A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with confusion and a change in his behavior. The patient was in his usual state of health 3 days ago. He became more confused and agitated this morning thus prompting his presentation. The patient has a past medical history of depression, hypertension, diabetes, and Parkinson disease and is currently taking fluoxetine, lisinopril, insulin, metformin, and selegiline (recently added to his medication regimen for worsening Parkinson symptoms). He also takes oxycodone and clonazepam for pain and anxiety; however, he ran out of these medications last night. His temperature is 101°F (38.3°C), blood pressure is 111/78 mmHg, pulse is 117/min, respirations are 22/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. Physical exam is notable for an irritable, sweaty, and confused elderly man. Neurological exam reveals hyperreflexia of the lower extremities and clonus. Which of the following is the most likely etiology of this patient’s symptoms?
AElectrolyte abnormality
BMedication complication
CViral infection
DSubstance withdrawal
EBacterial infection
A 49-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician with fatigue. She reports that she has recently been sleeping more than usual and says her “arms and legs feel like lead” for most of the day. She has gained 10 pounds over the past 3 months which she attributes to eating out at restaurants frequently, particularly French cuisine. Her past medical history is notable for social anxiety disorder. She took paroxetine and escitalopram in the past but had severe nausea and headache while taking both. She has a 10 pack-year smoking history and has several glasses of wine per day. Her temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), blood pressure is 130/65 mmHg, pulse is 78/min, and respirations are 16/min. Physical examination reveals an obese woman with a dysphoric affect. She states that her mood is sad but she does experience moments of happiness when she is with her children. The physician starts the patient on a medication to help with her symptoms. Three weeks after the initiation of the medication, the patient presents to the emergency room with a severe headache and agitation. Her temperature is 102.1°F (38.9°C), blood pressure is 180/115 mmHg, pulse is 115/min, and respirations are 24/min. Which of the following is the mechanism of action of the medication that is most likely responsible for this patient’s symptoms?
AInhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
BInhibition of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor and serotonin-2 and -3 receptors
CInhibition of serotonin reuptake
DPartial agonism of serotonin-1A receptor
EInhibition of amine degradation
A 31-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of fever and increasing confusion for the past day. He has bipolar disorder with psychotic features and hypothyroidism. Current medications are lithium, haloperidol, and levothyroxine. He drinks one beer with dinner every night. His speech is confused and he is oriented to person only. His temperature is 40°C (104°F), pulse is 124/min, and blood pressure is 160/110 mm Hg. He appears acutely ill. Examination shows diaphoresis and muscle rigidity. Deep tendon reflexes are 1+ bilaterally. There is minor rigidity of the neck with full range of motion. His lungs are clear to auscultation. The abdomen is soft and nontender. His leukocyte count is 15,100/mm3 and serum creatine kinase activity is 1100 U/L. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
ADelirium tremens
BNeuroleptic malignant syndrome
CBacterial meningitis
DHerpes simplex encephalitis
ELithium toxicity
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