Diagnostic thoroughness (Hickam's dictum) — MCQs

A group of neurologists develop a new blood test for Alzheimer's. They are optimistic about the test, as they have found that for any given patient, the test repeatedly produces very similar results. However, they find that the new test results are not necessarily consistent with the gold standard of diagnosis. How would this new test most accurately be described?

A 55-year-old caucasian man presents to his primary care physician with a complaint of double vision, which started suddenly with no precipitating trauma. Twelve years ago, he presented to his physician with painful vision loss, which has since resolved. Since that initial episode, he had numerous episodes early-on in his disease course: two additional episodes of painful vision loss, as well as three episodes of right arm weakness and three episodes of urinary retention requiring catheterization. All of his prior episodes responded to supportive therapy and steroids. Which of the following features of this patient's disease is linked to a more benign disease course?

A mother presents to the family physician with her 16-year-old son. She explains, "There's something wrong with him doc. His grades are getting worse, he's cutting class, he's gaining weight, and his eyes are often bloodshot." Upon interviewing the patient apart from his mother, he seems withdrawn and angry at times when probed about his social history. The patient denies abuse and sexual history. What initial test should be sent to rule out the most likely culprit of this patient's behavior?

A 66-year-old man is brought into the emergency department by his daughter for a change in behavior. Yesterday the patient seemed more confused than usual and was asking the same questions repetitively. His symptoms have not improved over the past 24 hours, thus the decision to bring him in today. Last year, the patient was almost completely independent but he then suffered a "series of falls," after which his ability to care for himself declined. After this episode he was no longer able to cook for himself or pay his bills but otherwise had been fine up until this episode. The patient has a past medical history of myocardial infarction, hypertension, depression, diabetes mellitus type II, constipation, diverticulitis, and peripheral neuropathy. His current medications include metformin, insulin, lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, sodium docusate, atorvastatin, metoprolol, fluoxetine, and gabapentin. On exam you note a confused man who is poorly kept. He has bruises over his legs and his gait seems unstable. He is alert to person and place, and answers some questions inappropriately. The patient's pulse is 90/minute and his blood pressure is 170/100 mmHg. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 62-year-old man comes to the physician in May for a routine health maintenance examination. He feels well. He underwent a right inguinal hernia repair 6 months ago. He has hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is no family history of serious illness. Current medications include metformin, sitagliptin, enalapril, and metoprolol. He received the zoster vaccine 1 year ago. He received the PPSV23 vaccine 4 years ago. His last colonoscopy was 7 years ago and was normal. He smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years but quit 17 years ago. He drinks two to three alcoholic beverages on weekends. He is allergic to amoxicillin. He is scheduled to visit Australia and New Zealand in 2 weeks to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary. He appears healthy. Vital signs are within normal limits. An S4 is heard at the apex. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation at this time?

A 52-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 3-week history of a cough and hoarseness. He reports that the cough is worse when he lies down after lunch. His temperature is 37.5°C (99.5°F); the remainder of his vital signs are within normal limits. Because the physician has recently been seeing several patients with the common cold, the diagnosis of a viral upper respiratory tract infection readily comes to mind. The physician fails to consider the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which the patient is later found to have. Which of the following most accurately describes the cognitive bias that the physician had?

A 28-year-old woman dies shortly after receiving a blood transfusion. Autopsy reveals widespread intravascular hemolysis and acute renal failure. Investigation reveals that she received type A blood, but her medical record indicates she was type O. In a malpractice lawsuit, which of the following elements must be proven?

A 24-year-old woman is brought to the hospital by her mother because she has "not been herself" for the past 3 months. The patient says she hears voices in her head. The mother said that when she is talking to her daughter she can’t seem to make out what she is saying; it is as if her thoughts are disorganized. When talking with the patient, you notice a lack of energy and an apathetic affect. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?

A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with confusion. The patient is generally healthy, but his wife noticed him becoming progressively more confused as the day went on. The patient is not currently taking any medications and has no recent falls or trauma. His temperature is 102°F (38.9°C), blood pressure is 126/64 mmHg, pulse is 120/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical exam is notable for a confused man who cannot participate in a neurological exam secondary to his confusion. No symptoms are elicited with flexion of the neck and jolt accentuation of headache is negative. Initial laboratory values are unremarkable and the patient's chest radiograph and urinalysis are within normal limits. An initial CT scan of the head is unremarkable. Which of the following is the best next step in management?

A 28-year-old male presents to his primary care physician with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain and alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. His medical chart is not significant for any past medical problems or prior surgeries. He is not prescribed any current medications. Which of the following questions would be the most useful next question in eliciting further history from this patient?