A 22-year-old woman comes to the emergency department because of frontal throbbing headaches for 3 weeks. Yesterday, the patient had blurry vision in both eyes and a brief episode of double vision. She has been taking ibuprofen with only mild improvement of her symptoms. She has polycystic ovarian syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and facial acne. She has not had any trauma, weakness, or changes in sensation. Her current medications include metformin and vitamin A. She is 158 cm (5 ft 2 in) tall and weighs 89 kg (196 lbs); BMI is 36 kg/m2. Vital signs are within normal limits. Examination shows decreased peripheral vision. Fundoscopic examination of both eyes is shown. MRI of the brain shows an empty sella. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
AEmergent craniotomy
BCerebral shunt
CAlteplase therapy
DLumbar puncture
EAcetazolamide therapy
A 22-year-old female is brought to the emergency department by her roommate with a one day history of fever and malaise. She did not feel well after class the previous night and has been in her room since then. She has not been eating or drinking due to severe nausea. Her roommate checked on her one hour ago and was alarmed to find a fever of 102°F (38.9°C). On physical exam temperature is 103°F (40°C), blood pressure is 110/66 mmHg, pulse is 110/min, respirations are 23/min, and pulse oximetry is 98% on room air. She refuses to move her neck and has a rash on her trunk. You perform a lumbar puncture and the CSF analysis is shown below. Appearance: Cloudy Opening pressure: 180 mm H2O WBC count: 150 cells/µL (93% PMN) Glucose level: < 40 mg/dL Protein level: 50 mg/dL Gram stain: gram-negative diplococci Based on this patient's clinical presentation, which of the following should most likely be administered?
ACeftriaxone
BDexamethasone
CRifampin
DAcyclovir
EErythromycin
A 25-year-old man comes to the physician for severe back pain. He describes the pain as shooting and stabbing. On a 10-point scale, he rates the pain as a 9 to 10. The pain started after he lifted a heavy box at work; he works at a supermarket and recently switched from being a cashier to a storekeeper. The patient appears to be in severe distress. Vital signs are within normal limits. On physical examination, the spine is nontender without paravertebral muscle spasms. Range of motion is normal. A straight-leg raise test is negative. After the physical examination has been completed, the patient asks for a letter to his employer attesting to his inability to work as a storekeeper. Which of the following is the most appropriate response?
A“Yes. Since work may worsen your condition, I would prefer that you stay home a few days. I will write a letter to your employer to explain the situation.”
BYou say you are in severe pain. However, the physical examination findings do not suggest a physical problem that can be addressed with medications or surgery. I'd like to meet on a regular basis to see how you're doing.
CI understand that you are uncomfortable, but the findings do not match the severity of your symptoms. Let's talk about the recent changes at your job.
DThe physical exam findings do not match your symptoms, which suggests a psychological problem. I would be happy to refer you to a mental health professional.
EThe physical exam findings suggest a psychological rather than a physical problem. But there is a good chance that we can address it with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
+ 7 more in the PDF
Browse all chapters