A 75-year-old woman presents with a sudden onset of weakness and difficulty walking. She also complains of nausea and palpitations. She was working in her garden about an hour ago when her problems started. The patient says she is feeling warm even though the emergency room is air-conditioned. Past medical history is significant for major depressive disorder (MDD), diagnosed 5 years ago, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Current medications are aspirin, lisinopril, alendronate, calcium, venlafaxine, and a vitamin D supplement. Her pulse is 110/min, respiratory rate is 22/min, and blood pressure is 160/100 mm Hg. Physical examination is unremarkable. A noncontrast CT scan of the head, electrocardiogram (ECG), and routine laboratory tests are all normal. Which of the following most likely accounts for this patient's condition?
AAspirin overdose
BMissed dose of venlafaxine
CDehydration due to physical activity
DMissed dose of lisinopril
EIschemic stroke
An 84-year-old man presents to the emergency department for a loss of consciousness. The patient states that he was using the bathroom when he lost consciousness and fell, hitting his head on the counter. The patient has a past medical history of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, factor V leiden, constipation, myocardial infarction, and vascular claudication. His current medications include lisinopril, atorvastatin, valproic acid, propranolol, insulin, metformin, and sodium docusate. The patient denies use of illicit substances. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 167/98 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 15/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical exam reveals an elderly man sitting comfortably in his stretcher. Cardiac exam reveals a systolic murmur heard at the right upper sternal border that radiates to the carotids. Pulmonary exam reveals mild bibasilar crackles. Neurological exam reveals 5/5 strength in his upper and lower extremities with normal sensation. The patient's gait is mildly unstable. The patient is unable to give a urine sample in the emergency department and states that he almost fainted again when he tried to. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
ASeizure
BCardiac arrhythmia
CPostural hypotension
DSituational syncope
ETransient ischemic attack
A 70-year-old man with a history of Alzheimer dementia presents to the emergency department with a change in his behavior. The patient has been more confused recently and had a fever. Upon presentation, he is too confused to answer questions. His temperature is 103°F (39.4°C), blood pressure is 102/68 mmHg, pulse is 157/min, respirations are 22/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. The patient is given 3 liters of IV fluids and acetaminophen and his vitals improve. He is also less confused. The patient is asking where he is and becomes combative and strikes a nurse when he finds out he has to be admitted to the hospital. He is given diphenhydramine for sedation and put in soft restraints. His mental status subsequently worsens and he becomes much more aggressive, spitting at nurses and attempting to bite his restraints. He also complains of abdominal pain. A post void residual volume is notable for a urine volume of 750 mL. Which of the following is the etiology of this patient's recent mental status change?
ADiphenhydramine
BLorazepam
CHaloperidol
DAcute infection
EOlanzapine
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