Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bell's palsy. Bell's palsy is characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, resulting in drooping of the face, inability to raise the eyebrow or close the eye, and difficulty with facial expressions and functions like whistling. In this case, the patient's symptoms of left-sided facial paralysis point towards Bell's palsy as the likely diagnosis. Cushing's syndrome (A) is a hormonal disorder, Parkinson's syndrome (B) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement, and a cerebrovascular accident (D) typically presents with more generalized neurological deficits rather than isolated facial paralysis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient to hold his nose and swallow causes the eustachian tube to open, equalizing pressure in the middle ear. This action will cause the eardrum to bulge slightly outward, making landmarks more visible. Choice A is incorrect as age alone does not preclude the use of this technique. Choice B is incorrect because this technique is not primarily used for assessing otitis media. Choice C is incorrect as it is not specific to upper respiratory infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a smooth, glossy dorsal surface of the tongue is abnormal in adults and may indicate glossitis or nutritional deficiencies. B is incorrect as a thin white coating is normal. Raised papillae (choice C) may indicate transient lingual papillitis but are not typically abnormal. Visible venous patterns (choice D) are normal on the ventral surface.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Fordyce's granules are small, yellow-white or flesh-colored spots that are sebaceous glands and commonly found on the oral mucosa. They are benign and do not require treatment. In this case, the patient's description matches the characteristics of Fordyce's granules. Option A is incorrect because strep throat typically presents with other symptoms like sore throat and fever, not white bumps in the mouth. Option B is incorrect as there is no indication of a serious lesion based on the description given. Option C is incorrect as leukoplakia is a condition associated with chronic irritation, not Fordyce's granules.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stimulation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system results in the elevation of the eyelid (ptosis) and dilation of the pupil (mydriasis). This is due to the action of the dilator pupillae muscle and the superior tarsal muscle. Pupillary constriction (choice A) is controlled by the parasympathetic branch via the sphincter pupillae muscle. Adjusting the eye for near vision (choice B) is controlled by the ciliary muscle, which is under parasympathetic control, not sympathetic. Contraction of the ciliary body (choice D) is also controlled by the parasympathetic system for accommodation of near vision, not the sympathetic system.