Case-Based Flashcards
Applies pathophysiology knowledge to clinical scenarios
A 60-year-old male with chest pain, radiating to the left arm, sweating, and nausea. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Acute myocardial infarction (MI).
Order troponin levels, ECG, and start aspirin + oxygen.
A patient presents with sudden-onset dyspnea, tachycardia, and pleuritic chest pain after a long flight. What is the likely diagnosis?
Pulmonary embolism (PE).
Order D-dimer, CT angiography, and start anticoagulation.
A 30-year-old woman presents with episodes of double vision, weakness, and numbness over several months. MRI shows white matter plaques. What is the diagnosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Order lumbar puncture (oligoclonal bands). Treat with steroids & immunomodulators.
A patient suddenly develops facial drooping on the right side but can still move their forehead. What is the likely cause?
Stroke (central lesion).
Order brain CT/MRI, start thrombolysis if within 4.5 hours.
A child with a history of asthma presents with wheezing, shortness of breath, and accessory muscle use. What is the next step?
Administer bronchodilators (albuterol), oxygen, corticosteroids.
A smoker with chronic cough, wheezing, and dyspnea has an FEV1/FVC ratio <70%. What is the likely diagnosis?
COPD.
Order spirometry, start bronchodilators and smoking cessation.
A patient with epigastric pain worsened by meals is diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. What is the most common cause?
Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use. Treat with PPIs & antibiotics.
A patient presents with bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Colonoscopy shows continuous inflammation limited to the colon. What is the diagnosis?
Ulcerative colitis.
Start mesalamine or corticosteroids.
A patient with weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and bradycardia has elevated TSH and low T3/T4. What is the diagnosis?
Hypothyroidism.
Start levothyroxine.
A diabetic patient presents with confusion, sweating, and tachycardia after skipping a meal. What is the likely cause?
Hypoglycemia (likely due to excessive insulin use). Treat with glucose administration.
A patient with fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status undergoes a lumbar puncture. CSF shows neutrophils and low glucose. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Bacterial meningitis.
Start empiric antibiotics (ceftriaxone + vancomycin).
A returning traveler presents with fever, chills, and cyclical sweating. Blood smear shows ring-shaped parasites. What is the likely diagnosis?
Malaria.
Start antimalarial treatment (artemisinin-based therapy).
