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atrial fibrillation

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on atrial fibrillation.

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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Her INR is 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Administer vitamin K and discontinue warfarin
B. Elevate the leg and apply compression bandages
C. Prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic
D. Apply topical corticosteroids
E. Increase the dose of warfarin
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A 62-year-old man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department complaining of palpitations and lightheadedness. He reports that the symptoms started suddenly about an hour ago. He denies any chest pain, shortness of breath, or syncope. His medications include metformin and lisinopril. On examination, he is alert and oriented. His blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is irregularly irregular at 140 bpm, respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 97% on room air. An ECG is performed, which shows an absence of P waves, irregularly irregular R-R intervals, and narrow QRS complexes. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Synchronized cardioversion
B. Vagal maneuvers
C. Administration of intravenous magnesium sulfate
D. Intravenous amiodarone
E. Rate control with intravenous diltiazem
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He reports that the pain started acutely this morning and has been gradually worsening. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been taking warfarin for the past 5 years. He denies any recent trauma or injury. On examination, his vital signs are: heart rate 110 bpm, blood pressure 100/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 28 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation 88% on room air. Auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds on the right side. The patient is pale and diaphoretic. A chest X-ray was initially performed, followed by the image shown. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Administer protamine sulfate
B. Perform a thoracentesis
C. Administer intravenous antibiotics
D. Order a ventilation/perfusion scan
E. Insert a chest tube
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 78-year-old female on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of increasing pain and discolouration in her right lower leg. She reports the pain is severe and worsening rapidly. She denies trauma or recent falls. Her INR this morning was 2.5 (target 2.0-3.0). Vital signs are stable: BP 130/80, HR 75, RR 16, Temp 36.8°C. Examination reveals the findings shown in the image. Considering the patient's history, current medication, and the clinical appearance depicted, what is the most appropriate immediate therapeutic intervention?

A. Discontinue warfarin and administer Vitamin K.
B. Arrange urgent surgical debridement of the affected area.
C. Initiate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics.
D. Increase warfarin dose to achieve an INR of 3.0-4.0.
E. Prescribe oral analgesia and arrange outpatient follow-up.
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 78-year-old male on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents with acute dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. His INR is 7.0. A chest CT is performed (image attached). After initial resuscitation, what is the MOST appropriate intervention?

A. Administer intravenous vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate
B. Perform needle thoracostomy
C. Administer intravenous protamine sulfate
D. Administer intravenous furosemide
E. Observe and repeat CT scan in 6 hours
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 75-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation on warfarin presents to the emergency department with acute onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. His vital signs are stable. His INR is found to be 7.2. A chest CT is performed (image attached). Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate immediate management step?

A. Administer Vitamin K and Prothrombinex (PCC) and prepare for chest tube insertion.
B. Administer Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and arrange for surgical consultation.
C. Prescribe analgesia and observe the patient for clinical improvement.
D. Proceed directly to chest tube insertion without reversing anticoagulation.
E. Administer Vitamin K only and monitor the patient closely.
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A 72-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (stage 3) presents with a 2-week history of exertional dyspnea and fatigue. He reports no chest pain but has noticed occasional palpitations. On examination, his blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm (irregularly irregular), respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 94% on room air. Cardiovascular examination reveals a variable intensity S1, no S3 or S4, and a soft systolic murmur at the apex. Lung fields are clear. An ECG shows absent P waves and irregularly irregular QRS complexes. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Start a beta-blocker for rate control
B. Administer intravenous digoxin
C. Perform immediate electrical cardioversion
D. Initiate anticoagulation therapy
E. Refer for urgent coronary angiography
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 78-year-old male on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe dyspnoea and right-sided pleuritic chest pain. He denies trauma. On examination, he is tachypnoeic, oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, heart rate 95 bpm. Chest examination reveals decreased breath sounds on the right. A CT scan of the chest is performed. Considering the patient's clinical presentation, medical history, and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following pharmacological agents is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

A. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
B. Vitamin K
C. Tranexamic acid
D. Prothrombinex (PCC)
E. Recombinant Factor VIIa
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation 5 days ago. Her INR is currently 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Apply compression bandages and elevate the leg
B. Start heparin and continue warfarin at the same dose
C. Reduce warfarin dose and monitor INR daily
D. Stop warfarin and administer vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma
E. Continue warfarin at the same dose and apply topical corticosteroids
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A 72-year-old man with a history of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and atrial fibrillation presents to the cardiology clinic for routine follow-up. He reports increased fatigue and occasional palpitations but denies chest pain or syncope. His current medications include lisinopril, carvedilol, furosemide, and digoxin. His blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is 78 bpm, and he has mild peripheral edema. Recent laboratory tests show a serum creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL and potassium of 4.5 mmol/L. An echocardiogram shows an ejection fraction of 35%. Considering his current medication regimen and clinical status, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in his pharmacological management?

A. Increase the dose of carvedilol
B. Initiate ivabradine
C. Start warfarin for anticoagulation
D. Switch lisinopril to sacubitril/valsartan
E. Add spironolactone
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old female on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents with a 2-day history of increasing pain and a developing lesion on her right lower leg. She denies trauma. Her INR is therapeutic at 2.5. Vitals are stable. Considering the clinical presentation and the image provided, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Continue warfarin at a reduced dose and monitor the lesion closely.
B. Switch anticoagulation to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC).
C. Discontinue warfarin, administer vitamin K, and initiate heparin.
D. Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics and arrange surgical debridement.
E. Apply topical corticosteroids and compression bandaging.
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A 78-year-old man with a history of chronic atrial fibrillation and hypertension presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe pain, numbness, and coldness in his left leg, starting approximately 3 hours ago. He is currently taking aspirin 100mg daily. On examination, his left foot and lower calf are pale and cool to touch. Pedal pulses are absent, popliteal pulse is weak. Sensation is decreased below the ankle, and motor function is preserved but weak. Capillary refill in the toes is delayed. His heart rate is irregularly irregular at 95 bpm, blood pressure 140/85 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Initiate intravenous unfractionated heparin and consult vascular surgery urgently.
B. Administer a bolus of intravenous fluid and analgesia.
C. Start a continuous infusion of alteplase.
D. Order an urgent CT angiography of the left lower limb.
E. Arrange for an urgent venous duplex ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis.
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been taking warfarin for the past 5 years. His INR is currently 6.0. A CT scan of the chest is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate initial management step?

A. Administer intravenous vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
B. Administer intravenous tranexamic acid
C. Administer intravenous protamine sulfate
D. Perform a needle thoracostomy
E. Observe and monitor the patient's respiratory status
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 78-year-old female on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of increasing pain and discolouration in her right lower leg. She reports the pain is severe and worsening rapidly. She denies trauma or recent falls. Her INR this morning was 2.5 (target 2.0-3.0). Vital signs are stable: BP 130/80, HR 75, RR 16, Temp 36.8°C. Examination reveals the findings shown in the image. Considering the patient's history, current medication, and the clinical appearance depicted, the underlying mechanism involves a transient deficiency of which of the following?

A. Plasminogen
B. Antithrombin III
C. Protein C
D. Factor VIII
E. Vitamin K
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A 68-year-old man with atrial fibrillation is scheduled for elective hip replacement surgery. He is currently on warfarin with a target INR of 2.0-3.0. His INR is 2.5 at the preoperative assessment. What is the most appropriate management of his anticoagulation therapy in preparation for surgery?

A. Stop warfarin 2 days before surgery and start a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) instead
B. Continue warfarin and adjust the dose to achieve an INR of less than 1.5 before surgery
C. Stop warfarin 5 days before surgery and consider bridging with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) if high thromboembolic risk
D. Switch from warfarin to aspirin 7 days before surgery
E. Stop warfarin 1 day before surgery and resume it immediately after the procedure
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 78-year-old male on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents with acute severe dyspnoea and right-sided pleuritic chest pain. Vitals: T 36.8°C, HR 95, BP 110/70, RR 24, SpO2 92% RA. Exam: decreased breath sounds, dullness right hemithorax. A CT scan of the chest is performed. Considering the patient's presentation, history, and the imaging findings, which is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Arrange for urgent bronchoscopy to rule out airway obstruction
B. Observe the patient closely in the intensive care unit without specific intervention
C. Increase the dose of warfarin and monitor INR
D. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and arrange for thoracentesis
E. Administer Vitamin K and Prothrombinex (PCC) and arrange for chest tube insertion
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He reports a recent fall but denies any significant trauma. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and is currently taking warfarin. His INR is 6.5. A CT scan of the chest is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in management?

A. Observe and repeat INR in 6 hours
B. Administer intravenous vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
C. Perform a needle thoracostomy
D. Administer intravenous protamine sulfate
E. Administer intravenous heparin
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A 70-year-old man with known atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, and coldness in his left leg. Pulses are absent below the femoral artery. What is the most likely source of the embolus causing this presentation?

A. Left atrium
B. Deep vein thrombosis
C. Popliteal artery aneurysm
D. Aortic arch
E. Carotid artery
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

An 82-year-old woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a recent hospitalisation for pneumonia was discharged 5 days ago on warfarin 5mg daily. She presents to the emergency department complaining of increasing pain and a rapidly evolving lesion on her right lower leg over the past 48 hours. She denies trauma. Her vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown in the image on her right anterior lower leg. Her INR today is 4.5. She has no known history of protein C or S deficiency. Considering the patient's history, current medication, laboratory result, and the clinical appearance depicted, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A. Prescribe oral flucloxacillin and review in 24 hours for suspected bacterial cellulitis.
B. Increase the daily dose of warfarin to achieve a target INR of 2.5-3.0 more rapidly.
C. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation for debridement of the necrotic tissue.
D. Discontinue warfarin, administer intravenous vitamin K, and initiate therapeutic dose unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin.
E. Switch warfarin to rivaroxaban 20mg daily and monitor the lesion.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 78-year-old female on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of increasing pain and discolouration in her right lower leg. She denies trauma or recent falls. Her INR this morning was 2.5 (target 2.0-3.0). Vital signs are stable: BP 130/80, HR 75, RR 16, Temp 36.8°C. Examination reveals the findings shown in the image. Considering the patient's history, current medication, and the clinical appearance depicted, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Discontinue warfarin, administer Vitamin K, and initiate heparin or LMWH.
B. Arrange urgent surgical debridement of the affected area.
C. Increase the dose of warfarin and monitor INR closely.
D. Initiate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics.
E. Perform a Doppler ultrasound of the leg veins.
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A 70-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, and coldness in his left leg. On examination, the leg is cool below the knee, distal pulses are absent, and sensation is diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic investigation?

A. Venous duplex ultrasound of the limb
B. Serum lactate level
C. CT angiography of the limb
D. Arterial duplex ultrasound of the limb
E. ECG
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation and well-controlled hypertension presents with acute onset expressive aphasia and right-sided facial droop. A CT angiogram reveals a posterior cerebral artery aneurysm, which was promptly treated with endovascular coiling. The provided image shows the post-operative angiogram. Despite the intervention, the patient's aphasia persists, and the facial droop has worsened. What is the MOST likely cause of the patient's continued and worsening symptoms?

A. Intracranial pressure elevation due to edema
B. Reperfusion injury following aneurysm coiling
C. Underlying progressive neurodegenerative disease
D. Thromboembolic complication during the coiling procedure
E. Vasospasm of the posterior cerebral artery
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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with worsening shortness of breath and fatigue over the past two weeks. He reports occasional palpitations but denies chest pain or syncope. On examination, his blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is 130 bpm (irregularly irregular), respiratory rate is 22 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 94% on room air. Jugular venous pressure is elevated, and there are bilateral lung crackles. An ECG shows atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. An echocardiogram reveals moderate mitral regurgitation and left atrial enlargement. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Initiation of antiarrhythmic therapy with amiodarone
B. Rate control with intravenous diltiazem
C. Immediate electrical cardioversion
D. Initiation of oral anticoagulation
E. Referral for mitral valve surgery
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A 70-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, and coldness in his left leg, extending below the knee. On examination, the leg is cool to touch, pale, and distal pulses (popliteal, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial) are absent. Sensation is diminished below the ankle, but he can still move his toes slightly. Capillary refill is delayed. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic investigation?

A. Arterial duplex ultrasound of the affected limb
B. Venous duplex ultrasound of the affected limb
C. CT angiography of the affected limb
D. Plain film X-ray of the affected limb
E. ECG and cardiac enzymes
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman presents with increasing pain in her right leg. She has been on warfarin for atrial fibrillation for the past 5 days. Her INR is currently 3.5. Examination reveals the findings shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Prescribe oral antibiotics
B. Apply topical corticosteroids
C. Stop warfarin and administer vitamin K
D. Continue warfarin at the same dose
E. Start intravenous heparin
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 78-year-old male on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe dyspnoea and right-sided pleuritic chest pain. He denies trauma. On examination, he is tachypnoeic, oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, heart rate 95 bpm. Chest examination reveals decreased breath sounds on the right. A CT scan of the chest is performed. Considering the patient's clinical presentation, medical history, and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following interventions is most critical to initiate *before* considering invasive drainage?

A. Insertion of a large-bore chest tube
B. Urgent surgical exploration of the chest
C. Administration of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) or Factor IX complex
D. Initiation of therapeutic heparin infusion
E. Intravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 78-year-old male on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe dyspnoea and right-sided pleuritic chest pain. He denies trauma. On examination, he is tachypnoeic, oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, heart rate 95 bpm. Chest examination reveals decreased breath sounds on the right. A CT scan of the chest is performed. Considering the patient's clinical presentation, medical history, and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A. Arrange for urgent bronchoscopy to investigate airway obstruction.
B. Increase warfarin dose and monitor INR.
C. Observe closely in the emergency department with serial chest X-rays.
D. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and arrange for thoracentesis.
E. Administer Vitamin K and Prothrombinex (PCC) and arrange for chest tube insertion.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

An 82-year-old woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was recently discharged from hospital following treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Five days ago, she was commenced on warfarin 5mg daily for stroke prevention. She presents to the emergency department today complaining of severe, rapidly worsening pain and a dark, blistering lesion on her right lower leg that developed over the past 48 hours. She denies any recent trauma to the leg. Her vital signs are stable: blood pressure 132/82 mmHg, heart rate 76 bpm, respiratory rate 18/min, temperature 37.0°C. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown in the image on her right anterior lower leg. Laboratory results show an INR of 4.8, haemoglobin 125 g/L, white cell count 8.5 x 10^9/L, and platelets 250 x 10^9/L. She has no known personal or family history of thrombophilia. Considering the clinical presentation, recent medication changes, and the appearance depicted, which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A. Discontinue warfarin, administer Vitamin K, and initiate therapeutic dose low molecular weight heparin.
B. Reduce the dose of warfarin and monitor the INR closely.
C. Discontinue warfarin and administer Vitamin K only.
D. Initiate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and arrange urgent surgical review for debridement.
E. Continue warfarin at the current dose and administer fresh frozen plasma to correct the INR.
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of acute onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He reports that the pain started suddenly this morning and has been gradually worsening. He has a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, for which he takes warfarin. He denies any recent trauma or injury. On examination, his vital signs are: heart rate 115 bpm, blood pressure 95/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 30 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation 87% on room air. Auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds on the right side. The patient appears pale and is diaphoretic. His INR is 6.5. A CT scan of the chest is performed, and the relevant image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Perform needle thoracostomy followed by insertion of an underwater seal drain
B. Administer intravenous protamine sulfate and monitor for improvement in respiratory status
C. Administer intravenous furosemide and monitor urine output
D. Insert a chest tube and administer intravenous vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
E. Administer intravenous antibiotics and schedule a repeat CT scan in 24 hours
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to the ED with sudden onset shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation and has been taking warfarin for the past 5 years. His INR is currently 6.5. A CT scan of the chest is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Insert an intercostal chest drain
B. Administer intravenous vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
C. Perform a diagnostic thoracentesis
D. Observe and repeat INR in 6 hours
E. Administer intravenous protamine sulfate
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 75-year-old male is brought to the emergency department by ambulance with sudden onset severe shortness of breath and left-sided pleuritic chest pain that began approximately 4 hours ago. He reports feeling lightheaded and generally unwell. His past medical history includes chronic atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He is currently prescribed warfarin 5mg daily, metoprolol 50mg twice daily, perindopril 4mg daily, and metformin 1000mg twice daily. He denies any recent falls, trauma, or invasive procedures. On examination, he is visibly distressed and tachypnoeic. His vital signs are: temperature 36.8°C, heart rate 125 bpm (irregularly irregular), blood pressure 88/55 mmHg, respiratory rate 32 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation 85% on room air. Jugular venous pressure is not elevated. Cardiac auscultation reveals a rapid, irregular rhythm with no murmurs. Pulmonary auscultation reveals significantly diminished breath sounds over the entire left hemithorax, with dullness to percussion. The right lung field is clear. Abdominal examination is unremarkable. Peripheral pulses are weak but present. His capillary refill time is prolonged at 4 seconds. Initial laboratory results show haemoglobin 135 g/L (baseline 140 g/L three months ago), white cell count 9.2 x 10^9/L, platelets 250 x 10^9/L, creatinine 110 µmol/L, electrolytes within normal limits. His INR is 7.8. An urgent CT scan of the chest is performed, and a representative axial image is shown. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the single MOST appropriate immediate management step?

A. Arrange for urgent echocardiography to assess for cardiac tamponade and pulmonary embolism.
B. Initiate high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask and administer intravenous furosemide.
C. Administer intravenous tranexamic acid and observe the patient closely in the intensive care unit.
D. Administer intravenous Prothrombinex-VF and insert a large-bore intercostal catheter into the left pleural space.
E. Administer intravenous Vitamin K and arrange for urgent surgical consultation for thoracotomy.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents with increasing pain in her right leg over the past 48 hours. Her INR is 4.0. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST likely underlying cause?

A. Protein S deficiency
B. Prothrombin gene mutation
C. Antithrombin III deficiency
D. Factor V Leiden mutation
E. Protein C deficiency
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation 5 days ago. Her INR is currently 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Increase the dose of warfarin to achieve a higher INR
B. Start intravenous heparin and continue warfarin
C. Apply compression bandages and elevate the leg
D. Continue warfarin at the same dose and apply topical corticosteroids
E. Stop warfarin, administer vitamin K and start a direct oral anticoagulant
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents with a painful, rapidly expanding lesion on her right lower leg that began two days ago, shortly after her warfarin dose was increased. Her vital signs are stable, and her INR is within the therapeutic range. Considering the clinical presentation and the appearance of the lesion shown, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and arrange urgent surgical debridement.
B. Switch warfarin to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC).
C. Discontinue warfarin, administer vitamin K, and initiate heparin.
D. Continue warfarin at the current dose and monitor closely.
E. Reduce the warfarin dose and add aspirin.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

An 82-year-old woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a recent hospitalisation for pneumonia was discharged 5 days ago on warfarin 5mg daily. She presents to the emergency department complaining of increasing pain and a rapidly evolving lesion on her right lower leg over the past 48 hours. She denies trauma. Her vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown in the image on her right anterior lower leg. Her INR today is 4.5. She has no known history of protein C or S deficiency. Considering the patient's history, current medication, laboratory result, and the clinical appearance depicted, which of the following represents the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

A. Administer subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin and continue warfarin.
B. Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics and arrange for surgical debridement.
C. Reduce the dose of warfarin and monitor the lesion closely.
D. Administer fresh frozen plasma to correct the INR and continue warfarin at a lower dose.
E. Stop warfarin, administer intravenous Vitamin K, and initiate therapeutic dose unfractionated heparin.
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CT scan showing hemothorax caused by warfarin use
Image by Cevik Y CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 75-year-old male on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presents with acute dyspnoea and pleuritic chest pain. He is hypotensive with a BP of 90/60 mmHg and tachycardic at 110 bpm. His INR is 7.2. A chest CT is performed (image attached). Considering the clinical context and imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate immediate management step?

A. Administer intravenous Vitamin K and Prothrombinex-VF
B. Initiate high-flow nasal cannula oxygen
C. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation for thoracotomy
D. Perform urgent tube thoracostomy
E. Administer intravenous furosemide
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A 62-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with acute confusion and weakness on the right side of her body. She has a history of atrial fibrillation and is on warfarin for anticoagulation. Her INR is 3.5. On examination, she is disoriented to time and place, with a right-sided facial droop and hemiparesis. A CT scan of the head shows a left-sided intracerebral hemorrhage. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Start intravenous heparin
B. Administer intravenous vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate
C. Initiate oral antihypertensive therapy
D. Administer intravenous mannitol
E. Perform an urgent neurosurgical intervention
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 75-year-old woman on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of rapidly worsening pain and discolouration in her right lower leg. She denies trauma. Her INR is 2.8. Physical examination reveals the findings shown in the image. Peripheral pulses are palpable. What is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A. Perform urgent surgical debridement of the affected area
B. Order a Doppler ultrasound of the leg to rule out deep vein thrombosis
C. Stop warfarin and administer Vitamin K and heparin
D. Increase the dose of warfarin to achieve a higher INR
E. Administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics for suspected cellulitis
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