Psychotic Disorders — MCQs

A 40-year-old sexually active woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted to a hospital 2 weeks after an uncomplicated cholecystectomy for pain, itching, and erythema at the incision site. Labs show a hemoglobin A1c of 6.5%, and wound cultures reveal mixed enteric bacteria. She is treated with appropriate antibiotics and discharged after her symptoms resolve. One week later, she is re-admitted with identical signs and symptoms. While in the hospital, the patient eats very little but is social and enjoys spending time with the staff. She repeatedly checks her own temperature and alerts the nursing staff when it is elevated. One morning, you notice her placing the thermometer in hot tea before doing so. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s recurrent infection and/or poor wound healing?

A 45-year-old male presents to your office following a diagnosis of an autosomal dominant disease. He has started therapy and has a strong family support system. He endorses a decrease in appetite over the last two weeks that he attributes to sadness surrounding his diagnosis and a depressed mood but denies any suicidal ideation. He continues to enjoy working in the yard and playing with his children. On physical examination you notice involuntary quick jerky movements of his hands and feet. Which of the following would you expect to see in this patient?

A 5-year-old girl is brought to the physician by her parents because of difficulty at school. She does not listen to her teachers or complete assignments as requested. She does not play or interact with her peers. The girl also ignores her parents. Throughout the visit, she draws circles repeatedly and avoids eye contact. Physical and neurological examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 68-year-old man, accompanied by his wife, presents to his physician with cognitive decline and hallucinations. The patient’s wife tells that his cognitive impairment progressed gradually over the past 6 years, and first began with problems counting and attention. The hallucinations began approximately a year ago. The patient describes them as realistic and non-frightening; most often, he sees his cat accompanying him everywhere he goes. The patient’s wife also notes frequent episodes of staring spells in her husband and prolonged daytime napping. The blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg with the orthostatic change to 110/60 mm Hg, heart rate is 75/min, respiratory rate is 13/min, and the temperature is 36.6°C (97.8°F). The patient is alert and responsive, but he is disoriented to time and place. He is pale and hypomimic. The cardiac, lung, and abdominal examinations are within normal limits for the patient’s age. The neurological examination is significant for a bilateral symmetrical cogwheel rigidity in the upper extremities. What would you most likely see on additional radiological investigations?

A 24-year-old woman presents to the emergency department when she was found yelling and screaming outside a bowling alley. The patient was found smoking marijuana and eating pizza while stating “if I'm going to die I'm going to die happy.” She was brought in by police and has been compliant since her arrival. Upon questioning, the patient states that she has had technology implanted in her for quite a while now, and she knows she will die soon. Any attempts to obtain further history are not helpful. The patient’s parents are contacted who provide additional history. They state that the patient recently started college 3 months ago. Two months ago, the patient began complaining about “technology” and seemed at times to converse with inanimate objects. On physical exam, you note a healthy young woman whose neurological exam is within normal limits. The patient is fixated on her original story and does not offer any information about her past medical history or current medications. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 64-year-old man is admitted with a history of altered mental status. He was in his usual state of health until a few days ago when he has started to become confused, lethargic, forgetful, and repeating the same questions. Over the last few days, he sometimes appears perfectly normal, and, at other times, he has difficulty recognizing his family members. Yesterday, he was screaming that the room was filled with snakes. Past medical history is significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus, managed medically, and chronic kidney disease, for which he undergoes regular hemodialysis on alternate days. There is no history of smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use. His vitals include: blood pressure 129/88 mm Hg, pulse 112/min, temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F), and respiratory rate 20/min. The patient is oriented only to person and place. His mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score is 18/30, where he had difficulty performing basic arithmetic calculations and recalled only 1 out of 3 objects. Nuchal rigidity is absent. Muscle strength is 5/5 bilaterally. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

Two days after undergoing hemicolectomy for colon cancer, a 78-year-old man is found agitated and confused in his room. He says that a burglar broke in. The patient points at one corner of the room and says “There he is, doctor!” Closer inspection reveals that the patient is pointing to his bathrobe, which is hanging on the wall. The patient has type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. Current medications include insulin and hydrochlorothiazide. His temperature is 36.9°C (98.4°F), pulse is 89/min, respirations are 15/min, and blood pressure is 145/98 mm Hg. Physical examination shows a nontender, nonerythematous midline abdominal wound. On mental status examination, the patient is agitated and oriented only to person. Which of the following best describes this patient's perception?

A 57-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by the police after he was found running around a local park naked and screaming late at night. During intake, the patient talks non-stop about the government spying on him and his family, but provides little useful information besides his name and date of birth. Occasionally he refers to himself in the third person. He refuses to eat anything and will only drink clear fluids because he is afraid of being poisoned. A medical records search reveals that the patient has been treated for psychotic behavior and occasional bouts of severe depression for several years. Today, his heart rate is 90/min, respiratory rate is 19/min, blood pressure is 135/85 mm Hg, and temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F). On physical exam, he appears gaunt and anxious. His heart has a regular rate and rhythm and his lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally. CMP, CBC, and TSH are normal. A urine toxicology test is negative. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 4-year-old boy is brought to the physician by his parents because of concerns about his behavior during the past year. His parents report that he often fails to answer when they call him and has regular unprovoked episodes of crying and screaming. At kindergarten, he can follow and participate in group activities, but does not follow his teacher's instructions when these are given to him directly. He is otherwise cheerful and maintains eye contact when spoken to but does not respond when engaged in play. He gets along well with friends and family. He started walking at the age of 11 months and can speak in two-to-three-word phrases. He often mispronounces words. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 48-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after he was found in a stuporous state with a small cut on his forehead on a cold night in front of his apartment. Non-contrast head CT is normal, and he is monitored in the emergency department. Twelve hours later, he yells for help because he hears the wallpaper threatening his family. He also has a headache. The patient started drinking regularly 10 years ago and consumed a pint of vodka prior to admission. He occasionally smokes marijuana and uses cocaine. His vital signs are within normal limits. On mental status examination, the patient is alert and oriented. He appears markedly distressed and is diaphoretic. A fine digital tremor on his right hand is noted. The remainder of the neurological exam shows no abnormalities. Urine toxicologic screening is pending. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?