GB Flashcards
A 40-year-old man with a history of recurrent painful attacks affecting the right big toe, was diagnosed with gout and started on allopurinol. He is also a known case of psoriasis for several years. He presented to the clinic with recurrent joint pain affecting the right big toe, left ankle, and bilateral knees. He is using allopurinol regularly as prescribed but has no improvement in his joint pain. Examinations revealed he has active arthritis at the left ankle and knee joints bilaterally (see lab results). Which of the following is the most likely cause for his joint pain?
A. Active pseudogout arthritis.
B. Active gout arthritis.
C. Psoriatic arthritis.
D. Osteoarthritis.
C. Psoriatic arthritis.
A 28-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus for 2 years on hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day, prednisone 5 mg/day, and azathioprine 100 mg/day presented to the Emergency Room with sudden onset of lower limb weakness and urinary incontinence. Examination revealed she has paraplegia and hyperreflexia (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate test to be done immediately?
A. Lumbar puncture, MRI brain
B. Lumbar puncture, CT brain
C. Lumbar puncture, MRI spinal cord
D. Lumbar puncture, MRI, MRA, and MRV of the brain
C. Lumbar puncture, MRI spinal cord
A 50-year-old man is complaining of pain affecting the wrist joints bilaterally, second and third proximal interphalangeal joints, and right knee joint for the last 4 months. His examination revealed active arthritis at both wrists and second and third proximal interphalangeal joints (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
A. Methotrexate
B. Methotrexate and sulfasalazine
C. Methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine
D. Methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisone
D. Methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisone
A 30-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus is evaluated for right hip pain that started 3 weeks ago and occurs at night and with walking. Her current medications are azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone, and lisinopril for the last 5 years. Her examination was normal except for pain on internal rotation of the right hip. Laboratory tests including pelvic and left hip radiographs were normal. Which of the following is the most likely cause of hip pain?
A. Active lupus arthritis
B. Septic arthritis affecting right hip
C. Avascular necrosis affecting right hip
D. Degenerative changes affecting right hip
C. Avascular necrosis affecting right hip
A 60-year-old man complaining of right knee pain for several years that has increased over the last few months. He also has noticed frequent knee clicks. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis is suspected. Which of the following is the most appropriate to confirm the diagnosis?
A. Bilateral knee X-rays.
B. MRI of the right knee.
C. No further investigation.
D. Arthroscopy for the right knee.
C. No further investigation.
A 52-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis for 12 years. His current treatment consists of methotrexate 15 mg weekly and adalimumab 40 mg/2 weeks. He presented to the clinic complaining of fever and shortness of breath for 1 week. His chest examination revealed coarse crackles over the lower part of the right lung (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate action to be taken on this visit?
A. Hold adalimumab and start antibiotics
B. Hold methotrexate and start antibiotics
C. Hold his current treatment and start antibiotics
D. Continue his current treatment and start antibiotics
C. Hold his current treatment and start antibiotics
A 30-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with an acute monoarthritis where joint aspiration was performed. Based on the presence of crystals in the synovial fluid, he was diagnosed with gout. Which of the following is the most likely type of the crystals seen?
A. Needle-shaped, negatively birefringent
B. Needle-shaped, weakly positively birefringent
C. Rhomboidal-shaped, negatively birefringent
D. Rhomboidal-shaped, weakly positively birefringent
A. Needle-shaped, negatively birefringent
A 30-year-old woman with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus who was maintained on mycophenolate mofetil 1 gm/day, hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day, and prednisone 5 mg/day for the last 1 year. She has had inactive disease for more than 6 months. She is planning to get pregnant (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate action at this time?
A. Discontinue prednisone and start cyclosporine
B. Discontinue hydroxychloroquine and start quinacrine
C. Discontinue mycophenolate mofetil and start azathioprine
D. Discontinue mycophenolate mofetil and start methotrexate
C. Discontinue mycophenolate mofetil and start azathioprine
A 61-year-old woman is evaluated for a left pulmonary nodule that was discovered incidentally 2 months ago. She is currently asymptomatic and has not had shortness of breath, fever, chills, weight loss, or night sweats. Medical history is otherwise unremarkable, and she takes no medications. She never smoked. Examination revealed no cervical or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, and the lungs are clear to auscultation (see report). CT scan chest: Showed an 8 mm left lung nodule. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. PET/CT scan
B. Bronchoalveolar lavage
C. Transthoracic lung biopsy
D. Observation and regular follow-up
D. Observation and regular follow-up
A 63-year-old woman presented with exertional dyspnea for 8 months. She was diagnosed with COPD 3 years ago and has had 4 exacerbations in the last year. She completed pulmonary rehabilitation and quit smoking 2 years ago. Medications include long -acting B2 agonist, inhaled glucocorticoid, roflumilast, and albuterol as needed. Examination revealed no jugular venous distention; decreased breath sounds, a loud pulmonary component of S1 (see lab results and reports). Chest radiograph: Normal. Echocardiogram: Ejection fraction of 60%, no valvular or wall motion abnormalities, and estimated mean pulmonary artery pressure is 55 mmHg. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
A. Daily prednisone
B. Long-term oxygen therapy
C. Overnight pulse oximetry
D. Repeat pulmonary rehabilitation
B. Long-term oxygen therapy
A 58-year-old woman presented to the medical clinic complaining of daily wheezing and breathlessness during allergy season. These episodes of wheezing have limited her activities several times a week. She has a long history of seasonal allergies in the form of itchy eyes and runny nose. No other medical history. Medications include loratadine as needed, and antihistamine eye drops. Examination revealed watery eyes with conjunctival irritation, expiratory wheezing, and normal cardiac examination (see reports). Chest radiograph: Unremarkable. Spirometry: FEV1 of 74% of predicted, which improved by 18% with a bronchodilator. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
A. Add a leukotriene antagonist
B. Add a low-dose inhaled glucocorticoid
C. Recommend daily oral antihistamine use
D. Add a low-dose inhaled glucocorticoid and long-acting B2 agonist
D. Add a low-dose inhaled glucocorticoid and long-acting B2 agonist
A 71-year-old man is evaluated after a recent hospitalization 10 days ago for pneumonia and was discharged with a 10-day course of appropriate antibiotics. For the past 5 days, he has had a low-grade fever and increased shortness of breath. Pulmonary examination reveals decreased fremitus, dullness to percussion, and decreased breath sounds over the lower third of the right hemithorax (see lab results and report). Chest radiograph: Moderate right-sided pleural effusion. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
A. Ceftriaxone and azithromycin
B. Chest tube and levofloxacin
C. Repeat chest radiograph in 2 weeks
D. Small-bore pleural drain and piperacillin-tazobactam
D. Small-bore pleural drain and piperacillin-tazobactam
A 20-year-old man is evaluated for a 6-month history of chest and throat tightness, acute episodes of stridor, and a prolonged wheeze that occur during his college basketball practice. He has a history of moderate persistent asthma, which is controlled. He takes a short-acting B2 agonist inhaler as needed, but this does not relieve his symptoms. In addition to a low-dose inhaled glucocorticoid and a long-acting inhaled B2 agonist, he otherwise feels well. Medical history is otherwise unremarkable. Examination reveals normal vital signs and unremarkable systemic examination (see reports). Chest radiograph: Normal. Spirometry: No evidence of obstruction. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Echocardiography
B. Allergen immunotherapy
C. Otolaryngology evaluation
D. Switch to a medium-dose inhaled glucocorticoid
C. Otolaryngology evaluation
A 33-year-old man presented with shortness of breath, fatigue, and nighttime cough. He has been working in a car repair shop for the past 1 year and notes that his symptoms began about 8 months ago. He believes his symptoms are associated with his workdays. He is being evaluated after several days off from work and currently has no symptoms or medical concerns. He has an unremarkable medical history and takes no medications. He has never smoked. Physical examination is unremarkable. A chest radiograph and spirometry results are normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. High-resolution chest CT
B. Inhaled glucocorticoid daily
C. Advise him to switch employment
D. Repeat spirometry after workplace exposure
D. Repeat spirometry after workplace exposure
A 49-year-old woman is evaluated for a 4-month history of dry cough, which began 4 months ago when she noted a paroxysmal onset of persistent coughing spells that make it difficult to carry on a conversation. She was initially diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and was started on a glucocorticoid nasal inhaler with no improvement. Medical history is otherwise unremarkable except for a history of dust allergies. Examination revealed normal vital signs, slight nasal congestion, and dry cough are noted during the examination. Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and abdominal examination findings are unremarkable (see reports). Chest radiograph: Normal. Spirometry: Slightly reduced FEV/FVC ratio of 70% which increased after bronchodilator challenge by 20%. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic test to perform next?
A. Allergy skin testing
B. High-resolution chest CT
C. Measurement of serum IgE levels
D. Methacholine challenge testing
D. Methacholine challenge testing
A 57-year-old man is evaluated for chronic cough, occasional wheezing, and exertional dyspnea while walking. Medical history includes an episode of bronchitis, for which he underwent outpatient treatment 8 months ago. He has a 20-pack-year smoking history. Examination revealed normal vital signs, mildly decreased breath sounds throughout both lungs, and scattered expiratory wheezes bilaterally. Spirometry shows an FEV1 of 75% of predicted and a post-bronchodilator FEV/FVC ratio of 68%. His modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) symptom score is 2. In addition to smoking cessation, which of the following is the most appropriate long -term management plan?
A. Combination inhaled glucocorticoid and a long-acting bronchodilator
B. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor and combination inhaled glucocorticoid and long-acting bronchodilator
C. Short-acting bronchodilator as needed, a long-acting bronchodilator, and pulmonary rehabilitation
D. Short-acting bronchodilator as needed and an inhaled glucocorticoid
C. Short-acting bronchodilator as needed, a long-acting bronchodilator, and pulmonary rehabilitation
A 42-year-old woman presented to the clinic for follow-up of a 7-month history of chronic, nonproductive cough. She was recently diagnosed with cough-variant asthma after a methacholine challenge test. She was started on inhaled fluticasone and as-needed albuterol 2 months ago. Her cough initially improved; however, her symptoms have not fully resolved and are worsened at times, most notably when she lies down. She also noted that mild hoarseness
occasionally accompanies her cough, especially when she wakes up in the morning. Examination revealed a dry cough with frequent throat clearing. The chest was clear with no wheezing. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
A. Add a long-acting B2-agonist
B. Add a proton pump inhibitor
C. Start nocturnal antitussive therapy
D. Repeat methacholine challenge testing
B. Add a proton pump inhibitor
A 17-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with severe asthma exacerbation that began 12 hours ago. He is on an albuterol inhaler and a long -acting glucocorticoid at home without improvement. He was hospitalized and intubated 2 years ago. Examination revealed respiratory distress with diffuse expiratory wheezes. After 1 hour of systemic glucocorticoid and B2 agonist nebulizer, he still appeared in respiratory distress (see lab results and report). Chest X-ray: Hyperinflated lungs. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Admit to the ICU
B. Reassure him and discharge home
C. Admit to the general medical floor
D. Discharge home the next day with follow-up
A. Admit to the ICU
A 63-year-old man was evaluated in the Emergency Room for 1 week of progressive shortness of breath and found to have right pleural effusion on chest X-ray. Aspiration yielded a clear transudative fluid. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A. Pancreatitis
B. Pneumonia
C. Heart failure
D. Malignancy
C. Heart failure
A 24-year-old woman is reviewed in the Asthma Clinic. She currently uses a salbutamol inhaler 100 mcg prn combined with a beclometasone dipropionate inhaler 400 mcg bd. Despite this, she is having frequent exacerbations of her asthma that required frequent courses of prednisolone and hospitalization three times in the last 6 months. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Switch beclometasone to fluticasone
B. Start to take the salbutamol regularly
C. Add long-acting B2 agonist (Salmeterol)
D. Add long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator (Tiotropium)
C. Add long-acting B2 agonist (Salmeterol)
A 63-year-old woman is in the COPD clinic for frequent exacerbations, despite being maintained on a salbutamol inhaler as required and a tiotropium inhaler regularly. She was diagnosed with COPD three years ago and recently quit smoking. Her latest FEV1 was 39% of predicted. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in her management?
A. Salmeterol inhaler
B. Betamethasone inhaler
C. Long-term oxygen therapy
D. Combined salmeterol + fluticasone inhaler
D. Combined salmeterol + fluticasone inhaler
A 69-year-old smoker presents with a 3-week history of worsening breathlessness. Examination revealed normal vital signs and decreased breathing sounds over the lower left zone (see reports). Chest X-ray: Large left-sided pleural effusion. Pleural tapping: Pending result. Which of the following will most likely indicate that it is an exudative effusion?
A. Pleural fluid LDH / Serum LDH < 0.6
B. Pleural fluid protein / Serum protein < 0.5
C. Effusion LDH level greater than 1/3rd the upper limit of serum LDH
D. Effusion LDH level greater than 2/3rds the upper limit of serum LDH
D. Effusion LDH level greater than 2/3rds the upper limit of serum LDH
A 33-year-old man with a history of severe asthma is admitted to the Emergency Department with an asthma attack. He received high-flow oxygen and nebulized salbutamol. He is unable to complete sentences, has bilateral expiratory wheeze, and is unable to perform a peak flow reading. He was immediately given intravenous hydrocortisone and nebulized salbutamol continuously. After 10 minutes, there is no improvement, and intravenous magnesium sulfate was given. His condition continues to deteriorate (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
A. Non-invasive ventilation
B. Add intravenous aminophylline
C. Add nebulized ipratropium bromide
D. Intubation and mechanical ventilation
D. Intubation and mechanical ventilation
A 34-year-old woman with a history of asthma and allergic rhinitis has been discharged from the hospital 2 weeks ago following an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and reports generally poor control with a persistent nighttime cough and exertional wheeze. Her current asthma therapy is salbutamol inhaler 100 mcg prn, beclometasone dipropionate inhaler 800 mcg bd, and salmeterol 50 mcg bd.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in outpatient management?
A. Ipratropium inhaler
B. Low-dose oral prednisolone
C. Leukotriene receptor antagonist
D. Modified-release theophylline
C. Leukotriene receptor antagonist
A 33-year-old woman has been assessed in the Emergency Department with an acute exacerbation of asthma. Which of the following features is most likely to indicate a life-threatening attack?
A. Failure to improve after nebulized salbutamol 5 mg
B. Oxygen saturations of 94% on room air
C. Peak flow of 30% best or predicted
D. Respiratory rate of 28/min
C. Peak flow of 30% best or predicted
A 26-year-old man is admitted with acute severe asthma. Treatment is initiated with 100% oxygen, nebulized salbutamol, ipratropium bromide nebulizers, and IV hydrocortisone. Despite initial treatment, there is no improvement. Examination reveals that he is in respiratory distress, cannot complete full sentences, and has bilateral expiratory wheezing. Which of the following is the most appropriate IV emergency treatment?
A. Magnesium sulfate
B. Aminophylline
C. Salbutamol
D. Adrenaline
A. Magnesium sulfate
A 70-year-old man known to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Examination revealed evidence of cor pulmonale with a significant degree of lower limb edema. His FEV1 is 40% (see lab result). Which of the following interventions is most associated with increased survival?
A. Heart-lung transplant
B. Corticosteroid therapy
C. Pulmonary rehabilitation
D. Long-term oxygen therapy
D. Long-term oxygen therapy
A 55-year-old man is evaluated for an 18-month history of intermittent, nonproductive chronic cough, and dyspnea with exertion. No history of fever, chest pain, heartburn, loss of appetite, or weight loss. He has smoked 1 pack daily for the last 30 years. His medical history is
otherwise unremarkable, and he takes no medications. Examination revealed he is comf ortable, no jugular venous distention, normal heart sounds, no murmur, clear lungs, and no lower limb edema. A chest radiograph and electrocardiogram are normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next diagnostic test?
A. Sleep study
B. Spirometry
C. Chest CT scan
D. Bronchoscopy
B. Spirometry
A 79-year-old man is evaluated in follow-up for a 2 mm solitary pulmonary nodule, which was incidentally discovered on imaging for chest pain 4 years ago. Follow-up chest CT was obtained at 1, 2, and 3-year intervals, and the pulmonary nodule appears unchanged. He feels well and does not have any respiratory or constitutional symptoms. He never smokes. Examination revealed normal vital signs and cardiopulmonary examination. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation?
A. Repeat chest CT in 1 year
B. Repeat chest CT in 2 years
C. Repeat chest CT in 5 years
D. No further imaging is necessary
D. No further imaging is necessary
A 68-year-old woman is evaluated in follow-up after a 5 mm pulmonary nodule was discovered on chest imaging obtained 9 months ago. She feels well and has not had shortness of breath, cough, hemoptysis, weight loss, or chest pain. She has a 50-pack-year smoking history and is a recurrent smoker. Examination revealed normal vital signs, no cervical or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, and clear lungs to auscultation bilaterally (see report). Repeated chest CT: Interval increase in the size of the nodule, now measuring 10.5 mm in diameter, and no evidence of mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A. Perform blind transthoracic needle aspiration
B. Repeat chest CT imaging in 6 months
C. Refer for thoracic surgery
D. Perform bronchoscopy
C. Refer for thoracic surgery
A 69-year-old man complains of shortness of breath and weight loss for the last 6 months. He has a 40-pack-year smoking history and no TB or HIV risk factors (see reports). Chest X-ray: A large left-sided pleural effusion. Thoracentesis: 1,500 mL of bloody fluid that is strongly exudative by Light’s criteria. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A. Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics
B. CT chest with contrast
C. Blind pleural biopsy
B. CT chest with contrast
A 55-year-old woman is referred to the clinic because of a 1 cm solitary nodule with sharp borders in the right lung. The nodule was detected on an abdominal CT performed to evaluate abdominal pain. She does not have any respiratory complaints. She smoked 20 cigarettes per day for 10 years but managed to stop smoking 20 years ago. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A. Follow-up CT in 3-6 months
B. No follow-up needed
C. Transbronchial biopsy
D. Surgical resection
A. Follow-up CT in 3-6 months
A 71-year-old man is admitted to the hospital because of high fever and dyspnea associated with purulent sputum. Physical examination reveals dullness on percussion on the right lower chest and rales on auscultation (see reports). Chest radiography: Pneumonic infiltrate in the right upper lobe and a pleural effusion. Aspiration: Pending result. Which of the following pleural fluid analyses will most likely indicate the need for chest -tube drainage?
A. pH < 7.2
B. Glucose > 60 mmol/L
C. Negative Gram stain
D. Serosanguineous appearance
A. pH < 7.2
A 29-year-old woman in the second trimester of pregnancy presents to the Emergency Room due to progressive dyspnea for the past 24 hours. Examination reveals clear lungs and a swollen right lower limb (see lab results and report). Chest radiography: Normal. Which of the following is the most important initial diagnostic procedure?
A. D-dimer
B. CT pulmonary angiography
C. Lung perfusion scintigraphy
D. Doppler ultrasonography of the legs
D. Doppler ultrasonography of the legs
A 50-year-old man is 6 days post-uneventful subtotal colectomy and ileocolic anastomosis when he develops sudden-onset shortness of breath and one episode of hemoptysis. Examination reveals mildly decreased breath sounds at the left lung base, normal S1 and S2, a soft and lax abdomen with normal bowel sounds, and no lower extremities edema or tenderness (see lab results and reports). Chest X-ray: Left basilar atelectasis. ECG: Sinus tachycardia and a new finding of a right bundle branch block. Which of the following is the most appropriate test?
A. D-dimer level
B. Echocardiography
C. CT pulmonary angiography
D. Lower limb Doppler ultrasound
C. CT pulmonary angiography
A 30-year-old man presents with cough, fever, and right-sided pleuritic chest pain for 2 days. He is a non-smoker and works as a school teacher. He has no significant past medical history and does not take any medicine. Examination reveals bronchial breath sounds at the right lower chest (see report). Chest X-ray: Right lower lobe pneumonia and 25 mm pleural effusion on decubitus film. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management?
A. Perform diagnostic thoracentesis
B. Start anti-tuberculosis treatment
C. Perform bronchoalveolar lavage
D. Intravenous antibiotics
A. Perform diagnostic thoracentesis
A 44-year-old woman is seen in the clinic with difficult-to-control asthma despite being on high-dose inhaled steroids and frequent courses of systemic steroids. She also has a history of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. She claims to use aspirin and ibuprofen for migraine almost daily. She is a non-smoker and works in a school. Examination reveals nasal polyps and bilateral expiratory wheezing on chest auscultation (see report). Chest X-ray: Normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Chest CT scan
B. Direct laryngoscopy to assess upper airways
C. Blood eosinophil count and serum IgE level
D. Discontinue aspirin and ibuprofen and start Montelukast
D. Discontinue aspirin and ibuprofen and start Montelukast
A 63-year-old man is evaluated for hemoptysis and a 5-kg weight loss over the last 2 months. He has a history of 30 pack-years of smoking but stopped 10 days ago (see reports). Chest X-ray: 5-cm irregular mass in the right upper lobe.
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy: Tumor in the right upper lobe bronchus. Biopsy: Squamous cell carcinoma. Whole body FDG-PET scan: Negative for metastasis. Which of the following is the most appropriate action while preparing him for surgery?
A. Repeat PET scan in 3 months
B. Pulmonary function tests
C. Chemotherapy
D. Radiotherapy
B. Pulmonary function tests
A 55-year-old man with a long history of smoking presents to the Emergency Room with exertional shortness of breath and a daily productive cough of 3-4 tablespoons of yellow sputum that has worsened over the last 3 days. No history of fever, chest pain, or hemoptysis. Chest examination reveals decreased breath sounds and scattered rhonchi. Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line inhaling agent to be started in an emergency?
A. Ipratropium bromide
B. Beclomethasone
C. Salmeterol
D. Albuterol
A. Ipratropium bromide
A 33-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis for 3 years is evaluated in the Emergency Department with a 3-day history of pain and swelling of the left knee and low-grade fever. There was no history of trauma. Her medications are prednisone, methotrexate, and etanercept. Joints examination reveals a swollen and tender left knee, and mild synovitis is present on the third proximal interphalangeal joint bilaterally. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?
A. Bone scan
B. Arthrocentesis of the left knee
C. Conventional radiology of the left knee
D. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left knee
B. Arthrocentesis of the left knee
A 40-year-old woman presents with pain and swelling of the hands with early morning stiffness for 3 months. She has photosensitivity, hair loss, difficulty climbing stairs, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Examination reveals active arthritis at the second and third proximal interphalangeal joints, malar rash, and healed ulcers at the tip of the second finger. Proximal muscle strength is 3/5 (see lab results). Antinuclear antibody (ANA titer 1: 2540) Which of the following antibodies will most likely confirm the diagnosis?
A. Anti-Smith (SM)
B. Anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP)
C. Anti-double stranded DNA (anti-ds DNA)
D. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP)
B. Anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP)
A 28-year-old woman with active neuropsychiatric lupus based on clinical manifestations and her workups. Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line therapy?
A. Corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide
B. Intravenous cyclophosphamide
C. Corticosteroids and rituximab
A. Corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide
A 35-year-old man is evaluated during a follow-up visit. He is a known case of rheumatoid arthritis that is well controlled with prednisone 15 mg and hydroxychloroquine 400 mg daily. His physical examinations are unremarkable (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
A. Taper prednisone and start methotrexate
B. Taper prednisone and start ibuprofen
C. Taper prednisone and start cyclosporine
D. Continue his treatment
A. Taper prednisone and start methotrexate
A 50-year-old man is evaluated in the clinic for newly diagnosed hypertension that is not well controlled with lifestyle modifications. His systemic examinations are unremarkable (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient’s hypertension?
A. Amlodipine
B. Lisinopril
C. Hydrochlorothiazide
D. Lisinopril and amlodipine
D. Lisinopril and amlodipine
A 55-year-old man with acute coronary syndrome who recently underwent cardiac catheterization is evaluated because of acute kidney injury. Which of the following is most suggestive of cholesterol emboli as a cause of acute renal failure?
A. White blood cell casts
B. Red cell casts
C. Granular casts
D. Eosinophiluria
D. Eosinophiluria
A 60-year-old man who has been on hemodialysis for the last 10 years is evaluated in the clinic. He is complaining of fatigue but has no other symptoms. His physical examination is unremarkable (see lab results). Which of the following is the most common cause of death in such patients?
A. Cardiovascular disease
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Anemia
D. Uremia
A. Cardiovascular disease
A 30-year-old woman with Sjogren’s syndrome on hydroxychloroquine is evaluated in the clinic because of fatigue. Her physical examinations are unremarkable (see lab results). Which of the following renal tubular acidosis type is the most likely cause of her hypokalemia?
A. Type 1
B. Type 2
C. Type 3
D. Type 4
A. Type 1
A 35-year-old woman presents to the Emergency Department with fever and shortness of breath for 2 days. She is a known rheumatoid arthritis patient on hydroxychloroquine 400 mg daily. Examination reveals crepitations at the right lower lung. Renal and liver function are normal. She was treated with cefuroxime with resultant significant improvement. However, her renal function is deteriorating (see lab results). Which of the following is the most likely cause of kidney function deterioration?
A. Renal vasculitis
B. Acute interstitial nephritis
C. Prerenal acute kidney failure
D. Immune complex glomerulonephritis
B. Acute interstitial nephritis
An 18-year-old man is evaluated because of acute kidney injury 3 days after an upper respiratory tract infection. Examination reveals lower limb pitting edema up to the knee levels. His laboratory investigations were normal 3 days ago but are repeated today (see lab results). Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. IgA nephropathy
B. Lupus nephritis
C. Acute interstitial nephritis
D. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis
A. IgA nephropathy
A 28-year-old man who recently joined military service and underwent excessive military training presents to the Emergency Department with lightheadedness on standing and fatigue. Physical examination reveals postural hypotension, otherwise unremarkable. Urine osmolality is elevated > 500 mosmol/L (see lab results). What is the most likely etiology for his acute kidney injury?
A. Pre-renal azotemia
B. Acute interstitial nephritis
C. Acute glomerulonephritis
D. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
A. Pre-renal azotemia
A 28-year-old man who recently joined military service and underwent excessive military training presents to the Emergency Department with lightheadedness on standing, muscle cramping, and fatigue. Physical examination reveals postural hypotension, otherwise unremarkable. A diagnosis of acute kidney injury due to hypovolemia is established. Which of the following is the most expected laboratory abnormality?
A. Low urine osmolarity < 250 mosmol/L
B. Fractional excretion of sodium > 2%
C. Blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio is elevated > 20
D. Presence of dysmorphic red blood cell (RBC) and RBC cast
C. Blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio is elevated > 20
A 55-year-old man with stage 2 chronic kidney disease is evaluated because of anemia. He is complaining of fatigue. His physical examination reveals pale skin, otherwise unremarkable (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate investigation to be done?
A. Serum iron studies
B. Reticulocyte count
C. Serum erythropoietin level
D. Bone marrow aspiration
A. Serum iron studies
A 64-year-old man known to have liver cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis C completed treatment for HCV and now has undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks post-treatment. He is asymptomatic. Clinically, he has a few spider angiomata and mild splenomegaly (see lab
results). Which of the following is the most appropriate follow-up option?
A. MRI abdomen yearly
B. Reassurance and follow-up
C. Liver ultrasound every 6 months
D. Alpha fetoprotein every 3 months
C. Liver ultrasound every 6 months
A 34-year-old woman, a known case of SLE on hydroxychloroquine, came to the clinic for a routine checkup. She is asymptomatic with an unremarkable clinical examination. Urine analysis and her blood tests are done. She underwent renal biopsy, which revealed Class I (minimal change) lupus nephritis (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?
A. Reassurance
B. Pulse steroid
C. High-protein diet
D. Control of blood pressure
D. Control of blood pressure
A 26-year-old man is evaluated in the Emergency Department 1 hour after having a first- time generalized tonic-clonic seizure. He has never had a seizure previously or any episode of jerking, staring, confusion, or memory loss. He has had no recent illness and has no history of neurological problems. Birth and development were normal. There is no family history of seizures or epilepsy. He takes no medication and does not use illicit drugs. His vital signs are normal. Neurological findings are unremarkable. Results of laboratory studies show a normal complete blood count and metabolic panel. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in management?
A. ECG
B. EEG
C. Head CT scan
D. Lumbar puncture
C. Head CT scan
A 44-year-old man is presented to the Emergency Room 8 hours after the sudden onset of a global, severe headache with associated neck stiffness. The headache is described as the strongest he has ever had. He is known to have hypertension but is noncompliant with his medications. Examination revealed a discomfortable and restless patient. Funduscopic examination is normal with the left pupil being 2 millimeters larger than the right and poorly reactive to light, and he has neck stiffness with passive movement (see report). Which of the following is the most appropriate next diagnostic test?
A. Magnetic resonance angiography of the neck
B. No further testing is necessary
C. Lumbar puncture
D. MRI of the brain
C. Lumbar puncture
A 55-year-old man is evaluated 2 days after having an episode of left arm weakness without pain that lasted 5 minutes. He is now asymptomatic. He has type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Medications are aspirin, insulin, and atorvastatin. Physical examination shows that no carotid bruits or cardiac murmurs are heard on cardiac auscultation, and all other physical examination findings are normal (see report). Electrocardiogram: Normal sinus rhythm with no ST-segment or T-wave changes. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial imaging test?
A. Transesophageal echocardiography
B. Carotid duplex ultrasonography
C. CT angiography of the neck
D. MRI of the brain
B. Carotid duplex ultrasonography
A 59-year-old man is evaluated in the hospital for progressive shortness of breath and hypoxia 20 hours after undergoing surgery for colonic adenocarcinoma with known liver metastases (see report). CT angiography: Shows a right lower lobe pulmonary embolism. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?
A. Warfarin
B. Enoxaparin
C. Rivaroxaban
D. Fondaparinux
B. Enoxaparin
A 30-year-old woman is evaluated for new-onset nonproductive cough and dyspnea on exertion. She is pregnant at 30 weeks gestation. Medical history is unremarkable. Her only medication is a prenatal vitamin. Cardiopulmonary examination is normal. She has a gravid uterus and 2+ edema of the lower extremities without calf tenderness. Doppler ultrasonography of both legs is negative for deep venous thrombosis (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic test to perform next?
A. D-dimer assay
B. CT angiography
C. Pulmonary function testing
D. Ventilation-perfusion lung scan
D. Ventilation-perfusion lung scan
A 49-year-old woman undergoes perioperative evaluation. She has osteoarthritis of the right hip and is scheduled for elective hip arthroplasty. Medical history is otherwise notable for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Her menstrual period has been heavy for the last few months. Medications are ibuprofen and metformin. Vital signs are normal. She has painful and limited range of motion in the right hip (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate test to perform next?
A. Iron studies
B. Vitamin B12 level
C. No further evaluation
D. Hemoglobin electrophoresis
A. Iron studies
A 29-year-old woman arrives at the hospital in labor at 38 weeks gestation of an otherwise uncomplicated second pregnancy. Her labor fails to progress after 20 hours; a cesarean section delivers a healthy female infant. A few minutes after the procedure, the patient begins to have heavy vaginal bleeding. Placental abruption is diagnosed and appropriately managed with fluid resuscitation and transfusion of 4 units of blood, yet she continues to have moderate bleeding (see lab results). Which of the following infusion is the most appropriate management?
A. Cryoprecipitate
B. Platelets
C. Albumin
D. Iron
A. Cryoprecipitate
A 70-year-old woman presents with fatigue and exertional dyspnea for several months. Medical history includes longstanding hypertension and chronic kidney disease, and she is not adherent to her medications. Examination reveals pale mucous membranes and nail beds (see lab results and report). Kidney ultrasonography: Showed small kidneys bilaterally with echographic features suggesting chronic kidney disease. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s anemia?
A. Erythropoietin deficiency
B. Myelodysplastic syndrome
C. Iron deficiency
D. Inflammation
A. Erythropoietin deficiency
A 32-year-old woman presents to the clinic with decreased exercise tolerance and ice cravings for the past several months. Medical history is notable for celiac disease diagnosed 7 years ago, and she is not compliant with a gluten-free diet. Her only medication is ferrous sulfate tablets 325 mg once daily, which she has been taking for 12 weeks after being
diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Examination reveals a thin patient with normal vital signs, pale conjunctivae, and nail beds. Cardiac examination reveals a grade 2/6 systolic flow murmur (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
A. Continue the same treatment
B. Intravenous iron preparation
C. Oral iron in a liquid preparation
D. Oral iron tablets three times daily
B. Intravenous iron preparation
A 58-year-old woman presents to the follow-up clinic. She is known to have idiopathic deep venous thrombosis and is on warfarin, which was initiated 6 weeks ago. The examination is unremarkable (see lab result). Which of the following is the most appropriate management in addition to withhold ing warfarin?
A. Administer vitamin K
B. Re-measure INR in 2 days
C. Administer fresh frozen plasma
D. Administer prothrombin complex concentrate
B. Re-measure INR in 2 days
A 34-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation is evaluated for a severe headache. Her only medication is a prenatal vitamin. Neurologic and cardiopulmonary examination is normal. She has a gravid uterus and 2+ edema of the lower extremities. No petechiae or ecchymoses are seen (see lab results and report). Peripheral smear: Occasional fragmented erythrocytes without platelet clumping. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
A. High-dose dexamethasone
B. Emergent delivery
C. Plasma exchange
D. Eculizumab
B. Emergent delivery
A 31-year-old woman known to have rheumatic mitral stenosis recently developed atrial fibrillation, for which she was placed on warfarin therapy. What is the most appropriate target of the international normalized ratio (INR) range?
A. <1.0
B. 1.0-1.5
C. 2.0-3.0
D. >3.0
C. 2.0-3.0
A 25-year-old woman is seen for a routine prenatal evaluation; she is 12 weeks pregnant. This is her second pregnancy; the first pregnancy was uncomplicated. Medical history is notable for sickle cell disease requiring 1 to 2 hospitalizations per year for painful events. She has no history of stroke or acute chest syndrome. Her only medication is a folic acid supplement. Cardiac examination reveals a grade 2/6 systolic flow murmur (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
A. Exchange transfusion throughout pregnancy
B. Close observation throughout pregnancy
C. Simple blood transfusion
D. Start on hydroxyurea
B. Close observation throughout pregnancy
A 55-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus was recently diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following is the most appropriate antihypertensive medication?
A. Hydralazine
B. Amlodipine
C. Metoprolol
D. Ramipril
D. Ramipril
A 60-year-old man is found to have elevated blood pressure during a routine checkup. He has no symptoms, and physical examination is unremarkable. ECG, CBC, electrolytes, renal function tests, and urine analysis are normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next option in management?
A. Request echocardiogram
B. Start antihypertensive medication
C. Perform ambulatory blood pressure measurement
D. Repeat office blood pressure measurement in 3 months
C. Perform ambulatory blood pressure measurement
A 75-year-old man with COPD presented with acute exacerbation due to super-added pneumonia. He was managed with IV fluids, antibiotics, nebulized salbutamol, and nasal oxygen at 4 L/min. A few hours later, he started to become drowsy (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management?
A. Noninvasive ventilation
B. Nebulized Ipratropium
C. Reduce inspired oxygen concentration
D. Increase the frequency of nebulized salbutamol
C. Reduce inspired oxygen concentration
A 55-year-old man presented with a productive cough for 3 months. He had a similar attack of chronic cough for the previous 2 years. He smokes 1 pack/day for the last 15 years. Examination revealed an obese patient with scattered wheeze and crackles over the lungs. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bronchiectasis
B. Bronchial asthma
C. Pulmonary fibrosis
D. Chronic bronchitis
D. Chronic bronchitis
A 55-year-old man, a plumber, presented with a 1-year history of dry cough and progressive exertional breathlessness. Examination shows finger clubbing and bilateral basal crackles (see reports). Chest X-ray: Bilateral reticular shadowing at the lower zone of the lungs. Which of the following has the highest diagnostic value?
A. Trans-Bronchial Biopsy
B. Measures diffusion capacity on PFT
C. High-resolution CT scan of the chest
D. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme
C. High-resolution CT scan of the chest
A 55-year-old man, a plumber, presented with a 1-year history of dry cough and progressive exertional breathlessness. Examination shows finger clubbing and bilateral basal crackles (see reports). Chest X-ray: Bilateral reticular shadowing at the lower zone of the lungs. Which of the following has the highest diagnostic value?
A. Trans-Bronchial Biopsy
B. Measures diffusion capacity on PFT
C. High-resolution CT scan of the chest
D. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme
C. High-resolution CT scan of the chest
A 65-year-old man known to have COPD admitted with 2 weeks of worsening productive cough and breathlessness. Examination shows that he is drowsy with bilateral wheeze over the chest (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. High flow oxygen
B. Inhaled albuterol
C. Intravenous aminophylline
D. Nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium
D. Nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium
A 61-year-old obese man presented with daytime somnolence, poor concentration, nocturia, and progressive shortness of breath. Examination reveals an obese patient with bilateral lower limb edema and normal vesicular breath sounds on lung auscultation. Which of the following is the most appropriate investigation to establish the diagnosis?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Sleep study
C. Echocardiography
D. High-resolution CT lung
B. Sleep study
A 62-year-old diabetic woman was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with pneumonia and sepsis (see lab results and report). Chest X-ray: Right lobe consolidation and pleural effusion. Which of the following most likely indicates a poor prognosis?
A. Age
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. High white blood cell count
D. Pleural effusion on chest X-ray
B. Diabetes mellitus
A 64-year-old diabetic woman was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with pneumonia and sepsis. She has no chronic lung disease and is not a smoker (see lab results and report). Chest X-ray: Right lobe consolidation and pleural effusion. Which of the following is the most appropriate empiric antibiotic?
A. Moxifloxacin
B. Azithromycin
C. Vancomycin
D. Ceftazidime
A. Moxifloxacin
A 65-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of progressive shortness of breath, dry cough, and fatigue. She was treated for pneumonia with 2 courses of antibiotics but showed no improvement in her symptoms. She has no significant medical problems (see reports). Chest X-ray (after antibiotics): A persistent dense area of consolidation at the right lower lobe. Bronchioalveolar lavage: Atypical cells. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Sarcoidosis
B. Atypical pneumonia
C. Allergic pneumonitis
D. Bronchogenic cancer
D. Bronchogenic cancer
A 45-year-old woman, a smoker for 18 years, presented with exertional shortness of breath and a chronic cough for 5 months. She is also known to have long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. Chest examination revealed increased AP diameter with hyperresonance all over the chest and scattered crackles (see report). Pulmonary function test: Increase in total lung capacity and residual volume. FEV1 60% with no change post-bronchodilator. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Lung fibrosis
B. Emphysema
C. Bronchiectasis
D. Allergic pneumonitis
B. Emphysema
A 17-year-old student presented with recurrent attacks of mild wheeze and shortness of breath despite using inhaled salbutamol regularly. Which of the following is the best next step in the management?
A. Oral prednisolone
B. Inhaled corticosteroid
C. Low-dose aminophylline
D. Inhaled ipratropium bromide
B. Inhaled corticosteroid
A 70-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with a 2-hour history of confusion and irritability. He was well until 5 days ago, when he injured his right leg and has been bed-bound since the accident. He is hypertensive and well-controlled on medication. He has no fever (see reports). Chest X-ray: Normal. ECG: Sinus tachycardia. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Arrhythmia
B. Cerebral infarction
C. Brain hemorrhage
D. Pulmonary embolism
D. Pulmonary embolism
A 65-year-old man, a smoker who was recently diagnosed with COPD, complains of shortness of breath on moderate exertion. He has no other medical problems, and chest examination was unremarkable. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in management?
A. Inhaled steroid
B. Reduced activity
C. Smoking cessation
D. Oral ipratropium
C. Smoking cessation
A young man with HIV was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with progressive shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Examination showed he was dyspneic and cyanosed (see report). Chest X-ray: Signs of ARDS. Which of the following is the most likely causative organism?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Pneumocystis jiroveci
C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
D. Streptococcus pneumoniae
B. Pneumocystis jiroveci
A 17-year-old man developed febrile neutropenia and shock post-chemotherapy for lymphoma. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial antibiotic?
A. Meropenem
B. Vancomycin
C. Cefuroxime
D. Caspofungin
A. Meropenem
A 45-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with fever. He required a vasopressor to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of more than 65 mm Hg. He is receiving adequate IV fluid resuscitation (see lab result). Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Sepsis
B. Septicemia
C. Septic shock
D. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
C. Septic shock
A 35-year-old woman presented to the clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, lethargy, and weight gain. Physical examination is unremarkable (see lab results). Which of the following is the most appropriate investigation?
A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
B. Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO)
C. Triiodothyronine (T3)
D. Thyroxine (T4)
A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
A 32-year-old woman is evaluated because of a 3-month history of weight loss, heat intolerance, tremor, and irritability. Physical examination reveals a tremor and a non -tender goiter. She has negative thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (see lab results). Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Primary TSH-secreting tumor
B. Tertiary hypothyroidism
C. Toxic nodular goiter
D. Grave’s disease
C. Toxic nodular goiter
A 25-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy was found in the clinic waiting area drowsy and excessively sweating. A quick measurement of blood glucose revealed a low level. Which of the following is the most appropriate action to be taken?
A. Give fruit juice
B. Start IV 0.9% normal saline
C. Glucagon subcutaneously
D. IV 5% dextrose with normal saline
A. Give fruit juice
A 32-year-old housemaid was brought to the Emergency Room with headache, confusion, and fever for 2 weeks. She just came from India 1 month ago. Examination reveals a confused patient with neck rigidity. Fundus examination shows papilledema (see lab results and report). Brain CT scan: No masses or hemorrhage. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Treat household contacts against TB
B. Admit the patient to a negative pressure isolation room
C. Send CSF fluid for TB culture and wait for the results
D. Start isoniazid (INH), rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol
D. Start isoniazid (INH), rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol
A 27-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 1-week history of fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and painful swelling in her neck. She had an upper respiratory tract infection 3 weeks ago. She has no past medical history. Examination reveals a tender goiter. Her oropharynx is clear (see lab results). Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Sick euthyroid syndrome
B. Subclinical hypothyroidism
C. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
D. Subacute thyroiditis
D. Subacute thyroiditis
A 44-year-old Saudi man is evaluated because of a 3-month history of fever and back pain that radiates to his legs. His examination reveals bony tenderness over the entire back. Blood culture shows gram-negative coccobacilli.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Brucellosis
B. Tuberculosis
C. Leishmaniasis
D. Schistosomiasis
A. Brucellosis
A 25-year-old man was recently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Which of the following features best distinguishes Crohn’s disease from ulcerative colitis?
A. Aphthous ulcers
B. Colonic involvement on colonoscopy
C. Non-caseating granuloma in biopsy
D. Presence of extra-intestinal manifestations
C. Non-caseating granuloma in biopsy
A 35-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 5-month history of fatigue. She takes no medication. Her examination is unremarkable (see lab results). What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient’s dyslipidemia?
A. Statin
B. Fibrate
C. Niacin
D. Thyroxine
D. Thyroxine
A 38-year-old man with a 10-year history of gastroesophageal reflux disease on pantoprazole is evaluated in the clinic because of a 4-month history of intermittent dysphagia for solids. What is the most appropriate next investigation?
A. Endoscopy
B. Manometry
C. Barium swallow
D. Fecal occult blood test (FOB)
A. Endoscopy
A 60-year-old man is evaluated in the clinic because of a 6-month history of exertional shortness of breath. Clinical examination reveals a positive Corrigan’s pulse, early diastolic murmur at the left upper sternal border, and bilateral fine basal crepitations (see report). Echocardiogram: Severe aortic regurgitation and ejection fraction of 40%. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?
A. Diuretics
B. Calcium channel blockers
C. Surgical valve replacement (AVR)
D. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
C. Surgical valve replacement (AVR)
A 45-year-old man with diabetes mellitus for 4 years on metformin is evaluated in the clinic because of an abnormal liver function test. He is clinically asymptomatic. His examination is unremarkable (see lab results). Which of the following is the most likely cause of his abnormal liver function test?
A. Acute viral hepatitis
B. Hemochromatosis
C. Autoimmune hepatitis
D. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
D. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
A 55-year-old man with liver cirrhosis on regular follow-up presents to the Emergency Room with a 2-day history of decreased level of consciousness and increased abdominal girth. Examination reveals an ill and cachectic patient with tense ascites and lower limb pitting edema bilaterally. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
A. Loop diuretics
B. Start diuretic and spironolactone
C. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
B. Start diuretic and spironolactone