Mr. Patel is a 64-year-old man who was told by another care provider that his liver is enlarged. Although he is a life-long smoker, he has never used drugs or alcohol and has no knowledge of liver disease. Indeed, on examination, a liver edge is palpable 4 centimeters below the costal arch. Which of the following would you do next?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mr. Patel's case involves an enlarged liver, which warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause. An ultrasound of the liver would provide valuable information regarding the size, shape, and texture of the liver, helping to identify any potential abnormalities such as liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or liver tumors. This imaging study can also help differentiate between different conditions that may be causing the liver enlargement, guiding subsequent diagnostic and treatment decisions. Therefore, obtaining an ultrasound of the liver is the most appropriate next step in evaluating Mr. Patel's condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Scotomas refer to areas of partial alteration in the field of vision. These blind spots can be caused by various eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, or optic nerve damage. Symptoms involving the eye like scotomas are important to recognize and address promptly to prevent potential vision loss or other complications. Tinnitus (choice B) refers to ringing in the ears, dysphagia (choice C) refers to difficulty swallowing, and rhinorrhea (choice D) refers to a runny nose, none of which are symptoms involving the eye.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ethnicity is one of the factors used to estimate the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease. Different ethnic groups may have varying risks for heart disease based on genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and cultural practices. For example, individuals of South Asian descent have been found to have a higher risk of heart disease compared to other ethnic groups. Therefore, considering ethnicity is essential when assessing the overall risk of developing heart disease in an individual.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When conducting a health history assessment, the components typically include the review of systems, present illness, and personal and social items. The review of systems involves asking specific questions related to each system of the body to gather comprehensive information about the patient's overall health. Present illness focuses on the current chief complaint and symptoms the patient is experiencing. Personal and social items encompass details such as lifestyle habits, family history, medical history, and social support systems. The thorax and lungs are typically assessed as part of the physical examination, not specifically in the health history documentation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Diplopia occurring when one eye is covered is a condition known as monocular diplopia. This symptom is typically not caused by problems within the eye itself, such as irregularities in the cornea or lens. Instead, monocular diplopia with one eye covered is more likely to be an indication of a neurological issue, often involving the brainstem. Lesions or damage in the brainstem can disrupt the normal coordination of eye movements, leading to the perception of double vision when one eye is closed. Weakness of CN III (oculomotor nerve) or CN IV (trochlear nerve) may cause diplopia when both eyes are open, but it would not typically manifest as monocular diplopia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ischemic symptoms in the upper calf are indicative of peripheral artery disease affecting the tibial or peroneal arteries. These arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the lower leg and foot region, hence causing symptoms such as pain, cramping, or numbness in the upper calf area. Symptoms in the lower calf would typically be associated with more proximal arterial segments like femoral or iliac arteries. So, option D correctly matches the ischemic symptoms with the appropriate vascular supply.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Since the baby is exhibiting jaundice, which is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin, it is important to inquire about the family history of liver diseases. Jaundice can be a sign of liver dysfunction or disease, so understanding the family history of liver diseases can provide valuable insights into potential underlying causes for the baby's jaundice. In this case, it is crucial to explore this area further to determine if there may be any genetic predispositions or familial conditions that could be contributing to the baby's presentation of jaundice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Splitting of the second heart sound is when the aortic and pulmonic valves close at slightly different times, resulting in two distinct components to the sound. This split is best heard over the apex of the heart, typically with the diaphragm of the stethoscope. The aortic component is heard first and represents closure of the aortic valve, followed by the pulmonic component, representing closure of the pulmonic valve. The split can narrow during inspiration and widen during expiration, which is important to keep in mind during assessment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is important to show empathy and address Mrs. Donelan's feelings about missing her husband. By asking why Bill is not there, you are opening the door for her to talk about her emotions and potentially offer support or resources. This can help build a stronger patient-provider relationship and address any underlying emotional concerns she may have. It is important to prioritize the patient's emotional well-being along with their physical health during the visit.