← Back to Topics

fatigue

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on fatigue.

Related Topics

PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 28-year-old female presents with a chronic cough and fatigue. She has no significant past medical history but reports recent travel to Southeast Asia. A chest PET-CT was performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Order a bronchoscopy with biopsy
B. Start a trial of inhaled corticosteroids
C. Repeat the PET-CT scan in 3 months
D. Initiate anti-tuberculosis therapy
E. Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
CT, ultrasonography, SPECT and scintigraphy of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma
Image by Mnahi Bin Saeedan, Ibtisam Musallam Aljohani, Ayman Omar Khushaim, Salwa Qasim Bukhari, Salahudin Tayeb Elnaas CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 6-month history of increasing fatigue, generalised bone aches, and constipation. She has no significant past medical history and takes no regular medications. Physical examination is unremarkable. Initial laboratory investigations reveal a corrected serum calcium level of 3.1 mmol/L (reference range: 2.1-2.6 mmol/L) and an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level of 180 pg/mL (reference range: 10-65 pg/mL). A 24-hour urine calcium excretion is 12 mmol/day (reference range: 2.5-7.5 mmol/day). She is referred for further imaging, the results of which are shown. Based on the available information, what is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Order genetic testing for MEN syndromes
B. Surgical parathyroidectomy
C. Repeat parathyroid localisation imaging
D. Initiate medical therapy with cinacalcet
E. Perform a bone mineral density scan
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 48-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of increasing fatigue, exertional dyspnoea, and a persistent cough productive of small amounts of mucus. She mentions a history of recurrent 'sinus infections' over the past year, often treated with antibiotics. She has recently felt lightheaded on standing. On examination, her blood pressure is 95/60 mmHg, pulse 88 bpm, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 96% on room air. Chest auscultation reveals diffuse expiratory wheezes. Blood tests performed last week show haemoglobin 85 g/L (reference range 120-150), MCV 72 fL (reference range 80-100), and normal white cell count and platelet count. Spirometry performed concurrently shows an FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.65 (predicted >0.70) with partial reversibility after bronchodilator. Considering the clinical presentation and investigations, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Order ANCA testing.
B. Initiate iron supplementation and investigate for gastrointestinal blood loss.
C. Arrange a high-resolution CT scan of the chest and sinuses.
D. Refer for urgent bronchoscopy.
E. Prescribe a course of oral corticosteroids and review in one week.
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
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 and weight loss. The provided image was obtained. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiate palliative care consultation
B. Percutaneous ethanol ablation of selected lesions
C. Referral to medical oncology for systemic therapy
D. Surgical resection of the largest lesion
E. Repeat imaging in 3 months to assess progression
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 32-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. She also reports constipation and dry skin. She has no significant past medical history and is not on any medications. On examination, her blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, heart rate is 60 bpm, and she has a slightly enlarged thyroid gland. Laboratory tests reveal a low free T4 level and an elevated TSH level. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for this patient?

A. Thyroidectomy
B. Methimazole
C. Propranolol
D. Radioactive iodine therapy
E. Levothyroxine
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 45-year-old man presents to the general practice clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. He has a history of smoking and works as a construction worker. On examination, he has cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Blood tests reveal anemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A chest X-ray shows a mediastinal mass. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Initiate corticosteroid therapy
B. Start empirical antibiotic therapy
C. Order a CT scan of the chest and abdomen
D. Perform a lymph node biopsy
E. Refer for surgical excision of the mass
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 32-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 2-week history of fatigue, joint pain, and a facial rash that worsens with sun exposure. She also reports hair loss and oral ulcers. On examination, she has a malar rash and mild swelling of the small joints in her hands. Laboratory tests reveal a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Psoriatic arthritis
B. Dermatomyositis
C. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
E. Sjogren's syndrome
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 10-year-old presents with a sore throat, fever, and fatigue for 2 days. Examination reveals tonsillar exudates and tender anterior cervical lymph nodes. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Advise symptomatic treatment with paracetamol
B. Refer to an ENT specialist
C. Perform a rapid strep test
D. Order a throat culture
E. Prescribe oral amoxicillin
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 45-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of progressive fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. She also reports constipation and dry skin. On examination, her blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is 60 bpm, and she has a delayed relaxation phase of her deep tendon reflexes. Laboratory tests reveal a low free T4 level and an elevated TSH level. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?

A. Beta-blockers
B. Levothyroxine
C. Thyroidectomy
D. Methimazole
E. Radioactive iodine therapy
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 60-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. She also reports constipation and dry skin. On examination, she has a slow heart rate and her skin appears dry and coarse. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Serum TSH level
B. Complete blood count
C. Serum cortisol level
D. Liver function tests
E. Serum calcium level
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
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). The provided image was obtained as part of his staging workup. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Referral to medical oncology for systemic chemotherapy
B. Surgical resection of the affected liver segments
C. Initiation of palliative care and symptom management
D. Administration of intravenous antibiotics for presumed liver abscesses
E. Percutaneous ethanol ablation of the largest lesion
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 45-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 6-month history of fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. She also reports hair loss and constipation. On examination, her skin is dry, and her reflexes are delayed. Her blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, and her heart rate is 60 bpm. Laboratory tests reveal a low free T4 and elevated TSH. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Primary hypothyroidism
C. Cushing's syndrome
D. Iron deficiency anemia
E. Subclinical hypothyroidism
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

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
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

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
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
Ileitis terminalis bei langjaehrigem Morbus Crohn 63W - CT und MRT - 001
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 28-year-old male with Crohn's presents with increased abdominal pain, non-bloody diarrhea, and fatigue for 3 weeks. He denies fever. Exam shows mild RLQ tenderness. Labs show elevated CRP. Imaging is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Prescribe antibiotics for possible infectious colitis
B. Schedule a colonoscopy with biopsy
C. Start a course of oral corticosteroids
D. Initiate anti-TNF therapy
E. Increase mesalamine dose
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
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). The provided image was obtained as part of his staging workup. Which of the following 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. Observation with serial imaging every 3 months
D. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the largest lesion
E. Referral to medical oncology for systemic chemotherapy
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 32-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of fatigue, joint pain, and a facial rash that worsens with sun exposure. She also reports hair loss and oral ulcers. On examination, she has a malar rash and mild swelling of the small joints of her hands. Laboratory tests reveal a positive ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Dermatomyositis
B. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
C. Psoriatic arthritis
D. Sjogren's syndrome
E. Rheumatoid arthritis
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 65-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with fatigue and pallor. She has a history of rheumatoid arthritis, for which she takes methotrexate and folic acid. She denies any gastrointestinal symptoms or recent changes in her diet. On examination, she appears pale, and her conjunctivae are pale as well. Her blood pressure is 120/75 mmHg, heart rate is 88 bpm, and respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute. Laboratory investigations reveal hemoglobin of 9.0 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 105 fL, and normal white blood cell and platelet counts. Which of the following is the most likely cause of her anemia?

A. Iron deficiency anemia
B. Anemia of chronic disease
C. Hemolytic anemia
D. Methotrexate-induced macrocytic anemia
E. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 24-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of fever, sore throat, and fatigue. She also reports a rash that developed after taking amoxicillin prescribed by her GP for a presumed bacterial throat infection. On examination, she has cervical lymphadenopathy, a diffuse maculopapular rash, and mild splenomegaly. Her vital signs are stable. A monospot test is positive. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the rash?

A. Scarlet fever
B. Allergic reaction to amoxicillin
C. Amoxicillin-induced rash in the context of infectious mononucleosis
D. Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
E. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
CT, ultrasonography, SPECT and scintigraphy of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma
Image by Mnahi Bin Saeedan, Ibtisam Musallam Aljohani, Ayman Omar Khushaim, Salwa Qasim Bukhari, Salahudin Tayeb Elnaas CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner complaining of fatigue, bone pain, and constipation for the past several months. She denies any significant past medical history. Initial laboratory investigations reveal an elevated serum calcium level of 3.1 mmol/L (reference range: 2.1-2.6 mmol/L) and an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level of 180 pg/mL (reference range: 10-65 pg/mL). A 24-hour urine calcium excretion is also elevated. The patient is referred for further imaging, the results of which are shown. Based on the available information, what is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Surgical excision of the identified lesion
B. Vitamin D supplementation
C. Cinacalcet administration
D. Initiation of bisphosphonate therapy
E. Observation with serial calcium and PTH monitoring
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 62-year-old woman presents with tiredness and is found to have B12 deficiency. What is the likely associated condition?

A. Pernicious anemia
B. Recent viral infection
C. Sulphonylurea use
D. Low vegetable, high meat diet.
E. Iron deficiency anemia
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 28-year-old female presents with a chronic cough and fatigue. She has no significant past medical history. A chest PET-CT was performed as part of her workup. The axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management, considering the image and her presentation?

A. Bronchoscopy with biopsy
B. Referral for surgical resection
C. Initiate a trial of inhaled corticosteroids
D. Empiric antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia
E. Repeat PET-CT in 3 months
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
CT, ultrasonography, SPECT and scintigraphy of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma
Image by Mnahi Bin Saeedan, Ibtisam Musallam Aljohani, Ayman Omar Khushaim, Salwa Qasim Bukhari, Salahudin Tayeb Elnaas CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents with fatigue, constipation, and bone pain. Serum calcium is elevated. The provided imaging was obtained. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of her presentation?

A. Parathyroid adenoma
B. Multiple myeloma
C. Thyroid carcinoma
D. Metastatic bone disease
E. Vitamin D deficiency
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 55-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath on exertion. She has a history of menorrhagia. On examination, she appears pale and has conjunctival pallor. Blood tests reveal a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 70 fL, and low serum ferritin. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Arrange for a blood transfusion
B. Refer for a colonoscopy
C. Prescribe erythropoietin
D. Start oral iron supplementation
E. Order a bone marrow biopsy
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 52-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination over the past three months. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, for which she takes lisinopril and atorvastatin. Her BMI is 32 kg/m². On examination, her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her heart rate is 78 bpm. Laboratory tests reveal a fasting plasma glucose of 8.5 mmol/L and an HbA1c of 7.2%. She is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step for this patient according to Australian guidelines?

A. Lifestyle modification including diet and exercise
B. Commencement of insulin therapy
C. Initiation of metformin therapy
D. Referral to an endocrinologist
E. Addition of a sulfonylurea
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a one-week history of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and irritability. His parents also report that he has been increasingly tired and pale. On examination, the child is noted to have a palpable abdominal mass. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed, the axial view is shown. Based on the image and clinical presentation, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Surgical resection of the mass
B. Measurement of urine vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels
C. Referral for immediate liver biopsy
D. Observation with serial abdominal examinations
E. Initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
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 reveals the lesion shown. Biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma. What is the MOST appropriate next investigation to determine disease stage?

A. MRI of abdomen
B. CEA level
C. PET scan
D. CT scan of abdomen and pelvis
E. Endoscopic ultrasound
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. On examination, she has dry skin and a delayed relaxation phase of deep tendon reflexes. Her TSH level is elevated, and free T4 is low. What is the most appropriate treatment for her condition?

A. Radioactive iodine therapy
B. Methimazole
C. Beta-blockers
D. Levothyroxine
E. Surgical thyroidectomy
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 65-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presents with exertional dyspnea and fatigue. His physical examination reveals a blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg, a heart rate of 88 bpm, and a soft S4 gallop. There is no peripheral edema. An electrocardiogram shows left ventricular hypertrophy with repolarization abnormalities. Which of the following diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to evaluate for underlying coronary artery disease in this patient?

A. Coronary angiography
B. Cardiac MRI
C. 24-hour Holter monitoring
D. Transthoracic echocardiography without stress
E. Exercise stress echocardiography
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 68-year-old man with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presents to the emergency department with worsening shortness of breath and fatigue over the past week. On examination, he has elevated jugular venous pressure, bilateral lung crackles, and peripheral edema. An echocardiogram reveals reduced ejection fraction and dilated ventricles. Which of the following best explains the pathophysiological mechanism leading to his symptoms?

A. Increased peripheral resistance leading to left ventricular hypertrophy
B. Decreased venous return causing systemic hypotension
C. Enhanced myocardial contractility resulting in fluid retention
D. Decreased cardiac output leading to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
E. Increased cardiac output causing pulmonary congestion
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 55-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and fatigue. His blood tests reveal a fasting blood glucose level of 15 mmol/L and HbA1c of 9.5%. He is currently on metformin. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Increase the dose of metformin
B. Switch to insulin therapy
C. Add a DPP-4 inhibitor
D. Add a sulfonylurea
E. Start lifestyle modifications
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 32-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 2-week history of fatigue, joint pain, and a facial rash that worsens with sun exposure. She also reports hair loss and oral ulcers. Laboratory tests reveal anemia, leukopenia, and positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA). What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
B. Sjogren's syndrome
C. Psoriatic arthritis
D. Rheumatoid arthritis
E. Dermatomyositis
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 45-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. She also reports constipation and dry skin. On examination, her heart rate is 55 bpm, and she has a delayed relaxation phase of her deep tendon reflexes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Chronic fatigue syndrome
B. Iron deficiency anemia
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Cushing's syndrome
E. Depression
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
CT, ultrasonography, SPECT and scintigraphy of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma
Image by Mnahi Bin Saeedan, Ibtisam Musallam Aljohani, Ayman Omar Khushaim, Salwa Qasim Bukhari, Salahudin Tayeb Elnaas CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 58-year-old woman presents with persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, and vague abdominal pain. Her serum calcium is 3.2 mmol/L (2.1-2.6 mmol/L), and PTH is 190 pg/mL (10-65 pg/mL). Renal function is normal. She denies any family history of endocrine disorders. Imaging studies are performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient?

A. Vitamin D supplementation and repeat calcium measurement in 3 months
B. Surgical excision of the identified lesion
C. Cinacalcet administration to lower PTH levels
D. Bisphosphonate therapy and monitoring of calcium levels
E. Thyroidectomy
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 58-year-old man presents to his general practitioner with a 3-week history of intermittent fever, severe headache, and profound fatigue. He describes the headache as diffuse and often retro-orbital, not relieved by simple analgesia. He also reports generalised muscle aches and occasional night sweats. He denies cough, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal symptoms. His medical history is unremarkable, and he takes no regular medications. He lives on a rural property in Queensland where he raises sheep and cattle. On examination, he is afebrile at the time of consultation (37.2°C), blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, pulse is 85 bpm, and respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute. Physical examination is otherwise unremarkable; specifically, there is no rash, lymphadenopathy, or focal neurological signs. Initial laboratory investigations reveal a white cell count of 7.5 x 10^9/L (neutrophils 65%, lymphocytes 25%), haemoglobin 145 g/L, platelets 250 x 10^9/L. Liver function tests show AST 85 U/L (normal <40), ALT 90 U/L (normal <40), alkaline phosphatase 110 U/L (normal <130), total bilirubin 15 µmol/L (normal <20). C-reactive protein is elevated at 45 mg/L (normal <5). A chest X-ray performed a week prior was reported as normal. Given the clinical presentation and epidemiological context, which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic investigation?

A. Viral serology panel (including CMV, EBV, Hepatitis A, B, C)
B. Serology for Coxiella burnetii (phase I and II antibodies)
C. Lumbar puncture for CSF analysis
D. Abdominal ultrasound
E. Blood cultures
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
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
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 60-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of increasing fatigue and joint pain, particularly in her hands and knees. She also reports morning stiffness lasting over an hour. On examination, there is swelling and tenderness in the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Blood tests reveal a positive rheumatoid factor and elevated C-reactive protein. What is the most appropriate initial treatment for her condition?

A. Hydroxychloroquine
B. Prednisone
C. Sulfasalazine
D. Methotrexate
E. Ibuprofen
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 55-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. He has no significant past medical history. On examination, he has palpable lymphadenopathy in the cervical and axillary regions. Blood tests reveal a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL, white blood cell count of 15,000/mm³ with a predominance of lymphocytes, and a platelet count of 150,000/mm³. A lymph node biopsy is performed, showing small lymphocytic lymphoma. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?

A. Surgical excision of lymph nodes
B. Observation and regular follow-up
C. Immediate chemotherapy
D. Radiation therapy to affected lymph nodes
E. Initiation of corticosteroids
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 72-year-old man with fatigue, a past myocardial infarction at age 55, breathlessness on stairs, and ankle marks has an LVEF < 40% on echocardiogram. Which of the following medications is known to improve outcomes in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)?

A. Digoxin
B. Verapamil
C. Frusemide
D. Amlodipine
E. Eplerenone
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents with fatigue and iron deficiency anemia. Colonoscopy reveals the image shown. Biopsies are taken. Assuming pathology confirms malignancy, what is the MOST appropriate next investigation to determine disease stage?

A. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
B. PET-CT scan
C. Endoscopic ultrasound
D. MRI of the abdomen and pelvis
E. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 52-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination over the past three months. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, managed with lisinopril and atorvastatin. Her BMI is 32 kg/m². On examination, her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her heart rate is 78 bpm. Laboratory tests reveal a fasting plasma glucose of 8.5 mmol/L and an HbA1c of 7.2%. She is concerned about her risk of complications and asks about the best initial management strategy. Considering Australian guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step in managing her condition?

A. Initiate metformin therapy
B. Advise lifestyle modifications only
C. Prescribe a sulfonylurea
D. Refer to an endocrinologist immediately
E. Start insulin therapy
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 32-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of fatigue, joint pain, and a facial rash that worsens with sun exposure. She also reports hair loss and oral ulcers. On examination, she has a malar rash, mild synovitis in her hands, and no signs of organomegaly. Laboratory tests reveal anemia, leukopenia, and positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) with a high titer. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?

A. Hydroxychloroquine
B. Azathioprine
C. Methotrexate
D. Cyclophosphamide
E. Prednisone
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
CT, ultrasonography, SPECT and scintigraphy of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma
Image by Mnahi Bin Saeedan, Ibtisam Musallam Aljohani, Ayman Omar Khushaim, Salwa Qasim Bukhari, Salahudin Tayeb Elnaas CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents with fatigue and bone pain. Serum calcium is elevated. The provided imaging was obtained. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of her hypercalcemia?

A. Vitamin D toxicity
B. Parathyroid adenoma
C. Multiple myeloma
D. Metastatic bone disease
E. Sarcoidosis
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 50-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. She also reports constipation and dry skin. On examination, she has a slow heart rate and delayed relaxation of deep tendon reflexes. Her thyroid function tests show elevated TSH and low free T4 levels. What is the most appropriate treatment for her condition?

A. Radioactive iodine therapy
B. Methimazole
C. Beta-blockers
D. Surgical thyroidectomy
E. Levothyroxine
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 60-year-old man presents to his GP with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. He has a history of smoking and hypertension. On examination, he has palpable lymphadenopathy in the cervical and axillary regions. Blood tests reveal anemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). What is the most appropriate next step in the investigation of this patient?

A. PET scan
B. Excisional lymph node biopsy
C. CT scan of the chest and abdomen
D. Fine needle aspiration of the lymph node
E. Bone marrow biopsy
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of worsening abdominal pain, fatigue, and a 10kg unintentional weight loss over the past 3 months. He reports a history of peptic ulcer disease treated with long-term proton pump inhibitors. Physical examination reveals mild hepatomegaly and trace ascites. Initial laboratory investigations show elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), with normal bilirubin and transaminases. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast is performed, and relevant images are shown. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the imaging, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiation of ursodeoxycholic acid for presumed primary biliary cholangitis
B. Observation with serial liver function tests in 3 months
C. Referral to medical oncology for consideration of systemic chemotherapy
D. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for suspected biliary dyskinesia
E. Percutaneous liver biopsy for histological diagnosis
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question
PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old male, who recently immigrated from India, presents to his primary care physician with a two-month history of progressive fatigue, unintentional weight loss of 7 kg, and intermittent night sweats. He denies any cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath. He has no significant past medical history and is not currently taking any medications. Physical examination reveals normal vital signs, including a temperature of 37.1°C, and clear breath sounds bilaterally. However, mild cervical lymphadenopathy is noted. Initial laboratory investigations, including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, are unremarkable. A chest X-ray reveals a solitary pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe, which prompts a PET-CT scan for further evaluation. An axial slice from the PET-CT is shown. Given the patient's clinical presentation, immigration history, and the PET-CT findings, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in establishing a definitive diagnosis?

A. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial needle aspiration of the lesion
B. Administer a purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test
C. Order a CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung nodule
D. Repeat PET-CT scan in three months to assess for interval growth
E. Initiate empiric antibiotic therapy with a broad-spectrum antibiotic
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 58-year-old farmer presents with a 10-day history of fever, severe retro-orbital headache, myalgia, and profound fatigue. He denies cough or sore throat. Examination reveals mild scleral icterus. Liver function tests show elevated transaminases. He works closely with sheep and cattle. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Influenza
B. Leptospirosis
C. Brucellosis
D. Viral hepatitis A
E. Q fever
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 32-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 2-month history of fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. She also reports hair loss and constipation. On examination, her heart rate is 58 bpm, and she has dry skin and a delayed relaxation phase of the deep tendon reflexes. Her thyroid function tests reveal a high TSH level and low free T4. She has no significant past medical history and is not on any medications. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management for her condition?

A. Propranolol
B. Radioactive iodine therapy
C. Methimazole
D. Thyroidectomy
E. Levothyroxine
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question

A 28-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 2-week history of fatigue, joint pain, and a facial rash that worsens with sun exposure. She also reports hair loss and oral ulcers. On examination, she has a malar rash and mild swelling in her hands. Laboratory tests reveal a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and elevated anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
B. Dermatomyositis
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Psoriatic arthritis
E. Sjögren's syndrome
Mark this as a high-quality question
Mark this as a poor-quality or problematic question