Blog

A patient in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is diagnosed with sepsis and severe hypoxemia. After 17 days in the MICU, his condition has not improved, and a repeat chest X-ray shows significant changes in lung architecture with worsening gas exchange. Which of the following pathophysiological changes is most likely contributing to his ongoing hypoxemia at this stage?

A 55-year-old male patient with a history of mitral valve prolapse presents with fever, fatigue, and joint pain. You notice tender, raised reddish-purple lesions on the pads of his fingers and toes. Which of the following conditions is most likely associated with these lesions?

A 38-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with diffuse, cramping abdominal pain that started a few hours ago. She also reports nausea and feels her pain is deep and difficult to pinpoint. The pain intermittently worsens and is associated with a slow heart rate and sweating. Based on this presentation, which type of pain is the patient most likely experiencing?

A patient is diagnosed with obstructive shock. Which of the following is most likely the underlying cause? 

A 52-year-old male with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents to the clinic with a chronic cough, unexplained weight loss, and recent onset of digital clubbing. His oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. A chest X-ray reveals a suspicious mass in the right upper lobe. Which of the following is the most likely underlying condition causing the patient’s clubbing?

A 55-year-old man presents with the sudden onset of flashes of light and a “curtain-like” shadow over his vision. Ophthalmic examination reveals a retinal tear with fluid accumulation beneath the retina. What is the most likely diagnosis?

What is the primary pathophysiological change in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?  

Which of the following is a key diagnostic sign of constrictive pericarditis?

A 6-month-old infant presents with cyanosis, failure to gain weight, and squatting during play. Which congenital heart defect is most likely associated with these clinical findings?

A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presents with increasing shortness of breath, orthopnea, and swelling in both legs. On physical examination, you hear crackles at the lung bases and observe jugular venous distention. What pathophysiological mechanism is most likely responsible for his respiratory symptoms?