A 24-year-old woman with a history of AIDS came to the clinic for evaluation of left-sided weakness. She experienced headaches and seizures, and others observed an alteration in her mental status. The patient’s medical history was notable for pneumonia, primary syphilis treated 5-years-ago, occasional thrush. Lab Data CD4 cell count 50 x 109/L Toxoplasma gondii […]
A 42-year-old construction worker with a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and tobacco use presents to the emergency department with two weeks of chest pain that radiates to his left arm. The pain used to occur with exertion but now occurs even at rest. An electrocardiogram is obtained that does not demonstrate any ischemic changes. […]
A 65-year-old man is admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath. The patient states that he has had to sleep in a recliner the last five nights. On exam, there is a blowing, holosystolic murmur heard along the lower left sternal border. Five days after admission, the patient was discharged with a notable improvement […]
Hannah is a 5-year-old girl in kindergarten. Her nonverbal cognitive abilities are consistent with a mild intellectual disorder. Birth and medical history are unremarkable. According to mom, Hannah has a large vocabulary and speaks in short sentences but does not communicate or play with others. Mom reported that Hannah does not make eye contact, bangs […]
A 67-year-old advertising executive complains of shortness of breath and occasional irregular heartbeat, which is not associated with exercise. The patient has a family history of heart disease. In which of the following positions should the patient be placed to optimize evaluation of cardiac valve patency? Prone, then supine. Head elevated 30 degrees and lying […]
A 50-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea presents to the emergen room with the acute onset of shortness of breath and palpitations. On physical examination, the heart rhythm is described as irregularly irregular. What is the most likely cause of this arrhythmia? Atrial flutter with 2:1 conduction. Atrial tachycardia. Ventricular […]