Mr. Maxwell has noticed that he is gaining weight and has increasing girth. Which of the following would argue for the presence of ascites?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. When ascites is present, dullness is typically heard on percussion due to the fluid in the abdomen. This dullness does not shift with changes in the patient's position. Therefore, the finding of dullness which remains despite a change in position would argue for the presence of ascites. The other choices (A, C, D) describe findings that are more consistent with gaseous distention rather than ascites.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The clinical presentation described in the question is consistent with Candida vaginitis, also known as vaginal yeast infection. Candida vaginitis typically presents with a thick, white, curdy discharge that can be visualized on examination. The low pH of 1 is characteristic of Candida infection. The negative KOH whiff test and absence of an unusual smell help differentiate Candida vaginitis from other types of vaginitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Family history of osteoporosis is a significant risk factor, as genetics play a key role in determining a person's risk for developing osteoporosis. Having a close relative, such as an aunt, with severe osteoporosis increases this woman's risk as there is a strong genetic component to the disease. Factors such as obesity (choice A), late menopause (choice B), and delayed menarche (choice D) do not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis, unlike having a familial history of the condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most likely explanation for Mrs. Lenzo noticing a 4-pound weight gain over just 2 days is fluctuations in body fluid. Our body weight can fluctuate throughout the day due to factors such as hydration levels, sodium intake, and hormonal changes. It is not physically possible to gain 4 pounds of actual body mass (e.g., fat or muscle) in such a short period of time by overeating or wearing different clothing. Additionally, if Mrs. Lenzo's scale is very accurate as mentioned, it is less likely that the weight gain is due to instrument inaccuracy. Therefore, the most plausible reason for the sudden weight gain is fluctuations in body fluid retention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The described findings of a triangular thickening of the bulbar conjunctiva across the outer surface of the cornea are characteristic of a pterygium. A pterygium is a benign growth of conjunctival tissue that extends onto the cornea. It is often associated with chronic exposure to ultraviolet light and typically occurs on the nasal side of the eye. Pterygiums are usually asymptomatic but can cause irritation, redness, and foreign body sensation in some cases. Surgical removal may be considered if the pterygium causes significant symptoms or affects vision.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Epistaxis, also known as a nosebleed, should be considered in a patient complaining of coughing up blood along with a history of smoking. Epistaxis can sometimes lead to blood trickling down the throat and being coughed up. It is important to consider this differential diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors such as smoking. Intestinal bleeding (choice A) has a different presentation and cause compared to epistaxis. Hematoma of the nasal septum (choice B) is unlikely to cause coughing up blood. Bruising of the tongue (choice D) is also less likely to be the cause of hemoptysis in this case.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient's symptoms point towards pneumonia. Pneumonia is characterized by infection and inflammation in the lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as decreased air movement, crackles on auscultation, dullness on percussion, increased fremitus on palpation, and abnormal breath sounds like egophony and whispered pectoriloquy. These findings are consistent with consolidation of the lung, which occurs in pneumonia as a result of fluid, inflammatory cells, and tissue debris filling the alveoli. The presence of nasal turbinates edema indicates a possible upper respiratory tract infection that may have preceded the development of pneumonia. Spontaneous pneumothorax would typically present with sudden-onset chest pain and dyspnea but would not typically cause findings of lung consolidation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are characterized by different patterns of lung damage and symptoms, such as chronic inflammation, airflow obstruction, and hyper

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The statement that a high proportion of breast masses are detected by breast self-examination is true. Studies have shown that only a small percentage of breast cancers are actually detected by women themselves through self-examination. In fact, most breast cancers are detected through clinical breast exams and mammograms. Therefore, while it is still important for women to be breast aware and report any changes they notice to their healthcare provider, the practice of routine breast self-examinations is no longer universally recommended. Instead, the focus has shifted towards regular clinical breast exams and mammograms based on individual risk factors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Atrial flutter is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, regular atrial contractions at a rate of around 250-350 beats per minute. This can lead to a ventricular response rate that is usually around 150 beats per minute, resulting in a fast heart rate. The ECG pattern in atrial flutter typically shows a sawtooth pattern of flutter waves, which distinguishes it from other arrhythmias. In contrast, second-degree A-V block, sinus arrhythmia, and atrial fibrillation would not typically present with the rapid regular atrial contractions seen in atrial flutter.