A 19-year-old-college student presents to the emergency room with fever, headache, and neck pain/stiffness. She is concerned about the possibility of meningococcal meningitis. Several of her dorm mates have been vaccinated, but she hasn't been. Which of the following physical examination descriptions is most consistent with meningitis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Meningitis typically presents with neck stiffness due to meningeal irritation. In choice C, the patient has a tender neck to palpation and is unable to perform range of motion, indicating meningeal inflammation. Choices A, B, and D all describe a normal head and fundi exam, which is not consistent with meningitis. Choice B mentions muscle spasm and limited range of motion to the right, but this is more suggestive of a musculoskeletal issue rather than meningitis. Choice D describes a normal neck exam, which is not in line with the presentation of meningitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient to describe what happened will provide crucial information about the onset, nature, and potential cause of the knee pain. This open-ended question allows the patient to share their experience freely, aiding in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Option A focuses solely on pain intensity, which is important but not as comprehensive as understanding the context of the pain (D). Options B and C are more specific to past injuries and onset time, respectively, which are relevant but not as immediate and all-encompassing as asking the patient to describe the current issue (D).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Small amplitude, weak. In congestive heart failure, the heart's ability to pump effectively is compromised, leading to decreased cardiac output. This results in a weakened pulse with reduced amplitude. Palpating a small, weak pulse in this patient is expected due to poor cardiac function. Choices A and C are incorrect because a large, forceful pulse is not expected in congestive heart failure, and a normal pulse may not reflect the compromised cardiac function. Choice D, bigeminal, refers to an abnormal rhythm characterized by every other heartbeat being premature and is not typically associated with congestive heart failure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regularly irregular rhythm. This is the appropriate documentation for Ms. Wright's presentation as her pulse demonstrates a pattern of irregularity with every fourth beat sounding different. This indicates a regularly irregular rhythm, where there is a discernible pattern to the irregularity. Rationale: 1. Regular rate and rhythm (Choice A) is incorrect as Ms. Wright's palpitations and the irregularity in her pulse indicate an irregular rhythm. 2. Irregularly irregular rhythm (Choice B) is incorrect as this term is used to describe arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, which do not have a discernible pattern of irregularity. 3. Bradycardia (Choice D) is incorrect as it refers to a slow heart rate, which is not the primary concern in this scenario where the focus is on the irregular rhythm. In summary, the correct choice (C) accurately describes the specific irregular pattern observed in Ms. Wright's pulse, distinguishing it from

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dry and rough. In hypothyroidism, there is reduced secretion of sweat and oils, leading to dry skin. The lack of hydration causes the skin to become rough. This correlates with the clinical presentation of fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss, which are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Choices A and B are incorrect because moisture is reduced in hypothyroidism, resulting in dry skin. Choice C is incorrect because the lack of oils in hypothyroidism leads to rough skin texture, not smooth.