A 64-year-old man complains of leg pain and occasional numbness that worsens with ambulation and improves with lumbar flexion. The symptoms are consistent with:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinal stenosis. The symptoms described suggest neurogenic claudication, which is a hallmark of spinal stenosis. Pain worsening with ambulation and improving with lumbar flexion is characteristic of spinal stenosis due to narrowing of the spinal canal leading to compression of nerves. Ankylosing spondylitis (A) presents with inflammatory back pain and stiffness, not neurogenic claudication. Bursitis (C) involves inflammation of bursae, not typically associated with leg pain and numbness. Cauda equina syndrome (D) presents with sudden-onset severe back pain, urinary retention, and saddle anesthesia, which are not consistent with the described symptoms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Repeat PSA in 6 months. In this case, the patient's PSA levels have decreased from 12 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL after treatment with tamsulosin and removal of the Foley catheter. Given the improvement in PSA levels, it is reasonable to monitor for further changes before considering invasive procedures like transrectal ultrasound and biopsy (choice A), which may not be necessary at this time. Empiric finasteride (choice B) is not indicated as the patient is already responding well to tamsulosin. A bone scan (choice C) is not necessary at this stage as there are no indications of metastasis. Therefore, repeating the PSA in 6 months allows for continued monitoring of the patient's prostate health without subjecting him to unnecessary procedures.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: It can protect against anogenital lesions. The HPV vaccine can protect against several types of HPV that are known to cause anogenital warts and lesions. This is based on scientific evidence from clinical trials. A: Ideally it should be administered within 3 years of first intercourse - This statement is not accurate. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 26, regardless of sexual activity. B: It covers against almost every HPV type - This statement is incorrect. While the HPV vaccine covers the most common high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer, it does not cover against every HPV type. C: It can be used as adjuvant therapy in cervical cancer - This statement is incorrect. The HPV vaccine is primarily used as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of HPV infection and related health issues, not as a treatment for existing cervical cancer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hyperkalemia is associated with diminished renal function because the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating potassium levels in the body. When renal function is impaired, the kidneys may not be able to excrete excess potassium effectively, leading to elevated potassium levels in the blood. - Choice A (Increase BP) is incorrect because hyperkalemia is not directly associated with increased blood pressure. - Choice B (Alpha-blockers) is incorrect as alpha-blockers are not typically linked to hyperkalemia. - Choice D (Loop diuretics) is incorrect as loop diuretics can actually lower potassium levels, not cause hyperkalemia.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) typically provide the majority of direct patient care in nursing homes. CNAs assist with activities of daily living, monitoring patients' health, and providing emotional support. This is true in most nursing homes as they play a crucial role in patient care. Rationale: - A: Most nurses in nursing homes are not necessarily Registered Nurses (RNs), as there are also Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who provide care. - B: LPNs or LVNs may assist with the patient care plan under the supervision of an RN, but they do not typically develop the plan themselves. - D: Staff turnover is a major issue in nursing homes due to various factors such as workload, stress, and burnout among healthcare workers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Persistent vomiting. This is because persistent vomiting is not typically associated with later-stage HIV disease. Night sweats, lymphadenopathy for more than 3 months, and persistent, unexplained fatigue are commonly seen in later-stage HIV. Vomiting may occur in earlier stages due to opportunistic infections, but it is not a hallmark symptom of advanced HIV.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Adaptive questioning involves tailoring the questioning style to the patient's responses and needs to gather more detailed information. 2. Reassuring the patient that the symptoms are benign and not related to cancer is not a component of adaptive questioning as it can lead to bias and may hinder the patient from providing accurate information. 3. Directed questioning (A) helps to gather specific information systematically, offering choices (C) helps clarify symptoms, and asking for specific details (D) aids in understanding the patient's experiences. 4. By reassuring the patient prematurely, you may miss important details or dismiss potential concerns that could be relevant to the patient's condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain an ultrasound of the liver. This is the most appropriate next step to assess the patient's enlarged liver in the context of COPD. Ultrasound can provide detailed images of the liver to identify potential causes of enlargement, such as fatty liver disease or liver cirrhosis. Percussing the lower border (Choice A) or measuring the span of the liver (Choice B) may provide some information but are less specific and may not identify the underlying cause. Ordering a hepatitis panel (Choice C) would focus only on viral hepatitis as a potential cause, while an ultrasound can provide a broader evaluation of liver structure and function.