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type 2 diabetes mellitus

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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A 52-year-old woman with a 10-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to your clinic for a routine follow-up. She has been experiencing difficulty in controlling her blood glucose levels despite being on metformin and glipizide. Her HbA1c is 8.5%. She has a BMI of 32 kg/m² and a sedentary lifestyle. She reports consuming a diet high in processed foods and sugary beverages. Her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her lipid profile shows elevated LDL cholesterol. Which of the following dietary and lifestyle modifications is most likely to improve her glycemic control and overall cardiovascular risk profile?

A. Switching to a vegetarian diet and incorporating yoga
B. Adopting a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular aerobic exercise
C. Reducing sodium intake and focusing on high-intensity interval training
D. Increasing protein intake and starting resistance training
E. Following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and practicing intermittent fasting
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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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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents to his general practitioner for a routine check-up. His current medications include metformin, insulin glargine, amlodipine, and aspirin. His blood pressure today is 150/90 mmHg. Laboratory results show a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL (baseline 2.0 mg/dL), potassium of 5.4 mEq/L, and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) of 350 mg/g. The GP decides to add an ACE inhibitor to his medication regimen to help manage his blood pressure and proteinuria. One week later, the patient returns complaining of fatigue and muscle weakness. Repeat laboratory testing reveals a serum creatinine of 3.1 mg/dL and a potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing this patient?

A. Discontinue the ACE inhibitor and administer calcium gluconate
B. Add a potassium-sparing diuretic to counteract the hyperkalemia
C. Continue the ACE inhibitor and add a loop diuretic
D. Prescribe a potassium-binding resin and continue the ACE inhibitor
E. Reduce the dose of the ACE inhibitor by 50% and monitor renal function closely
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A 67-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of right-sided weakness and slurred speech that began 2 hours ago. He has no history of atrial fibrillation or previous strokes. On examination, his blood pressure is 180/95 mmHg, heart rate is 88 bpm, and he is afebrile. Neurological examination reveals right-sided hemiparesis and expressive aphasia. A non-contrast CT scan of the head shows no evidence of hemorrhage. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Perform a CT angiogram of the head and neck
B. Administer intravenous labetalol to lower blood pressure
C. Intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase
D. Refer for urgent carotid endarterectomy
E. Start aspirin therapy
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A 67-year-old man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes is scheduled for elective cholecystectomy due to symptomatic gallstones. During the preoperative assessment, he mentions experiencing mild chest discomfort during exertion over the past few weeks. What is the most appropriate next step in his preoperative management?

A. Start the patient on aspirin and beta-blockers immediately
B. Order a preoperative chest X-ray
C. Refer for a cardiology evaluation and possible stress testing
D. Proceed with surgery as planned with close intraoperative monitoring
E. Schedule an urgent coronary angiogram
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A 72-year-old man with a history of chronic kidney disease stage 4, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes presents to the emergency department with confusion and lethargy. His family reports that he has been increasingly drowsy over the past two days. On examination, he is disoriented to time and place, with a blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg, heart rate of 88 bpm, respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, and temperature of 36.5°C. Laboratory tests reveal: sodium 130 mmol/L, potassium 5.8 mmol/L, bicarbonate 18 mmol/L, urea 25 mmol/L, creatinine 450 µmol/L, and glucose 8 mmol/L. An ECG shows peaked T waves. What is the most appropriate immediate management step?

A. Administer oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate
B. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate
C. Initiate hemodialysis
D. Start intravenous insulin and glucose
E. Administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate
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A 65-year-old male with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes presents with stable angina. He is currently on metformin, atorvastatin, and lisinopril. Which of the following medications is most appropriate to add to his regimen to reduce angina symptoms?

A. Diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
B. Beta-blocker (e.g., metoprolol)
C. Angiotensin II receptor blocker (e.g., losartan)
D. Calcium channel blocker (e.g., amlodipine)
E. Nitrate (e.g., isosorbide mononitrate)
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A 65-year-old man with a 20-year history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia presents with a 6-month history of burning pain in his feet, worse at night, often waking him from sleep. He also reports feeling lightheaded when standing up quickly and has noticed difficulty initiating urination and a weak stream. On examination, his blood pressure is 135/85 mmHg supine and 115/70 mmHg after standing for 3 minutes. Neurological examination reveals decreased sensation to pinprick and light touch in a stocking distribution up to the mid-calf bilaterally. Vibration sense is reduced at the ankles. Ankle reflexes are absent. The remainder of the examination is unremarkable. His most recent HbA1c is 8.9%. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of his constellation of symptoms?

A. Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy with autonomic involvement
B. Charcot joint arthropathy
C. Peripheral arterial disease
D. Vitamin B12 deficiency
E. Lumbar spinal stenosis
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A 48-year-old woman, who emigrated from Southeast Asia 5 years ago, presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of a slowly enlarging lump in her neck. She reports mild fatigue and has lost approximately 3 kg unintentionally over the same period. She denies cough, fever, or night sweats. Her past medical history includes well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus managed with metformin. She is a non-smoker and drinks alcohol occasionally. On examination, she has a firm, non-tender, mobile mass measuring approximately 3x4 cm in the left anterior cervical chain. There are no other palpable lymph nodes. Chest auscultation is clear. Abdominal examination is unremarkable. Initial blood tests show a haemoglobin of 118 g/L (normal 120-150), white cell count 7.8 x 10^9/L (normal 4-11), neutrophils 4.5 x 10^9/L, lymphocytes 2.8 x 10^9/L, CRP 15 mg/L (normal <5). Liver and renal function tests are within normal limits. A neck ultrasound confirms a cluster of enlarged, hypoechoic lymph nodes in the left cervical region, the largest measuring 3.5 cm, with some central necrosis noted. A chest X-ray is clear. Given the clinical presentation and investigation findings, what is the most appropriate next diagnostic step?

A. Perform a Mantoux test and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA)
B. Order a PET-CT scan to assess for other sites of disease or malignancy
C. Excisional biopsy of the lymph node for histopathology and culture
D. Fine needle aspiration of the lymph node for Ziehl-Neelsen stain, culture, and PCR
E. Initiate empirical treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol
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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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A 68-year-old man with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (stage 3) presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. On examination, he has a distended abdomen with diffuse tenderness and guarding. His vital signs show a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 110 bpm, and a temperature of 38.5°C. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis, elevated serum lactate, and worsening renal function. A CT scan of the abdomen shows pneumoperitoneum and free fluid, suggesting perforated viscus. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Immediate exploratory laparotomy
B. Administer intravenous fluids and reassess in 2 hours
C. Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics and observe
D. Consult nephrology for dialysis before surgery
E. Perform a diagnostic laparoscopy
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A 62-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man presents for a routine check-up. He has a history of smoking, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, managed with metformin. His blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg. Which of the following is the MOST significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in this patient?

A. Type 2 diabetes
B. Smoking
C. Obesity
D. Indigenous status
E. Hypertension
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A 50-year-old Aboriginal man presents for a routine check-up. He has a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. What is the most appropriate initial screening test?

A. Fasting blood glucose
B. Oral glucose tolerance test
C. HbA1c
D. Random blood glucose
E. Urine glucose
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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents to his general practitioner for a routine check-up. His current medications include metformin, insulin, amlodipine, and aspirin. His blood pressure today is 150/90 mmHg. Laboratory results show a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL (221 micromol/L) and a potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L. The GP decides to add an ACE inhibitor to his treatment regimen to help manage his blood pressure and provide renal protection. One week later, the patient returns complaining of fatigue and muscle weakness. Repeat laboratory tests reveal a serum creatinine of 3.1 mg/dL (274 micromol/L) and a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing this patient?

A. Add a potassium-binding resin (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate) and continue the ACE inhibitor.
B. Prescribe a loop diuretic to counteract the hyperkalemia and continue the ACE inhibitor.
C. Refer the patient to a nephrologist for urgent dialysis.
D. Reduce the dose of the ACE inhibitor by 50% and recheck renal function and potassium levels in one week.
E. Discontinue the ACE inhibitor and monitor renal function and potassium levels.
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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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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for her routine screening mammogram. She reports no breast symptoms, and physical examination is unremarkable. Her medical history includes well-controlled type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. She has no family history of breast cancer. The provided image is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the right breast. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Breast ultrasound of the area
B. Referral to a medical oncologist for systemic therapy planning
C. Repeat screening mammogram in 6 months
D. Stereotactic core needle biopsy of the area
E. Excisional biopsy under wire localisation
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A 62-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with confusion and lethargy. Her family reports she has been increasingly forgetful over the past week and has had a decreased appetite. She has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, for which she takes metformin and lisinopril. On examination, she is disoriented to time and place, with dry mucous membranes and decreased skin turgor. Her blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm, and temperature is 37.2°C. Laboratory tests reveal a serum sodium level of 118 mmol/L, serum osmolality of 260 mOsm/kg, and urine osmolality of 500 mOsm/kg. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?

A. Furosemide administration
B. Normal saline infusion
C. Hypertonic saline infusion
D. Fluid restriction
E. Demeclocycline administration
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Inguinal hernia right view. Adult male with an inguinal hernia, showing bulging in the groin area.
Image by IkeTheSloth CC0 1.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male presents to the clinic complaining of a painless swelling in his right groin that has been present for several years. He reports that the swelling occasionally increases in size with prolonged standing or heavy lifting, but it usually reduces when he lies down. He denies any acute pain, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. His past medical history includes well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and a remote appendectomy. On physical examination, his vital signs are within normal limits. Abdominal examination is unremarkable. Examination of the groin reveals the finding shown in the image. The swelling is easily reducible when the patient is supine. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy for this patient?

A. Urgent surgical exploration
B. Elective surgical repair
C. Referral for watchful waiting with lifestyle modifications
D. Initiation of high-fiber diet and stool softeners
E. Prescription of a truss for symptomatic relief
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A 62-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes presents to the emergency department with increasing shortness of breath over the past two days. He reports a productive cough with greenish sputum and denies chest pain. On examination, he is using accessory muscles to breathe, has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. His blood pressure is 130/85 mmHg, and his heart rate is 105 bpm. Auscultation of the chest reveals diffuse wheezing and decreased breath sounds bilaterally. An arterial blood gas analysis shows pH 7.32, PaCO2 55 mmHg, and PaO2 60 mmHg. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Initiate non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV)
B. Provide supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula
C. Administer intravenous corticosteroids
D. Administer a bronchodilator nebulizer treatment
E. Start broad-spectrum antibiotics
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A 55-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes presents for a routine check-up. His last HbA1c level, measured three months ago, was 8.2%. He reports no new symptoms and is currently on metformin. What is the most appropriate next step in managing his diabetes?

A. Start insulin therapy
B. Add a sulfonylurea
C. Increase the dose of metformin
D. Order a fasting blood glucose test
E. Refer to a diabetes educator
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A 62-year-old man presents to the emergency department with acute onset chest pain radiating to his left arm and jaw, accompanied by diaphoresis and nausea. He has a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. On examination, his blood pressure is 160/95 mmHg, heart rate is 95 bpm, respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. An ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Initial troponin levels are elevated. He is given aspirin and clopidogrel in the emergency department. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
B. Intravenous nitroglycerin
C. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
D. Intravenous thrombolysis
E. Beta-blocker administration
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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
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A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. He has a history of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. On examination, he has a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Laboratory tests reveal anemia and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A CT scan of the abdomen shows splenomegaly and multiple hypodense lesions in the spleen. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Splenic lymphoma
B. Renal cell carcinoma with splenic metastasis
C. Chronic pancreatitis
D. Infectious mononucleosis
E. Portal hypertension
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of severe, constant right upper quadrant pain for the past 12 hours. He reports associated nausea and several episodes of non-bilious vomiting. He denies any fever or chills. His past medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both managed with oral medications. On examination, the patient is alert and oriented. His vital signs are: temperature 37.2°C, heart rate 105 bpm, blood pressure 150/90 mmHg, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min, and SpO2 97% on room air. Abdominal examination reveals significant tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant, with guarding. Murphy's sign is positive. Laboratory investigations reveal a white blood cell count of 14,000/µL with neutrophilic predominance, total bilirubin of 2.5 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase of 250 U/L, ALT of 150 U/L, and AST of 120 U/L. The provided image was obtained. Given the clinical scenario and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy?

A. Initiate intravenous antibiotics and schedule laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 72 hours
B. Start ursodeoxycholic acid and advise a low-fat diet
C. Perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to rule out choledocholithiasis
D. Order a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan to confirm the diagnosis
E. Administer intravenous fluids and analgesics, and discharge home with oral antibiotics and outpatient surgical follow-up
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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
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A 68-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and stable angina is scheduled for elective hernia repair surgery. He is currently on aspirin, metformin, lisinopril, and atorvastatin. His last angina episode was over a year ago, and he has no history of myocardial infarction. What is the most appropriate preoperative management step to minimize his cardiovascular risk during surgery?

A. Discontinue aspirin therapy one week before surgery
B. Increase the dose of atorvastatin
C. Continue aspirin therapy
D. Order a preoperative stress test
E. Start beta-blocker therapy
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A 62-year-old woman with a 15-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to her general practitioner with complaints of worsening vision over the past six months. She also reports intermittent tingling and numbness in her feet, which has been progressively worsening. Her diabetes has been poorly controlled, with recent HbA1c levels consistently above 9%. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both of which are managed with medication. On examination, her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her BMI is 32 kg/m². Fundoscopic examination reveals microaneurysms and cotton wool spots. Urinalysis shows microalbuminuria. Which of the following interventions is most likely to address the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of her visual symptoms?

A. Optimizing glycemic control
B. Prescribing an ACE inhibitor
C. Recommending regular exercise
D. Starting a statin
E. Initiating aspirin therapy
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A 16-year-old boy is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus after presenting with polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. His blood tests show elevated blood glucose levels and the presence of autoantibodies against pancreatic beta cells. In contrast, a 55-year-old woman is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by insulin resistance and obesity. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiological differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

A. Type 1 diabetes involves insulin resistance and obesity, whereas Type 2 diabetes is due to genetic mutations affecting insulin production.
B. Type 1 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance due to obesity, while Type 2 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
C. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, while Type 2 diabetes involves absolute insulin deficiency due to beta-cell destruction.
D. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are primarily caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
E. Type 1 diabetes involves autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency, whereas Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
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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
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A 62-year-old man with a history of poorly controlled hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to his general practitioner for a routine check-up. His current medications include metformin, gliclazide, and amlodipine. His blood pressure today is 160/95 mmHg. His creatinine is 140 umol/L (previously 110 umol/L). His electrolytes are normal. The GP decides to add an ACE inhibitor to his regimen. Which of the following investigations is MOST important to repeat within 1-2 weeks of commencing the ACE inhibitor?

A. Full blood count
B. Fasting blood glucose
C. Serum creatinine and electrolytes
D. Urine albumin creatinine ratio
E. Liver function tests
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A 52-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with concerns about irregular menstrual bleeding over the past six months. She has a history of obesity, with a BMI of 32 kg/m², and was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. She reports that her periods have been irregular for the past few years, often skipping months. She is not currently on any hormone replacement therapy. On examination, she has no signs of hirsutism or virilization. Her blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg, and her fasting blood glucose level is 8.5 mmol/L. Which of the following groups of women is most at risk for developing endometrial hyperplasia?

A. Women with a history of smoking and low BMI
B. Women with obesity and chronic anovulation
C. Women on combined oral contraceptive pills
D. Women who have undergone hysterectomy
E. Women with a history of regular menstrual cycles
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A 62-year-old woman with a 15-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with confusion, polyuria, and polydipsia over the past three days. She has been non-compliant with her medications and diet. On examination, she is lethargic and dehydrated, with a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg, heart rate of 110 bpm, and respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute. Laboratory tests reveal a blood glucose level of 38 mmol/L, serum sodium of 150 mmol/L, serum potassium of 4.0 mmol/L, serum bicarbonate of 22 mmol/L, and a serum osmolality of 340 mOsm/kg. Urinalysis shows no ketones. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Intravenous potassium supplementation
B. Intravenous normal saline
C. Oral hypoglycemic agents
D. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
E. Intravenous insulin infusion
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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus is being managed with lisinopril. He presents to the emergency department complaining of lip swelling and difficulty breathing. On examination, his tongue appears swollen. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

A. Administer intramuscular epinephrine
B. Administer intravenous corticosteroids
C. Administer nebulized bronchodilators
D. Administer intravenous antihistamines
E. Observe and monitor vital signs
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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
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A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department complaining of exertional chest pain that has been increasing in frequency and severity over the past month. He describes the pain as a pressure-like sensation in the center of his chest, radiating to his left arm, and associated with shortness of breath. The pain typically occurs after walking two blocks and resolves with rest. He denies any recent changes in his medications or lifestyle. On examination, his blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg, heart rate is 78 bpm, and oxygen saturation is 96% on room air. An ECG shows normal sinus rhythm with no acute ST-segment changes. Troponin levels are within normal limits. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Stress echocardiography
B. Discharge home with instructions to follow up with his general practitioner
C. Initiate a trial of increased anti-anginal medications and lifestyle modifications
D. Coronary angiography
E. CT angiography of the chest
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A 55-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents for a routine follow-up. His HbA1c is 9.0% despite being on metformin 1000 mg twice daily. He has a BMI of 32 kg/m² and no history of cardiovascular disease. What is the most appropriate next step in his management?

A. Add a DPP-4 inhibitor
B. Increase the dose of metformin
C. Add a GLP-1 receptor agonist
D. Start basal insulin therapy
E. Add a sulfonylurea
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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

An 68-year-old man attends his GP for a routine check-up. He has a history of well-controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and smoked for 30 years, quitting 5 years ago. He denies any abdominal pain, back pain, or pulsatile sensation. Physical examination is unremarkable. As part of a cardiovascular risk assessment, an abdominal ultrasound is initially performed, which is inconclusive due to bowel gas. A follow-up contrast-enhanced CT scan is arranged. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. No further action required, reassure the patient
B. Immediate admission for urgent surgical assessment
C. Referral for elective surgical repair
D. Repeat CT scan in 3 months
E. Six-monthly abdominal ultrasound surveillance
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A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease presents with a 3-day history of productive cough, fever, and pleuritic chest pain. On examination, temperature is 38.2°C, HR 105, BP 130/80, RR 22, SpO2 93% on air. Crackles are heard over the right lower lung field. Which initial investigation is most crucial for guiding management?

A. Arterial blood gas
B. Blood cultures
C. Full blood count and C-reactive protein
D. Sputum culture and sensitivity
E. Chest X-ray
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A 35-year-old Aboriginal woman presents for a routine health check. She reports feeling tired lately and sometimes short of breath on exertion. She has a history of type 2 diabetes diagnosed 5 years ago, managed with metformin 500mg twice daily, and untreated hypertension. On examination, her blood pressure is 145/90 mmHg. Urinalysis shows 2+ protein. Blood tests reveal creatinine 180 µmol/L, eGFR 35 mL/min/1.73m², HbA1c 8.5%, potassium 4.2 mmol/L. Given these findings, which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Increase the dose of metformin.
B. Prescribe a loop diuretic for fluid overload.
C. Advise dietary protein restriction only.
D. Initiate an ACE inhibitor or ARB and optimise blood pressure control.
E. Refer immediately for renal biopsy.
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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 and type 2 diabetes presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of visual disturbance and mild weakness. She describes the visual issue as a loss of vision in the left half of her visual field, which began approximately 3 hours ago. She also notes some difficulty moving her right arm and leg, which started around the same time. On examination, her vital signs are stable: BP 135/85 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C, SpO2 98% on room air. Neurological examination confirms a left homonymous hemianopia and mild right hemiparesis (MRC grade 4/5) affecting both upper and lower limbs. Sensation is intact. Reflexes are symmetrical, and plantar responses are flexor. A non-contrast CT head was unremarkable for acute haemorrhage or established infarction. Subsequent CT angiography identified a cerebral aneurysm in a location consistent with her symptoms, and she was taken for endovascular coiling. The procedure was completed approximately 6 hours after symptom onset. The image provided is a digital subtraction angiogram obtained immediately following the coiling procedure. Despite the intervention, her left homonymous hemianopia and right hemiparesis persist without significant improvement. Considering the findings demonstrated in the post-procedure imaging in the context of her ongoing neurological deficits, which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate management step?

A. Perform a repeat cerebral angiogram or high-resolution cross-sectional imaging to assess the residual sac and flow dynamics.
B. Assume the persistent symptoms are unrelated to the treated lesion and investigate for alternative causes such as carotid artery stenosis.
C. Administer intravenous alteplase given the persistent symptoms and recent onset.
D. Initiate aggressive inpatient stroke rehabilitation therapy immediately.
E. Discharge the patient home with urgent outpatient follow-up with neurology.
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A 58-year-old man with a 10-year history of Type 2 diabetes presents to the clinic for a routine follow-up. He is currently on metformin and lifestyle modifications, but his HbA1c has increased to 8.5% over the past six months. He reports adherence to his medication and diet but has a sedentary lifestyle. What is the most appropriate next step in managing his diabetes?

A. Refer for bariatric surgery
B. Add a GLP-1 receptor agonist
C. Add a sulfonylurea
D. Increase the dose of metformin
E. Start basal insulin therapy
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Giant hiatal hernia, CT image. 63 year old man.
Image by Jmarchn CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 63-year-old man presents to the emergency department complaining of increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort over the past several months. He reports feeling full quickly after eating only small amounts. He denies any chest pain, fever, or recent weight loss. His past medical history includes hypertension and well-controlled type 2 diabetes. He takes lisinopril and metformin daily. On examination, his vital signs are stable: blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 82 bpm, respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 96% on room air. Auscultation of the chest reveals decreased breath sounds at the left base. Abdominal examination reveals mild epigastric tenderness to palpation, but no rebound tenderness or guarding. The provided image was obtained. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiate a proton pump inhibitor and monitor symptoms
B. Esophageal manometry
C. Endoscopic surveillance every 3 years
D. Surgical repair
E. Barium swallow study
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