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ChapterCCS Cases Ordering tests

Diagnostic algorithms by presentation

Free notes, MCQs, tables & flowcharts for USMLE Step 3 CCS Cases

7Questions
4Tables & Flowcharts

Sample Questions

1

A 35-year-old woman with a medical history significant for asthma, hypertension, and occasional IV drug use comes to the emergency department with fever. On physical exam, there are findings depicted in figure A, for which the patient cannot account. What test will be most helpful to establish the diagnosis?

AEchocardiography

BElectrocardiogram (EKG)

CChest X-ray

DCT pulmonary angiography

EPulmonary function tests

2

A 50-year-old male presents to the emergency with abdominal pain. He reports he has had abdominal pain associated with meals for several months and has been taking over the counter antacids as needed, but experienced significant worsening pain one hour ago in the epigastric region. The patient reports the pain radiating to his shoulders. Vital signs are T 38, HR 120, BP 100/60, RR 18, SpO2 98%. Physical exam reveals diffuse abdominal rigidity with rebound tenderness. Auscultation reveals hypoactive bowel sounds. Which of the following is the next best step in management?

AAdmission and observation

BChest radiograph

C12 lead electrocardiogram

DAbdominal CT scan

EAbdominal ultrasound

3

A 15-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department one hour after sustaining an injury during football practice. He collided head-on into another player while wearing a mouthguard and helmet. Immediately after the collision he was confused but able to use appropriate words. He opened his eyes spontaneously and followed commands. There was no loss of consciousness. He also had a headache with dizziness and nausea. He is no longer confused upon arrival. He feels well. Vital signs are within normal limits. He is fully alert and oriented. His speech is organized and he is able to perform tasks demonstrating full attention, memory, and balance. Neurological examination shows no abnormalities. There is mild tenderness to palpation over the crown of his head but no signs of skin break or fracture. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

ADischarge without activity restrictions

BDischarge and refrain from all physical activity for one week

CObserve for 6 hours in the ED and refrain from contact sports for one week

DAdminister prophylactic levetiracetam and observe for 24 hours

EAdminister prophylactic phenytoin and observe for 24 hours

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