You are working in a college health clinic and seeing a young woman with a red, painful, swollen DIP joint on the left index finger. There are also a few papules, pustules, and vesicles on reddened bases, located on the distal extremities. This would be consistent with which of the following?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The description provided indicates a presentation consistent with gonococcal arthritis. Gonococcal arthritis is an infectious arthritis caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms typically include red, swollen, and painful joints, especially affecting the distal joints of the limbs. The presence of papules, pustules, and vesicles on reddened bases at the distal extremities is characteristic of disseminated gonococcal infection. In women, the DIP joint involvement in the finger can be indicative of this condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are essential to prevent complications associated with gonococcal arthritis. It is important to consider a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea in young patients presenting with joint symptoms and cutaneous findings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms described, including decreased air movement, high-pitched whistling (wheezing) on expiration in all lobes, and resonant lungs on percussion, are characteristic findings of asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough. The presence of wheezing, particularly on expiration, is a classic sign of asthma. In contrast, spontaneous pneumothorax would typically present with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, accompanied by hyperresonant percussion notes due to trapped air in the pleural space. COPD, a chronic lung condition characterized by progressive airflow limitation, would often present with symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea on exertion. Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue,

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presence of a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass in a patient like Mr. Martin, who is a smoker and at risk for vascular diseases, is concerning for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Immediate referral to a vascular surgeon is essential for further evaluation and management. AAA can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, as it can lead to rupture and severe internal bleeding. Therefore, prompt specialist evaluation and monitoring are crucial in such cases. Waiting for 3 or 6 months for reevaluation could potentially lead to a delayed diagnosis and increase the risk of complications. Abdominal ultrasound is typically the diagnostic test of choice to confirm the presence and size of the aneurysm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of visual acuity, the numbers in the ratio 20/100 represent a comparison between the patient's vision and normal vision. Specifically, a visual acuity of 20/100 means that the patient can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet. This indicates that the patient's vision is reduced, as she needs to be closer to see the same level of detail compared to someone with normal vision.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Venous insufficiency is the most likely etiology for the painful ulcerative lesion near the medial malleolus with accompanying hyperpigmentation. Venous insufficiency can lead to the development of venous stasis ulcers, which typically occur on the lower extremities, especially around the ankle area. These ulcers are often painful and associated with swelling, hyperpigmentation, and a weeping or moist wound bed. The location of the ulcer near the medial malleolus is also characteristic of venous insufficiency-related ulcers. Arterial insufficiency would typically present with different clinical findings, such as a pale, cool extremity, decreased pulses, and hair loss. Neuropathic ulcers are usually painless due to the loss of sensation, and trauma would have a different appearance than the described findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Given the information provided about Jim's recent separation from his wife after a long marriage, coupled with the fact that he still experiences early morning erections, the likely cause for his sexual function difficulties is psychological issues. Separation, divorce, or relationship problems can have a significant impact on a person's sexual function due to emotional stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. In Jim's case, the presence of early morning erections suggests that there may not be a physiological issue like decreased testosterone levels, abnormal circulation, or impaired neural innervation. Instead, the situation seems more related to his emotional state and psychological well-being following the separation. It would be advisable for Jim to seek counseling or therapy to address these psychological factors affecting his sexual function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Mrs. R. is exhibiting characteristics of a silent patient because she does not respond or engage in conversation when directly asked a question by the healthcare provider. In this case, Mrs. R.'s lack of verbal response could be due to various reasons such as shyness, anxiety, cognitive impairment, or communication barriers. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize and adapt to different communication styles and preferences of patients to ensure effective patient-provider interaction and care. In situations like these, it may be helpful to provide alternative communication methods or allow more time for the patient to respond comfortably.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Pain in the calf is a common symptom of atherosclerosis in the lower extremities, also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow. The calf pain associated with PAD is often described as cramping, aching, or fatigue that occurs during walking and is relieved with rest. This is called intermittent claudication. Thigh, knee, and ankle pain could have other causes, but calf pain specifically raises concerns for atherosclerosis in the lower extremities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: By connecting the patient's presenting symptoms (wheezing when exposed to cats) and family history of asthma, you have identified asthma as the most likely diagnosis for the 5-year-old girl. This initial conclusion, based on the available information, is known as a working diagnosis. Further evaluation and testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis, but at this stage, you have established a preliminary understanding of the likely condition affecting the patient.