AAFP free questions Flashcards
What to monitor on amiodarone therapy
TSH and free T4 every 6 months
Pediatric asthma is the most commonly encountered chronic illness, occurring in nearly one out of seven individuals. Short-acting β-agonists in the form of metered-dose inhalers are clearly favored for acute exacerbations, as well as for intermittent asthma. Treatment for persistent asthma requires the use of inhaled corticosteroids, with short-acting β-agonists used for exacerbations. For patients not well controlled with those options, either a long-acting β-agonist or a leukotriene receptor antagonist may be added. While both cromolyn and nedocromil are fairly devoid of adverse effects, their use is limited because of a lack of efficacy in the prevention of acute asthma exacerbations.
Palpitations are a common symptom in ambulatory care. Cardiac causes are the most worrisome so it is important to distinguish cardiac from noncardiac causes. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, palpitations that affect their sleep, or palpitations that occur at work have an increased risk of an underlying cardiac cause (positive likelihood ratio 2.0–2.3) (SOR C). Psychiatric illness, adverse effects of medications, and substance abuse are other common causes.
Palpitations that are worse in public places and those of very short duration (<5 minutes), especially if there is a history of anxiety, are often related to panic disorder. However, even a known behavioral issue should not be presumed to be the cause of palpitations, as nonpsychiatric causes are found in up to 13% of such cases. The use of illicit substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine can cause palpitations that are associated with dry mouth, pupillary dilation, sweating, and aberrant behavior. Excessive caffeine can also cause palpitations.
A Wood’s lamp may assist with the diagnosis of certain skin conditions. This patient’s presentation is consistent with erythrasma caused by a Corynebacterium minutissimum infection, and use of an ultraviolet light would reveal a coral pink color. Pale blue fluorescence occurs with Pseudomonas infections, yellow with tinea infections, and totally white with vitiligo. A lime green fluorescence is not characteristic of a particular skin condition.
Annual HPV screening in patients age 21–29 years has very little effect on cancer prevention and leads to an increase in procedures and treatments without significant benefit. In this age group there is a high prevalence of high-risk HPV infections but a low incidence of cervical cancer. If this patient were due for a Papanicolaou (Pap) test and results were ASC-US with a positive high-risk HPV or a higher grade abnormality, colposcopy would be recommended. Current recommendations are for a Pap test with cytology every 3 years for women age 21–29 years with normal results, and the frequency does not change with an increased number of normal screens. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and up to 79% of sexually active women contract HPV infection in their lifetime, so the lack of other STIs does not preclude the possibility of an HPV infection.
The first step in the management of severe hypertension is determining whether a hypertensive emergency is present. A thorough history and physical examination are crucial (SOR C). Severe hypertension (blood pressure >180 mm Hg systolic or >110 mm Hg diastolic) with end-organ damage constitutes a hypertensive emergency. A physical examination should center on evaluating for papilledema, neurologic deficits, respiratory compromise, and chest pain. If end-organ damage is present the patient should be hospitalized for monitored blood pressure reduction and further diagnostic workup. If end-organ damage is not present and the physical examination is otherwise normal, a 30-minute rest with reevaluation is indicated. Approximately 30% of patients will improve to an acceptable blood pressure without treatment (SOR C). Home medications should then be adjusted with outpatient follow-up and home blood pressure monitoring (SOR A). Short-acting antihypertensives are indicated if mild symptoms are noted such as headache, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath, palpitations, anxiety, or epistaxis. Diagnostic testing is not immediately indicated for asymptomatic patients (SOR C). A basic metabolic panel or other testing should be considered if mild symptoms are present. Aggressive lowering of blood pressure can be detrimental and a gradual reduction over days to weeks is preferred (SOR C).
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has recently revised its physical status classification system. A healthy patient would be classified as ASA I, while a patient with mild systemic disease would be classified as ASA II. All patients who are having major surgery should be offered preoperative laboratory testing, including a CBC and renal function testing. For patients who are ASA III or IV and have chronic liver disease or take anticoagulants, coagulation testing should be considered. There is no compelling evidence to support either a chest radiograph or an EKG as part of a routine preoperative evaluation.
The recommended treatment for metatarsal stress fractures is no weight bearing for a few days, possibly using a posterior splint, transitioning to a walking boot or short leg cast, and then a rigid-soled shoe in 4–6 weeks. Callus formation on a radiograph and a lack of point tenderness signify adequate healing, and immobilization can be discontinued. Other recommended conservative therapy includes modified rest for 6–8 weeks with continuation of activities of daily living and limited walking. Normal activity can be resumed after 2–3 weeks with no pain. Additionally, the use of NSAIDs, ice, and stretching, as well as cross-training is recommended. Resuming regular activity after only 1 week of pain-free rest would not be recommended. Fractures of the fifth metatarsal should be carefully investigated to rule out a Jones fracture that may require orthopedic treatment. Treatment of the more common second and third metatarsal stress fractures is relatively straightforward.
It is important to distinguish serious illness from benign causes of proteinuria, which are the most common etiology in children. Confirming the presence of proteinuria is the next step in this case because functional (exercise/stress-induced) and orthostatic proteinuria are common types of proteinuria and are transient. A 24-hour urine for protein is a possible option, but would be impractical and burdensome for a healthy-acting 11-year-old. The pediatric nephrology panel of the National Kidney Foundation reported that a spot protein/creatinine ratio is a reliable test for ruling out proteinuria. A specialist referral, blood analysis, and ultrasonography are unnecessary unless persistent proteinuria is identified.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia include delusions, hallucinations, aggression, and
agitation. Antipsychotics are frequently used for treatment of these symptoms and are continued
indefinitely. For patients who have been taking antipsychotics for 3 months and whose symptoms have
stabilized, or for patients who have not responded to an adequate trial of an antipsychotic, it is
recommended that the drug be tapered slowly (SOR B).
Physicians should collaborate with the patient and caregivers when deciding whether to use an
antipsychotic. This is recommended because antipsychotic medications have adverse effects, including an
increased overall risk of death, cerebrovascular events, extrapyramidal symptoms, gait disturbances, falls,
somnolence, edema, urinary tract infections, weight gain, and diabetes mellitus. The risk of these harms
increases with prolonged use in the elderly.
One tapering method to consider is to reduce the daily dose to 75%, 50%, and 25% of the original dose
every 2 weeks until stopping the medication. This reduction pace can be slowed for some patients.
Diphenhydramine and lorazepam are on the Beers list of potentially inappropriate medications to use in
older patients and would not be recommended.
Individuals who travel internationally to areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) are at risk for
contracting the disease if they have prolonged exposure to individuals with TB, such as working in a health
care setting. The CDC recommends either a TB skin test or an interferon-gamma release assay prior to
leaving the United States. If the test is negative, the individual should repeat the testing 8–10 weeks after
returning. A chest radiograph in asymptomatic individuals or prophylactic treatment at any point is not
recommended. Isoniazid and rifampin are options for treatment of latent TB.
This patient has thyroiditis with biochemical evidence for autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis. The most
appropriate plan of care is to begin thyroid hormone replacement and monitor with a repeat TSH level 6–8
weeks later. It is not necessary to include a T3 level when assessing the levothyroxine dose. There is no
need to routinely order thyroid ultrasonography when there are no palpable nodules on a thyroid
examination. Fine-needle aspiration may be necessary to rule out infectious thyroiditis when a patient
presents with severe thyroid pain and systemic symptoms
Easy access to a lethal means of suicide is a major risk factor for a successful suicide attempt. It is
important to eliminate access to firearms, drugs, or toxins for a patient with any suicidal ideation. Other
risk factors include, but are not limited to, a family history of suicide, previous suicide attempts, a history
of mental disorders, a history of alcohol or substance abuse, and physical illness. Another risk factor in
this patient is loss of a personal relationship. A history of borderline personality disorder (associated with
cutting) is not a risk for successful suicide. Any support from family or friends is helpful, even if it is
limited.
Somatic symptom disorder (formerly called somatization disorder) usually begins in the teens or twenties and is characterized by multiple unexplained physical symptoms, insistence on surgical procedures, and an imprecise or inaccurate medical history. These patients also commonly abuse alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs.
Patients with illness anxiety disorder are overly concerned with bodily functions, and can often provide accurate, extensive, and detailed medical histories. Malingering is an intentional pretense of illness to obtain personal gain. Patients with panic disorder have episodes of intense, short-lived attacks of cardiovascular, neurologic, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by unrealistic worry about life circumstances accompanied by symptoms of motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, or vigilance and scanning.
High-intensity statin therapy is recommended for patients younger than 75 years of age with known
coronary artery disease. For those who are intolerant of high-intensity statins, a trial of a
moderate-intensity statin is appropriate. There is evidence to support ezetimibe plus a statin in patients with
acute coronary syndrome or chronic kidney disease. Omega-3 fatty acids, fibrates, and niacin should not
be prescribed for primary or secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease because they
do not affect patient-oriented outcomes. PCSK9 inhibitors such as evolocumab are injectable monoclonal
antibodies that lower LDL-cholesterol levels significantly and have produced some promising results, but
more studies are needed to determine when this would be cost effective.
This patient has Dupuytren’s disease with a contracture of the affected finger. Surgical release is indicated
when the metacarpophalangeal joint contracture reaches 30° or with any degree of contracture of the
proximal interphalangeal joint. Intralesional injection may reduce the need for later surgery in a patient
with grade 1 disease, but not if there is a contracture. There is no evidence to support the use of physical
therapy or cryosurgery.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening for cervical cancer for women
younger than 21, for women over the age of 65 who have had adequate screening in the recent past and
are not at high risk, and for women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and no
history of CIN 2 or 3 or cervical cancer (USPSTF D recommendation). Women between the ages of 21
and 65 can be screened every 3 years with cytology alone, or the interval can be increased to 5 years after
age 30 by using a combination of cytology and HPV testing (USPSTF A recommendation). The history
of HPV vaccination is not a factor in screening decisions. Other organizations such as the American
Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have similar guidelines.
Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common infection in international travelers. A short course of antibiotics
can be taken after a traveler develops diarrhea and usually shortens the duration of symptoms (SOR A).
Azithromycin is preferred to treat severe traveler’s diarrhea. Rifaximin or fluoroquinolones may be used
to treat severe nondysenteric traveler’s diarrhea. Prophylactic antibiotics are not routinely recommended.
For patients at high risk, bismuth subsalicylate reduces the risk but does not need to be initiated prior to
travel. There is insufficient evidence for the use of probiotics to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Loperamide
can be used with or without antibiotics after symptoms develop but is not recommended for prophylaxis.
There are several decision support tools to assist in predicting 30-day mortality for patients with
community-acquired pneumonia. Calculating the number of high-risk markers can aid in deciding whether
to admit the patient to the hospital. The risk of mortality increases with a respiratory rate 30/min,
hypotension, confusion or disorientation, a BUN level 20 mg/dL, age >65 years, male sex, or the
presence of heart failure or COPD.
This elderly patient is exhibiting classic signs of depression. The PHQ-2 has a similar sensitivity to the PHQ-9, but the PHQ-9 has a higher specificity in diagnosing depression (91%-94% compared to 78%-92%) and can assist in diagnosing depression. In addition to the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 there are specific screening tools for use in the elderly population, including the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. Somatic issues and dementia can make it more difficult to screen for and diagnose depression in this population. The CAGE questionnaire screens for substance abuse. Megestrol is used to stimulate the appetite, but in this patient the appetite symptoms are likely secondary to depression so treating the depression would be a more appropriate starting point. The tricyclic nortriptyline is used to treat depression but is not first-line therapy, especially in the elderly. In general, a more extensive medical history and a physical examination are indicated before ordering MRI of the brain.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the predominant cause of suppurative skin and
soft-tissue infection. While community-acquired strains have been susceptible to many antibiotics,
clindamycin is associated with Clostridium difficile enterocolitis, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is usually
used orally only for outpatient treatment, and doxycycline and minocycline are often effective clinically
but seldom used for serious infections. Resistance to quinolones is increasing and may emerge during
treatment. Vancomycin given parenterally is generally still the drug of choice for hospitalized patients.
This patient has a peripheral neuropathy. A review of the patient’s history and specific laboratory testing was performed to evaluate for the most common treatable causes of peripheral neuropathy, which include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and nutritional deficiencies. Additional causes of peripheral neuropathy include chronic liver disease and renal disease. It is important to consider medications as a possible cause, including amiodarone, digoxin, nitrofurantoin, and statins. Excessive alcohol use is another important consideration. In this patient, the mildly elevated total protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which suggest a monoclonal gammopathy such as MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) or multiple myeloma, should direct her workup. Serum protein electrophoresis is indicated to assess for this.
Other less common causes of peripheral neuropathy include carcinoma causing a paraneoplastic syndrome, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, AIDS, and genetic disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Approximately 25% of patients with peripheral neuropathy have no clearly defined cause after a thorough evaluation and are diagnosed with idiopathic polyneuropathy.
MRI of the lumbar spine can identify central lesions causing spinal cord or nerve root compression but is not indicated in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels and a chest radiograph can assist in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, which can cause peripheral neuropathy but is less likely in this patient. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is important in assessing for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, a more rare cause of peripheral neuropathy.
The annual failure rate of combined oral contraceptive pills with typical use is 9%. Typical failure rates for other contraceptive methods are 0.2% for the levonorgestrel IUD, 6% for injectable progestin, 18% for male condoms, and 22% for the withdrawal method.
Due to the disease prevalence and impact, effectiveness of screening instruments, and benefits of available treatment, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for major depressive disorder when adequate systems are in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up. The USPSTF has made no recommendations regarding screening for bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or schizophrenia.