You feel a small mass that you think is a lymph node. It is mobile in both the up-and- down and side-to-side directions. Which of the following is most likely?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lymph node. A mobile mass that is palpable and moves in multiple directions is characteristic of a lymph node. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the immune system and can move freely when touched. Incorrect choices: A: Cancer - A cancerous mass would typically be fixed and not mobile. C: Deep scar - Scars are usually fixed and do not move when touched. D: Muscle - Muscles are usually deeper in the body and not typically palpable as a mobile mass.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain an ultrasound of the liver. This is the most appropriate next step to assess the patient's enlarged liver in the context of COPD. Ultrasound can provide detailed images of the liver to identify potential causes of enlargement, such as fatty liver disease or liver cirrhosis. Percussing the lower border (Choice A) or measuring the span of the liver (Choice B) may provide some information but are less specific and may not identify the underlying cause. Ordering a hepatitis panel (Choice C) would focus only on viral hepatitis as a potential cause, while an ultrasound can provide a broader evaluation of liver structure and function.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to an increase in the size and strength of the heart muscle, resulting in an increased amplitude of the apical impulse. This is due to the heart working harder to pump blood effectively. Hypothyroidism (choice A) typically does not cause an increase in the amplitude of the apical impulse. Aortic stenosis (choice B) and mitral stenosis (choice C) both result in pressure or volume overload on specific chambers of the heart, but they do not directly lead to diffuse and increased amplitude of the apical impulse like cardiomyopathy does. In summary, an increase in the amplitude of the apical impulse is more likely to be caused by cardiomyopathy due to the increased workload on the heart muscle, compared to the other conditions provided in the choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Every year. Annual assessment aligns with American Heart Association guidelines to monitor these key health indicators regularly for early detection and management of potential cardiovascular risks. More frequent assessments (A) may be unnecessary and burdensome. Less frequent assessments (C, D) increase the risk of missing important changes in health status that could lead to adverse outcomes. Regular yearly assessments allow for timely interventions and adjustments to promote optimal cardiovascular health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: It is moderately loud. A grade 4-intensity murmur indicates a moderately loud murmur that is readily heard with the stethoscope lightly on the chest. This intensity suggests a significant level of turbulence in blood flow, typically indicating a more pronounced cardiac abnormality. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: It can be heard with the stethoscope off the chest - This is incorrect because a murmur would not be audible without the stethoscope. C: It can be heard with the stethoscope partially off the chest - This is incorrect as a murmur would still require direct contact with the chest for auscultation. D: It is associated with a "thrill" - This is incorrect as a thrill is a palpable vibration indicating turbulent blood flow and is not directly related to murmur intensity.