Gastroenterology — MCQs

A 72-year-old man presents to the ED complaining of worsening abdominal pain over the last few hours. He also reports nausea, but denies fever, vomiting, or changes in the appearance of his bowel movements. His medical history is significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and peptic ulcer disease. Due to his recurrent bleeding peptic ulcers, he does not take warfarin. His surgical history is significant for an appendectomy as a child. His medications include metformin, lisinopril, metoprolol, and omeprazole. He has a 50-pack-year history of smoking. His temperature is 37.6 C (99.7 F), blood pressure is 146/80 mm Hg, pulse is 115/min, and respiratory rate is 20/min. On physical exam, he is in acute distress due to the pain. Pulmonary auscultation reveals scattered wheezes and decreased air entry. His heart rate is irregularly irregular, with no murmurs, rubs or gallops. Abdominal exam is significant for decreased bowel sounds and diffuse tenderness. Initial laboratory evaluation is as follows: Na 138 mEq/L, Cl 101 mEq/L, HCO3 12 mEq/L, BUN 21 mg/dL, Cr 0.9 mg/dL, glucose 190 mg/dL, amylase 240 U/L (normal < 65 U/L). What is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A 23-year-old college senior visits the university health clinic after vomiting large amounts of blood. He has been vomiting for the past 36 hours after celebrating his team’s win at the national hockey championship with his varsity friends while consuming copious amounts of alcohol. His personal medical history is unremarkable. His blood pressure is 129/89 mm Hg while supine and 100/70 mm Hg while standing. His pulse is 98/min, strong and regular, with an oxygen saturation of 98%. His body temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F), while the rest of the physical exam is normal. Which of the following is associated with this patient’s condition?

A 48-year-old Caucasian woman presents to her physician for an initial visit. She has no chronic diseases. The past medical history is significant for myomectomy performed 10 years ago for a large uterine fibroid. She had 2 uncomplicated pregnancies and 2 spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Currently, she only takes oral contraceptives. She is a former smoker with a 3-pack-year history. Her last Pap test performed 2 years ago was negative. She had a normal blood glucose measurement 3 years ago. The family history is remarkable for systolic hypertension in her mother and older brother. The blood pressure is 110/80 mm Hg, heart rate is 76/min, respirations are 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. The patient is afebrile. The BMI is 32 kg/m2. Her physical examination is unremarkable. Which of the following preventative tests is indicated for this patient at this time?

A 35-year-old man presents with acute-onset right flank pain. He says that his symptoms began suddenly 6 hours ago and have not improved. He describes the pain as severe, colicky, and ‘coming in waves’. It is localized to the right flank and radiates to the groin. He says he has associated nausea. He denies any fever, chills, dysuria, or hematuria. His past medical history is significant for asymptomatic nephrolithiasis, diagnosed 9 months ago on an upright abdominal radiograph, which has not yet been treated. The patient’s vital signs include: temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), blood pressure 145/90 mm Hg, pulse 119/min, and respiratory rate 21/min. On physical examination, the patient is constantly moving and writhing with pain. There is severe right costovertebral angle tenderness. The remainder of the physical examination is unremarkable. A urine dipstick shows 2+ blood. A noncontrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis reveals a 4-mm-diameter radiopaque stone at the right ureteropelvic junction. Several nonobstructing small-diameter stones are noted in the left kidney. Mild hydronephrosis of the right kidney is noted. Intravenous fluids are started and ondansetron is administered. Which of the following is the next best step in the management of this patient?

A 44-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 2-year history of progressive dysphagia. She initially had symptoms only when consuming solid foods, but for the past 2 months she has also had difficulty swallowing liquids. She describes a feeling of food “getting stuck” in her throat. She was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease 2 years ago and has had episodic pallor of her fingers since adolescence. She has smoked half a pack of cigarettes daily for 24 years. Her only medication is omeprazole. Her pulse is 65/min, respirations are 12/min, and blood pressure is 127/73 mm Hg. Examination shows thickening of the skin of her fingers, with small white papules on her fingertips. There are small dilated blood vessels on her face, lips, and tongue. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's dysphagia?

A previously healthy 30-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 6-month history of a recurring rash that typically occurs on exposure to the sun and affects only the face. She also has noticed several nonpainful ulcers on the roof of her mouth. She is sexually active with one male partner and they use condoms inconsistently. Her mother has end-stage renal disease. The patient does not smoke or drink alcohol. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows an erythematous rash across the cheeks that spares the nasolabial folds. There are three small ulcers on the hard palate. Laboratory studies show: Leukocyte count 3,000/mm3 Platelet count 70,000/mm3 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 80 mm/h Serum Antinuclear antibodies 1:320 Anti-Smith antibodies positive Urine Protein 3+ RBC casts negative RBCs none WBCs 10–15/hpf Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 56-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with muscle weakness. She reports her symptoms have progressively worsened over the course of 2 weeks and are most significant in her lower extremities. She also notices increased urinary frequency. Approximately 1 month ago she was diagnosed with a calcium phosphate nephrolithiasis. Medical history is significant for rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed approximately 10 years ago treated with methotrexate, and type II diabetes mellitus treated with metformin. Her temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), blood pressure is 138/92 mmHg, pulse is 92/min, and respirations are 17/min. On physical exam, there is mild tenderness to palpation of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. There is 4/5 power throughout the lower extremity. Laboratory testing is shown. Serum: Na+: 137 mEq/L Cl-: 106 mEq/L K+: 2.9 mEq/L HCO3-: 18 mEq/L Glucose: 115 mg/dL Creatinine: 1.0 mg/dL Urine pH: 5.6 Which of the following is the best next step in management?

A 23-year-old man complains of lower back pain that began approximately 6 months ago. He is unsure why he is experiencing this pain and notices that this pain is worse in the morning after waking up and improves with physical activity. Ibuprofen provides significant relief. He denies bowel and bladder incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Physical exam is notable for decreased chest expansion, decreased spinal range of motion, 5/5 strength in both lower extremities, 2+ patellar reflexes bilaterally, and an absence of saddle anesthesia. Which of the following is the most appropriate next test for this patient?

A 46-year-old woman presents to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting approximately 4 hours after a fatty meal. She reports that this has happened before, but this episode is worse. The vomit was non-bilious and did not contain any blood. She recalls frequent episodes of vague epigastric pain that often wakes her up during the night. Over the counter omeprazole and a small meal or snack would provide some relief in the past. The patient also mentions recent anorexia and early satiety. She takes over the counter ibuprofen several times a week for headaches. Blood pressure is 125/82 mm Hg, pulse is 102/min, and respiratory rate is 19/min. On physical examination, she has hypoactive bowel sounds, and her abdomen seems grossly distended and tympanic on percussion. Which of the following is most consistent with a duodenal ulcer?

A 32-year-old man comes into your office because of pain in his right knee, left elbow, and left wrist. It started about a week ago but has particularly localized to his wrist. The patient states that he has 2 sexual partners. He states he has also had some white discharge from his penis with pruritis and pain during urination. His temperature is 97.6°F (36.4°C), blood pressure is 124/84 mmHg, pulse is 80/min, respirations are 12/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical exam reveals pain upon palpation of the patient's left wrist which also appears erythematous and swollen. What is the best next step in management for this patient?