A patient presents with hoarseness, dysphonia, and occasional throat pain. Direct laryngoscopy reveals vocal cord nodules. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for managing this condition?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on the vocal cords, typically caused by vocal abuse or misuse. The most appropriate intervention for managing vocal cord nodules is voice therapy and vocal hygiene education. Voice therapy aims to correct vocal habits and techniques that contribute to the formation of nodules, while vocal hygiene education focuses on maintaining vocal health through proper hydration, rest, and avoiding behaviors that strain the vocal cords. These interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing and eliminating vocal cord nodules without the need for surgical intervention. Surgery, such as vocal cord polypectomy or injection with corticosteroids, is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative management or if there are significant complications. Partial laryngectomy is a more extensive surgical procedure that is not typically indicated for vocal cord nodules.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The sudden onset of severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus in a patient with a recent upper respiratory tract infection is highly suggestive of vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis is typically caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often following a viral infection such as an upper respiratory tract infection. This condition presents with acute, severe, continuous vertigo without associated hearing loss. The presence of nystagmus, along with the absence of hearing loss, helps differentiate vestibular neuritis from Meniere's disease (which typically presents with episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus) and acoustic neuroma (which presents with gradual onset of symptoms including unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) typically presents with brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, rather than the continuous vertigo seen in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation described is characteristic of acute angle-closure glaucoma. This condition typically presents with sudden-onset severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, the affected eye may appear red due to conjunctival injection, and there may be a steamy cornea due to corneal edema. The mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil is a key finding in angle-closure glaucoma, as the iris bombe (forward movement of the peripheral iris) blocks the drainage angle, leading to increased intraocular pressure. If left untreated, acute angle-closure glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss. Immediate intervention is crucial to lower the intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Prompt referral to an ophthalmologist for definitive treatment is necessary in cases of suspected acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The described presentation of a yellowish-white spot on the cornea with a ring of inflammation, along with branching, filamentous opacities extending from the corneal lesion, is characteristic of fungal keratitis. Fungal keratitis typically presents with these specific features on clinical examination.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Periodontitis is the dental condition characterized by inflammation of the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene practices, leading to plaque buildup and eventually gum disease. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause serious damage to the gum tissue and the underlying bones supporting the teeth, which can eventually result in tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene habits, and professional cleanings are important for preventing and managing periodontitis.