PRE DES Hemo onco

1. A 58-year-old nurse with node-positive metastatic breast cancer comes to the office for her monthly follow-up visit. The tumor is estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positive, and her whole body bone scan is positive for metastatic disease. She is being treated with systemic chemotherapy and hormonal therapy (Tamoxifen). She feels weak with vague muscle, joint, and bone pains. Physical examination reveals a hard, well-defined dominant mass in the left breast. Mucus membranes are moist. Laboratory studies show the following results. Sodium 145 mEq/dL Potassium 3.9 mEq/dL Chloride 103 mEq/dL Bicarbonate 24 mEq/dL Calcium 11.3 mg/dl BUN 18 mg/dl Creatinine 0.8 mg/dl Glucose 146 mg/dl Which of the following is the best next step in the management of her hypercalcemia?

2. A 55-year-old male comes to you with complaint of fatigue for the past month. He also complains of occasional heartburn. His past medical history is significant for hepatomegaly, secondary to fatty liver. He has been drinking 3-4 shots of alcohol per day for the past 30 years. He denies smoking. His physical examination reveals pallor of skin and mucous membranes, and mild hepatomegaly. His laboratory report shows: Hb 8.5 g/dl WBC 8,000/cmm MCV 110 fl Platelets 150,000/cmm Blood glucose 118 mg/dl BUN 16 mg/dl Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dl What is the most likely cause of anemia in this patient?

3. A 62-year-old Caucasian man presents to your office with occasional ear pain and a lump in his neck. His past medical history is significant for hypertension treated with hydrochlorothiazide and diabetes mellitus treated with metformin. He smokes two packs of cigarettes per day and consumes alcohol occasionally. He is not sexually active. Physical examination reveals a hard, non-tender submandibular mass that is 3 cm in diameter. Chest examination is unremarkable. Abdomen is soft and non-tender. The liver span is 8 cm and the spleen is not palpable. His extremities have no cyanosis, clubbing, or edema. Complete blood count is within normal limits. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's complaint?

4. A 50-year-old man wants to talk to you about something, "absolutely confidential". After you assure him, he admits, "He is unable to get an erection and just can't have sex." He wants to figure it out quickly because "he simply can't live like this." He has never been diagnosed with diabetes and denies other complaints. He has a 2 pack/day history of smoking for 30 years. On examination, his BP: 158/90mm of Hg; Temperature: 37.1 C (98.8F); RR 14/min; PR 82/min. There is upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning of arms and legs. You find his skin to be bruised, fragile and thin. Laboratory reveals the following results. Serum: Glucose 186 mg/dl Sodium 142 mEq/L Potassium 2.5 mEq/L Chloride 94 mEq/L Bicarbonate 38 mEq/L Chest-X ray shows a large mass in left bronchus. What is the most likely cause of patient's condition?

5. Her son brings a 50-year-old female to the emergency room because she is confused and sweating a lot. She does not have any medical problems, except hypertension for which she takes hydrochlorothiazide. She is not taking any other medication. He tells you that his mother complained of profound weakness, and inability to stand, because of lightheadedness 3 hours ago. On examination, the patient is drowsy, confused, and appears sick. Her temperature 36.8C (98.2F) BP 153/83mm Hg PR 128/min. Her clothes are damp from perspiration. No other abnormalities are noted on physical examination. Initial laboratory studies show: Sodium 144 mEq/L Potassium 3.6 mEq/L Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L Blood urea nitrogen: 12 mg/dl Creatinine 0.6 mg/dl You order a few more tests and on the basis of which you diagnose insulinoma. What set of following results leads to this diagnosis? Serum Glucose, Insulin, C-Protein

6. A 67-year-old woman comes to her physician because she is feeling tired, all the time. She thinks that it is due to multiple surgeries she had over the past several years. She had two caesarian sections at the age of 22 and 26. She also had a thyroid surgery for Graves’s disease, 30 years ago. 12 years ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer and had undergone left hemicolectomy. She denies smoking or alcohol use. Her vitals are Temperature 36.7C (98.2F); BP 138/86 mm Hg; PR 77/min; RR 12/min. She looks markedly pale and has weakness in all four extremities. There is some sensory loss in lower limbs. The test for occult blood was negative. Labs came back as: Sodium 144 mEq/L Potassium 4.2 mEq/L Bicarbonate 24mEq/L Blood urea nitrogen 18mg/dl Creatinine 1.0 mg/dl Glucose 82 mg/dl WBC 8,600/cmm Hemoglobin 7.9 Hematocrit 25%, Platelets 176,000/cmm The physician decides to further investigate anemia and order RBC indices and peripheral blood smear. The results are: MCV 120 fl MCH 36 pg MCHC 28% Reticulocyte count 04% Peripheral smear showed anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, 4+ macrocytes, polychromatophilia and basophilic stippling. A whole new bunch of tests are ordered and the following report is seen on the computer. Vitamin B 12 1 06 pg/ml (N=210-911 pg/ml) Serum Folate 16.4 ng/ml (N=2.8-17.8 ng/ml) Serum Bilirubin 1 .8 mg/dl Serum LDH 2500 U/L Gastric analysis demonstrated an absence of hydrochloric acid. What is the most probable cause of her anemia?

7. A 34-year-old Caucasian man presents to your office with easy fatigability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and occasional muscle pain. He also complains of right hand clumsiness and some memory loss. He does not smoke and drinks one to two cans of beer on the weekends. Physical examination reveals extensor weakness of the right hand. Ankle reflexes are symmetric and there is no Babinski reflex. Laboratory studies show: Hemoglobin 8.5 g/dl MCV 81 fl AST 18 U/L ALT 16 U/L Bilirubin 0.8 mg/dl Creatinine 2.1 mg/dl Which of the following is most important in revealing the cause of this patient's condition?

8. You are called to the oncology floor to examine a 57-year-old female who is complaining of severe nausea and vomiting. Her other symptoms include some general malaise and a sore throat. She is receiving combination ABVD chemotherapy (Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Prednisone, and Procarbazine). She was diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma 4 weeks ago. She tells you that she does not want to continue her therapy anymore since it is "making life even more miserable." She has lost 30 lbs (12 .6kg) in a month. Her temperature is 38.5C (101.3F), pulse is 88/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 109/68mm Hg. Her pulse oximetry reading in room air is 92%. Physical examination reveals a significantly cachectic patient with a dry mouth, enlarged cervical lymph nodes and hepatomegaly. How can this patient's vomiting be best managed?

9. A 65-year-old male is brought by his wife to the emergency department because of a very high fever. He has also had a cough productive of greenish, nonbloody sputum for the past two days. He is diabetic, and had pneumonia 3 months ago. He has been smoking one pack of cigarettes daily for 27 years. His temperature is 38.4 C(101.2F), blood pressure is 118/74 mm Hg, pulse is 98/min, and respirations are 24/min. Physical examination reveals cervical lymphadenopathy, and some scattered rales are heard on the right lung base. Chest-x ray shows a right lower lobe infiltrate. Laboratory studies reveal: Hb 12.6 gm/dL WBC 40,000/cmm Platelets 190,000/cmm Peripheral smear: Segmented neutrophils 10% Bands 4% Lymphocytes 85% Monocytes 1% Some variant lymphocytes, and smudge cells are seen on the peripheral smear. What is the most appropriate way to confirm the diagnosis of this patient?

10. A 26-year-old woman presents to your office complaining of fatigue. Her past medical history is insignificant. She was adopted in Greece and came to the United States when she was three years old. Her menstrual periods are regular and bleeding lasts three days. She does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs. She takes no medication. Laboratory studies show: Complete blood count: Hemoglobin 10.1 g/L MCHC 28% MCV 70 fL Platelets 200,000/mm3 Leukocyte count 7,500/mm3 Neutrophils 56% Eosinophils 1% Lymphocytes 33% Monocytes 10% Fecal occult blood test is negative. Iron therapy is initiated. When the patient returns four weeks later, her lab findings are essentially the same. This patient most likely suffers from:

11. An 8-month-old pale child is referred by a nurse practitioner due to "pale mucous membranes, irritability, and listlessness." The stool examination is negative for occult blood, ova and parasites. Laboratory studies reveal: Hemoglobin 6.0 g/L MCHC 25% MCH 16.5 pg MCV 68 fl Reticulocytes 0.6% Platelets 230,000/mm3 Leukocyte count 5,500/mm3 Neutrophils 56% Eosinophils 1% Lymphocytes 33% Monocytes 10% Serum Iron 40 mg/dL TIBC 460 mg/dL (normal 300-350 mg/dL) Percent saturation of transferrin 8.7% Total serum bilirubin 0.9 mg/dL The peripheral blood smear shows marked anisocytosis, microcytosis, hypochromia, and poikilocytosis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

12. A 54-year-old Caucasian man presents to his family physician's office complaining of several months of increased fatigability. He eats meat occasionally and drinks two to three cans of beer on weekends. Physical examination reveals pale conjunctivae and hyperdynamic carotid pulses. His blood hemoglobin level is 7.7 mg/dl, WBC count is 4,500/mm3, and platelet count is 170,000/mm3 Folic acid therapy is initiated. Four weeks later the patient's hemoglobin level is 9.1 mg/dl, but he complains of new tingling in his toes. Which of the following is a likely cause of this patient's current symptoms?

13. An 80-year-old man with advanced prostate cancer and bony metastasis is complaining of severe back pain that has been progressively worsening for the past two weeks. His pain is so severe that it restricts him from playing golf. Eight months ago, he underwent orchiectomy, after which he was free from bone pain until now. Physical examination reveals tenderness at two sites in the lumbar region. Radionuclide bone scan shows an increased uptake in these areas. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

14. A 46-year-old bank executive is referred to the clinic by her dentist. For the past 6 weeks, she has had swollen, bleeding gums. She appears pale and feels weak. She smokes half a pack of cigarettes daily and drinks alcohol socially. Her family history is not significant. Her vital signs are stable. She is afebrile. WBC 44,100 mm3 Hemoglobin 9.0 g/dL Hematocrit 27% Platelets 16,000/mm3 Leukocyte distribution: Blast forms 79% Promonocytes 12% Monocytes 8% Lymphocytes 1% Cytochemical analysis: Sudan black: slightly positive Alpha-naphthyl esterase: positive PAS reaction: negative Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

15. A 65-year-old woman is being evaluated for "generalized depression." She has felt weak and fatigued ever since her husband died 4 months ago. She does not have any suicidal thoughts, but is losing interest in her daily activities. She quit smoking 24 years ago, and drinks 1-2 beers weekly. Physical examination reveals pallor and cervical lymphadenopathy. Blood work reveals: Hemoglobin 12.0 g/L MCV 85 fl Platelets 224,000/mm3 Leukocyte count 54,500/mm3 Neutrophils 16% Lymphocytes 75% Monocytes 9% Some variants of lymphocytes and smudge cells are present. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

16. A 66-year old female has been your patient for the last 8 years. She was diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma 2 years ago, and eventually underwent an endoscopic resection. Since then, she has been healthy, and has been coming to the office regularly for follow-up visits. She is very grateful, and has stated many times that she owes her life to you. You are currently a co-investigator of a retrospective observational study of patients with colon cancer, and you believe that including her medical information will be extremely beneficial. What course of action must you take so that you can include this patient's data in your study?

17. A 65-year-old Hispanic male is brought to the emergency department after having one seizure episode. His past medical history is significant for non-small cell lung carcinoma, which was diagnosed two years ago and treated surgically. He had no residual disease at that time. CT scan of the brain with contrast now shows a solitary cortical mass in the right hemisphere of the brain at the grey-white matter junction. His chest x-ray is clear. He is admitted for further management and started on phenytoin. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient?

18. A 54-year-old male is brought to the emergency department because of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea for the past 24 hours. He is confused and crying out in pain. His temperature is 38.6C (101.6F), blood pressure is 82/58 mm Hg, pulse is 118/min, and respirations are 24/min. Physical examination reveals extensive abdominal distention. There is fresh blood in his stools. Intravenous administration of normal saline is started after drawing blood for the necessary laboratory tests. The results of these tests are: Sodium 136 mEq/L Potassium 3.6 mEq/L Bicarbonate 18 mEq/L Blood urea nitrogen 32 mg/dL Creatinine 1.3 mg/dL Glucose 86 mg/dL WBC 35,000mm3 Hemoglobin 13.0 g/dL Hematocrit 36% Platelets 460,000mm3 Leukocyte distribution: Promyelocyte 2% Myelocytes 7% Metamyelocytes 18% Bands 32% Segmented neutrophils 24% Lymphocytes 15% The patient's temperature continues to remain elevated during the night of admission. A broad-spectrum antibiotic is added to the IV infusion. Repeat CBC on the following morning shows a WBC count of 118,000/mm3 with essentially the same differential distribution of leukocytes. His leukocyte alkaline phosphatase score is elevated. What is the most probable diagnosis of this patient?

19. A 65-year-old woman comes to the office for a health maintenance visit. She has been your patient for the last 15 years. When you ask how she has been, she replies with, "Well, I'm very health-conscious now. I read all the health magazines regularly, and exercise for 30 minutes daily. I eat a lot of garlic to control my cholesterol, and drink cranberry juice to keep my kidneys strong. I don't smoke, but I drink alcohol during social events. I've been compliant with regular screening colonoscopies, mammograms, and pap smears. Doc, since my mother died from ovarian cancer, do you think I can have an abdominal ultrasound every 6 months, plus any additional necessary tests, so that any cancer can be detected early?" What is the best response to this patient's concerns?

20. A 22-year-old African-American man presents to the ER with fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, and dark urine. His heart rate is 100/min and blood pressure is 100/60. Peripheral blood smear reveals bite cells and red blood cell inclusions seen after crystal violet staining. The patient most likely suffers from which of the following conditions?

21. A 34-year-old male is brought to the emergency department with altered mental status. His girlfriend reports that he has had fever and cough for the past two days. His past medical history is significant for abdominal trauma two years ago that required splenectomy and left-sided nephrectomy. On physical examination, his temperature is 39 C (102.2F), blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg, pulse is 110/min, and respirations are 32/min. Gram-positive cocci are cultured from his blood. Which of the following is most likely impaired in this patient?

22. A 35-year-old Caucasian female is hospitalized with swelling and tenderness of her right calf. Deep venous thrombosis is diagnosed through imaging studies, and the appropriate therapy is initiated. Three days later, she complains of right arm pain. Physical examination reveals a cold right upper extremity with no palpable peripheral pulse. Her laboratory values are listed below. Hematocrit 42% WBC count 8,500/mm3 Platelets 76,000/mm3 PT 13 sec aPTT 63 sec Which of the following drugs was most likely used to treat this patient's deep venous thrombosis?

23. A 21-year-old previously healthy man presents to your office for a routine check-up. He has no current complaints. He does not smoke or consume alcohol. His family history is significant for cystic fibrosis in his older brother. He is sexually active with one partner and uses condoms regularly. He visits a dentist twice per year. His temperature is 36.6C (97.9F), pulse is 78/min, respirations are 14/min, and blood pressure is 120/76 mmHg. Physical examination reveals several non-tender, rubbery cervical lymph nodes, each measuring approximately 1 cm in diameter. There is no hepatosplenomegaly. Which of the following is the best next step in management of this patient?

24. A 25-year-old African American man presents to your office complaining of nocturia over the past several months. He reports having to wake to urinate 2 to 3 times per night despite restricting his fluid intake. He denies any back pain, fever, dysuria, or urinary urgency. His past medical history is significant for recurrent otitis media in childhood and hepatitis A infection two years ago. He is sexually active with one partner and does not use condoms. His brother died of a "blood disease" at age 10. The man's hematocrit is 49%. Urinalysis reveals no proteinuria or sediment abnormalities. His nocturia is most likely related to:

25. A 43-year-old man presents to your office with low energy and increased fatigability. He also complains of daytime sleepiness and occasional headaches. He drinks two to three glasses of wine daily but does not smoke. He sleeps in a separate room from his wife because she finds his constant snoring annoying. On physical examination, his blood pressure is 160/100 mmHg and his heart rate is 80/min. His BMI is 31.5 kg/m2. His abdomen is soft and non-tender. The liver span is 10 cm and the spleen is not palpable. Laboratory findings are: Hematocrit 60% WBC count 9,000/mm3 Platelets 190,000/mm3 Which of the following is most likely responsible for this patient's increased hematocrit?

26. A 32-year-old Caucasian female presents to your office for a routine check-up. Her past medical history is significant for generalized seizures controlled with chronic phenytoin therapy. The last seizure was six months ago. She does not smoke or consume alcohol. Physical examination is insignificant, except mild pallor. Laboratory values are: Hb 10.8 g/dL MCV 105 fl Platelet count 180,000/cmm Leukocyte count 7,500/cmm Segmented neutrophils 68% Bands 1% Eosinophils 1% Lymphocytes 24% Monocytes 6% Which of the following supplementations could have prevented this patient's anemia?

27. A 46-year-old female is brought to the emergency department because of visual blurring and altered mental status. She was recently treated for gout. Physical examination shows moderate to severe splenomegaly and positive sternal tenderness. Laboratory studies reveal a WBC count of 120, 000/uL with left shifted myeloid series and basophilia. Bone marrow exam shows 3% blasts. Repeat CBC is ordered. The hematologist-on-call decides to start leukophereses emergently. What another drug should be given to this patient?

28. A father brings his 7-year-old boy to the office because "his eyes are getting yellow". The boy has no other complaints. However, he is feeling tired and does not feel like going to the next Steelers game. There is a history of diabetes and lung cancer in the family. His vitals are stable, but he has pallor, jaundice, and splenomegaly. His labs revel: WBC 10,000cmm Hemoglobin 10 gm/dl Hematocrit 28% RBC count 3.5 million Platelets 240,000cmm Reticulocyte count 4% RBC indices were as follows: MCV 90 fl MCHC 38% MCH 28 pg Peripheral smear revealed anisocytosis, some spherocytosis, and polychromatophilia. Coomb's test was negative. LFTs showed: Albumin 5.2 g/dl AST 47U/L ALT 52U/L Alkaline phosphatase 120 U/L Total bilirubin 3.0 mg/dl Direct bilirubin 0.2 mg/dl What is the next step?

29. A 25-year-old African American male comes to the office with sudden-onset back pain, dark urine and an one day history of fatigue. Two days ago, he was started on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for his sinusitis. Otherwise, his past medical history is unremarkable. Physical examination reveals significant pallor. His laboratory report shows: Hb 7.5 g/dl Total bilirubin 3.5 mg/dl Direct bilirubin 0.8 mg/dl Haptoglobin decreased LDH increased The peripheral smear shows bite cells. His G6PD level is normal. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his hemolysis?

30. A 50-year-old pale man comes to the office and says, "For the past year, I've been feeling very weak. I get tired early, and I feel that I've lost my sense of humor. I find it difficult to remember things now." When asked about his social history, he says, "I'm jobless and am living on social security benefits. I don't drink or smoke anymore, but I was charged with driving under the influence three times before." His parents died of old age. He shares his room with four friends. His vital signs are normal. CBC reveals: WBC 5,500 mm3 Hemoglobin 7.0 mg/dl Hematocrit 22% Platelets 196,000mm3 RBC count 1.7 million MCV 119 fl MCH 36 MCHC 28% Reticulocyte count 04% Peripheral smear shows anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, and basophilic stippling. What is the best next step in the management of this patient?

31. A 75-year-old Caucasian male comes to the office for his routine medical check-up. He complains of fatigue for the past month. His previous medical history is significant for calcified aortic valves and hypertension. His vital signs are stable; except for a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. Physical examination reveals pallor and a 4+ ejection systolic murmur in the aortic area. Lab reports show: Hb 9 g/dl MCV 75 fl Reticulocyte count increased Serum LDH increased Haptoglobin decreased Peripheral smear fragmented RBC Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's anemia?

32. A 64-year-old male patient with deep vein thrombosis is being treated with unfractionated heparin. On the 4th day of treatment, his platelet count drops to 80,000/cmm. His previous platelet count on day 2 was within normal range. He denies any bleeding-related complications, and is completely asymptomatic. His complete examination does not reveal any signs of bleeding. His blood pressure is 128/80mm of Hg, pulse is 78/min, and respirations are 20/min. He is afebrile. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

33. A 6-year-old African-American child is brought in by his father for complaints of easy fatigability and pallor. These symptoms occurred after the son was treated with "some medication" for a recent diarrhea. Physical examination is normal except for pallor and multiple petechiae. Laboratory values are as follows: Hb 8.0 g/dL WBC 12,000/cmm Platelets 50,000/cmm Blood glucose 118 mg/dL Serum Na 135 mEq/L Serum K 5.3 mEq/L Chloride 110 mEq/L Bicarbonate 18 mEq/L BUN 38 mg/dL Serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL Total bilirubin 3 mg/dL Direct bilirubin 0.5 mg/dL PT 12 seconds APTT 30 seconds LDH 900 IU/L Reticulocyte count 6% A peripheral blood smear reveals giant platelets and multiple schistocytes. What is the most likely underlying pathophysiology for this boy's pallor?

34. A 68-year-old unconscious man is brought to the emergency department by a hospice nurse. He had seizures 2 hours ago, after which he lost consciousness. The hospice staff responded by securing his airway and giving him 2L of oxygen. He is in hospice for terminal care for stage IV esophageal carcinoma. He also had a part of his finger removed 1.5 years ago due to a skin cancer. His pulse oximetry reading is 91%. His temperature is 37.9C (100.2F), respirations are 23/min, pulse is 96/min, and blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg. He does not respond to painful stimuli. Rectal examination reveals a hard, irregular surface of an enlarged prostate. His recent prostate specific antigen level is 40. MRI shows an intracranial lesion with bleeding inside, and these findings are consistent with metastasis. What is the most likely diagnosis?

35. A 19-year-old man comes to the office and says, "Doctor! I have been having a peculiar problem lately. My stool has a funny color. First, it was black and almost sticky. Yesterday, it became maroon. In fact, today I saw some bright red blood." He denies any associated pain or fever. He is adopted, and his family history is unknown. His vital signs are stable. Physical examination is normal, but his stool is positive for occult blood. Laboratory studies reveal a hematocrit of 29% and hemoglobin concentration of 9.6 g/dL. Colonoscopy reveals hundreds of colonic polyps, which are identified as adenomatous polyps with the biopsy. What is the appropriate recommendation for this patient at this point?

36. A 44-year-old woman comes to the office with complaints of weight loss and blood in her stools for the last year. Her mother is on chemotherapy for colon carcinoma. Her maternal uncle also had colon cancer, as did her first cousin who died of colon cancer at the age of 46. She is very worried that she might have the same cancer. Based on her history, she falls within the criteria for Lynch syndrome (also known as HNPCC/ Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer). Apart from the complete work-up for colon cancer, this patient should be evaluated for which of the following condition?

37. A 72-year-old Hispanic man comes to the clinic with complaints of mild headache and lethargy for the past several days. He complains of cough for the past 12 years but, has been bothering him more lately. The cough is mucoid in nature. He has noticed blood in it once in a while. He has been smoking 1 pack/day for 29 years. His Temperature 37C (98.6F); BP 120/84 mmHg; PR 78/min; RR 24/min. On examination of the lungs, adventitious sounds are heard in all the lobes and scant basilar crackles. Laboratory studies show: WBC 7,600mm3 Hemoglobin 13.6 Hematocrit 40%, Platelets 214,000mm3 Sodium 131 mEq/L Potassium 3.6 mEq/L Bicarbonate 18 mEq/L Blood urea nitrogen 16 mg/dL Creatinine 0.6 mg/dL Glucose 95 mg/dL Serum osmolality 260 mOsm/kg (275-295 mosm/kg H2O) Urine osmolality 310 mOsm/kg (38- 1400 mosm/kg H2O) A chest x-ray shows a 2-centimeter left upper lobe nodule and mediastinal adenopathy your diagnosis is?

38. A 6-year-old, African-American boy presents with fever and pain in his extremities for the last several hours. The pain is unrelated to movement or posture. His pulse is 102/min, blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, temperature is 38C (100.4F), and respirations are 18/min. Physical examination reveals pallor, jaundice, and splenomegaly. Both lower legs are tender to palpation. Lab tests show the following: Hematocrit 20% WBC count 13,000/micro-L Platelet count 180,000/miro-L Bilirubin 5.0 mg/dL Direct bilirubin 1.2 mg/dL Reticulocyte count 11% Peripheral blood smear shows sickle shaped cells. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirms the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. After treating the child with analgesia, hydration, and oxygen therapy, the painful episode subsides. Which of the following measures should be employed to prevent aplastic crisis in this child?

39. A 22-year-old white male presented to the emergency room (ER) with the sudden onset of acute right upper quadrant pain. The ultrasound showed cholelithiasis. Initial evaluation revealed hemoglobin of 9 gm/dl with an MCV of 90 fl and a total reticulocyte count of 1000 cells per microliter. Peripheral smear revealed polychromatophilia and spherocytes. Liver function tests revealed an elevated indirect bilirubin and normal hepatic enzyme levels. Physical examination is consistent with pallor. The patient's parents were killed in an accident when he was 8-year-old, and the patient does not know anything about the family history. Which of the following is the most correct statement about this patient's condition?

40. A 70-year-old man presents to the urgent care clinic complaining of extensive bruising and bleeding gums. His medical history is significant for atrial fibrillation for which he takes metoprolol and warfarin. He has been stable on his current dose of warfarin for several months. He denies any recent use of NSAIDs or other over-the-counter medications. The patient reports that he has been taking his warfarin as prescribed and has been trying to "live a healthier life" lately. On further questioning, he reports trying to exercise more often, taking numerous vitamin supplements daily, and eating more vegetables. His new diet consists mainly of vegetables like spinach, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli, as well as copious amounts of green tea. Which of the following lifestyle changes is most likely responsible for this patient's bleeding?

42. A 26-year-old man comes with his girlfriend to the emergency department due to a very high fever. He just finished his second cycle of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) chemotherapy for metastatic seminoma 4 days ago. Other than his fever, he has no complaints. He denies any chest pain, cough, diarrhea or any rash. He stopped smoking ever since he was diagnosed with his "deadly disease," but drinks alcohol occasionally. His temperature is 38.9 C (102 F), blood pressure is 118/70 mm Hg, pulse is 102/min, and respirations are 19/min. Physical examination reveals a pale man without any eyebrows or eyelashes. Chest auscultation is clear. Blood tests reveal: WBC 690/mm3 with 9% neutrophils Hemoglobin 8.6 g/dl Hematocrit 25% Platelets 7 4,000/mm3 What is the best next step in the management of this patient?

43. A 45-year-old white male presented to his primary care physician due to easy fatigability. He is a pure vegetarian and a known alcoholic. Physical examination revealed significant pallor. His hemoglobin level was 10.8gm/dl, and serum iron studies were within normal limits. His physician placed him on folic acid (1 mg daily), and his hemoglobin level increased to 13gm/dl over a period of several months. The patient continued to take folic acid for the next two years. On his next follow-up visit, he complained of gradual memory loss and difficulty in maintaining his balance for the past six months. Which of the following is the most likely thing to consider at this point?

44. A 63-year-old Caucasian man reports occasional palpitations when exercising. He denies chest pain. Past medical history includes coronary artery disease status post coronary artery stenting, mitral valve replacement with mechanical valve, and diabetes mellitus. He consumes a well-balanced diet and takes one multivitamin tablet daily. His medications include warfarin, simvastatin, metoprolol, lisinopril, and metformin. Physical examination reveals conjunctival pallor and heart sounds consistent with the presence of a mechanical mitral valve. His hematocrit is 30%. The peripheral blood smear shows occasional schistocytes and his serum LDH level is elevated. His stool is negative for occult blood. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's anemia?

45. An 80-year-old female is brought to your office, by her son, because of severe fatigue. She lives alone and is suffering from severe degenerative joint disease, which puts her in a house arrest-type state. Her son usually helps with getting grocery. Her only other medical problem is hypertension. She takes hydrochlorothiazide and acetaminophen. Her vitals are stable. On examination, she has pallor, and evidence of severe degenerative joint disease. Which of the following is the most likely cause of pallor in this patient?

46. A 39-year-old woman comes to the office and complains of double vision. She feels "weak all over," especially at the end of the day. She had the same complaints 8 months ago that persisted for several weeks, but she didn't see a doctor because she had no insurance then. She has no past medical history. Her mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and her brother has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Her vital signs are normal. She has diplopia and mild ptosis. Her blood profile, CBC and thyroid tests are within normal limits. Electromyography and repetitive nerve stimulation reveals a decremental response in compound action potentials. Her acetylcholine receptor antibody test is positive. Which of the following tests should be ordered next?

47. A 34-year-old woman comes to the ER because of right lower leg swelling, redness, and pain. She has no significant past medical history and does not use any medications. Her mother has a history of pulmonary embolism. Her temperature is 36.7C (98F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 120/76 mmHg. Examination shows tenderness to palpation in the right calf. Compressive ultrasonogram shows a deep vein thrombosis of the right leg. Further evaluation reveals an elevated plasma homocysteine level. She is started on heparin and warfarin therapy. What other additional therapy is indicated in this patient?