin hair, exophthalmos, hyperreflexia, and pretibial edema.
- B. Thin hair, exophthalmos, weight gain, and constipation.
- C. Thick hair, bradycardia, weight loss, and dry skin.
- D. Thick hair, bradycardia, weight gain, and constipation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The clinical findings of thin hair, exophthalmos (bulging eyes), hyperreflexia, and pretibial edema are classic manifestations of Graves disease, an autoimmune condition that results in hyperthyroidism. Choice B is incorrect because weight gain and constipation are more indicative of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism seen in Graves disease. Choice C is incorrect as the symptoms described are more characteristic of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Choice D is also incorrect as the symptoms listed are not consistent with Graves disease but rather suggest hypothyroidism.
Which of the following statements describes an active cellular membrane exchange process?
- A. Sodium moving out of cells and potassium moving into cells
- B. The movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration
- C. The movement of insulin using a protein to travel across the cell membrane
- D. Oxygen moving across the pulmonary capillaries to an area of high carbon dioxide
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. In active transport, energy is expended to move substances against their concentration gradient. Sodium moving out of cells and potassium moving into cells is an example of active transport because it requires energy to pump these ions across the cell membrane against their concentration gradients. Choices B, C, and D describe passive processes where substances move along their concentration gradients without the input of energy.
Which of the following is a clinical manifestation in a patient with renal impairment associated with polycystic kidney disease?
- A. Suprapubic pain
- B. Periorbital edema
- C. Low serum creatinine level
- D. Palpable kidneys
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Palpable kidneys are a common clinical manifestation in patients with polycystic kidney disease due to the enlarged kidneys with multiple cysts. Suprapubic pain is not typically associated with this condition. Periorbital edema is more commonly seen in conditions like nephrotic syndrome. A low serum creatinine level is not a typical finding in renal impairment, as impaired kidneys usually lead to an elevated serum creatinine level.
A man with gout has developed large, hard nodules around his toes and elbows. The phase of gout he is in is:
- A. asymptomatic
- B. acute flare
- C. the intercritical period
- D. chronic gout
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'chronic gout.' Chronic gout is characterized by the presence of tophi, which are large, hard nodules that can develop around joints like toes and elbows. These tophi are a sign of longstanding, untreated gout. Choice A, 'asymptomatic,' is incorrect as the presence of tophi indicates a symptomatic phase. Choice B, 'acute flare,' is incorrect as acute flares are characterized by sudden and severe pain, inflammation, and redness in the joints, not the development of tophi. Choice C, 'the intercritical period,' is also incorrect as this phase occurs between acute attacks and is typically asymptomatic, without the presence of tophi.
In a patient with a subconjunctival hemorrhage due to allergic rhinitis, which statement is accurate?
- A. The hemorrhage will resolve without treatment within 2 weeks.
- B. The patient should be referred for immediate ophthalmologic examination.
- C. Oral antihistamines should be started to prevent further complications.
- D. Topical corticosteroids may be considered to reduce inflammation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a patient with a subconjunctival hemorrhage secondary to allergic rhinitis, the hemorrhage is typically self-limiting and will resolve on its own within 2 weeks without the need for specific treatment. Referring the patient for immediate ophthalmologic examination is not necessary unless there are other concerning symptoms. Starting oral antihistamines may help manage the underlying allergic rhinitis but is not specifically indicated for the hemorrhage. Topical corticosteroids are not routinely prescribed for subconjunctival hemorrhage as they may have limited benefit and could potentially cause complications.