A young patient presents with a left-sided mass in her abdomen. You confirm that it is present in the left upper quadrant. Which of the following would support that this represents an enlarged kidney rather than her spleen?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A palpable "notch" along its edge. This supports an enlarged kidney over the spleen because the kidney has a concave shape with a notch where the renal vessels enter. This notch is palpable in an enlarged kidney. Choice B is incorrect because the inability to push fingers between the mass and the costal margin is indicative of a spleen, which is a solid organ located close to the ribs. Choice C is incorrect as normal tympany over the area suggests gas-filled structures like the stomach or intestines, not a solid organ like the kidney or spleen. Choice D is incorrect as the ability to push fingers medial and deep to the mass would be more typical of an enlarged spleen, which can displace other organs medially due to its size.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (Pain) because pain is a common symptom in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint conditions. Tenderness, warmth, and redness are more specific to inflammatory joint problems. Tenderness indicates localized inflammation, warmth suggests increased blood flow and inflammation, and redness signifies dilated blood vessels and inflammation. Therefore, pain alone is less helpful in determining if a joint problem is inflammatory compared to the other symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A palpable "notch" along its edge. This supports an enlarged kidney over the spleen because the kidney has a concave shape with a notch where the renal vessels enter. This notch is palpable in an enlarged kidney. Choice B is incorrect because the inability to push fingers between the mass and the costal margin is indicative of a spleen, which is a solid organ located close to the ribs. Choice C is incorrect as normal tympany over the area suggests gas-filled structures like the stomach or intestines, not a solid organ like the kidney or spleen. Choice D is incorrect as the ability to push fingers medial and deep to the mass would be more typical of an enlarged spleen, which can displace other organs medially due to its size.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Screen for depression. The patient's symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and loneliness after his wife's death suggest he may be experiencing depression, which can manifest as physical symptoms like urinary urgency and frequency. Since the patient has already received appropriate treatment for his urinary symptoms, addressing his mental health is the next crucial step. This can help improve his overall well-being and quality of life. Starting an antibiotic course (choice A) is not indicated as there are no signs of infection. Initiating a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (choice B) is not necessary given the absence of specific indications such as obstructive voiding symptoms. Urodynamic testing (choice C) is not warranted at this stage as the patient's history and findings do not suggest underlying bladder dysfunction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suprapubic. Disorders in the kidneys and ureters typically cause pain in the flank, abdomen, and back due to the location of these organs. The kidneys are located in the flank region, so kidney issues may cause flank pain. Ureters run down towards the bladder, so issues in this area can cause pain in the abdomen and back. Suprapubic pain usually indicates issues with the bladder or lower urinary tract, not the kidneys or ureters. Therefore, suprapubic pain is not typically associated with disorders in the kidneys and ureters.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Exercise and weight loss. The American College of Rheumatology recommends this intervention as first-line therapy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its proven benefits in reducing pain, improving joint function, and overall quality of life. Exercise helps strengthen muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness. Weight loss can also alleviate pressure on the joints, especially in weight-bearing joints. A: Diagnostic workup to rule out rheumatoid arthritis - This is not the first-line therapy but rather a step in the diagnostic process. B: NSAID use at the lowest effective dose - While NSAIDs may help with pain management, they are not recommended as the first-line therapy due to potential side effects. C: Acetaminophen use up to 4 grams/day - Acetaminophen can be used for pain relief, but it is not as effective as exercise and weight loss in managing osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient to describe what happened will provide crucial information about the onset, nature, and potential cause of the knee pain. This open-ended question allows the patient to share their experience freely, aiding in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Option A focuses solely on pain intensity, which is important but not as comprehensive as understanding the context of the pain (D). Options B and C are more specific to past injuries and onset time, respectively, which are relevant but not as immediate and all-encompassing as asking the patient to describe the current issue (D).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in an older adult with an indwelling urinary catheter, a fever >100°F can be a sign of urinary tract infection (UTI) or urosepsis. Given her acute decline in mental status and fever, empiric antibiotic therapy is warranted to treat a potential infection. Choice B is incorrect because older adults with indwelling catheters are at increased risk for UTIs and bloodstream infections. Choice C is incorrect as obtaining a urine culture is important to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Choice D is incorrect as the duration of antibiotic treatment for a UTI is typically longer than 3 days.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why B is correct: Janeway lesions, petechiae, and Osler nodes are classic signs of infective endocarditis. Janeway lesions are painless erythematous macules on palms/soles, petechiae are small red/purple spots due to microemboli, and Osler nodes are tender subcutaneous nodules on fingers/toes. These findings indicate systemic embolization and immune complex deposition in infective endocarditis. Other choices are incorrect as they do not typically present with these specific dermatologic findings.