Which of the following conditions could be responsible for this heart rate?

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B, briefy summarizing what you heard from the patient in the first 5 minutes and then trying to have her focus on one aspect of what she told you, is the best technique to facilitate a more focused and efficient interview. This approach acknowledges the patient's need to talk while also guiding the conversation towards more relevant topics. By summarizing at the beginning, you demonstrate that you are listening, and by redirecting the conversation to specific points, you can ensure that important issues are addressed within the time constraints of the appointment. It can help streamline the visit and prevent it from meandering off track due to the patient's chattiness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presence of new flat red and purple lesions that are tender on the ulnar aspect of Ms. Whiting's forearms raises concerns and warrants further investigation. Since she did not mention them, it is important to ask how she acquired them to gather more information. This will help determine the cause of the lesions and provide clues to potential underlying conditions or recent activities that could be related to their development. It is important not to dismiss these lesions as old without proper evaluation, as they could indicate a recent injury, infection, or other medical issues that may require attention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Among the options presented, Hepatitis B (HBV) is most likely in this scenario. HBV can be transmitted through mucous membrane exposure to infectious blood or body fluids, including sexual contact. The daycare worker's history of not being sexually active for the past 10 months would not completely rule out the possibility of acquiring HBV through a past sexual encounter. Also, HBV can persist in the blood for prolonged periods, making it a likely cause of jaundice in this case. The other types of hepatitis (A, C, D) are less likely based on the information provided concerning the daycare worker's history and risk factors.

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: A

Rationale: Inspiratory splitting of S occurs due to the normal physiological delay in the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves during inspiration. During inspiration, the negative intrathoracic pressure leads to increased venous return to the right side of the heart, causing a slight delay in the closure of the pulmonic valve. This results in the aortic valve closing first, followed by the closure of the pulmonic valve, leading to the splitting of S during inspiration.

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: 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: C

Rationale: The young violinist is experiencing symptoms of anxiety specifically related to performing in front of others, which is characteristic of social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder). The symptoms occur only during performances, indicating the anxiety is triggered by social situations where he is the center of attention. His ability to perform without symptoms during rehearsals or practice sessions further supports the diagnosis of social phobia, as the anxiety is specifically related to public performance. In contrast, panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that are not situation-specific, and specific phobia involves an intense fear of a specific object or situation, neither of which fully match this patient's presentation. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, which is not the main feature of this case.