A grandmother brings her 13-year-old grandson to you for evaluation. She noticed last week when he took off his shirt that his breastbone seemed collapsed. He seems embarrassed and tells you that it has been that way for quite a while. He states he has no symptoms from it and he just tries not to take off his shirt in front of anyone. He denies any shortness of breath, chest pain, or lightheadedness on exertion. His past medical history is unremarkable. He is in sixth grade and just moved in with his grandmother after his father was deployed to the Middle East. His mother died several years ago in a car accident. He states that he does not smoke and has never touched alcohol. On examination you see a teenage boy appearing his stated age. On visual examination of his chest, you see that the lower portion of the sternum is depressed. Auscultation of the lungs and heart are unremarkable. What disorder of the thorax best describes your findings?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Funnel chest (pectus excavatum). Pectus excavatum is characterized by a depressed or sunken appearance of the sternum, which matches the description provided in the case. In this condition, the chest wall is abnormally shaped inward. This can be a congenital condition or develop during growth spurts in adolescence. The lack of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or lightheadedness on exertion is consistent with pectus excavatum, as these symptoms are not typically associated with this condition. The other choices (A: Barrel chest, C: Pigeon chest, D: Thoracic kyphoscoliosis) do not match the specific findings described in the case and are not associated with the characteristic sternal depression seen in pectus excavatum.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to an increase in the size and strength of the heart muscle, resulting in an increased amplitude of the apical impulse. This is due to the heart working harder to pump blood effectively. Hypothyroidism (choice A) typically does not cause an increase in the amplitude of the apical impulse. Aortic stenosis (choice B) and mitral stenosis (choice C) both result in pressure or volume overload on specific chambers of the heart, but they do not directly lead to diffuse and increased amplitude of the apical impulse like cardiomyopathy does. In summary, an increase in the amplitude of the apical impulse is more likely to be caused by cardiomyopathy due to the increased workload on the heart muscle, compared to the other conditions provided in the choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Every year. Annual assessment aligns with American Heart Association guidelines to monitor these key health indicators regularly for early detection and management of potential cardiovascular risks. More frequent assessments (A) may be unnecessary and burdensome. Less frequent assessments (C, D) increase the risk of missing important changes in health status that could lead to adverse outcomes. Regular yearly assessments allow for timely interventions and adjustments to promote optimal cardiovascular health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: It is moderately loud. A grade 4-intensity murmur indicates a moderately loud murmur that is readily heard with the stethoscope lightly on the chest. This intensity suggests a significant level of turbulence in blood flow, typically indicating a more pronounced cardiac abnormality. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: It can be heard with the stethoscope off the chest - This is incorrect because a murmur would not be audible without the stethoscope. C: It can be heard with the stethoscope partially off the chest - This is incorrect as a murmur would still require direct contact with the chest for auscultation. D: It is associated with a "thrill" - This is incorrect as a thrill is a palpable vibration indicating turbulent blood flow and is not directly related to murmur intensity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: One breast larger than the other is most likely benign on breast examination. This is because breast asymmetry is a common and typically benign finding in women. It is important to note that a significant difference in breast size may warrant further evaluation, but in general, slight variations in size are normal. Now, let's discuss why the other choices are incorrect: A: Dimpling of the skin resembling that of an orange is concerning for peau d'orange appearance, which can be a sign of underlying breast cancer. C: One nipple inverted can be a sign of an underlying breast issue, such as a mass or tumor. D: One breast with a dimple when the patient leans forward can be a sign of an underlying breast abnormality, such as a tumor pulling on the skin. In summary, breast asymmetry (Choice B) is the most likely benign finding, while the other choices may indicate underlying breast issues that require further evaluation.