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elderly patient

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on elderly patient.

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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 woman with a history of well-controlled hypertension presents with sudden-onset headache and vomiting. Neurological exam reveals mild neck stiffness but is otherwise normal. A CT angiogram reveals a posterior communicating artery aneurysm, which was subsequently coiled. The image shows a post-coiling angiogram. 24 hours post-procedure, she develops worsening headache and new-onset right-sided weakness. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Start aspirin and clopidogrel
B. Increase the dose of her antihypertensive medication
C. Perform lumbar puncture
D. Repeat CT angiogram
E. Administer nimodipine
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A 72-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with increasing confusion and generalized weakness over the past week. Her medical history includes hypertension, for which she takes hydrochlorothiazide 25mg daily. On examination, she is lethargic and disoriented. Her blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is 88 bpm, and respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute. Neurological examination reveals decreased reflexes. Initial laboratory investigations reveal the following: Sodium: 118 mmol/L Potassium: 3.8 mmol/L Chloride: 85 mmol/L Bicarbonate: 24 mmol/L Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 25 mg/dL Creatinine: 1.1 mg/dL Glucose: 95 mg/dL Urine osmolality is 600 mOsm/kg. Serum osmolality is 250 mOsm/kg. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

A. Initiation of desmopressin (DDAVP) therapy to reduce free water excretion.
B. Administration of intravenous hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) at a rate of 50 mL/hour.
C. Administration of a loop diuretic (e.g., furosemide) to promote free water excretion.
D. Administration of intravenous normal saline (0.9% NaCl) at a rate of 100 mL/hour.
E. Fluid restriction to 800-1000 mL/day and monitoring of serum sodium levels every 4-6 hours.
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain, distension, and obstipation for the past 3 days. He reports a history of multiple abdominal surgeries for adhesions. His vital signs are: HR 110 bpm, BP 110/70 mmHg, RR 22 breaths/min, SpO2 97% on room air, and temperature 37.8°C. Physical examination reveals a distended abdomen with high-pitched bowel sounds. An upright abdominal X-ray is performed, as shown. Given the clinical context and the findings on the imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next imaging investigation to guide management?

A. CT abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast
B. Repeat plain abdominal X-ray in 6 hours
C. MRI abdomen
D. Barium enema
E. Upper GI series with small bowel follow-through
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for follow-up after experiencing intermittent episodes of right upper quadrant colicky pain over the past year, which have since resolved. She denies any current pain, fever, jaundice, or changes in bowel habits. Physical examination is unremarkable, and recent liver function tests are within normal limits. An elective abdominal ultrasound was performed, yielding the image shown. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?

A. Discharge with advice to return if symptoms recur
B. ERCP for stone extraction
C. Initiate ursodeoxycholic acid therapy
D. MRCP to further delineate the biliary anatomy
E. Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old male with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse presents with new-onset ascites and a palpable liver mass. His AFP is markedly elevated. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next diagnostic step?

A. Quadruple-phase CT scan of the abdomen
B. Initiate systemic chemotherapy
C. Repeat ultrasound in 3 months
D. MRI of the abdomen with hepatobiliary contrast
E. Liver biopsy
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An 80-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department from a nursing home due to increased lethargy and confusion over the past 24 hours. Her history includes dementia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Nursing staff report poor oral intake for 48 hours and a recent cough. On examination, she is drowsy but rousable. Her vital signs are: BP 85/50 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, RR 22 breaths/min, Temp 37.8°C, SpO2 94% on air. Capillary refill time is 4 seconds. Chest auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds at the bases. Abdomen is soft. Urine dipstick shows leukocytes and nitrites. She is on lisinopril and metformin. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Administer intravenous fluid bolus (e.g., 500 mL crystalloid)
B. Administer oral rehydration solution
C. Obtain a chest X-ray and urine culture
D. Discontinue lisinopril and monitor blood pressure
E. Administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman with a history of intermittent, self-resolving right upper quadrant pain presents for evaluation. She denies fever, chills, or jaundice, and her physical examination is unremarkable. Routine blood tests, including liver function tests and amylase, are within normal limits. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, and a representative image is shown. Based on the findings in this image and her clinical presentation, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone
B. Prescribe oral analgesics and advise dietary modification
C. Elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stone extraction
D. Referral for urgent surgical common bile duct exploration
E. Observation with regular clinical review
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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 68-year-old male presents with worsening headaches and blurred vision. He underwent endovascular coiling for a posterior cerebral artery aneurysm 6 months ago. The attached image was obtained. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Increase the dose of his antihypertensive medication
B. Initiate aspirin therapy
C. Repeat angiography
D. Order a CT scan of the head without contrast
E. Reassure the patient and schedule a follow-up appointment in 6 months
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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 70-year-old woman with a history of diabetes presents with fever, cough, and weight loss. A chest X-ray shows a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Sarcoidosis
B. Lung cancer
C. Tuberculosis
D. Lung abscess
E. Pneumocystis pneumonia
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A 70-year-old man with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with sudden onset, severe chest pain radiating to his back. He is diaphoretic and anxious. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Esophageal rupture
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Acute myocardial infarction
D. Pericarditis
E. Aortic dissection
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 70-year-old woman, post-mastectomy, presents with a chronic, pruritic lesion. What is the MOST likely underlying pathophysiology?

A. Contact dermatitis
B. Intraepithelial adenocarcinoma
C. Granulomatous inflammation
D. Dermal melanocytosis
E. Superficial fungal infection
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A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath on exertion. His blood tests reveal a hemoglobin level of 7.5 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 72 fL, and low serum ferritin. He has a history of osteoarthritis and takes ibuprofen regularly. What is the most likely cause of his anemia?

A. Thalassemia minor
B. Vitamin B12 deficiency
C. Chronic blood loss due to gastrointestinal bleeding
D. Anemia of chronic disease
E. Hemolytic anemia
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 65-year-old woman presents with a chronic, non-healing lesion at the site of her mastectomy scar, performed 7 years ago. She denies pain but reports occasional itching. What is the MOST appropriate next investigation?

A. Mammogram of the contralateral breast
B. Fungal culture
C. Topical corticosteroid application
D. Excisional biopsy with wide margins
E. Skin biopsy
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male presents with a 3-month history of unintentional weight loss and early satiety. Gastroscopy and biopsy confirmed a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma. Staging CT imaging is shown. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the provided imaging, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

A. Commence somatostatin analogue therapy.
B. Proceed with surgical resection of hepatic lesions.
C. Monitor with serial CT scans and symptomatic management.
D. Initiate systemic chemotherapy.
E. Plan for palliative external beam radiotherapy to the liver.
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A 62-year-old female has high blood pressure (162/97 mmHg) but is not concerned. She has white coat hypertension and declines 24-hour BP monitoring. What is the correct instruction about home blood pressure readings?

A. Check blood pressure immediately after waking up.
B. Check BP before daily medications.
C. Check blood pressure while talking or watching TV.
D. Check blood pressure only when feeling unwell.
E. Check blood pressure after food and exercise.
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of worsening constipation, occasional bright red rectal bleeding, and unexplained fatigue. His GP notes mild pallor. Full blood count reveals a haemoglobin of 105 g/L and low ferritin. A colonoscopy is performed, and the image provided is a representative view of a finding in the sigmoid colon. Biopsies were taken. Considering the clinical context and the endoscopic appearance, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management pathway to determine the extent of disease?

A. Referral for immediate surgical resection
B. Repeat colonoscopy in 6 months to assess response to medical therapy
C. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis for staging
D. PET scan for metabolic activity assessment
E. Commencement of iron supplementation and review in 4 weeks
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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 68-year-old presents with worsening headaches post-aneurysm coiling. The image shows a follow-up angiogram. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Conservative management with analgesia
B. Initiate nimodipine
C. Repeat coiling
D. Start warfarin
E. Prescribe aspirin
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents with dysphagia and weight loss. Gastroscopy and biopsy confirm gastric adenocarcinoma. Staging CT imaging is shown. His ECOG performance status is 1. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided images, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy for this patient?

A. Proceed with total gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy
B. Refer for liver transplantation assessment
C. Plan palliative radiotherapy to the gastric primary
D. Initiate systemic chemotherapy
E. Consider transarterial chemoembolisation for hepatic lesions
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A 70-year-old man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus is being treated with an ACE inhibitor. His medications include metformin, gliclazide and perindopril. He presents to the emergency department complaining of lightheadedness and dizziness, particularly when standing up. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg, and his heart rate is 70 bpm. His electrolytes show a potassium level of 6.2 mmol/L. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his hyperkalemia?

A. Adrenal insufficiency
B. Gliclazide
C. Perindopril
D. Dehydration
E. Metformin
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain, distension, and obstipation for the past 3 days. He reports a history of multiple abdominal surgeries for adhesions. His vital signs are: HR 110 bpm, BP 110/70 mmHg, RR 22 breaths/min, SpO2 97% on room air, and temperature 37.8°C. Physical examination reveals a distended abdomen with high-pitched bowel sounds. An upright abdominal X-ray is performed, as shown. Given the clinical context and the findings on the imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Insert a nasogastric tube and initiate intravenous fluid resuscitation
B. Prescribe oral laxatives and encourage increased fluid intake
C. Administer intravenous antibiotics and schedule an urgent CT scan with oral contrast
D. Order a barium enema to assess for colonic obstruction
E. Perform a flexible sigmoidoscopy to rule out sigmoid volvulus
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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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A 60-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer, treated with surgery and radiation 5 years ago, presents with new-onset back pain. Imaging reveals lytic lesions in the spine. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Multiple myeloma
B. Degenerative disc disease
C. Spinal tuberculosis
D. Metastatic breast cancer
E. Osteoporosis
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Ileitis terminalis bei langjaehrigem Morbus Crohn 63W - CT und MRT - 001
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 63-year-old woman with a 20-year history of Crohn's disease presents with a one-month history of worsening colicky abdominal pain, bloating, and occasional non-bilious vomiting, associated with a 3kg weight loss. She reports reduced stool frequency. She is currently managed with mesalazine and azathioprine. Her vital signs are stable (BP 120/75, HR 82, Temp 36.8), and physical examination reveals mild right lower quadrant tenderness without guarding or rebound. Bowel sounds are hyperactive. Imaging is performed. Considering the clinical presentation, her current therapy, and the findings suggested by the provided images, which of the following represents the most appropriate next step in this patient's management?

A. Performing a colonoscopy with attempted balloon dilation
B. Recommending a high-fibre diet and increased fluid intake
C. Initiating therapy with an anti-TNF agent such as infliximab
D. Increasing the dose of azathioprine and adding oral corticosteroids
E. Referral for surgical consultation regarding potential resection
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Giant hiatal hernia, CT image. 63 year old man.
Image by Jmarchn CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to his general practitioner with a three-month history of progressive dysphagia to both solids and liquids, accompanied by postprandial regurgitation. He also reports experiencing early satiety and occasional episodes of nocturnal coughing. His past medical history is significant for well-controlled hypertension and a remote history of smoking (quit 20 years ago). Physical examination reveals mild epigastric fullness, but is otherwise unremarkable. His vital signs are within normal limits. An abdominal CT scan with contrast was performed, and a representative image is shown. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Referral to a gastroenterologist for surgical evaluation
B. Esophageal manometry to evaluate esophageal motility
C. Empiric treatment with antibiotics for possible aspiration pneumonia
D. Initiation of a proton pump inhibitor and lifestyle modifications
E. Barium swallow study to further delineate the anatomy
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with new onset back pain. His CT is shown. What is the most appropriate initial management?

A. Lifestyle modification advice
B. Commence beta-blocker therapy
C. Repeat imaging in 12 months
D. Prescribe a statin
E. Referral to vascular surgery
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old asymptomatic woman undergoes a screening mammogram. The image shows the findings. Her previous mammograms have been unremarkable. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Stereotactic core biopsy
B. MRI of the breast
C. Excisional biopsy
D. Ultrasound of the breast
E. Reassurance and routine screening in 1 year
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of progressive dysphagia, early satiety, and unintentional weight loss of 8 kg. He has a background of well-controlled hypertension. Physical examination reveals mild epigastric tenderness. Initial blood tests show a normocytic anaemia. An urgent upper endoscopy identified a large, ulcerated mass in the gastric body, and biopsies were taken. A staging CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was subsequently performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided imaging, which of the following statements best reflects the likely prognosis and primary management strategy for this patient?

A. Curative surgical resection of the gastric mass is the priority, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.
B. The findings suggest a benign process, and symptomatic management is sufficient.
C. Liver transplantation should be considered given the extent of hepatic involvement.
D. The disease is likely incurable, and management will primarily focus on systemic therapy and palliative care.
E. Further investigation with a PET-CT scan is mandatory before determining the management plan.
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to his general practitioner with a 3-month history of progressively worsening constipation alternating with episodes of loose stools, associated with occasional bright red blood per rectum and an unintentional weight loss of 4 kilograms over the same period. He denies any significant past medical history or family history of bowel disease. His vital signs are stable, and physical examination, including abdominal palpation and digital rectal examination, is unremarkable. Routine blood investigations reveal a haemoglobin of 105 g/L with a mean corpuscular volume of 78 fL, and normal inflammatory markers. Given the clinical presentation, a colonoscopy is performed. The image provided is a representative view obtained during this procedure. Based on the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Refer for urgent surgical resection without further investigation.
B. Obtain biopsies from the lesion and arrange for CT staging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
C. Initiate a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics for presumed infectious colitis.
D. Schedule a repeat colonoscopy in 6 months to monitor the lesion's progression.
E. Prescribe a high-fibre diet and laxatives to manage the constipation.
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine follow-up. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen, axial view shown, was performed as part of a screening protocol. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Initiate beta-blocker therapy
B. Prescribe a statin for lipid management
C. Start aspirin for antiplatelet therapy
D. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
E. Refer for immediate surgical repair
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine health check. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen is performed, axial view shown. Besides optimizing medical management, what is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Referral for immediate surgical repair
B. Prescribe a statin
C. Initiate aspirin therapy
D. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
E. Order a D-dimer
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Gynaecomastia
Image by ProloSozz CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old man presents with a 4-month history of bilateral breast enlargement and tenderness. He denies weight loss, fever, or changes in bowel habit. His medical history includes hypertension managed with amlodipine. On examination, vital signs are stable. The physical findings are demonstrated in the image. There is no palpable testicular mass. Given the clinical presentation and the findings shown, which of the following investigations is the most appropriate initial step to determine the underlying cause?

A. Mammography of both breasts
B. Fine needle aspiration of the breast tissue
C. Serum testosterone, oestradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin, and hCG
D. Trial of tamoxifen
E. Liver function tests and renal function tests
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old man presents with sudden onset of severe right groin pain and a firm, non-reducible bulge. He reports mild nausea but denies vomiting or change in bowel habit. Vital signs are stable. A CT scan of the pelvis is performed, as shown. Considering the clinical context and the imaging findings, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Obtain a groin ultrasound for further assessment
B. Attempt manual reduction under sedation
C. Arrange for elective surgical consultation
D. Administer analgesia and observe closely
E. Emergency surgical exploration and repair
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Fluoroscopic image of common bile duct stone seen at the time of ERCP. The stone is impacted in the distal common bile duct.
Image by Samir धर्म at en.wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old presents with a 3-day history of fever, jaundice, and severe RUQ pain radiating to the back. Vitals: T 38.5°C, BP 110/70, HR 95. LFTs show bilirubin 150, ALP 450, ALT 120. An ERCP is performed for stone extraction. The image is captured during the procedure after cannulation. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in management during the current procedure?

A. Attempt balloon dilation of the distal duct without sphincterotomy
B. Place a biliary stent and schedule follow-up ERCP
C. Perform endoscopic sphincterotomy
D. Attempt stone fragmentation with lithotripsy before sphincterotomy
E. Abandon the procedure and refer for surgical exploration
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents for a routine check-up. He has a history of smoking and hypertension, managed with lisinopril. He denies any abdominal pain, back pain, or lower extremity claudication. Physical exam is unremarkable. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
B. Start aspirin for secondary prevention
C. Refer to vascular surgery for elective repair
D. Prescribe a statin for lipid management
E. Initiate beta-blocker therapy
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents with fatigue, weight loss, and vague abdominal discomfort. His past medical history includes a recent diagnosis of gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). A CT scan of the abdomen is performed. Based on the imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Surgical resection of the affected liver segments
B. Initiation of palliative care and symptom management
C. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver lesions
D. Observation with serial imaging in three months
E. Referral to medical oncology for systemic chemotherapy
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A 70-80 year old lady, currently managed for pulmonary embolism with Enoxaparin 40 mg daily, is found to have multiple pulmonary emboli. Her vitals are within normal limits. What would be the most appropriate next step?

A. Insert an IVC filter.
B. Switch to apixaban.
C. Switch to oral warfarin.
D. Increase Enoxaparin to therapeutic dose.
E. Start streptokinase infusion.
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for a routine follow-up appointment several years after undergoing a simple mastectomy for pT1N0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. She completed adjuvant endocrine therapy and has been well since. During the consultation, she mentions that she has noticed a persistent area of skin change on her left chest wall, near the mastectomy scar, over the past few months. She describes it as occasionally itchy and slightly raised, but denies pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms such as weight loss or fever. Her vital signs are stable, and physical examination reveals no palpable axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. The appearance of the affected area is shown in the image. Considering the patient's history and the clinical presentation, what is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step?

A. Arrange for a PET-CT scan to assess for metastatic disease
B. Perform fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion
C. Prescribe a course of topical antifungal cream and review in two weeks
D. Excisional or incisional biopsy of the lesion
E. Reassure the patient that this is likely post-surgical scarring and review in six months
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male presents with fatigue and occult blood in stool. Colonoscopy findings are shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Start empiric antibiotics
B. Administer corticosteroids
C. Initiate iron supplementation
D. Repeat colonoscopy in 1 year
E. Surgical resection
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman presents with a persistent, slowly expanding skin lesion on her right chest wall, present for several months. She underwent a right mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma 12 years ago. She denies pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown. Considering the patient's history and the clinical finding, which of the following investigations is most appropriate to assess for potential underlying malignancy or systemic involvement?

A. Bone scan
B. Serum tumour markers (CA 15-3, CEA)
C. Mammography of the contralateral breast
D. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis
E. PET scan
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with a 4-month history of increasing constipation and occasional streaks of blood on stool. He denies significant weight loss. Physical exam is unremarkable. A colonoscopy was performed, and the image is shown. Biopsies are taken from the lesion. Assuming the biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma, what is the MOST appropriate initial investigation to guide further management?

A. Referral for neoadjuvant chemotherapy
B. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis
C. Repeat colonoscopy in 3 months
D. PET scan for distant metastases
E. Endoscopic ultrasound for local staging
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Upright X-ray demonstrating small bowel obstruction
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents with abdominal distension, vomiting, and inability to pass flatus for 48 hours. He has a history of prior bowel resection. Examination reveals a tympanitic abdomen and tenderness to palpation. His vitals are stable. An abdominal X-ray is performed, as shown. Considering the clinical context and the radiographic findings, what is the primary purpose of inserting a nasogastric tube in this patient?

A. Obtaining a sample of gastric contents for analysis.
B. Administering oral contrast for further imaging.
C. Decompressing the dilated bowel loops and reducing vomiting.
D. Providing nutritional support to the patient.
E. Facilitating the passage of flatus.
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A 70-year-old man presents with a vertebral fracture after a minor fall. Reviewing risk factors for osteoporosis, which of the following is the most likely risk factor?

A. Absence of family history of osteoporosis.
B. High dietary calcium intake
C. Previous fragility fracture
D. Regular vigorous exercise
E. High BMI
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A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. He has a history of hypertension and is currently on antihypertensive medication. On examination, he is alert but in distress due to the headache. His blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg, heart rate is 90 bpm, and he has no focal neurological deficits. A CT scan of the head shows a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step in this patient?

A. Administer nimodipine to prevent cerebral vasospasm
B. Perform immediate surgical clipping of the aneurysm
C. Administer mannitol to reduce intracranial pressure
D. Start intravenous labetalol to control blood pressure
E. Initiate anticonvulsant therapy to prevent seizures
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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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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male presents with a 2-month history of fatigue, poor appetite, and 5kg weight loss. He reports mild upper abdominal discomfort. Physical examination is unremarkable. Initial blood tests show mild anaemia. An upper endoscopy revealed a suspicious gastric lesion, with biopsy results pending. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the provided imaging, which of the following statements regarding this patient's likely prognosis and management is most accurate?

A. The extensive nature of the findings suggests limited options for curative treatment, with systemic therapy typically employed for palliation or disease control.
B. A watch-and-wait approach with repeat imaging in 3-6 months is recommended.
C. Referral for surgical assessment for potential hepatectomy is the next appropriate step.
D. Liver-directed therapies such as transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) should be pursued.
E. The findings are likely benign and require no further intervention beyond managing the primary gastric lesion.
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and smoking presents to his GP with mild, intermittent abdominal discomfort. His vital signs are stable, and abdominal examination is soft and non-tender. As part of the workup, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. The provided image is an axial view from this study. Based on the clinical context and the findings in the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in this patient's management?

A. Referral for urgent endovascular repair planning
B. No further action is required at this time
C. Referral to a vascular surgeon for ongoing surveillance
D. Urgent surgical consultation for immediate repair
E. Repeat CT scan in 3 months to assess for growth
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A 70-year-old man with a history of hypertension and heart failure is being managed with an ACE inhibitor. He presents to the emergency department complaining of dizziness, especially when standing up. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg, and his other vital signs are stable. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in managing this patient?

A. Order an ECG to rule out cardiac arrhythmia
B. Prescribe compression stockings
C. Review and potentially reduce the dose of the ACE inhibitor
D. Administer an intravenous bolus of normal saline
E. Start fludrocortisone
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old man presents with a 4-month history of increasing constipation alternating with loose stools, occasional rectal bleeding, and fatigue. He denies significant weight loss. Physical examination is unremarkable. Full blood count shows a haemoglobin of 115 g/L with low ferritin. A colonoscopy was performed, and the image provided is a representative view. Biopsies were taken from the observed lesion. Considering the clinical presentation and the endoscopic finding, what is the most appropriate next investigation to determine the extent of disease and inform definitive management planning?

A. PET scan
B. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis
C. Bone scan
D. Endoscopic ultrasound
E. MRI of the pelvis
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Mrs. Eleanor Vance, a 62-year-old retired teacher, presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram through the BreastScreen Australia program. She has no personal history of breast disease, and her family history is negative for breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives. She is otherwise healthy, with a history of diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis managed with paracetamol. She denies any breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Her last mammogram two years ago was reported as normal (BIRADS 1). Physical examination of both breasts and axillae is unremarkable. The current screening mammogram is performed. The image provided is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast, specifically highlighting an area that has been flagged for further assessment by the reporting radiologist due to a change from the previous study. Assuming that subsequent investigation of the area highlighted in the image confirms a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and the patient undergoes breast-conserving surgery, which of the following factors is most important in determining the need for adjuvant radiotherapy?

A. Patient's body mass index (BMI)
B. Margin status of the surgical excision specimen
C. Oestrogen receptor status of the DCIS cells
D. Ki-67 proliferation index of the DCIS cells
E. Presence of metastatic disease on staging scans
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