A patient presents with chronic low back pain and radicular symptoms radiating down the leg. MRI reveals a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level with compression of the adjacent nerve root. Which surgical procedure is commonly performed to decompress the nerve root and alleviate symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A discectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to decompress the nerve root by removing a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. In cases of herniated discs causing radicular symptoms (such as pain radiating down the leg), a discectomy can help alleviate the compression on the nerve, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient's condition. This procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is herniated or bulging out to relieve pressure on the nerve root, allowing for improved function and reduced pain. Spinal fusion, laminectomy, and foraminotomy are other surgical procedures that are not typically performed for the direct decompression of the nerve root in cases of herniated discs at a specific level like the L5-S1 level.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of a patient with diabetes mellitus showing symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, nocturia, and fatigue along with laboratory findings of hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and ketonuria is indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. The increased glucose levels lead to glycosuria, causing osmotic diuresis resulting in polyuria, polydipsia, and nocturia. The body starts breaking down fats for energy in the absence of sufficient insulin, leading to the production of ketones causing ketonuria. The patient may also experience fatigue due to the metabolic abnormalities present in DKA.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption (breakdown of bone tissue) and bone formation, leading to bone thinning and increased risk of fractures. In osteoporosis, bones become weak and porous, making them more prone to fractures even with minor trauma. This condition is common in postmenopausal women and older individuals. Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, gender, family history, lack of physical activity, low calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications, including adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, and sometimes medication to help slow down bone loss and reduce fracture risk. Early detection and management of osteoporosis are crucial to prevent fractures and maintain bone health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland, which is non-cancerous. This enlargement can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms such as urinary hesitancy (difficulty starting the urine stream), weak urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia. BPH is a common condition in aging men and is not usually associated with prostate cancer. Other conditions like prostate cancer, prostatitis, and prostate adenoma may present with similar symptoms, but BPH is specifically characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Treatment for BPH may include medications to improve symptoms or surgical procedures to reduce the size of the prostate gland.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation of fever, chills, headache, and myalgia after a trip to sub-Saharan Africa is highly indicative of malaria. Specifically, the presence of intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites on blood smear examination points towards Plasmodium falciparum as the most likely causative agent. Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly of the Plasmodium species that cause malaria and is responsible for the majority of severe malaria cases worldwide. It is transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Treatment for Plasmodium falciparum infection usually involves antimalarial medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapies.