Common Symptoms Flashcards
Initial tests in patients with back pain if malignancy is suspected
Plain radiography and ESR measurement
MKSAP 20
Treatment of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness
Vestibular and balance rehabilitation, SSRI/SNRI therapy
MKSAP 20
Physical examination maneuver to evaluate for cervical radiculopathy
The Spurling test
MKSAP 20
Suspected causes of neck pain for which MRI is indicated
Cancer, infection, myelopathy, or progressive neurologic symptoms
MKSAP 20
Medication class most associated with acute cough
ACE inhibitors
MKSAP 20
Common causes of hindgut pain with symptoms usually located in the lower quadrants or suprapubic area
Diverticulitis, IBD/colitis, urinary tract obstruction, severe constipation
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for pain at base of thumb elicited with Finkelstein test
De Quervain tendinopathy
MKSAP 20
First-line drug treatment of chronic neuropathic pain
Gabapentinoids and duloxetine
MKSAP 20
Worsening pain with opioid dosage escalation
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
MKSAP 20
Initial therapy for musculoskeletal or inflammatory nociceptive pain
NSAIDs, acetaminophen
MKSAP 20
Common causes of drug-induced edema
Vasodilators, NSAIDs, gabapentinoids, hormones, antiestrogens, thiazolidinediones, CCBs
MKSAP 20
Back pain “red flags” on exam
Fever, abnormal neurologic findings
MKSAP 20
Required diagnostic test for prepatellar bursitis
Fluid aspiration and analysis
MKSAP 20
Management goals in patients with medically unexplained symptoms
Maintaining an effective relationship with the patient, restoration of function, decreased focus on symptoms, acquisition of coping mechanisms
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for poorly localized pain on the superior shoulder and lateral clavicle, pain on crossed-arm shoulder adduction, pain on shoulder abduction beyond 120 degrees
Acromioclavicular joint degeneration
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for neck pain with decreased range of motion, normal neurologic findings
Cervical strain
MKSAP 20
Best drug choices for short-term relief of refractory insomnia
Zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon
MKSAP 20
Nonpharmacologic treatments for musculoskeletal neck pain
Multimodal approach (range-of-motion exercise, physical therapy, ice/heat applications, analgesics)
MKSAP 20
Rotator cuff disease surgical indication
Acute full-thickness tear
MKSAP 20
Role of brain imaging to confirm BPPV
Not indicated
MKSAP 20
Imaging test for suspected cauda equina syndrome
MRI
MKSAP 20
Adhesive capsulitis treatment
Intra-articular glucocorticoids, physical therapy
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for severe subacute cough paroxysms and posttussive emesis
Bordetella pertussis infection
MKSAP 20
Essential physical exam component in syncope evaluation
Orthostatic BP measurement, along with thorough cardiac and neurologic exams
MKSAP 20
Treatment of medically unresponsive, unexplained chronic cough
Multimodal speech therapy, antitussives, gabapentin
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis of pain between metatarsal heads and sensation of walking on a pebble
Morton neuroma
MKSAP 20
Constipation prophylaxis for patients taking scheduled opioids
Senna or bisacodyl
MKSAP 20
Imaging test for suspected cervical myelopathy
MRI
MKSAP 20
Therapy for all patients with chronic noncancer pain
Physical therapy
MKSAP 20
Clinical features requiring chest radiography for pneumonia in patient with cough
Abnormal vital signs or lung exam; altered mental status
MKSAP 20
Features that favor seizure in patient with syncope
Abnormal posturing, involuntary head turning, tongue laceration, auras, incontinence, prolonged post-episode confusion
MKSAP 20
Most common causes of chronic cough
Smoking, ACE inhibitor use, UACS, GERD, asthma
MKSAP 20
Findings that rule out need for ankle imaging
Ability to walk 4 steps; no tenderness at posterior malleolus, navicular bone, 5th metatarsal
MKSAP 20
Initial medication for chronic low back pain unresponsive to nondrug treatment
NSAIDs
MKSAP 20
When to offer opioid overdose prevention education and naloxone kits
Opioid dosage ≥50 MME/d, concurrent benzodiazepines, substance use disorder
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for posterior elbow swelling with normal range of motion
Olecranon bursitis
MKSAP 20
Recommended imaging for acute nonspecific low back pain
None
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis in a patient with positive painful arc and drop arm tests and weakness in shoulder external rotation
Rotator cuff tear
MKSAP 20
Role of brain imaging and carotid ultrasonography in routine syncope evaluation
None
MKSAP 20
Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute low back pain
Physical therapy, local heat, massage, acupuncture, spinal manipulation
MKSAP 20
Treatment of acute opioid overdose
Naloxone
MKSAP 20
Diagnostic imaging necessary to confirm lateral or medial epicondylitis when clinical history and physical exam are consistent
None
MKSAP 20
Most common cause of lower extremity ulcers
Venous stasis
MKSAP 20
Initial therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
Activity modification and wrist splinting
MKSAP 20
Most important components in the diagnostic evaluation of dyspnea
Detailed history and physical exam
MKSAP 20
Person who makes the final decision regarding aircraft diversion during an in-flight medical emergency
Captain
MKSAP 20
Drug cause of spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture
Fluoroquinolone use
MKSAP 20
Best initial test in a patient with high pretest probability of PE
CT angiography
MKSAP 20
Clue from history suggesting cardiac syncope because of an arrhythmia
Sudden onset without prodrome
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis of recurrent vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss
Meniere disease
MKSAP 20
Effects of long-term opioids for chronic noncancer pain
Worsened functional status, quality of life, and pain
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis in a patient with chronic shoulder pain, loss of passive and active shoulder movement
Adhesive capsulitis
MKSAP 20
Treatment of acute rhinosinusitis–related cough
Intranasal glucocorticoid; combination intranasal glucocorticoid and intranasal antihistamine for more significant or refractory symptoms
MKSAP 20
Medial-inferior heel pain after prolonged rest (e.g., first morning steps), improved with walking
Plantar fasciitis
MKSAP 20
Common causes of foregut pain with symptoms usually presenting in the upper abdominal area
Gastritis, PUD, pancreatitis, complications of cholelithiasis
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for tenderness over the lateral epicondyle that increases with resisted wrist extension
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
MKSAP 20
Physical exam assessment to perform on all patients with suspected central vertigo and early stroke
HINTS assessment
MKSAP 20
Initial drug therapy for acute low back pain
NSAIDs
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis of shoulder pain near deltoid insertion, worse with repetitive overhead activities
Rotator cuff disease
MKSAP 20
Indications for polysomnography in insomnia
Presentation suggesting sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or sleep movement disorder
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for anterior hip pain associated with glucocorticoid use, SLE, sickle cell anemia, or alcohol use disorder
Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
MKSAP 20
Therapy for BPPV
Epley maneuver
MKSAP 20
Initial drug therapy for allergic rhinitis–associated UACS
Intranasal glucocorticoids
MKSAP 20
Risk mitigation strategies for opioid use in chronic noncancer pain
Urine drug testing, surveillance of state prescription drug monitoring programs
MKSAP 20
Drugs used as adjuvant to NSAIDs for chronic low back pain
Nonbenzodiazepine muscle relaxants, duloxetine
MKSAP 20
Diagnostic test for all patients with syncope
ECG
MKSAP 20
Initial steps in evaluating medically unexplained symptoms
Thorough history and physical exam; review of previous diagnostic evaluations
MKSAP 20
Nondrug interventions for dyspnea in chronic lung disease
Pulmonary rehabilitation, pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing, fans
MKSAP 20
Common causes of midgut pain with symptoms usually presenting in the periumbilical area
Small bowel obstruction, early appendicitis, mesenteric ischemia, gastroenteritis
MKSAP 20
Initial management of acute and chronic meniscal tears
Rest, ice, strengthening of quadriceps and hamstring muscles
MKSAP 20
Recurrent brief vertigo worsened by positional changes
BPPV
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for nonspecific dizziness despite adequate evaluation
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness
MKSAP 20
Most common cause of acute bronchitis
Viral respiratory pathogens
MKSAP 20
Diagnosis for anterior knee pain after prolonged sitting, running, climbing
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
MKSAP 20
Cause of arm paresthesia/pain worsened with activity and arm elevation
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
MKSAP 20
Indications for imaging in acute back pain
Severe/progressive neurologic deficits; suspected infection, malignancy
MKSAP 20
Imaging is recommended when there are serious underlying conditions suspected.
Diagnosis for fatigue ≥6 months with reduction in activities, postexertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and orthostatic intolerance or cognitive impairment
Systemic exertion intolerance disease
MKSAP 20
This condition is often characterized by significant fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
Most common cause of syncope preceded by nausea and diaphoresis in healthy persons
Neurally mediated (vasovagal) syncope
MKSAP 20
This type of syncope is often triggered by stress or pain.
Symptoms that cannot be attributed to a specific medical cause
Medically unexplained symptoms
MKSAP 20
These symptoms often lead to frustration for both patients and healthcare providers.
Diagnosis for pain over the medial elbow and ventral forearm that worsens with resisted wrist flexion
Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
MKSAP 20
This condition is commonly seen in athletes and repetitive motion workers.
Diagnosis for twisting injury, popping sound, rapid accumulation of knee effusion
ACL tear
MKSAP 20
ACL tears are frequent in sports involving sudden stops or changes in direction.
Cause of neck pain, presenting with gait and coordination abnormalities
Cervical myelopathy
MKSAP 20
This condition can result from spinal cord compression in the cervical region.
Initial management of GTPS
Activity modification, analgesia with acetaminophen or NSAIDs
MKSAP 20
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) often requires conservative management.
Symptoms associated with cauda equina syndrome
Back pain, saddle anesthesia, bowel/bladder dysfunction
MKSAP 20
Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Diagnosis for lateral knee pain proximal to lateral femoral condyle after exercise
Iliotibial band syndrome
MKSAP 20
This syndrome is common among runners and cyclists.
Diagnosis for elbow pain with flexion, paresthesia/numbness in 4th to 5th digits
Ulnar nerve entrapment
MKSAP 20
This condition is often referred to as cubital tunnel syndrome.
Initial imaging test to evaluate scoliosis
Full-length posteroanterior and lateral radiography of the spine and measurement of the Cobb angle
MKSAP 20
Accurate measurement of the Cobb angle is essential for diagnosis.
Treatment of asymptomatic popliteal cysts
None
MKSAP 20
Asymptomatic cysts typically do not require treatment.
Therapy for chronic venous insufficiency
Leg elevation, exercise, static compression, weight loss
MKSAP 20
Management focuses on improving venous return.
Initial pharmacologic treatment for musculoskeletal neck pain
Topical and/or oral NSAIDs
MKSAP 20
NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and pain.
Indication for exercise stress testing for evaluation of syncope
Exertional syncope
MKSAP 20
This testing helps determine the underlying cause of syncope during physical activity.
Diagnostic test for BPPV
Dix-Hallpike maneuver
MKSAP 20
This test is used to diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Best initial test in a patient with low pretest probability for PE
D-dimer
MKSAP 20
A negative D-dimer can effectively rule out pulmonary embolism.
Pharmacologic palliation of medically unresponsive dyspnea
Opioids
MKSAP 20
Opioids can provide relief in patients with severe dyspnea.
Diagnosis of fluid-filled swelling caused by herniated synovial tissue surrounding tendon sheaths or joints
Ganglion cyst
MKSAP 20
These cysts are often benign and may resolve on their own.
Causes of peripheral vertigo
BPPV, vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis, Meniere disease, medications, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)
MKSAP 20
Peripheral vertigo is often associated with inner ear disorders.
First-line therapy for insomnia
CBT-I
MKSAP 20
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is effective for long-term management.
Back pain “red flags” from the history
Recent infection or injection drug use, immunosuppression, chronic glucocorticoid use, pain unrelieved in the supine position, history of cancer or weight loss, recent trauma
MKSAP 20
These red flags indicate potential serious underlying conditions.
Concomitant neurologic findings in patients with central vertigo secondary to vertebrobasilar stroke
Nystagmus, dysphagia, dysarthria, diplopia, ataxia, postural instability, hemiparesis, mental status changes
MKSAP 20
These findings help differentiate central from peripheral causes of vertigo.
Diagnosis for localized pain over proximal medial tibia 2-3 cm below knee
Pes anserine bursitis
MKSAP 20
This condition involves inflammation of the bursa located at the knee.