A 36-year-old man presents to his primary care physician because of shortness of breath. He is an office worker who has a mostly sedentary lifestyle; however, he has noticed that recently he feels tired and short of breath when going on long walks with his wife. He also has had a hacking cough that seems to linger, though he attributes this to an upper respiratory tract infection he had 2 months ago. He has diabetes that is well-controlled on metformin and has smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years. Physical exam reveals a large chested man with wheezing bilaterally and mild swelling in his legs and abdomen. The cause of this patient's abdominal and lower extremity swelling is most likely due to which of the following processes?
AExcessive protease activity
BDamage to kidney tubules
CHyperplasia of mucous glands
DDefective protein folding
ERight ventricular dysfunction secondary to pulmonary hypertension
A 61-year-old man comes to the physician for shortness of breath and chest discomfort that is becoming progressively worse. He has had increasing problems exerting himself for the past 5 years. He is now unable to walk more than 50 m on level terrain without stopping and mostly rests at home. He has smoked 1–2 packs of cigarettes daily for 40 years. He appears distressed. His pulse is 85/min, blood pressure is 140/80 mm Hg, and respirations are 25/min. Physical examination shows a plethoric face and distended jugular veins. Bilateral wheezing is heard on auscultation of the lungs. There is yellow discoloration of the fingers on the right hand and 2+ lower extremity edema. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?
ACoronary plaque deposits
BChronic respiratory acidosis
CIncreased left atrial pressure
DElevated pulmonary artery pressure
EDecreased intrathoracic gas volume
A 42-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 2-month history of fatigue and increased urination. The patient reports that he has been drinking more than usual because he is constantly thirsty. He has avoided driving for the past 8 weeks because of intermittent episodes of blurred vision. He had elevated blood pressure at his previous visit but is otherwise healthy. Because of his busy work schedule, his diet consists primarily of fast food. He does not smoke or drink alcohol. He is 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) tall and weighs 109 kg (240 lb); BMI is 34 kg/m2. His pulse is 75/min and his blood pressure is 148/95 mm Hg. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show: Hemoglobin A1c 6.8% Serum Glucose 180 mg/dL Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL Total cholesterol 220 mg/dL HDL cholesterol 50 mg/dL Triglycerides 140 mg/dL Urine Blood negative Glucose 2+ Protein 1+ Ketones negative Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
AMetformin therapy
BLow-carbohydrate diet
CAspirin therapy
DACE inhibitor therapy
EInsulin therapy
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