A 75-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 6-month history of fatigue. During this period, she has had fever, pain in both shoulders and her hips, and a 5-kg (11-lb) weight loss. She also reports feeling stiff for about an hour after waking up. She has a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. There is no family history of serious illness. She has smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for the past 50 years. Her medications include hydrochlorothiazide and atorvastatin. She appears pale. Her temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), pulse is 90/min, and blood pressure is 135/85 mm Hg. Range of motion of the shoulders and hips is reduced due to pain. Examination shows full muscle strength. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 50 mm/h and a C-reactive protein concentration of 25 mg/dL (N=0–10 mg/dL). Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
AChest x-ray
BElectromyography
CMuscle biopsy
DLow-dose of oral prednisone
EAntibody screening
A 35-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 3-month history of progressive fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain in her knees and ankles. Her temperature is 37.6°C (99.7°F). Physical examination shows mild hepatomegaly and tender, red nodules on her shins. There are purple, indurated lesions on her nose, nasolabial fold, and cheeks. A biopsy of the liver shows scattered aggregations of multinucleated giant cells with cytoplasmic inclusions and eosinophilic, needle-shaped structures arranged in a star-like pattern. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?
AHypereosinophilic syndrome
BHemochromatosis
CSarcoidosis
DSerum sickness
ESystemic lupus erythematosus
A 59-year-old woman comes to the physician for a routine health maintenance examination. She feels well. She has systemic lupus erythematosus and hypertension. She does not drink alcohol. Her current medications include lisinopril and hydroxychloroquine. She appears malnourished. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Examination shows a soft, nontender abdomen. There is no ascites or hepatosplenomegaly. Serum studies show: Total bilirubin 1.2 mg/dL Alkaline phosphatase 60 U/L Alanine aminotransferase 456 U/L Aspartate aminotransferase 145 U/L Hepatitis A IgM antibody negative Hepatitis A IgG antibody positive Hepatitis B surface antigen positive Hepatitis B surface antibody negative Hepatitis B envelope antigen positive Hepatitis B envelope antibody negative Hepatitis B core antigen IgM antibody negative Hepatitis B core antigen IgG antibody positive Hepatitis C antibody negative Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?
APegylated interferon alpha therapy
BTenofovir therapy
CReferral to a liver transplantation center
DReassurance and follow-up
ELamivudine therapy
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