PANCE Flashcards: Blueprint-Aligned Diagnoses, Tests & Next Steps
Study diagnoses, tests, next steps and management with a source-linked PANCE deck organized by the January 2025 NCCPA blueprint.
À propos de ce paquet
Reviewed for 2026, this 600-card English deck follows the January 2025 NCCPA PANCE blueprint. Its two public tag axes let you switch between medical-content systems and exam-task retrievals: discriminating history and examination cues, diagnosis, diagnostic-study choice, prevention, next-step intervention, pharmacotherapy, and selected foundations. Every answer links to a current first-party clinical guideline or authoritative public-health or professional body and records the 2026-08-26 review date. Official PANCE eligibility and certification requirements remain with NCCPA. No recalled or leaked exam questions, exam items, mark schemes, curriculum prose, commercial deck wording, logos, figures, or trade dress were copied. Educational review only. This deck isn't medical advice and isn't a substitute for current clinical guidance, supervision, local protocols, or patient-specific judgment. This independently written resource is unofficial and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCCPA.
Cartes de ce paquet
Carte 1
Question
What core mechanism explains acute coronary syndrome?
Réponse
Plaque disruption with superimposed coronary thrombosis causes most acute coronary syndromes.
2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 2
Question
When an adult patient with decision-making capacity refuses a recommended treatment, what is the clinician’s next step?
Réponse
Confirm that the choice is informed and voluntary, explain material risks and alternatives, document the discussion, and respect the refusal.
Informed Consent · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 3
Question
In a child or adolescent, what core mechanism explains asthma?
Réponse
Airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness create variable, usually reversible airflow obstruction.
2026 GINA Strategy Report · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 4
Question
What core mechanism explains upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Réponse
Bleeding proximal to the ligament of Treitz is altered by gastric acid and intestinal transit, producing hematemesis or melena.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 5
Question
In a child or adolescent, what core mechanism explains septic arthritis?
Réponse
Bacterial invasion of synovium triggers destructive inflammation that can rapidly damage cartilage.
Guideline for Management of Septic Arthritis in Native Joints · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 6
Question
What core mechanism explains acute ischemic stroke?
Réponse
Arterial occlusion deprives brain tissue of oxygen, leaving a salvageable penumbra around the infarct core.
2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 7
Question
What core mechanism explains community-acquired pneumonia?
Réponse
Alveolar infection fills air spaces with inflammatory exudate and impairs gas exchange.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 8
Question
What core mechanism explains ectopic pregnancy?
Réponse
Implantation outside the endometrial cavity, usually in the tube, can erode vessels and rupture.
Ectopic Pregnancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 9
Question
In a child or adolescent, what core mechanism explains major depressive disorder?
Réponse
Mood-network and stress-system dysregulation interacts with genetic and environmental vulnerability; no single neurotransmitter explains the disorder.
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 10
Question
What core mechanism explains type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Réponse
Insulin resistance plus progressive beta-cell dysfunction produces chronic hyperglycemia.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 11
Question
What core mechanism explains acute angle-closure glaucoma?
Réponse
Closure of the anterior-chamber angle blocks aqueous outflow and abruptly raises intraocular pressure.
Management of Angle-Closure Glaucoma · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 12
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for aortic dissection?
Réponse
Abrupt severe chest or back pain, pulse or blood-pressure asymmetry, and a new aortic regurgitation murmur are high-risk clues.
2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 13
Question
What core mechanism explains chronic kidney disease?
Réponse
Progressive nephron loss causes hyperfiltration in remaining nephrons, fibrosis, and multisystem toxin accumulation.
2024 CKD Evaluation and Management Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 14
Question
What core mechanism explains iron-deficiency anemia?
Réponse
Iron depletion limits heme synthesis, producing hypochromic microcytes and eventually tissue iron symptoms.
British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 15
Question
In an infant aged 1–23 months with a viral prodrome followed by cough, wheeze or crackles, tachypnea, and feeding difficulty, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Bronchiolitis. An infant with viral prodrome followed by cough, wheeze or crackles, tachypnea, and feeding difficulty likely has bronchiolitis.
Bronchiolitis: Recommendations for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Management of Children One to 24 Months · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 16
Question
In a child or adolescent, what core mechanism explains atopic dermatitis?
Réponse
Skin-barrier dysfunction and type 2 inflammation increase transepidermal water loss and itch.
Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 17
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for acute pancreatitis?
Réponse
Severe persistent epigastric pain radiating to the back with nausea and vomiting is typical.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Acute Pancreatitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 18
Question
What core mechanism explains uncomplicated cystitis?
Réponse
Ascending periurethral bacteria inflame the bladder mucosa without renal-parenchymal involvement.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 19
Question
Which diagnosis causes symmetric synovitis of the MCP, PIP, or wrist joints with prolonged morning stiffness?
Réponse
Rheumatoid arthritis. Symmetric inflammatory pain and prolonged morning stiffness in MCP, PIP, or wrist joints with synovitis suggest rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 20
Question
What abilities are assessed when determining decision-making capacity for a specific choice?
Réponse
The patient must communicate a choice, understand relevant information, appreciate how it applies personally, and reason about the options.
Informed Consent · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 21
Question
Which diagnosis causes fluctuating, fatigable ptosis, diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, or proximal weakness that worsens with use?
Réponse
Myasthenia gravis. Fluctuating fatigable ptosis, diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, or proximal weakness that worsens with use suggests myasthenia.
International Consensus Guidance for Management of Myasthenia Gravis: 2020 Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 22
Question
Which diagnosis best fits new clinically significant diarrhea after antibiotics or healthcare exposure, especially with abdominal pain or leukocytosis?
Réponse
Clostridioides difficile infection. New clinically significant diarrhea after antibiotics or healthcare exposure, with abdominal pain or leukocytosis, suggests C. difficile.
2021 Focused Update Guidelines on Management of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 23
Question
For surgical decision-making, after delivery of the head, retraction against the perineum and failure of the shoulders to deliver indicate which obstetric emergency?
Réponse
Shoulder dystocia. After delivery of the head, retraction against the perineum and failure of the shoulders to deliver indicates dystocia.
Shoulder Dystocia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 24
Question
In a child or adolescent, which diagnosis causes persistent developmentally inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity in more than one setting with impairment?
Réponse
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Persistent developmentally inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity in more than one setting with impairment suggests ADHD.
ADHD in Children and Youth: Part 1—Etiology, Diagnosis, and Comorbidity · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 25
Question
Which diagnosis best fits sharp pleuritic chest pain that improves when sitting forward, a friction rub, and diffuse ST elevation?
Réponse
Acute pericarditis. Sharp pleuritic chest pain that improves when sitting forward, a friction rub, and diffuse ST elevation support pericarditis.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 26
Question
Which next action matters most in acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Réponse
Treat the cause, ventilate with low tidal volumes and limited pressures, and use prone positioning for severe hypoxemia.
An Update on Management of Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 27
Question
For surgical decision-making, identify the condition from this pattern: Proximal weakness, easy bruising, facial plethora, wide violaceous striae, osteoporosis, or difficult diabetes and hypertension are discriminating clues.
Réponse
Cushing syndrome. Proximal weakness, easy bruising, facial plethora, wide violaceous striae, osteoporosis, or difficult diabetes and hypertension are discriminating clues.
Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 28
Question
For surgical decision-making, identify the condition from this pattern: Severe unilateral sore throat, muffled voice, drooling, trismus, and uvular deviation suggest a peritonsillar collection.
Réponse
Peritonsillar abscess. Severe unilateral sore throat, muffled voice, drooling, trismus, and uvular deviation suggest a peritonsillar collection.
Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 29
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for anterior cruciate ligament tear?
Réponse
A noncontact pivot, audible pop, immediate swelling, and instability with a positive Lachman test suggest an ACL tear.
Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 30
Question
Which diagnosis may be silent until edema, pruritus, anemia, hypertension, or abnormal urine testing appears?
Réponse
Chronic kidney disease. CKD may be silent; edema, pruritus, anemia, hypertension, or abnormal urine testing often appears later.
2024 CKD Evaluation and Management Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 31
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in aortic dissection?
Réponse
Start rapid heart-rate and blood-pressure control and obtain emergency surgical evaluation for ascending dissection.
2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 32
Question
Identify the condition from this pattern: Fatigue, pica, restless legs, koilonychia, or chronic blood loss can accompany microcytic anemia.
Réponse
Iron-deficiency anemia. Fatigue, pica, restless legs, koilonychia, or chronic blood loss can accompany microcytic anemia.
British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 33
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for bacterial brain abscess?
Réponse
Headache, fever, focal deficit, seizure, or signs of raised intracranial pressure after sinus, ear, dental, or bloodstream infection raise suspicion.
ESCMID Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Abscess in Children and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 34
Question
Which diagnosis best fits chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, perianal disease, and skip lesions?
Réponse
Crohn disease. Chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, perianal disease, and skip lesions support Crohn disease.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines for Crohn’s Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 35
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for pulmonary tuberculosis?
Réponse
Chronic cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, hemoptysis, or epidemiologic exposure raises concern.
Clinical Overview of Tuberculosis Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 36
Question
Which diagnosis causes well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scale on extensor surfaces and nail pitting?
Réponse
Plaque psoriasis. Well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scale on extensor surfaces and nail pitting support psoriasis.
Psoriasis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 37
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for endometriosis?
Réponse
Cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, painful defecation, or infertility suggests endometriosis.
Endometriosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 38
Question
Identify the condition from this pattern: Fever, flank pain, costovertebral-angle tenderness, nausea, and urinary symptoms suggest renal infection.
Réponse
Acute pyelonephritis. Fever, flank pain, costovertebral-angle tenderness, nausea, and urinary symptoms suggest renal infection.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 39
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for panic disorder?
Réponse
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus persistent worry or maladaptive avoidance for at least a month suggests panic disorder.
Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 40
Question
What drug class or regimen fits acute pericarditis?
Réponse
Use an NSAID plus colchicine for uncomplicated acute pericarditis when not contraindicated.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 41
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for tension pneumothorax?
Réponse
Severe dyspnea, unilateral absent breath sounds, hypotension, distended neck veins, and obstructive shock suggest tension physiology.
Thoracic Trauma WSES-AAST Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 42
Question
In a child or adolescent, which next action matters most in diabetic ketoacidosis?
Réponse
Begin isotonic fluids, replace potassium according to the measured level, and start IV insulin once potassium is safe.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 43
Question
Who makes decisions when an adult patient lacks capacity and has no applicable advance directive?
Réponse
Use the legally authorized surrogate and guide decisions by the patient’s known wishes or, if unknown, best interests.
Decisions for Adult Patients Who Lack Capacity · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 44
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in retinal detachment?
Réponse
Send the patient to an eye doctor or emergency department immediately for retinal evaluation and treatment. Early treatment helps prevent permanent vision loss.
Retinal Detachment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 45
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for acute deep-vein thrombosis?
Réponse
Unilateral leg swelling, pain, warmth, and risk from immobility, surgery, cancer, estrogen, or prior VTE raise suspicion.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 46
Question
Which next action matters most in Crohn disease?
Réponse
Drain abscesses and involve surgery for obstruction, fistula complications, perforation, or refractory disease.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines for Crohn’s Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 47
Question
Which next action matters most in rheumatoid arthritis?
Réponse
Refer early and start disease-modifying therapy rather than relying on symptomatic treatment.
2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 48
Question
What antimicrobial approach is appropriate for suspected or confirmed pleural infection?
Réponse
Start empiric antibiotics before culture results, covering likely organisms including anaerobes, then narrow therapy to microbiology and clinical context.
British Thoracic Society Guideline for Pleural Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 49
Question
In a child or adolescent, which next action matters most in nephritic syndrome?
Réponse
Control pressure and volume, treat the cause, and obtain urgent nephrology input for rapidly progressive loss.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 50
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for acute coronary syndrome?
Réponse
Treat tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia to reduce atherosclerotic risk.
2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 51
Question
Which next action matters most in multiple sclerosis relapse?
Réponse
Exclude infection or pseudo-relapse, then treat functionally significant relapse and reassess disease-modifying therapy.
Multiple Sclerosis in Adults: Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 52
Question
Which next action matters most in HIV infection?
Réponse
Link a newly diagnosed patient rapidly to HIV care and begin antiretroviral therapy as soon as feasible.
Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 53
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in postpartum hemorrhage?
Réponse
Call the hemorrhage team, massage an atonic uterus, give uterotonics, replace blood products, and control the cause procedurally if needed.
Postpartum Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 54
Question
Which next action matters most in delirium?
Réponse
Treat the cause, protect the patient, and use nonpharmacologic measures first.
Delirium: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 55
Question
After successful endoscopic hemostasis of a high-risk bleeding peptic ulcer, what medication strategy is recommended?
Réponse
Give high-dose proton-pump inhibitor therapy continuously or intermittently for 3 days.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 56
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for thyroid storm?
Réponse
Fever, marked tachycardia, agitation or delirium, gastrointestinal symptoms, and heart failure in thyrotoxicosis suggest storm.
2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 57
Question
In a child or adolescent, what drug class or regimen fits septic arthritis?
Réponse
Cover likely gram-positive organisms initially, adding gram-negative coverage for relevant risk.
Guideline for Management of Septic Arthritis in Native Joints · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 58
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis?
Réponse
Persistent symptoms beyond 10 days, severe fever with purulent drainage, or worsening after initial improvement are patterns that support bacterial disease.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 59
Question
How should a clinician respond when a patient asks not to hear serious diagnostic information?
Réponse
Explore the request and preferences, confirm it is voluntary, and identify whether the patient wants information shared with a chosen surrogate.
Withholding Information from Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 60
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for cardiac tamponade?
Réponse
Bedside echocardiography can show effusion with chamber collapse and respiratory flow variation.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 61
Question
In a child or adolescent, which next action matters most in atopic dermatitis?
Réponse
Treat active inflammation and address infection, sleep disruption, and trigger exposure.
Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 62
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Réponse
High-resolution CT showing a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern can establish diagnosis in the right context; multidisciplinary review is key.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Update and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 63
Question
What drug class or regimen fits benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Réponse
Alpha-1 blockers improve symptoms quickly; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors reduce progression in appropriately enlarged prostates.
EAU Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 64
Question
In a child or adolescent, what clinical clue should raise suspicion for nephritic syndrome?
Réponse
Hematuria with dysmorphic red cells or casts, hypertension, edema, and reduced kidney function suggests glomerular inflammation.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 65
Question
In a child or adolescent, which initial medication regimen is indicated for a convulsive seizure lasting at least five minutes or recurring without recovery?
Réponse
A benzodiazepine is first-line for convulsive status epilepticus, followed by an appropriate longer-acting antiseizure medicine.
Treatment of Prolonged Seizures in Children and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 66
Question
Which next action matters most in acute deep-vein thrombosis?
Réponse
Start anticoagulation promptly after acute deep-vein thrombosis is confirmed, unless a contraindication changes the plan.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 67
Question
What drug class or regimen fits sepsis?
Réponse
Use broad therapy matched to source, host, and local resistance, then de-escalate from cultures and response.
2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 68
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to infective endocarditis?
Réponse
Fever plus a new or changing murmur, embolic findings, injection-drug use, or prosthetic material raises suspicion.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 69
Question
What drug class or regimen fits pelvic inflammatory disease?
Réponse
Outpatient therapy commonly uses ceftriaxone plus doxycycline and metronidazole.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 70
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for acute pancreatitis?
Réponse
Treat gallstones, avoid alcohol excess, and control severe hypertriglyceridemia to reduce recurrence.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Acute Pancreatitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 71
Question
What drug class or regimen fits schizophrenia?
Réponse
Use an antipsychotic through shared decision-making; clozapine is indicated for treatment resistance or persistent suicide risk under monitoring.
Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 72
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for anterior cruciate ligament tear?
Réponse
Neuromuscular warm-up and landing programs reduce noncontact ACL injuries in high-risk athletes.
Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 73
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for primary hypothyroidism?
Réponse
Measure TSH first in most patients and free T4 to characterize overt disease.
Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 74
Question
In an acutely ill hospitalized medical patient, what VTE prevention strategy is appropriate?
Réponse
Assess VTE and bleeding risk, then use pharmacologic prophylaxis when indicated or mechanical prophylaxis when anticoagulation is unsuitable.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Prophylaxis for Medical Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 75
Question
In a child aged 6 months or older, what drug class or regimen fits acute otitis media?
Réponse
Amoxicillin is first-line for most children who need an antibiotic, with alternatives guided by allergy and prior treatment.
Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children Six Months of Age and Older · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 76
Question
What makes informed consent more than a signed form?
Réponse
It is a communication process covering the nature, expected benefits, material risks, alternatives, and the option to decline, followed by a voluntary decision.
Informed Consent · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 77
Question
What condition should be suspected from this finding: Severely elevated pressure with acute neurologic, cardiac, renal, retinal, or aortic injury defines an emergency.
Réponse
Hypertensive emergency. Severely elevated pressure with acute neurologic, cardiac, renal, retinal, or aortic injury defines an emergency.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 78
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for migraine with aura?
Réponse
Regular sleep, meals, hydration, activity, trigger management, and limiting acute-medicine overuse reduce attacks.
AHS Consensus Statement: Integrating New Migraine Treatments into Clinical Practice · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 79
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Réponse
Check hemodynamics, CBC, metabolic and coagulation studies, type and screen, then perform timely upper endoscopy after stabilization.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 80
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for early syphilis?
Réponse
Condom use, partner services, repeat testing for ongoing risk, and prenatal screening reduce transmission and congenital disease.
Primary and Secondary Syphilis: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 81
Question
In a child or adolescent, what is the key first diagnostic step for septic arthritis?
Réponse
Perform urgent arthrocentesis for cell count, crystals, Gram stain, and culture; obtain blood cultures.
Guideline for Management of Septic Arthritis in Native Joints · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 82
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for abnormal uterine bleeding from anovulation?
Réponse
Address reversible causes of ovulatory dysfunction, review medicines that worsen bleeding, and monitor for anemia.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 83
Question
In a young child, which diagnosis best fits a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor after a viral prodrome?
Réponse
Croup. Barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor after a viral prodrome in a young child suggests croup.
Acute Management of Croup in the Emergency Department · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 84
Question
Which intervention is recommended to reduce later PTSD in an adult diagnosed with acute stress disorder?
Réponse
Offer individual trauma-focused cognitive behavioral psychotherapy with exposure and/or cognitive restructuring.
Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 85
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for cellulitis?
Réponse
Unilateral expanding warmth, tenderness, erythema, and edema without a sharply raised border favor cellulitis.
Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 86
Question
How should a clinician initially manage infective endocarditis?
Réponse
Start targeted IV antibiotics after cultures; seek early valve-team input for heart failure, uncontrolled infection, or major embolic risk.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 87
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Réponse
Progressive weak stream, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, nocturia, and frequency suggest bladder-outlet symptoms.
EAU Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 88
Question
What drug class or regimen fits chronic kidney disease?
Réponse
Use an ACE inhibitor or ARB for appropriate albuminuric CKD and an SGLT2 inhibitor for eligible patients.
2024 CKD Evaluation and Management Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 89
Question
Which microbiologic test is essential when gonococcal conjunctivitis is suspected?
Réponse
Obtain a conjunctival specimen for culture; add a locally validated nucleic-acid amplification test when available, and perform susceptibility testing on cultured isolates when indicated.
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 90
Question
What drug class or regimen fits iron-deficiency anemia?
Réponse
Oral iron is first-line for many patients; IV iron is useful when absorption, tolerance, severity, or speed makes oral therapy unsuitable.
British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 91
Question
When may treatment proceed without prior consent in an emergency?
Réponse
When urgent treatment is needed, the patient cannot participate, no surrogate is available, and delay threatens life or serious health; document the circumstances.
Informed Consent · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 92
Question
What drug class or regimen fits primary adrenal insufficiency?
Réponse
Replace glucocorticoid and usually mineralocorticoid in chronic primary disease.
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Guideline Resources · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 93
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Réponse
Use immediate noncontrast CT; if negative but suspicion remains, follow the time-appropriate pathway with lumbar puncture or vascular imaging.
2023 Guideline for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 94
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to celiac disease?
Réponse
Chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, iron deficiency, dermatitis herpetiformis, or unexplained osteoporosis can be the clue.
ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 95
Question
In a child or adolescent, what is the key first diagnostic step for bacterial meningitis?
Réponse
Obtain blood cultures and lumbar puncture when safe; perform head imaging first only for defined risk features.
WHO Guidelines on Meningitis Diagnosis, Treatment and Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 96
Question
In a postmenopausal woman or man aged 50 or older, which diagnosis is established by a hip or vertebral fragility fracture?
Réponse
Osteoporosis. A hip or vertebral fracture from low trauma establishes osteoporosis regardless of T-score.
The clinician’s guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 97
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for preeclampsia with severe features?
Réponse
Confirm pressure correctly and assess urine protein, CBC, creatinine, liver tests, fetal status, and symptoms.
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 98
Question
In an infant aged 1–23 months, how should a clinician initially manage bronchiolitis?
Réponse
Support oxygenation and hydration; use suction selectively and assess apnea or exhaustion.
Bronchiolitis: Recommendations for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Management of Children One to 24 Months · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 99
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for bipolar I mania?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical; assess substances, thyroid disease, medicines, psychosis, and safety.
Management of Bipolar Disorder in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 100
Question
How should medication be used in hypertensive emergency?
Réponse
Choose a titratable IV agent suited to the clinical syndrome; do not rapidly normalize pressure in most presentations.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 101
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to obstructive sleep apnea?
Réponse
Loud snoring, witnessed apneas, gasping, daytime sleepiness, morning headache, or resistant hypertension suggests OSA.
Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 102
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
Réponse
Control blood pressure and coronary risk, and avoid medicines that worsen fluid retention.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 103
Question
What condition should be suspected from this finding: Increasing abdominal girth, shifting dullness, edema, jaundice, or stigmata of portal hypertension suggest decompensation.
Réponse
Cirrhosis with ascites. Increasing abdominal girth, shifting dullness, edema, jaundice, or stigmata of portal hypertension suggest decompensation.
Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Ascites, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 104
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to carpal tunnel syndrome?
Réponse
Nocturnal numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers with thenar weakness suggests median-nerve compression.
Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 105
Question
In a patient with prior demyelinating events, which diagnosis fits a new focal neurologic deficit evolving over hours to days and lasting more than 24 hours?
Réponse
Multiple sclerosis relapse. A focal neurologic deficit evolving over hours to days and lasting over 24 hours, separated in time and space from prior events, suggests relapse.
Multiple Sclerosis in Adults: Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 106
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for primary hyperparathyroidism?
Réponse
Maintain hydration and avoid unnecessary calcium-raising medicines while monitoring patients who do not have surgery.
Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Fifth International Workshop Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 107
Question
What condition should be suspected from this finding: Acute retroviral illness can cause fever, rash, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, or no symptoms; chronic infection may remain silent.
Réponse
HIV infection. Acute retroviral illness can cause fever, rash, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, or no symptoms; chronic infection may remain silent.
About HIV · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 108
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
Réponse
Counsel patients to seek same-day care for sudden hearing change rather than waiting for spontaneous recovery.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 109
Question
For surgical decision-making, what condition should be suspected from this finding: Heavy postpartum bleeding with uterine atony, retained tissue, trauma, or coagulopathy can rapidly cause shock.
Réponse
Postpartum hemorrhage. Heavy postpartum bleeding with uterine atony, retained tissue, trauma, or coagulopathy can rapidly cause shock.
Postpartum Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 110
Question
What is the clinician’s duty after recognizing a significant medical error that harmed a patient?
Réponse
Disclose the known facts honestly, explain the clinical impact and next care steps, express appropriate concern, and follow reporting processes.
Promoting Patient Safety · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 111
Question
Which diagnosis causes an acute, fluctuating disturbance of attention and awareness with disorganized thinking?
Réponse
Delirium. An acute fluctuating disturbance of attention and awareness with disorganized thinking suggests delirium.
Delirium: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 112
Question
In a child or adolescent, what is the key first diagnostic step for nephritic syndrome?
Réponse
Use urine microscopy, protein quantification, complement and serologic testing, and biopsy for severe or unclear disease.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 113
Question
Which next action matters most in uncomplicated cystitis?
Réponse
Assess for pyelonephritis, pregnancy, obstruction, or sepsis before treating as uncomplicated disease.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 114
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for acute deep-vein thrombosis?
Réponse
Use pretest probability with D-dimer or compression ultrasonography rather than symptoms alone.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 115
Question
How should medication be used in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Réponse
Nintedanib or pirfenidone can slow functional decline; neither reverses established fibrosis.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Update and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 116
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when stable chronic hypertension is suspected?
Réponse
Confirm persistent elevation with standardized office technique and out-of-office monitoring when appropriate.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 117
Question
How should a clinician initially manage cirrhosis with ascites?
Réponse
Restrict sodium, assess for infection, and perform large-volume paracentesis with albumin when tense ascites causes symptoms.
Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Ascites, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 118
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for herpes zoster?
Réponse
Clinical diagnosis is typical; PCR from a lesion is most useful when confirmation matters.
Clinical Overview of Shingles (Herpes Zoster) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 119
Question
How should a clinician initially manage osteoporosis in a postmenopausal woman at high fracture risk?
Réponse
Offer pharmacologic therapy after shared decision-making, then reassess adherence and fracture risk.
Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 120
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to migraine with aura?
Réponse
Recurrent unilateral pulsating headache with nausea or sensory sensitivity, preceded by gradually spreading reversible visual or sensory symptoms, suggests migraine with aura.
ICHD-3: Migraine with Aura · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 121
Question
What condition should be suspected from this finding: Polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision, recurrent infections, or an asymptomatic high-risk patient may reveal hyperglycemia.
Réponse
Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision, recurrent infections, or an asymptomatic high-risk patient may reveal hyperglycemia.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 122
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to early syphilis?
Réponse
A painless chancre or a diffuse rash involving palms and soles with generalized lymphadenopathy suggests syphilis by stage.
Primary and Secondary Syphilis: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 123
Question
For surgical decision-making, what condition should be suspected from this finding: Sudden painful red eye, blurred vision with halos, headache, nausea, a fixed mid-dilated pupil, and a firm globe are classic.
Réponse
Acute angle-closure glaucoma. Sudden painful red eye, blurred vision with halos, headache, nausea, a fixed mid-dilated pupil, and a firm globe are classic.
Management of Angle-Closure Glaucoma · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 124
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to abnormal uterine bleeding from anovulation?
Réponse
Irregular unpredictable bleeding without cyclic ovulation is common at reproductive extremes or with endocrine disruption.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 125
Question
How should a clinician manage a boundary-crossing gift from a patient?
Réponse
Assess its meaning, value, timing, and effect on care; decline gifts that exploit, obligate, or distort the professional relationship.
Gifts from Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 126
Question
A clinician is considering symptomatic aortic stenosis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Exertional dyspnea, angina, or syncope with a harsh crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur radiating to the carotids is typical.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 127
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to post-traumatic stress disorder?
Réponse
Intrusion, avoidance, negative mood or cognition, and hyperarousal lasting over a month after trauma suggest PTSD.
Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 128
Question
In a child aged 6–11 years or an adolescent, what diagnostic approach is most appropriate when asthma is suspected?
Réponse
Demonstrate variable expiratory airflow limitation with spirometry and bronchodilator response or an accepted alternative.
2026 GINA Strategy Report · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 129
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for chronic kidney disease?
Réponse
Control blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, and nephrotoxin exposure; vaccinate and reduce cardiovascular risk.
2024 CKD Evaluation and Management Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 130
Question
In a child or adolescent, how should medication be used in acute appendicitis?
Réponse
Preoperative antibiotics should cover enteric gram-negative organisms and anaerobes.
Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 131
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for iron-deficiency anemia?
Réponse
Adequate dietary iron and evaluation of menstrual or gastrointestinal blood loss prevent recurrence.
British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 132
Question
Which drug class is preferred before oral therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain when topical treatment is feasible?
Réponse
Use a topical NSAID first; it provides local pain relief with less systemic exposure than an oral NSAID.
2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for Osteoarthritis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 133
Question
A patient has this pattern: Exertional calf discomfort relieved by rest, diminished pulses, and nonhealing foot wounds suggest lower-extremity arterial disease. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Peripheral artery disease. Exertional calf discomfort relieved by rest, diminished pulses, and nonhealing foot wounds suggest lower-extremity arterial disease.
2024 ACC/AHA Guideline for Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Key Points · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 134
Question
For surgical decision-making, how should a clinician initially manage acute ischemic stroke?
Réponse
Activate a stroke pathway and evaluate immediately for IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy eligibility.
2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 135
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for melanoma?
Réponse
Use sun protection and teach patients to report changing lesions rather than relying on routine self-treatment.
Melanoma Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 136
Question
How should a clinician initially manage community-acquired pneumonia?
Réponse
Stabilize oxygenation and sepsis, then choose outpatient or inpatient care using clinical judgment and a validated severity tool.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 137
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for ureteral stone?
Réponse
High fluid intake and stone-specific dietary changes based on metabolic evaluation reduce recurrence.
EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 138
Question
For surgical decision-making, how should a clinician initially manage ectopic pregnancy?
Réponse
Hemodynamic instability or suspected rupture requires emergency surgery; stable management depends on imaging, hCG, size, and follow-up reliability.
Ectopic Pregnancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 139
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from tension pneumothorax?
Réponse
After chest trauma or an invasive thoracic procedure, urgently reassess new dyspnea, hypotension, or unilateral breath-sound loss so tension physiology is decompressed without delay.
Thoracic Trauma WSES-AAST Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 140
Question
In a child or adolescent, how should a clinician initially manage major depressive disorder?
Réponse
Assess safety first, create an urgent plan for imminent risk, and use psychotherapy, medication, or both by severity and preference.
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 141
Question
What should happen when a clinician’s personal belief conflicts with a requested legal service?
Réponse
Disclose the limitation without judgment, protect urgent care, provide timely information or referral, and avoid abandoning the patient.
Physician Exercise of Conscience · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 142
Question
For surgical decision-making, what immediate plan is appropriate for symptomatic aortic stenosis?
Réponse
Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis requires valve-replacement evaluation rather than medical therapy alone.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 143
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from celiac disease?
Réponse
Screen appropriate first-degree relatives and correct micronutrient deficits.
ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 144
Question
How should a clinician initially manage primary hypothyroidism?
Réponse
Start replacement when indicated and recheck TSH after dose changes rather than adjusting from symptoms alone.
Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 145
Question
Which activity counseling can reduce carpal tunnel symptoms or slow progression?
Réponse
Modify job or recreational activities that aggravate symptoms, especially prolonged wrist flexion or extension.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 146
Question
How should a clinician initially manage bacterial conjunctivitis?
Réponse
Remove contact lenses and urgently assess pain, photophobia, vision loss, corneal opacity, or hyperacute discharge.
Clinical Overview of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 147
Question
Which diagnosis is marked by a rising creatinine or falling urine output after illness, volume loss, nephrotoxin exposure, obstruction, or sepsis?
Réponse
Acute kidney injury. A rising creatinine or falling urine output after illness, volume loss, nephrotoxin exposure, obstruction, or sepsis indicates AKI.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 148
Question
How should medication be used in bacterial brain abscess?
Réponse
Empiric therapy should cover likely streptococci, anaerobes, and staphylococci according to source, then narrow to cultures.
ESCMID Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Abscess in Children and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 149
Question
In a child or adolescent, what condition should be suspected from this finding: Isolated petechiae, bruising, or mucosal bleeding with thrombocytopenia and otherwise preserved cell lines suggests ITP.
Réponse
Immune thrombocytopenia. Isolated petechiae, bruising, or mucosal bleeding with thrombocytopenia and otherwise preserved cell lines suggests ITP.
American Society of Hematology 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 150
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for peripheral artery disease?
Réponse
Antiplatelet and high-intensity statin therapy reduce cardiovascular risk in symptomatic disease.
2024 ACC/AHA Guideline for Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Key Points · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 151
Question
A patient has this pattern: Dyspnea with reduced breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus suggests pleural fluid. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Pleural effusion. Dyspnea with reduced breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus suggests pleural fluid.
British Thoracic Society Guideline for Pleural Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 152
Question
How should medication be used in pulmonary tuberculosis?
Réponse
Treat drug-susceptible disease with a multidrug regimen and adherence support; tailor to susceptibility and patient factors.
Treatment for Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 153
Question
How should medication be used in endometriosis?
Réponse
Combined hormonal contraceptives or progestins are common first-line suppressive therapies when pregnancy is not desired.
Endometriosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 154
Question
How should medication be used in panic disorder?
Réponse
SSRIs or SNRIs are preferred long-term medicines; benzodiazepines carry dependence and safety risks.
Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 155
Question
A clinician is considering ulcerative colitis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Bloody diarrhea, urgency, tenesmus, and crampy abdominal pain with continuous colonic inflammation suggest ulcerative colitis.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines to Manage Adult Ulcerative Colitis Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 156
Question
In a patient younger than 16, which diagnosis fits persistent joint swelling, limited motion, or morning stiffness after other causes are excluded?
Réponse
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Persistent joint swelling, limited motion, or morning stiffness beginning before age 16, after excluding other causes, suggests JIA.
2026 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 157
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to primary adrenal insufficiency?
Réponse
Weight loss, fatigue, hypotension, salt craving, hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia suggest primary adrenal failure.
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Guideline Resources · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 158
Question
When can confidential information be shared with another treating clinician without a separate HIPAA authorization?
Réponse
HIPAA generally permits disclosure for treatment, using reasonable safeguards and only information relevant to care.
Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 159
Question
In a child aged 6 months or older, which bedside pattern best points to acute otitis media?
Réponse
A bulging tympanic membrane with acute ear pain or new otorrhea is more specific than redness alone.
Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children Six Months of Age and Older · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 160
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
Réponse
Reduced contractility activates sympathetic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathways that drive maladaptive remodeling.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 161
Question
In a child, typically 6 months to 3 years, what immediate plan is appropriate for croup?
Réponse
Keep the child calm, give dexamethasone, and add nebulized epinephrine for moderate or severe stridor.
Acute Management of Croup in the Emergency Department · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 162
Question
What drug class or regimen fits cellulitis?
Réponse
Use an agent active against streptococci for nonpurulent disease; add MRSA coverage when risk or purulence warrants it.
Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 163
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for testicular torsion?
Réponse
Make a clinical diagnosis and obtain urgent urologic assessment; use Doppler ultrasound only if the diagnosis is uncertain and imaging will not delay exploration.
Testicular Torsion · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 164
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from Parkinson disease?
Réponse
Exercise, fall-risk reduction, medication review, and driving and swallowing assessment reduce complications.
Parkinson’s Disease in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 165
Question
How should a clinician initially manage hyperkalemia?
Réponse
With ECG changes or severe elevation, stabilize the myocardium, shift potassium intracellularly, and remove it from the body.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of Acute Hyperkalaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 166
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from gonococcal urethritis or cervicitis?
Réponse
Condom use, routine screening by risk, and partner treatment reduce reinfection and complications.
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 167
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports acute pericarditis?
Réponse
Sharp pleuritic chest pain that improves when sitting forward, a friction rub, and diffuse ST elevation support pericarditis.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 168
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from menopause vasomotor symptoms?
Réponse
Cooling strategies and avoiding individual triggers can reduce symptom burden; assess bone and cardiovascular risk separately.
The Menopause Years · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 169
Question
A patient has this pattern: Most chronic infections are asymptomatic; abnormal aminotransferases or risk-based screening may reveal disease. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Chronic hepatitis C. Most chronic infections are asymptomatic; abnormal aminotransferases or risk-based screening may reveal disease.
Viral Hepatitis Clinical Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 170
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from alcohol withdrawal?
Réponse
Treat alcohol-use disorder, plan medically supported withdrawal for high-risk patients, and provide thiamine when nutrition is poor.
The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 171
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when acute compartment syndrome is suspected?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical; compartment-pressure measurement helps when the examination is unreliable or equivocal.
Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 172
Question
In a child or adolescent with sickle cell disease, which pain pattern supports an acute vaso-occlusive episode?
Réponse
Acute severe extremity, back, or bone pain that matches the patient’s typical vaso-occlusive pattern and has no alternative cause supports an acute vaso-occlusive pain episode.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Management of Acute and Chronic Pain · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 173
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when thyroid storm is suspected?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical; obtain thyroid tests and evaluate the trigger without delaying treatment.
2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 174
Question
A clinician is considering acute respiratory distress syndrome. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with bilateral opacities not fully explained by cardiac failure after a known insult suggests ARDS.
An Update on Management of Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 175
Question
How should medication be used in sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
Réponse
Offer corticosteroids within the treatment window when appropriate; intratympanic therapy is an option in selected cases.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 176
Question
What is the HIPAA minimum-necessary rule?
Réponse
For many uses and disclosures, limit protected information to what is reasonably needed for the purpose; the rule does not apply in the same way to disclosures for treatment.
Minimum Necessary Requirement · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 177
Question
For surgical decision-making, hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure, tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, and pulsus paradoxus indicate which diagnosis?
Réponse
Cardiac tamponade. Hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure, tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, and pulsus paradoxus suggest tamponade physiology.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 178
Question
In a child or adolescent, what diagnostic approach is most appropriate when acute appendicitis is suspected?
Réponse
Use ultrasound as the initial imaging study in many children; use CT or MRI when ultrasound is nondiagnostic and suspicion persists, according to local expertise.
Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 179
Question
For surgical decision-making, sudden focal weakness, facial droop, speech change, gaze deviation, neglect, or ataxia indicate which time-critical diagnosis?
Réponse
Acute ischemic stroke. Sudden focal weakness, facial droop, speech change, gaze deviation, neglect, or ataxia is stroke until proved otherwise.
2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 180
Question
A clinician is considering gout flare. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Abrupt severe monoarthritis with erythema, often at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, suggests gout.
Gout · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 181
Question
Which diagnosis best fits new cough, fever, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, and focal crackles when an infiltrate is confirmed?
Réponse
Community-acquired pneumonia. New cough, fever, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, and focal crackles suggest pneumonia, but clinical findings alone are imperfect.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 182
Question
In a child aged 6–11 years or an adolescent, what medication strategy is appropriate for asthma?
Réponse
For children 6–11 years and adolescents, use an age-appropriate inhaled corticosteroid-containing strategy rather than short-acting beta agonist-only treatment.
2026 GINA Strategy Report · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 183
Question
For surgical decision-making, a patient has this pattern: Unilateral pelvic pain or bleeding in early pregnancy, especially with syncope or shoulder pain, raises concern for ectopic implantation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Ectopic pregnancy. Unilateral pelvic pain or bleeding in early pregnancy, especially with syncope or shoulder pain, raises concern for ectopic implantation.
Ectopic Pregnancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 184
Question
In a child or adolescent, which diagnosis requires at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest with functional change and associated neurovegetative or cognitive symptoms?
Réponse
Major depressive disorder. At least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest with functional change and associated neurovegetative or cognitive symptoms suggests major depression.
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 185
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for atrial fibrillation?
Réponse
Address hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea, alcohol excess, and other modifiable drivers.
2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation: Key Perspectives · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 186
Question
For surgical decision-making, what condition should be suspected from this finding: An evolving asymmetric pigmented lesion with border irregularity, color variation, or a concerning outlier pattern requires evaluation.
Réponse
Melanoma. An evolving asymmetric pigmented lesion with border irregularity, color variation, or a concerning outlier pattern requires evaluation.
Melanoma Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 187
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to hyperkalemia?
Réponse
Weakness, paresthesias, bradycardia, or ECG changes can occur, but dangerous hyperkalemia may be asymptomatic.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of Acute Hyperkalaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 188
Question
For surgical decision-making, what condition should be suspected from this finding: Sudden colicky flank pain radiating to the groin with hematuria and restlessness is typical.
Réponse
Ureteral stone. Sudden colicky flank pain radiating to the groin with hematuria and restlessness is typical.
EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 189
Question
In a child or adolescent, how should a clinician initially manage sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis?
Réponse
Provide rapid individualized analgesia, assess oxygenation and hydration, and evaluate acute chest syndrome or infection.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Management of Acute and Chronic Pain · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 190
Question
How should medication be used in primary hyperparathyroidism?
Réponse
Cinacalcet can lower calcium when surgery is not possible; antiresorptive therapy targets low bone density.
Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Fifth International Workshop Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 191
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when acute bacterial rhinosinusitis is suspected?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical; routine imaging is not needed unless a complication or alternative diagnosis is suspected.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 192
Question
What should a clinician do before discussing a patient in a public or semipublic area?
Réponse
Move to a private setting when practical and use reasonable safeguards so others do not overhear identifiable information.
Incidental Uses and Disclosures · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 193
Question
A clinician is considering Parkinson disease. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Bradykinesia plus rest tremor or rigidity, with reduced arm swing and shuffling gait, supports parkinsonism.
Parkinson’s Disease in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 194
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for chronic hepatitis C?
Réponse
Stage liver disease, review interactions, test for coinfections, and link every patient with active infection to curative treatment.
Viral Hepatitis Clinical Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 195
Question
A clinician is considering gonococcal urethritis or cervicitis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Purulent urethral discharge, dysuria, cervicitis, pelvic pain, or exposure may indicate gonorrhea, but infection can be asymptomatic.
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 196
Question
In a child or adolescent, what immediate plan is appropriate for juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Réponse
Refer to pediatric rheumatology early and treat to control inflammation and preserve function.
2026 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 197
Question
A clinician is considering menopause vasomotor symptoms. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and menstrual transition at the expected age usually identify menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
The Menopause Years · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 198
Question
Which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Progressive exertional dyspnea, dry cough, bibasilar fine crackles, and clubbing in an older adult suggest fibrotic interstitial disease.
Réponse
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Progressive exertional dyspnea, dry cough, bibasilar fine crackles, and clubbing in an older adult suggest fibrotic interstitial disease.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Update and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 199
Question
A clinician is considering alcohol withdrawal. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Tremor, autonomic hyperactivity, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, hallucinations, or seizures after reducing heavy alcohol use suggests withdrawal.
The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 200
Question
What is the priority management step for acute pericarditis?
Réponse
Assess immediately for tamponade or high-risk features that require admission.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 201
Question
In complicated acute calculous cholecystitis, how should empiric antibiotics be selected?
Réponse
Base the regimen on likely biliary pathogens and local resistance patterns, with enteric gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes among the common targets.
2020 World Society of Emergency Surgery Updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Calculous Cholecystitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 202
Question
For surgical decision-making, what is the priority management step for pleural effusion?
Réponse
Drain a large symptomatic effusion or complicated parapneumonic collection and treat the underlying disease.
British Thoracic Society Guideline for Pleural Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 203
Question
In acute decompensated heart failure with fluid overload, which drug class is used first to relieve congestion?
Réponse
Give an intravenous loop diuretic and adjust it to urine output, symptoms, renal function, and electrolytes.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 204
Question
For surgical decision-making, what immediate plan is appropriate for subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Réponse
Stabilize, control pressure carefully, give nimodipine, and obtain urgent neurovascular treatment of the aneurysm.
2023 Guideline for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 205
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for hip fracture?
Réponse
Use multimodal analgesia and guideline-based VTE prophylaxis around surgery.
Management of Hip Fractures in Older Adults: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 206
Question
In a child or adolescent, what immediate plan is appropriate for bacterial meningitis?
Réponse
Give empiric antibiotics immediately; do not delay for imaging or lumbar puncture when delay is likely.
WHO Guidelines on Meningitis Diagnosis, Treatment and Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 207
Question
In a child or adolescent, which diagnosis fits hyperglycemia with dehydration, abdominal pain, vomiting, Kussmaul respirations, or altered mental status?
Réponse
Diabetic ketoacidosis. Hyperglycemia with dehydration, abdominal pain, vomiting, Kussmaul respirations, or altered mental status suggests ketoacidosis.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 208
Question
For surgical decision-making, what immediate plan is appropriate for preeclampsia with severe features?
Réponse
Stabilize the mother, prevent seizure, control persistent severe pressure, and plan delivery by gestational age and status.
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 209
Question
For surgical decision-making, new flashes, floaters, and a curtain or shadow across the visual field indicate which diagnosis?
Réponse
Retinal detachment. New flashes, floaters, and a curtain or shadow across the visual field suggest detachment.
Retinal Detachment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 210
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for bipolar I mania?
Réponse
Hospitalize when danger, grave disability, or severe psychosis requires containment; stop antidepressant monotherapy.
Management of Bipolar Disorder in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 211
Question
May a clinician leave appointment information in a voicemail?
Réponse
Yes, with reasonable safeguards: keep the message limited and follow any confidential communication request the patient has made.
Incidental Uses and Disclosures · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 212
Question
When is a loop diuretic appropriate in acute kidney injury?
Réponse
Use a loop diuretic only to manage volume overload; it does not reverse intrinsic kidney injury or improve renal recovery.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 213
Question
How should a clinician initially manage plaque psoriasis?
Réponse
Assess body-surface area, special-site involvement, symptoms, and joint disease before selecting therapy.
Psoriasis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 214
Question
In a child or adolescent, how should medication be used in immune thrombocytopenia?
Réponse
Corticosteroids or IVIG are common initial treatments when therapy is needed; longer-term choices depend on response and duration.
American Society of Hematology 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 215
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest?
Réponse
Use rhythm analysis during high-quality CPR without delaying compressions.
2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC: Adult Advanced Life Support · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 216
Question
Which drug class is first-line for erectile dysfunction when no contraindication such as nitrate use exists?
Réponse
Use a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor after reviewing cardiovascular fitness, interactions, and correct use; never combine it with nitrates.
Erectile Dysfunction Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 217
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives COPD?
Réponse
Small-airway disease and emphysematous parenchymal destruction cause persistent expiratory flow limitation.
2026 GOLD Report and Pocket Guide · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 218
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports Crohn disease?
Réponse
Chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, perianal disease, and skip lesions support Crohn disease.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines for Crohn’s Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 219
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives acute compartment syndrome?
Réponse
Rising pressure within a closed fascial space compromises capillary perfusion and causes muscle and nerve ischemia.
Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 220
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for migraine with aura?
Réponse
Use an NSAID or triptan for many acute attacks; select preventive therapy around comorbidities and patient preference.
AHS Consensus Statement: Integrating New Migraine Treatments into Clinical Practice · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 221
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for hypertensive emergency?
Réponse
Severely elevated pressure with acute neurologic, cardiac, renal, retinal, or aortic injury defines an emergency.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 222
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for early syphilis?
Réponse
Benzathine penicillin G is preferred for early syphilis; penicillin is required in pregnancy.
Primary and Secondary Syphilis: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 223
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from Cushing syndrome?
Réponse
Limit avoidable exogenous glucocorticoid exposure and taper chronic therapy safely when appropriate.
Treatment of Cushing Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 224
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for abnormal uterine bleeding from anovulation?
Réponse
Progestin or combined hormonal therapy can regulate bleeding; tranexamic acid reduces heavy bleeding in eligible patients.
Management of Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Nonpregnant Reproductive-Aged Women · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 225
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from peritonsillar abscess?
Réponse
Seek prompt care for worsening unilateral throat pain, drooling, muffled voice, trismus, or breathing difficulty so an abscess and airway risk are not missed.
Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 226
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for post-traumatic stress disorder?
Réponse
Sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine can help; benzodiazepines are not recommended for PTSD treatment.
Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 227
Question
When may protected health information be disclosed to prevent a serious threat?
Réponse
HIPAA permits a good-faith disclosure consistent with law and ethical standards to someone reasonably able to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat.
HIPAA Disclosure to Prevent or Lessen a Serious and Imminent Threat · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 228
Question
In an infant aged 1–23 months, which history or examination finding most strongly supports bronchiolitis?
Réponse
An infant with viral prodrome followed by cough, wheeze or crackles, tachypnea, and feeding difficulty likely has bronchiolitis.
Bronchiolitis: Recommendations for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Management of Children One to 24 Months · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 229
Question
Which diagnosis causes marked edema, heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia?
Réponse
Nephrotic syndrome. Marked edema, heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia define a nephrotic pattern.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 230
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to herpes zoster?
Réponse
A painful unilateral grouped-vesicle eruption in a dermatomal distribution is characteristic.
Clinical Overview of Shingles (Herpes Zoster) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 231
Question
A patient has this pattern: Thrombocytopenia plus microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, often with neurologic, renal, or fever findings, is an emergency. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Thrombocytopenia plus microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, often with neurologic, renal, or fever findings, is an emergency.
ISTH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 232
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to testicular torsion?
Réponse
Sudden severe unilateral testicular pain with nausea or vomiting, a high-riding transverse testis, and loss of the cremasteric reflex strongly suggests torsion.
Testicular Torsion · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 233
Question
For surgical decision-making, which diagnosis best fits hematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, or melena with orthostasis?
Réponse
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Hematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, or melena with orthostasis indicates an upper gastrointestinal source until shown otherwise.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 234
Question
In a child or adolescent, what diagnostic approach is most appropriate when generalized tonic-clonic seizure is suspected?
Réponse
Check glucose and reversible causes; use EEG and brain imaging based on whether this is a first unprovoked event or known epilepsy.
Epilepsies in Children, Young People and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 235
Question
Identify the condition from this pattern: Repeated properly measured elevated readings, usually without symptoms, establish the clinical pattern.
Réponse
Stable chronic hypertension. Repeated properly measured elevated readings, usually without symptoms, establish the clinical pattern.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 236
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when sepsis is suspected?
Réponse
Measure lactate, obtain cultures before antibiotics when this causes no meaningful delay, and evaluate the source.
2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 237
Question
For surgical decision-making, in a child with acute severe monoarticular pain, restricted passive motion, fever, or bacteremia risk, which diagnosis must be excluded urgently?
Réponse
Septic arthritis. Acute severe monoarticular pain, restricted passive motion, fever, or bacteremia risk is septic arthritis until excluded.
Guideline for Management of Septic Arthritis in Native Joints · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 238
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when pelvic inflammatory disease is suspected?
Réponse
Test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis; use ultrasound when abscess or another diagnosis is possible.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 239
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for COPD?
Réponse
Long-acting bronchodilators are maintenance therapy; add inhaled corticosteroid for selected exacerbation-prone patients based on phenotype and eosinophils.
2026 GOLD Report and Pocket Guide · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 240
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when schizophrenia is suspected?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical with medical, neurologic, and substance evaluation for first-episode psychosis.
Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 241
Question
Which next action matters most in hypertensive emergency?
Réponse
Lower pressure with monitored IV therapy at a controlled rate tailored to the injured organ.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 242
Question
How should an interpreter be used for a patient with limited English proficiency?
Réponse
Use a qualified medical interpreter, speak to the patient directly, pause in short segments, and avoid relying on children or untrained family for consequential decisions.
Limited English Proficiency Guidance · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 243
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for thyroid storm?
Réponse
Give a beta-blocker, block hormone synthesis, then block hormone release, add glucocorticoid, cool supportively, and treat the trigger.
2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 244
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for ulcerative colitis?
Réponse
Use effective maintenance therapy and monitor symptoms together with objective inflammatory activity to reduce relapse and complications.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines to Manage Adult Ulcerative Colitis Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 245
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis?
Réponse
Assess orbital or intracranial red flags and arrange urgent evaluation when present.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 246
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for gout flare?
Réponse
Weight management, limiting excess alcohol, reviewing urate-raising medicines, and long-term urate control reduce flares.
Gout · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 247
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for hyponatremia due to SIADH?
Réponse
Treat severe neurologic symptoms with carefully dosed hypertonic saline and avoid overly rapid correction.
Clinical Practice Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyponatraemia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 248
Question
In a child or adolescent, which pathophysiologic process drives immune thrombocytopenia?
Réponse
Autoantibodies accelerate platelet clearance and can impair platelet production.
American Society of Hematology 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 249
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected COPD?
Réponse
Post-bronchodilator spirometry confirms persistent airflow obstruction.
2026 GOLD Report and Pocket Guide · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 250
Question
Why does atrial fibrillation produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
Chaotic atrial activation eliminates coordinated atrial contraction and creates irregular AV nodal conduction.
2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation: Key Perspectives · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 251
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Réponse
Arterial blood entering the subarachnoid space raises intracranial pressure and can trigger vasospasm.
2023 Guideline for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 252
Question
In a child or adolescent, which pathophysiologic process drives bacterial meningitis?
Réponse
Bacterial invasion of the subarachnoid space triggers intense inflammation, edema, and raised intracranial pressure.
WHO Guidelines on Meningitis Diagnosis, Treatment and Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 253
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives preeclampsia with severe features?
Réponse
Abnormal placentation and systemic endothelial dysfunction produce vasoconstriction and multisystem injury.
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 254
Question
Which clinical feature defines bipolar I disorder?
Réponse
At least one manic episode defines bipolar I disorder; a major depressive episode is common but is not required for the diagnosis.
Management of Bipolar Disorder in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 255
Question
For surgical decision-making, what is the priority management step for upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Réponse
Establish IV access, resuscitate, use a restrictive transfusion strategy for most patients, and arrange endoscopic hemostasis.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 256
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports rheumatoid arthritis?
Réponse
Symmetric inflammatory pain and prolonged morning stiffness in MCP, PIP, or wrist joints with synovitis suggest rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 257
Question
What is teach-back?
Réponse
Ask the patient to explain the plan in their own words so the clinician can find and correct communication gaps without testing or blaming the patient.
Use the Teach-Back Method · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 258
Question
A clinician is considering primary hyperparathyroidism. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Often asymptomatic hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, bone loss, constipation, or neurocognitive symptoms can be the clue.
Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Fifth International Workshop Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 259
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to aortic dissection?
Réponse
Long-term blood-pressure control and surveillance imaging reduce later aortic complications.
2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 260
Question
A clinician is considering sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
A rapid unilateral hearing decrease, often noticed on waking and sometimes with tinnitus, is an otologic emergency.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 261
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for obstructive sleep apnea?
Réponse
Weight management, alcohol and sedative avoidance near bedtime, and treatment of nasal obstruction reduce severity.
Sleep Apnea Treatment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 262
Question
In a child or adolescent, what diagnostic approach is most appropriate when atopic dermatitis is suspected?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical; testing is reserved for an alternative diagnosis or a specific suspected trigger.
Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 263
Question
How should a clinician initially manage acute pyelonephritis?
Réponse
Give fluids and antibiotics, and admit patients with sepsis, inability to take oral therapy, pregnancy concerns, or obstruction.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 264
Question
For surgical decision-making, which diagnosis best fits this presentation: A sudden maximal-at-onset thunderclap headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, or brief loss of consciousness is concerning.
Réponse
Subarachnoid hemorrhage. A sudden maximal-at-onset thunderclap headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, or brief loss of consciousness is concerning.
2023 Guideline for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 265
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when hyperkalemia is suspected?
Réponse
Repeat a possibly hemolyzed sample while obtaining an ECG; assess kidney function, acid-base status, and contributing medicines.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of Acute Hyperkalaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 266
Question
In a child or adolescent, which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Fever, headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status, or a nonblanching rash should trigger urgent evaluation.
Réponse
Bacterial meningitis. Fever, headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status, or a nonblanching rash should trigger urgent evaluation.
WHO Guidelines on Meningitis Diagnosis, Treatment and Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 267
Question
What drug class or regimen fits stable chronic hypertension?
Réponse
First-line classes include thiazide-type diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and long-acting dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 268
Question
For surgical decision-making, which diagnosis best fits this presentation: New hypertension after 20 weeks with end-organ findings such as severe pressure, thrombocytopenia, liver injury, kidney injury, pulmonary edema, or neurologic symptoms suggests severe disease.
Réponse
Preeclampsia with severe features. New hypertension after 20 weeks with end-organ findings such as severe pressure, thrombocytopenia, liver injury, kidney injury, pulmonary edema, or neurologic symptoms suggests severe disease.
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 269
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for acute pancreatitis?
Réponse
Routine prophylactic antibiotics do not treat sterile pancreatitis; reserve antimicrobials for proven or strongly suspected infection.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Acute Pancreatitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 270
Question
Which diagnosis best fits this presentation: At least one week of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, decreased sleep, pressured speech, grandiosity, and risky behavior suggests mania.
Réponse
Bipolar I mania. At least one week of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, decreased sleep, pressured speech, grandiosity, and risky behavior suggests mania.
Management of Bipolar Disorder in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 271
Question
For surgical decision-making, in a child or adolescent, what is the priority management step for septic arthritis?
Réponse
Drain the joint promptly and start empiric antibiotics after cultures unless the patient is unstable.
Guideline for Management of Septic Arthritis in Native Joints · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 272
Question
In a child or adolescent, what diagnostic approach is most appropriate when sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis is suspected?
Réponse
Use focused labs and imaging for the suspected complication; do not require a changed hemoglobin to validate pain.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Management of Acute and Chronic Pain · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 273
Question
In a child or adolescent, which diagnosis causes variable wheeze, cough, chest tightness, or dyspnea that changes over time and with triggers?
Réponse
Asthma. Variable wheeze, cough, chest tightness, or dyspnea that changes over time and with triggers suggests asthma.
2026 GINA Strategy Report · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 274
Question
In a child or adolescent, which pathophysiologic process drives diabetic ketoacidosis?
Réponse
Absolute or marked insulin deficiency drives lipolysis, ketogenesis, osmotic diuresis, and total-body potassium loss.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 275
Question
How should a clinician respond to a patient requesting an unnecessary antibiotic?
Réponse
Acknowledge the concern, explain why the antibiotic will not help and may harm, offer a clear alternative plan, and define return precautions.
Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 276
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives retinal detachment?
Réponse
Fluid passing through a retinal break separates neurosensory retina from the pigment epithelium.
Retinal Detachment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 277
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to peripheral artery disease?
Réponse
Exertional calf discomfort relieved by rest, diminished pulses, and nonhealing foot wounds suggest lower-extremity arterial disease.
2024 ACC/AHA Guideline for Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Key Points · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 278
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for myasthenia gravis?
Réponse
Avoid medicines that worsen neuromuscular transmission and plan carefully for infection, surgery, and pregnancy.
International Consensus Guidance for Management of Myasthenia Gravis: 2020 Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 279
Question
In a child or adolescent, which pathophysiologic process drives acute appendicitis?
Réponse
Luminal obstruction causes distention, ischemia, bacterial overgrowth, and eventual perforation.
Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 280
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for Clostridioides difficile infection?
Réponse
Isolate suspected or confirmed CDI with contact precautions, use C. difficile sporicidal agents for daily and terminal cleaning, and engage antibiotic stewardship.
Clinical Guidance for C. diff Infection Prevention in Acute Care Facilities · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 281
Question
After an acute ACL tear, which nonprescription medicines may be used for symptom relief when safe?
Réponse
Ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and swelling; acetaminophen can reduce pain. Check comorbidities and contraindications before NSAID use.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury - aftercare · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 282
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for shoulder dystocia?
Réponse
Team drills, clear communication, and avoiding fundal pressure reduce preventable harm.
Shoulder Dystocia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 283
Question
Which next action matters most in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Réponse
Assess oxygen need, comorbidity, transplant eligibility, and goals while monitoring progression.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Update and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 284
Question
In a child or adolescent, which preventive measure belongs in care for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
Réponse
Use an individualized multimodal plan with psychoeducation, parent and school interventions, and clear functional goals.
ADHD in Children and Youth: Part 2—Treatment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 285
Question
Which diagnosis best fits unilateral expanding warmth, tenderness, erythema, and edema without a sharply raised border?
Réponse
Cellulitis. Unilateral expanding warmth, tenderness, erythema, and edema without a sharply raised border favor cellulitis.
Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 286
Question
A clinician is considering hyponatremia due to SIADH. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Nausea, confusion, gait change, seizure, or subtle cognitive symptoms with hypotonic euvolemic hyponatremia may reflect SIADH.
Clinical Practice Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyponatraemia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 287
Question
During a pulseless arrest, the monitor shows chaotic ventricular activity without organized QRS complexes. Which arrest rhythm is present?
Réponse
Ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. Sudden unresponsiveness with absent normal breathing and no pulse is cardiac arrest; the monitor may show chaotic ventricular activity.
2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC: Adult Advanced Life Support · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 288
Question
A clinician is considering neutropenic fever. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
A single fever in a patient with severe chemotherapy-related neutropenia is an emergency even when examination is unrevealing.
Outpatient Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Adults Treated for Malignancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 289
Question
A patient has this pattern: Progressive weak stream, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, nocturia, and frequency suggest bladder-outlet symptoms. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Progressive weak stream, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, nocturia, and frequency suggest bladder-outlet symptoms.
EAU Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 290
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected primary adrenal insufficiency?
Réponse
Measure morning cortisol and ACTH, then confirm with cosyntropin testing when the patient is stable.
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Guideline Resources · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 291
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for peritonsillar abscess?
Réponse
Use antibiotics covering group A streptococci and oral anaerobes after drainage.
Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 292
Question
What belongs in a safe handoff?
Réponse
State illness severity, active problems, recent changes, pending results, contingency plans, and who owns each next action, then allow questions.
TeamSTEPPS Communication Module · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 293
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports myasthenia gravis?
Réponse
Fluctuating fatigable ptosis, diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, or proximal weakness that worsens with use suggests myasthenia.
International Consensus Guidance for Management of Myasthenia Gravis: 2020 Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 294
Question
For surgical decision-making, identify the condition from this pattern: Pain out of proportion, pain with passive stretch, tense swelling, and progressive neurologic deficits after injury are warning signs.
Réponse
Acute compartment syndrome. Pain out of proportion, pain with passive stretch, tense swelling, and progressive neurologic deficits after injury are warning signs.
Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 295
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports Clostridioides difficile infection?
Réponse
New clinically significant diarrhea after antibiotics or healthcare exposure, with abdominal pain or leukocytosis, suggests C. difficile.
2021 Focused Update Guidelines on Management of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 296
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize acute coronary syndrome?
Réponse
Obtain a 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes and measure serial high-sensitivity troponin.
2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 297
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports shoulder dystocia?
Réponse
After delivery of the head, retraction against the perineum and failure of the shoulders to deliver indicates dystocia.
Shoulder Dystocia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 298
Question
In a child or adolescent, which history or examination finding most strongly supports attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
Réponse
Persistent developmentally inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity in more than one setting with impairment suggests ADHD.
ADHD in Children and Youth: Part 1—Etiology, Diagnosis, and Comorbidity · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 299
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for cirrhosis with ascites?
Réponse
Increasing abdominal girth, shifting dullness, edema, jaundice, or stigmata of portal hypertension suggest decompensation.
Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Ascites, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 300
Question
In a child, typically 6 months to 3 years, what clinical clue should raise suspicion for croup?
Réponse
Barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor after a viral prodrome in a young child suggests croup.
Acute Management of Croup in the Emergency Department · reviewed 2026-08-26
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PANCE Flashcards: Blueprint-Aligned Diagnoses, Tests & Next Steps
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Carte 301
Question
How should a clinician initially manage peripheral artery disease?
Réponse
Use supervised or structured exercise; evaluate revascularization for lifestyle-limiting symptoms despite therapy or limb threat.
2024 ACC/AHA Guideline for Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Key Points · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 302
Question
What drug class or regimen fits pulmonary embolism?
Réponse
Direct oral anticoagulants are preferred for many stable eligible patients; choose differently for pregnancy, severe renal disease, or specific cancer contexts.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 303
Question
For surgical decision-making, in a child or adolescent, identify the condition from this pattern: Periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant with anorexia, nausea, fever, and focal tenderness is typical.
Réponse
Acute appendicitis. Periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant with anorexia, nausea, fever, and focal tenderness is typical.
Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 304
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected hip fracture?
Réponse
Obtain hip and pelvis radiographs; MRI detects an occult fracture when suspicion remains high.
Management of Hip Fractures in Older Adults: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 305
Question
In a child or adolescent, what is the priority management step for generalized tonic-clonic seizure?
Réponse
Protect from injury, position for airway safety, time the event, and treat as status epilepticus when it persists.
Epilepsies in Children, Young People and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 306
Question
Which diagnosis causes fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, bradycardia, and delayed reflex relaxation?
Réponse
Primary hypothyroidism. Fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, bradycardia, and delayed reflex relaxation support hypothyroidism.
Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 307
Question
What is the priority management step for sepsis?
Réponse
Start rapid resuscitation, broad empiric antimicrobials, and urgent source control.
2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 308
Question
Which diagnosis best fits diffuse conjunctival injection with mucopurulent discharge and eyelids stuck on waking?
Réponse
Bacterial conjunctivitis. Diffuse conjunctival injection with mucopurulent discharge and eyelids stuck on waking supports bacterial conjunctivitis.
Clinical Overview of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 309
Question
What is the priority management step for pelvic inflammatory disease?
Réponse
Start empiric treatment promptly; admit for pregnancy, severe illness, abscess, surgical emergency uncertainty, or failed outpatient care.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 310
Question
What is closed-loop communication during an emergency?
Réponse
The receiver repeats the instruction, the sender confirms or corrects it, and completion is announced so the team shares the same state.
TeamSTEPPS Check-Back Tool · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 311
Question
What is the priority management step for schizophrenia?
Réponse
Assess danger, catatonia, and ability to care for self, then combine antipsychotic treatment with psychosocial support.
Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 312
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for nephrotic syndrome?
Réponse
Use renin-angiotensin system blockade to reduce proteinuria when appropriate; disease-specific immunotherapy depends on pathology.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 313
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for neutropenic fever?
Réponse
Give empiric antipseudomonal antibiotics rapidly and stratify for inpatient versus carefully selected outpatient care.
Outpatient Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Adults Treated for Malignancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 314
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from cellulitis?
Réponse
Treat tinea pedis, edema, skin breaks, and other portals of entry to reduce recurrence.
Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 315
Question
A clinician is considering cardiac tamponade. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure, tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, and pulsus paradoxus suggest tamponade physiology.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 316
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Réponse
Review fluid timing and medicines that worsen retention, and monitor complications.
EAU Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 317
Question
Which diagnosis best fits progressive exertional dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum, and exposure to tobacco, biomass, or occupational irritants?
Réponse
COPD. Progressive exertional dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum, and exposure to tobacco, biomass, or occupational irritants suggest COPD.
2026 GOLD Report and Pocket Guide · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 318
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected acute cholecystitis?
Réponse
Right-upper-quadrant ultrasound is first-line; a gallbladder nuclear-medicine scan (HIDA) is an appropriate next study when ultrasound is negative or equivocal and suspicion remains high.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Upper Quadrant Pain · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 319
Question
In a postmenopausal woman or man aged 50 or older, what clinical clue should raise suspicion for osteoporosis?
Réponse
A fragility fracture, height loss, or kyphosis should prompt assessment for osteoporosis and vertebral fracture.
The clinician’s guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 320
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for Parkinson disease?
Réponse
Levodopa provides the strongest motor benefit for many patients; dopamine agonists carry impulse-control and sleep risks.
Parkinson’s Disease in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 321
Question
A patient has this pattern: Pressure-like substernal pain with diaphoresis, nausea, or radiation to the arm or jaw is a classic ischemic pattern. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Acute coronary syndrome. Pressure-like substernal pain with diaphoresis, nausea, or radiation to the arm or jaw is a classic ischemic pattern.
2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 322
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for gonococcal urethritis or cervicitis?
Réponse
Ceftriaxone is first-line for uncomplicated infection; add chlamydia treatment if it has not been excluded.
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 323
Question
In a child aged 6 months or older, which examination best evaluates suspected acute otitis media?
Réponse
Use pneumatic otoscopy to confirm middle-ear effusion and assess for a bulging tympanic membrane; tympanometry is less reliable in young infants.
Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children Six Months of Age and Older · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 324
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for menopause vasomotor symptoms?
Réponse
Systemic menopausal hormone therapy is most effective for eligible patients; nonhormonal options include selected SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, or fezolinetant.
Hormone Therapy for Menopause · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 325
Question
How should a clinician handle an ambiguous verbal medication order?
Réponse
Stop and clarify the drug, dose, route, timing, and patient; read it back and do not guess.
TeamSTEPPS Communication Module · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 326
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for alcohol withdrawal?
Réponse
Benzodiazepines are first-line for clinically significant withdrawal; phenobarbital requires experienced protocols and monitoring.
The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 327
Question
In a child or adolescent, how should a clinician initially manage asthma?
Réponse
Assess severity during exacerbation, give repeated bronchodilator, systemic corticosteroid when indicated, oxygen, and escalate for fatigue or silent chest.
2026 GINA Strategy Report · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 328
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for Cushing syndrome?
Réponse
Medical cortisol-lowering therapy can bridge or treat selected patients when definitive source control is delayed or unavailable.
Treatment of Cushing Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 329
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from acute kidney injury?
Réponse
Avoid unnecessary nephrotoxins, adjust medicine doses, maintain perfusion, and monitor high-risk patients.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 330
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?
Réponse
Caplacizumab is added in many acute immune TTP protocols under specialist care.
ISTH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 331
Question
For surgical decision-making, in a child or adolescent, which next action matters most in acute appendicitis?
Réponse
Give fluids, analgesia, antibiotics, and obtain prompt surgical consultation.
Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 332
Question
How should medication be used in ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest?
Réponse
Give epinephrine during the arrest algorithm and consider amiodarone or lidocaine for refractory shockable rhythms.
2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC: Adult Advanced Life Support · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 333
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in acute compartment syndrome?
Réponse
Remove constrictive material and obtain immediate surgical fasciotomy evaluation.
Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 334
Question
In a child or adolescent, which diagnosis fits sudden loss of consciousness with bilateral tonic then clonic movements followed by confusion?
Réponse
Generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Sudden loss of consciousness with bilateral tonic then clonic movements followed by confusion supports a generalized convulsion.
Epilepsies in Children, Young People and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 335
Question
How should medication be used in herpes zoster?
Réponse
Start an oral antiviral early for eligible patients, especially with severe pain, older age, or high-risk sites.
Clinical Overview of Shingles (Herpes Zoster) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 336
Question
Which diagnosis is defined by suspected infection with acute organ dysfunction and may include altered mentation, hypotension, tachypnea, or poor perfusion?
Réponse
Sepsis. Suspected infection with acute organ dysfunction, altered mentation, hypotension, tachypnea, or poor perfusion suggests sepsis.
2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 337
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for uncomplicated cystitis?
Réponse
Nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole where appropriate, or fosfomycin are common first-line options guided by patient factors and resistance.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 338
Question
Which diagnosis warrants empiric treatment when lower abdominal pain occurs with cervical-motion, uterine, or adnexal tenderness in a patient at STI risk?
Réponse
Pelvic inflammatory disease. Lower abdominal pain with cervical motion, uterine, or adnexal tenderness in a patient at STI risk supports empiric PID treatment.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 339
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize pulmonary embolism?
Réponse
Use pretest probability with PERC or D-dimer when appropriate and CT pulmonary angiography for indicated stable patients.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 340
Question
Which diagnosis requires at least six months of illness with psychosis and functional decline, including at least one month of active symptoms, after exclusions?
Réponse
Schizophrenia. At least six months of illness with psychosis and functional decline, including at least one month of active symptoms, supports schizophrenia after exclusions.
Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 341
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for infective endocarditis?
Réponse
Reserve antibiotic prophylaxis for defined high-risk cardiac conditions undergoing relevant dental procedures.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 342
Question
What is the priority management step for primary adrenal insufficiency?
Réponse
Suspected adrenal crisis requires immediate glucocorticoid and isotonic fluid treatment before confirmatory results.
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Guideline Resources · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 343
Question
What is the safest response to a critical test result that arrives after a patient leaves?
Réponse
Acknowledge it promptly, contact the patient or responsible team, document attempts and advice, and escalate until ownership is clear.
Quick Safety 52: Advancing Safety with Closed-loop Communication of Test Results · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 344
Question
In a child aged 6 months or older, what is the priority management step for acute otitis media?
Réponse
Provide analgesia; treat severe illness promptly with antibiotics and use 24–48 hours of watchful waiting only for selected mildly ill children with reliable follow-up.
Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children Six Months of Age and Older · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 345
Question
When antibiotic susceptibility is unknown, which empiric regimen is preferred for most treatment-naive Helicobacter pylori infection?
Réponse
Use 14-day optimized bismuth quadruple therapy: a proton-pump inhibitor, bismuth, tetracycline, and metronidazole.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 346
Question
In a child or adolescent, which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Hematuria with dysmorphic red cells or casts, hypertension, edema, and reduced kidney function suggests glomerular inflammation.
Réponse
Nephritic syndrome. Hematuria with dysmorphic red cells or casts, hypertension, edema, and reduced kidney function suggests glomerular inflammation.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 347
Question
What drug class or regimen fits carpal tunnel syndrome?
Réponse
A local corticosteroid injection can provide relief; oral medicines do not correct the compression.
Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 348
Question
In a child or adolescent, what counseling point helps reduce harm from immune thrombocytopenia?
Réponse
Avoid platelet-impairing medicines and counsel on bleeding precautions when counts are low.
American Society of Hematology 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 349
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected bacterial brain abscess?
Réponse
Contrast-enhanced MRI is preferred; obtain blood cultures and avoid lumbar puncture when mass effect is possible.
ESCMID Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Abscess in Children and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 350
Question
What physiologic disturbance underlies aortic dissection?
Réponse
An intimal tear lets blood split the aortic media, creating a false lumen.
2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 351
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Réponse
Use lung-protective ventilation in mechanically ventilated patients at risk for ARDS to reduce ventilator-induced injury.
An Update on Management of Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 352
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected pulmonary tuberculosis?
Réponse
Obtain chest imaging and multiple respiratory specimens for nucleic-acid testing, smear, and culture with susceptibility testing.
Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis for Tuberculosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 353
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected endometriosis?
Réponse
Diagnosis can be clinical with imaging for endometrioma or deep disease; laparoscopy is not mandatory before initial treatment.
Endometriosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 354
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected panic disorder?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical after considering cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine, neurologic, medication, and substance causes.
Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 355
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to Crohn disease?
Réponse
Support smoking cessation and use effective maintenance therapy with objective monitoring to reduce relapse and complications.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines for Crohn’s Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 356
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports Cushing syndrome?
Réponse
Proximal weakness, easy bruising, facial plethora, wide violaceous striae, osteoporosis, or difficult diabetes and hypertension are discriminating clues.
Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 357
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to rheumatoid arthritis?
Réponse
Keep indicated vaccines current and coordinate timing with immunosuppressive therapy to reduce preventable infection risk.
2022 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for Vaccinations in Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 358
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports peritonsillar abscess?
Réponse
Severe unilateral sore throat, muffled voice, drooling, trismus, and uvular deviation suggest a peritonsillar collection.
Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 359
Question
When should a safety event or near miss be reported?
Réponse
Report it through the local safety system promptly, including near misses, so hazards can be corrected without waiting for patient harm.
Reporting Patient Safety Events · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 360
Question
For surgical decision-making, what immediate plan is appropriate for cardiac tamponade?
Réponse
Urgent pericardial drainage is the definitive step when tamponade causes hemodynamic compromise.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 361
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to pleural effusion?
Réponse
Dyspnea with reduced breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus suggests pleural fluid.
British Thoracic Society Guideline for Pleural Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 362
Question
For surgical decision-making, what immediate plan is appropriate for melanoma?
Réponse
Prompt complete diagnostic excision and staging guide definitive surgical management.
Melanoma Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 363
Question
A clinician is considering uncomplicated cystitis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Dysuria and frequency without vaginal symptoms strongly support lower urinary infection in an appropriate patient.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 364
Question
In a child or adolescent, which clinical sequence defines a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?
Réponse
Loss of consciousness with bilateral tonic stiffening followed by clonic jerking and a postictal period defines the typical sequence.
Epilepsies in Children, Young People and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 365
Question
What is the priority management step for chronic kidney disease?
Réponse
Identify cause, quantify progression risk, treat complications, and refer for high-risk features or advanced disease.
2024 CKD Evaluation and Management Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 366
Question
Why does sepsis produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
A dysregulated host response causes endothelial injury, vasodilation, capillary leak, and organ dysfunction.
2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 367
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports stable chronic hypertension?
Réponse
Repeated properly measured elevated readings, usually without symptoms, establish the clinical pattern.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 368
Question
Why does pelvic inflammatory disease produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
Ascending polymicrobial infection inflames endometrium and tubes, causing scarring and future ectopic or infertility risk.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 369
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to chronic hepatitis C?
Réponse
Most chronic infections are asymptomatic; abnormal aminotransferases or risk-based screening may reveal disease.
Viral Hepatitis Clinical Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 370
Question
Which symptom domains should a clinician assess in schizophrenia?
Réponse
Assess positive, negative, cognitive, and mood symptoms together with substance use, functioning, and safety.
Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 371
Question
For surgical decision-making, an older adult after a fall has groin pain, cannot bear weight, and holds a shortened, externally rotated leg. Which diagnosis is most likely?
Réponse
Hip fracture. An older adult after a fall with groin pain, inability to bear weight, and a shortened externally rotated leg likely has a hip fracture.
Management of Hip Fractures in Older Adults: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 372
Question
In pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic compromise and no prohibitive bleeding risk, which drug class should be considered for reperfusion?
Réponse
Use systemic thrombolytic therapy followed by anticoagulation; weigh the immediate bleeding risk and activate an advanced-reperfusion pathway.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 373
Question
Which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Unilateral leg swelling, pain, warmth, and risk from immobility, surgery, cancer, estrogen, or prior VTE raise suspicion.
Réponse
Acute deep-vein thrombosis. Unilateral leg swelling, pain, warmth, and risk from immobility, surgery, cancer, estrogen, or prior VTE raise suspicion.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 374
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Réponse
Weight-supportive nutrition, physical activity, tobacco avoidance, and cardiometabolic risk control prevent complications.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 375
Question
What is the first response when a colleague appears impaired while providing care?
Réponse
Protect patients immediately, remove the colleague from unsafe duties through the proper chain, and activate confidential professional-assistance procedures.
Physician Responsibilities to Colleagues with Illness, Disability or Impairment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 376
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for acute angle-closure glaucoma?
Réponse
Definitive treatment of the fellow narrow-angle eye helps prevent a second attack.
Management of Angle-Closure Glaucoma · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 377
Question
Exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, edema, elevated jugular venous pressure, an S3, and an echocardiographic LVEF of 35% indicate which heart-failure phenotype?
Réponse
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The congestion findings establish heart failure, and an LVEF of 40% or less identifies the reduced-EF phenotype.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 378
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for multiple sclerosis relapse?
Réponse
A focal neurologic deficit evolving over hours to days and lasting over 24 hours, separated in time and space from prior events, suggests relapse.
Multiple Sclerosis in Adults: Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 379
Question
For surgical decision-making, which diagnosis best fits persistent right-upper-quadrant pain or tenderness, fever, leukocytosis, and a positive Murphy sign?
Réponse
Acute calculous cholecystitis. The combined clinical and inflammatory findings support the diagnosis; confirm it with imaging.
2020 World Society of Emergency Surgery Updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Calculous Cholecystitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 380
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for HIV infection?
Réponse
Acute retroviral illness can cause fever, rash, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, or no symptoms; chronic infection may remain silent.
About HIV · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 381
Question
Why does hip fracture produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
Osteoporotic bone can fail under low-energy load, and immobility rapidly adds medical risk.
Management of Hip Fractures in Older Adults: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 382
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for postpartum hemorrhage?
Réponse
Heavy postpartum bleeding with uterine atony, retained tissue, trauma, or coagulopathy can rapidly cause shock.
Postpartum Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 383
Question
Why does pulmonary embolism produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
Pulmonary embolism is venous thromboembolism obstructing the pulmonary arteries, which increases right-ventricular afterload.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 384
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for delirium?
Réponse
An acute fluctuating disturbance of attention and awareness with disorganized thinking suggests delirium.
Delirium: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 385
Question
For surgical decision-making, what immediate plan is appropriate for ureteral stone?
Réponse
Provide analgesia, check for infection and kidney injury, and decompress urgently when obstruction is infected.
EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 386
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
Réponse
Transthoracic echocardiography defines ejection fraction and structural disease.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 387
Question
In a child or adolescent, a clinician is considering atopic dermatitis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Chronic pruritic eczematous patches with age-dependent flexural or facial distribution and a relapsing course are typical.
Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 388
Question
Which diagnosis causes fever, marked tachycardia, agitation or delirium, gastrointestinal symptoms, and heart failure in a patient with thyrotoxicosis?
Réponse
Thyroid storm. Fever, marked tachycardia, agitation or delirium, gastrointestinal symptoms, and heart failure in thyrotoxicosis suggest storm.
2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 389
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports chronic kidney disease?
Réponse
CKD may be silent; edema, pruritus, anemia, hypertension, or abnormal urine testing often appears later.
2024 CKD Evaluation and Management Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 390
Question
Identify the condition from this pattern: Persistent symptoms beyond 10 days, severe fever with purulent drainage, or worsening after initial improvement are patterns that support bacterial disease.
Réponse
Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Persistent symptoms beyond 10 days, severe fever with purulent drainage, or worsening after initial improvement are patterns that support bacterial disease.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 391
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports iron-deficiency anemia?
Réponse
Fatigue, pica, restless legs, koilonychia, or chronic blood loss can accompany microcytic anemia.
British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 392
Question
How should a clinician respond to a patient’s prejudiced request or discriminatory behavior?
Réponse
Address the behavior directly, explore its reasons, set limits that protect staff and other patients, and do not accommodate invidious discrimination; urgent care still takes priority.
Discrimination and Disruptive Behavior by Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 393
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in bacterial brain abscess?
Réponse
Start IV antibiotics and obtain urgent neurosurgical consultation for aspiration or drainage when indicated.
ESCMID Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Abscess in Children and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 394
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize acute pancreatitis?
Réponse
Diagnosis requires two of three: characteristic pain, lipase or amylase at least three times normal, or compatible imaging.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Acute Pancreatitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 395
Question
Which next action matters most in pulmonary tuberculosis?
Réponse
Isolate suspected contagious disease and coordinate promptly with public health.
Tuberculosis Infection Control · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 396
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize anterior cruciate ligament tear?
Réponse
MRI confirms associated soft-tissue injury when it will guide management; radiographs assess fracture.
Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 397
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in endometriosis?
Réponse
Offer empiric symptom treatment or surgery based on severity, fertility goals, masses, and response.
Endometriosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 398
Question
A patient has this pattern: Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic pain, tachycardia, hypoxemia, hemoptysis, or syncope with VTE risk raises suspicion. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Pulmonary embolism. Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic pain, tachycardia, hypoxemia, hemoptysis, or syncope with VTE risk raises suspicion.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 399
Question
Which next action matters most in panic disorder?
Réponse
During an attack, ensure safety and exclude an emergency; for ongoing disorder, offer cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication.
Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 400
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for acute coronary syndrome?
Réponse
Use dual antiplatelet therapy after ACS when indicated, balancing ischemic benefit against bleeding risk.
2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 401
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for COPD?
Réponse
For an exacerbation, increase short-acting bronchodilation, use systemic steroids, add antibiotics when indicated, and support ventilation.
2026 GOLD Report and Pocket Guide · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 402
Question
In a child or adolescent, which bedside pattern best points to juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Réponse
Persistent joint swelling, limited motion, or morning stiffness beginning before age 16, after excluding other causes, suggests JIA.
2026 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 403
Question
What is the priority management step for stable chronic hypertension?
Réponse
Estimate cardiovascular risk, assess target-organ damage, and set an individualized treatment plan.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 404
Question
What drug class or regimen fits myasthenia gravis?
Réponse
Pyridostigmine treats symptoms; corticosteroid or other immunotherapy controls autoimmune activity.
International Consensus Guidance for Management of Myasthenia Gravis: 2020 Update · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 405
Question
For surgical decision-making, how should a fit patient with acute calculous cholecystitis be managed initially?
Réponse
Give fluids and analgesia, prescribe antibiotics when indicated, and arrange early laparoscopic cholecystectomy as soon as possible.
2020 World Society of Emergency Surgery Updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Calculous Cholecystitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 406
Question
What drug class or regimen fits Clostridioides difficile infection?
Réponse
Oral fidaxomicin is preferred for many initial episodes; oral vancomycin remains an accepted alternative.
2021 Focused Update Guidelines on Management of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 407
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize primary hyperparathyroidism?
Réponse
Confirm elevated albumin-corrected or ionized calcium with an inappropriately high PTH; assess kidneys and bone.
Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Fifth International Workshop Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 408
Question
Which medication prevents seizures in preeclampsia with severe features?
Réponse
Use magnesium sulfate for seizure prophylaxis while controlling severe hypertension and planning delivery according to maternal and fetal status.
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 409
Question
What is shared decision-making?
Réponse
The clinician presents reasonable options and evidence, elicits the patient’s goals and tradeoffs, and reaches a choice together when more than one path is reasonable.
The SHARE Approach · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 410
Question
In a child aged 6 years or older or an adolescent, what drug class or regimen fits attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
Réponse
Extended-release stimulants are first-line medication for most children and adolescents when combined with nonpharmacologic care and monitored for benefit and adverse effects.
ADHD in Children and Youth: Part 2—Treatment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 411
Question
What is the priority management step for iron-deficiency anemia?
Réponse
Identify and control bleeding, then replace iron; investigate occult gastrointestinal loss when appropriate.
British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 412
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for acute angle-closure glaucoma?
Réponse
Use pressure-lowering topical agents plus systemic acetazolamide when appropriate; pilocarpine is added after pressure begins to fall.
Management of Angle-Closure Glaucoma · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 413
Question
Which diagnosis best fits this presentation: A painful unilateral grouped-vesicle eruption in a dermatomal distribution is characteristic.
Réponse
Herpes zoster. A painful unilateral grouped-vesicle eruption in a dermatomal distribution is characteristic.
Clinical Overview of Shingles (Herpes Zoster) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 414
Question
In a child or adolescent, which pharmacologic approach is preferred for nephritic syndrome?
Réponse
Immunosuppression is disease-specific and should follow a supported diagnosis rather than empiric routine use.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 415
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from symptomatic aortic stenosis?
Réponse
Teach patients to report exertional dyspnea, angina, presyncope, or syncope promptly; new symptoms require timely reassessment, and severe symptomatic AS warrants valve-team evaluation rather than surveillance alone.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 416
Question
For surgical decision-making, which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Abrupt severe unilateral scrotal pain, a high-riding transverse testis, nausea, and an absent cremasteric reflex are concerning.
Réponse
Testicular torsion. Sudden severe unilateral pain with nausea or vomiting, a high-riding transverse testis, and loss of the cremasteric reflex is the classic pattern.
Testicular Torsion · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 417
Question
A clinician is considering idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Progressive exertional dyspnea, dry cough, bibasilar fine crackles, and clubbing in an older adult suggest fibrotic interstitial disease.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Update and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 418
Question
How should medication be used in ulcerative colitis?
Réponse
Use 5-aminosalicylates for many mild-to-moderate cases; advanced therapy is selected by severity and prior response.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines to Manage Adult Ulcerative Colitis Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 419
Question
For surgical decision-making, how should a clinician initially manage hip fracture?
Réponse
Provide analgesia, optimize medical issues, and arrange timely operative management for most displaced fractures.
Management of Hip Fractures in Older Adults: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 420
Question
For surgical decision-making, what condition should be suspected from this finding: Headache, fever, focal deficit, seizure, or signs of raised intracranial pressure after sinus, ear, dental, or bloodstream infection raise suspicion.
Réponse
Bacterial brain abscess. Headache, fever, focal deficit, seizure, or signs of raised intracranial pressure after sinus, ear, dental, or bloodstream infection raise suspicion.
ESCMID Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Abscess in Children and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 421
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest?
Réponse
Sudden unresponsiveness with absent normal breathing and no pulse is cardiac arrest; the monitor may show chaotic ventricular activity.
2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC: Adult Advanced Life Support · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 422
Question
What condition should be suspected from this finding: Chronic cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, hemoptysis, or epidemiologic exposure raises concern.
Réponse
Pulmonary tuberculosis. Chronic cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, hemoptysis, or epidemiologic exposure raises concern.
Clinical Overview of Tuberculosis Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 423
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Réponse
Choose glucose-lowering therapy around comorbid ASCVD, heart failure, CKD, weight goals, hypoglycemia risk, and patient priorities; metformin remains appropriate for many.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 424
Question
For surgical decision-making, which diagnosis best fits cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, painful defecation, or infertility?
Réponse
Endometriosis. Cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, painful defecation, or infertility suggests endometriosis.
Endometriosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 425
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
Réponse
Differentiate sensorineural from conductive loss with bedside testing and urgent audiometry.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 426
Question
Which diagnosis requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus persistent worry or maladaptive avoidance for at least one month?
Réponse
Panic disorder. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus persistent worry or maladaptive avoidance for at least a month suggests panic disorder.
Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 427
Question
How should uncertainty be communicated?
Réponse
Name what is known and unknown, explain the leading possibilities and why, state the plan to reduce uncertainty, and give specific follow-up or return precautions.
Why Does Clinical Uncertainty Matter? · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 428
Question
Which medication is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity?
Réponse
Tirzepatide is approved for adults with obesity and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 429
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives acute kidney injury?
Réponse
Abrupt loss of filtration disturbs volume, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and toxin clearance.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 430
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for acute deep-vein thrombosis?
Réponse
A direct oral anticoagulant is preferred for many eligible patients; selection changes with pregnancy, cancer, renal function, and antiphospholipid syndrome.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 431
Question
A clinician is considering upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Hematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, or melena with orthostasis indicates an upper gastrointestinal source until shown otherwise.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 432
Question
How should medication be used in gout flare?
Réponse
Use an NSAID, colchicine, or glucocorticoid based on comorbidity and timing; allopurinol is preferred long-term urate lowering for most.
2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 433
Question
Which diagnosis best fits an irregularly irregular pulse with palpitations, fatigue, or dyspnea?
Réponse
Atrial fibrillation. An irregularly irregular pulse with palpitations, fatigue, or dyspnea suggests atrial fibrillation.
2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation: Key Perspectives · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 434
Question
Which treatment should not be offered solely to treat multiple sclerosis?
Réponse
Do not offer vitamin D solely to treat multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis in Adults: Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 435
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives plaque psoriasis?
Réponse
IL-23 and Th17 pathway activation drives accelerated keratinocyte turnover.
Psoriasis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 436
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to HIV infection?
Réponse
PrEP, condoms, sterile injection equipment, perinatal treatment, and sustained viral suppression prevent transmission.
Preventing HIV · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 437
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives acute pyelonephritis?
Réponse
Ascending infection reaches the renal pelvis and parenchyma, producing systemic illness.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 438
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to postpartum hemorrhage?
Réponse
Antenatal anemia treatment, active management of the third stage, and hemorrhage protocols reduce morbidity.
Postpartum Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 439
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for tension pneumothorax?
Réponse
Diagnosis is clinical in an unstable patient; bedside ultrasound can support it but imaging must not delay decompression.
Thoracic Trauma WSES-AAST Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 440
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to delirium?
Réponse
Orientation, mobility, sleep protection, hearing and vision aids, hydration, and medication review reduce hospital delirium.
Delirium: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 441
Question
What core mechanism explains infective endocarditis?
Réponse
Microbial adherence to damaged endocardium or prosthetic material produces infected vegetations.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 442
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in primary hyperparathyroidism?
Réponse
Refer for parathyroidectomy when symptomatic or when guideline thresholds for calcium, kidney, bone, or age are met.
Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Fifth International Workshop Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 443
Question
What makes a useful return precaution?
Réponse
It names concrete symptoms or changes, states how urgently to act, and tells the patient where to seek help.
IDEAL Discharge Planning Overview, Process, and Checklist · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 444
Question
Which next action matters most in sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
Réponse
Arrange urgent otolaryngology evaluation and assess for retrocochlear pathology.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 445
Question
A patient has this pattern: Severe persistent epigastric pain radiating to the back with nausea and vomiting is typical. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Acute pancreatitis. Severe persistent epigastric pain radiating to the back with nausea and vomiting is typical.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Acute Pancreatitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 446
Question
For surgical decision-making, a noncontact pivot causes an audible pop, immediate swelling, instability, and a positive Lachman test. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Anterior cruciate ligament tear. A noncontact pivot, audible pop, immediate swelling, and instability with a positive Lachman test suggest an ACL tear.
Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 447
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to acute ischemic stroke?
Réponse
Sudden focal weakness, facial droop, speech change, gaze deviation, neglect, or ataxia is stroke until proved otherwise.
2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 448
Question
Which electrolyte disorder may cause weakness, paresthesias, bradycardia, or ECG changes but can be dangerous even without symptoms?
Réponse
Hyperkalemia. Weakness, paresthesias, bradycardia, or ECG changes can occur, but dangerous hyperkalemia may be asymptomatic.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of Acute Hyperkalaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 449
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to community-acquired pneumonia?
Réponse
New cough, fever, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, and focal crackles suggest pneumonia, but clinical findings alone are imperfect.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 450
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
Réponse
Foundational chronic therapy includes an ARNI or ACE inhibitor/ARB, an evidence-based beta-blocker, an MRA, and an SGLT2 inhibitor when tolerated.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 451
Question
For surgical decision-making, severe dyspnea, unilateral absent breath sounds, hypotension, distended neck veins, and obstructive shock indicate which diagnosis?
Réponse
Tension pneumothorax. Severe dyspnea, unilateral absent breath sounds, hypotension, distended neck veins, and obstructive shock suggest tension physiology.
Thoracic Trauma WSES-AAST Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 452
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to ectopic pregnancy?
Réponse
Unilateral pelvic pain or bleeding in early pregnancy, especially with syncope or shoulder pain, raises concern for ectopic implantation.
Ectopic Pregnancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 453
Question
In a child with sickle cell disease, sudden severe limb or back pain matches prior vaso-occlusive episodes and no alternative cause is found. Which diagnosis best fits?
Réponse
Acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive pain episode.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Management of Acute and Chronic Pain · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 454
Question
In a child or adolescent, which bedside pattern best points to major depressive disorder?
Réponse
At least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest with functional change and associated neurovegetative or cognitive symptoms suggests major depression.
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 455
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for cirrhosis with ascites?
Réponse
Use sodium restriction, review medicines that can worsen kidney perfusion, and monitor weight, kidney function, and electrolytes.
Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Ascites, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 456
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Réponse
Polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision, recurrent infections, or an asymptomatic high-risk patient may reveal hyperglycemia.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 457
Question
In a postmenopausal woman or man aged 50 or older, which steps support bone health and reduce fracture risk?
Réponse
Adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, fall-risk reduction, tobacco cessation, and avoiding excess alcohol support bone health.
The clinician’s guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 458
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for acute angle-closure glaucoma?
Réponse
Sudden painful red eye, blurred vision with halos, headache, nausea, a fixed mid-dilated pupil, and a firm globe are classic.
Management of Angle-Closure Glaucoma · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 459
Question
How should a clinician respond to an incidental finding outside the visit’s main problem?
Réponse
Explain the finding and its uncertainty, recommend proportionate follow-up, assign ownership, and document the plan.
Catching Those Who Fall Through the Cracks: Follow-up for Incidental Radiologic Findings · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 460
Question
Which next action matters most in ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest?
Réponse
Start high-quality CPR and defibrillate ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia as soon as possible.
2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC: Adult Advanced Life Support · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 461
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected plaque psoriasis?
Réponse
Diagnosis is usually clinical; biopsy is reserved for uncertain morphology.
Psoriasis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 462
Question
What is the priority management step for pulmonary embolism?
Réponse
Start anticoagulation for confirmed pulmonary embolism; consider thrombolysis for selected patients with hemodynamic compromise and acceptable bleeding risk.
ASH VTE Guidelines: Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 463
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when uncomplicated cystitis is suspected?
Réponse
Urinalysis supports the diagnosis; culture is important for complicated, recurrent, resistant, pregnant, or atypical cases.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 464
Question
How should a clinician initially manage migraine with aura?
Réponse
Treat early with an effective acute medicine and choose prevention when frequency or disability justifies it.
AHS Consensus Statement: Integrating New Migraine Treatments into Clinical Practice · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 465
Question
Why does thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
Severe ADAMTS13 deficiency permits ultra-large von Willebrand factor multimers to form platelet-rich microthrombi.
ISTH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 466
Question
How should a clinician initially manage early syphilis?
Réponse
Treat the patient and ensure partner evaluation; urgent specialist evaluation is needed for ocular, otic, or neurologic disease.
Primary and Secondary Syphilis: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 467
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when atrial fibrillation is suspected?
Réponse
Confirm the rhythm with a 12-lead ECG and assess for structural disease and reversible triggers.
2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation: Key Perspectives · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 468
Question
How should a clinician initially manage abnormal uterine bleeding from anovulation?
Réponse
Stabilize acute heavy bleeding first, then protect the endometrium and control ongoing blood loss.
Management of Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Nonpregnant Reproductive-Aged Women · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 469
Question
Why does acute cholecystitis produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
A gallstone can block bile flow, causing gallbladder pain and swelling (inflammation).
Cholecystectomy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 470
Question
How should a clinician initially manage post-traumatic stress disorder?
Réponse
Offer individual trauma-focused psychotherapy as first-line treatment when available and acceptable.
Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 471
Question
In a child or adolescent, a clinician is considering septic arthritis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Acute severe monoarticular pain, restricted passive motion, fever, or bacteremia risk is septic arthritis until excluded.
Guideline for Management of Septic Arthritis in Native Joints · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 472
Question
Which next action matters most in acute kidney injury?
Réponse
Treat the cause, restore perfusion without overload, stop nephrotoxins, and relieve obstruction.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 473
Question
For an eligible infant or selected high-risk child aged 8–19 months, which immunization strategy reduces severe RSV disease?
Réponse
Use either maternal RSV vaccination or a recommended long-acting RSV antibody to protect infants; give nirsevimab to eligible high-risk children aged 8–19 months entering a second RSV season.
RSV Immunization Guidance for Infants and Young Children · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 474
Question
Which diagnosis causes weight loss, fatigue, hypotension, salt craving, hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia?
Réponse
Primary adrenal insufficiency. Weight loss, fatigue, hypotension, salt craving, hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia suggest primary adrenal failure.
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Guideline Resources · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 475
Question
What is the ethical approach to a learner performing a procedure?
Réponse
Tell the patient who will participate, describe supervision, obtain voluntary agreement, and ensure refusal does not compromise care.
Residents and Fellows: Patient Involvement in Self-Education · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 476
Question
In a child aged 6 months or older, what condition should be suspected from a bulging tympanic membrane with acute ear pain or new otorrhea?
Réponse
Acute otitis media. A bulging tympanic membrane with acute ear pain or new otorrhea is more specific than redness alone.
Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children Six Months of Age and Older · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 477
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to acute coronary syndrome?
Réponse
Pressure-like substernal pain with diaphoresis, nausea, or radiation to the arm or jaw is a classic ischemic pattern.
2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 478
Question
How should medication be used in multiple sclerosis relapse?
Réponse
High-dose corticosteroids shorten a disabling relapse; they do not alter long-term progression by themselves.
Multiple Sclerosis in Adults: Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 479
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for acute pancreatitis?
Réponse
Use early isotonic fluids guided by response, analgesia, and early oral feeding as tolerated; address the cause.
ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Acute Pancreatitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 480
Question
How should medication be used in HIV infection?
Réponse
Use a recommended combination antiretroviral regimen selected for resistance, interactions, comorbidity, pregnancy potential, and patient preference.
What to Start: Initial Combination Antiretroviral Regimens · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 481
Question
For surgical decision-making, what immediate plan is appropriate for anterior cruciate ligament tear?
Réponse
Control swelling, restore motion, begin rehabilitation, and individualize reconstruction by instability and activity goals.
Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 482
Question
How should medication be used in postpartum hemorrhage?
Réponse
Oxytocin is first-line for uterine atony; add other uterotonics according to contraindications and give tranexamic acid early when indicated.
Postpartum Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 483
Question
In a child or adolescent, which history or examination finding most strongly supports asthma?
Réponse
Variable wheeze, cough, chest tightness, or dyspnea that changes over time and with triggers suggests asthma.
2026 GINA Strategy Report · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 484
Question
How should medication be used in delirium?
Réponse
Reserve short-term antipsychotic use for severe dangerous agitation after reversible causes and contraindications are addressed.
Delirium: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 485
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for herpes zoster?
Réponse
Age-appropriate recombinant zoster vaccination lowers zoster and postherpetic-neuralgia risk.
Clinical Overview of Shingles (Herpes Zoster) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 486
Question
For surgical decision-making, what condition should be suspected from this finding: Abrupt severe chest or back pain, pulse or blood-pressure asymmetry, and a new aortic regurgitation murmur are high-risk clues.
Réponse
Aortic dissection. Abrupt severe chest or back pain, pulse or blood-pressure asymmetry, and a new aortic regurgitation murmur are high-risk clues.
2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 487
Question
Which preventive step is required during surgery for viable testicular torsion?
Réponse
Perform bilateral orchiopexy, fixing the affected and contralateral testes to reduce future torsion risk.
Testicular Torsion · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 488
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected hyponatremia due to SIADH?
Réponse
Confirm low serum osmolality with inappropriately concentrated urine and urine sodium after excluding thyroid, adrenal, renal, and diuretic causes.
Clinical Practice Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyponatraemia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 489
Question
Why does primary hypothyroidism produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
Low thyroid hormone removes feedback inhibition, so TSH rises in primary gland failure.
Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 490
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected neutropenic fever?
Réponse
Obtain blood cultures and targeted cultures or imaging, but do not delay empiric antibiotics.
Outpatient Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Adults Treated for Malignancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 491
Question
Why does bacterial conjunctivitis produce its defining clinical pattern?
Réponse
Bacterial infection of the conjunctiva commonly produces red eye with purulent discharge that mats the eyelids.
Clinical Overview of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 492
Question
When is a chaperone appropriate for an intimate examination?
Réponse
Offer a trained chaperone, respect patient preferences when safety permits, explain the examination, obtain consent, and document who was present.
Use of Chaperones · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 493
Question
Which diagnosis causes recurrent unilateral pulsating headache with nausea or sensory sensitivity, preceded by gradually spreading reversible visual or sensory symptoms?
Réponse
Migraine with aura. Recurrent unilateral pulsating headache with nausea or sensory sensitivity, preceded by gradually spreading reversible visual or sensory symptoms, suggests migraine with aura.
ICHD-3: Migraine with Aura · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 494
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for Crohn disease?
Réponse
Corticosteroids can induce remission but are not maintenance therapy; immunomodulator or biologic selection depends on risk and phenotype.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines for Crohn’s Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 495
Question
Which diagnosis best fits a painless chancre or a diffuse rash involving the palms and soles with generalized lymphadenopathy?
Réponse
Early syphilis. A painless chancre or a diffuse rash involving palms and soles with generalized lymphadenopathy suggests syphilis by stage.
Primary and Secondary Syphilis: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 496
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for rheumatoid arthritis?
Réponse
Methotrexate is a preferred anchor drug for many patients with moderate-to-high activity, with folate and safety monitoring.
2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 497
Question
Which diagnosis best fits irregular, unpredictable uterine bleeding at reproductive extremes or with endocrine disruption?
Réponse
Abnormal uterine bleeding from anovulation. Irregular unpredictable bleeding without cyclic ovulation is common at reproductive extremes or with endocrine disruption.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 498
Question
Which medication class does the 2024 SCCM focused update suggest for an adult with acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Réponse
Use systemic corticosteroids in selected adults with ARDS; the guideline does not specify one best molecule, dose, or duration.
2024 Focused Update: Corticosteroids in Sepsis, ARDS, and Community-Acquired Pneumonia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 499
Question
Which diagnosis requires intrusion, avoidance, negative mood or cognition, and hyperarousal lasting more than one month after trauma?
Réponse
Post-traumatic stress disorder. Intrusion, avoidance, negative mood or cognition, and hyperarousal lasting over a month after trauma suggest PTSD.
Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 500
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for acute pericarditis?
Réponse
Restrict strenuous activity until symptoms and inflammatory findings resolve.
2025 Concise Clinical Guidance: Diagnosis and Management of Pericarditis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 501
Question
Which diagnosis best fits loud snoring, witnessed apneas, gasping, daytime sleepiness, morning headache, or resistant hypertension?
Réponse
Obstructive sleep apnea. Loud snoring, witnessed apneas, gasping, daytime sleepiness, morning headache, or resistant hypertension suggests OSA.
Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 502
Question
What drug class or regimen fits atrial fibrillation?
Réponse
Choose anticoagulation from validated thromboembolic-risk assessment; direct oral anticoagulants are preferred for most eligible patients without mechanical valves or moderate-to-severe rheumatic mitral stenosis.
2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation: Key Perspectives · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 503
Question
In a child or adolescent, which history or examination finding most strongly supports acute appendicitis?
Réponse
Periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant with anorexia, nausea, fever, and focal tenderness is typical.
Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 504
Question
Which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Nocturnal numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers with thenar weakness suggests median-nerve compression.
Réponse
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Nocturnal numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers with thenar weakness suggests median-nerve compression.
Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 505
Question
In an adult with headaches consistent with migraine with aura and a normal neurologic examination, when is neuroimaging needed?
Réponse
Routine neuroimaging is unnecessary; consider it when the aura is unusual, prolonged, or persistent or when other atypical or red-flag features are present.
Neuroimaging for Migraine: The American Headache Society Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 506
Question
In a child or adolescent, how can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to diabetic ketoacidosis?
Réponse
Sick-day planning, continued basal insulin, ketone checks, and early contact for illness reduce recurrence.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 507
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize early syphilis?
Réponse
Use a nontreponemal test with a treponemal confirmatory test, or the reverse sequence; evaluate neurologic or ocular symptoms separately.
Primary and Secondary Syphilis: STI Treatment Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 508
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to retinal detachment?
Réponse
Assess sudden new floaters, flashes, or a curtain immediately; early treatment can prevent permanent vision loss. Dilated examination can find a small tear or detachment before vision is affected.
Retinal Detachment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 509
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize abnormal uterine bleeding from anovulation?
Réponse
Exclude pregnancy, assess anemia, review medicines and systemic causes, and sample endometrium when age or risk warrants.
Management of Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Nonpregnant Reproductive-Aged Women · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 510
Question
How should social media be handled when a clinical story seems de-identified?
Réponse
Do not post patient material without proper authorization; combinations of details can identify a person even when names are removed.
Professionalism in the Use of Social Media · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 511
Question
How should a clinician confirm or characterize post-traumatic stress disorder?
Réponse
Use a trauma-informed clinical assessment and a validated symptom measure while checking safety and comorbidity.
Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 512
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for nephrotic syndrome?
Réponse
Vaccination, thrombosis-risk assessment, infection prevention, and cardiovascular-risk control reduce complications.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 513
Question
In a child or adolescent, what medication strategy is appropriate for atopic dermatitis?
Réponse
Topical corticosteroids are first-line for most flares; steroid-sparing topical agents help at sensitive sites or with maintenance.
Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 514
Question
Which preventive measure belongs in care for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?
Réponse
Recognize relapse symptoms early and maintain specialist follow-up after recovery.
ISTH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 515
Question
How should a clinician initially manage acute coronary syndrome?
Réponse
Give aspirin promptly when acute coronary syndrome is suspected and no contraindication exists; activate reperfusion pathways for STEMI.
2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 516
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports acute pyelonephritis?
Réponse
Fever, flank pain, costovertebral-angle tenderness, nausea, and urinary symptoms suggest renal infection.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 517
Question
For surgical decision-making, which next action matters most in tension pneumothorax?
Réponse
Perform immediate decompression followed by tube thoracostomy.
Thoracic Trauma WSES-AAST Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 518
Question
Which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, iron deficiency, dermatitis herpetiformis, or unexplained osteoporosis can be the clue.
Réponse
Celiac disease. Chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, iron deficiency, dermatitis herpetiformis, or unexplained osteoporosis can be the clue.
ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 519
Question
What physiologic disturbance underlies anterior cruciate ligament tear?
Réponse
An ACL tear removes a primary restraint to anterior tibial translation and rotation, producing anterior and rotational instability.
The Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 520
Question
A clinician is considering heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, edema, elevated jugular venous pressure, and an S3 support volume-overloaded heart failure.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 521
Question
What physiologic disturbance underlies bacterial brain abscess?
Réponse
Localized infection produces cerebritis and a capsule with surrounding edema and mass effect.
ESCMID Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Abscess in Children and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 522
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for Cushing syndrome?
Réponse
Use an accepted first-line screen such as late-night salivary cortisol, 24-hour urinary free cortisol, or overnight dexamethasone suppression.
Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 523
Question
What physiologic disturbance underlies pulmonary tuberculosis?
Réponse
Mycobacteria survive in macrophages and drive granulomatous inflammation with latent or active disease.
Clinical Overview of Tuberculosis Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 524
Question
Which antibiotic is required for gonococcal conjunctivitis in an adult?
Réponse
Give systemic ceftriaxone; consider one-time saline lavage and evaluate for chlamydial coinfection when it has not been excluded.
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 525
Question
What physiologic disturbance underlies endometriosis?
Réponse
Estrogen-responsive ectopic endometrial-like tissue drives inflammation, fibrosis, and pain.
Endometriosis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 526
Question
What should a clinician do after sending protected information to the wrong recipient?
Réponse
Act immediately to limit further disclosure, notify the organization’s privacy or security process, document facts, and follow breach assessment requirements.
Breach Notification Rule · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 527
Question
Which clinical pattern defines a panic attack?
Réponse
An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort with physical and cognitive symptoms that peaks within minutes defines a panic attack.
Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 528
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for acute kidney injury?
Réponse
A rising creatinine or falling urine output after illness, volume loss, nephrotoxin exposure, obstruction, or sepsis indicates AKI.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 529
Question
What physiologic disturbance underlies tension pneumothorax?
Réponse
A one-way pleural air leak raises intrathoracic pressure, collapses the lung, and impairs venous return.
Thoracic Trauma WSES-AAST Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 530
Question
In a child or adolescent, what clinical clue should raise suspicion for immune thrombocytopenia?
Réponse
Isolated petechiae, bruising, or mucosal bleeding with thrombocytopenia and otherwise preserved cell lines suggests ITP.
American Society of Hematology 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 531
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for celiac disease?
Réponse
Order tissue-transglutaminase IgA with total IgA while the patient is eating gluten; confirm as guideline-directed.
ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 532
Question
A patient has this pattern: Fever plus a new or changing murmur, embolic findings, injection-drug use, or prosthetic material raises suspicion. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Infective endocarditis. Fever plus a new or changing murmur, embolic findings, injection-drug use, or prosthetic material raises suspicion.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 533
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Réponse
Diagnosis is often clinical; electrodiagnostic testing helps when severe, atypical, or before selected surgery.
Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 534
Question
Which prevention step is essential before oral intake in acute ischemic stroke?
Réponse
Screen swallowing before food, fluids, or oral medication to reduce aspiration risk.
2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 535
Question
What is the priority management step for cellulitis?
Réponse
Mark the margin, assess for abscess or necrotizing infection, and escalate care for systemic toxicity.
Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 536
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for community-acquired pneumonia?
Réponse
Keep age- and risk-appropriate pneumococcal vaccination current to reduce preventable pneumococcal pneumonia.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 537
Question
For surgical decision-making, what is the priority management step for benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Réponse
Urgently catheterize acute urinary retention and evaluate infection, kidney injury, or severe hematuria.
EAU Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 538
Question
Which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for ectopic pregnancy?
Réponse
Early testing after a missed period and prompt evaluation of pain or bleeding reduce rupture morbidity.
Ectopic Pregnancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 539
Question
What diagnostic approach is most appropriate when obstructive sleep apnea is suspected?
Réponse
Confirm with polysomnography or an appropriate home sleep-apnea test in selected uncomplicated adults.
Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 540
Question
In a child or adolescent, which prevention or risk-reduction step is important for major depressive disorder?
Réponse
Monitor symptoms, suicidality, functioning, treatment adherence, and recurrence with a clear follow-up and safety plan.
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 541
Question
Which pathophysiologic process drives symptomatic aortic stenosis?
Réponse
Calcific leaflet narrowing creates a fixed left-ventricular outflow obstruction and pressure overload.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 542
Question
In a child or adolescent, what drug class or regimen fits diabetic ketoacidosis?
Réponse
Use continuous IV regular insulin; add dextrose as glucose falls so ketone clearance can continue.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 543
Question
What is the key first diagnostic step for peritonsillar abscess?
Réponse
Diagnosis is usually clinical; ultrasound or CT helps when the diagnosis or deep-space extension is uncertain.
Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 544
Question
What does continuity require before ending a clinician-patient relationship?
Réponse
Give reasonable notice, provide urgent coverage during the transition, offer transfer resources, and make records available as permitted.
Terminating a Patient-Physician Relationship · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 545
Question
What counseling point helps reduce harm from chronic hepatitis C?
Réponse
Avoid blood exposure, do not share injection equipment, and screen all adults and each pregnancy as recommended.
Viral Hepatitis Clinical Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 546
Question
What drug class or regimen fits hyperkalemia?
Réponse
IV calcium protects the heart; insulin with glucose shifts potassium, while diuresis, binders, or dialysis remove it.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of Acute Hyperkalaemia in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 547
Question
In a child or adolescent, what counseling point helps reduce harm from juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Réponse
Vaccination, eye screening, activity, and growth monitoring reduce preventable morbidity.
2026 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 548
Question
In a child or adolescent, which next action matters most in immune thrombocytopenia?
Réponse
Treat clinically important bleeding urgently; observation is appropriate for selected patients with minor symptoms.
American Society of Hematology 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 549
Question
A clinician is considering subarachnoid hemorrhage. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
A sudden maximal-at-onset thunderclap headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, or brief loss of consciousness is concerning.
2023 Guideline for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 550
Question
Which test or testing sequence best evaluates suspected aortic dissection?
Réponse
CT angiography is the usual rapid definitive study in a stable patient; transesophageal echocardiography is useful when unstable.
2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 551
Question
In a child, typically 6 months to 3 years, what counseling point helps reduce harm from croup?
Réponse
Caregivers should seek urgent assessment for stridor at rest, marked chest retractions, cyanosis, lethargy, or poor air entry.
Acute Management of Croup in the Emergency Department · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 552
Question
In a child or adolescent, a clinician is considering bacterial meningitis. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
Fever, headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status, or a nonblanching rash should trigger urgent evaluation.
WHO Guidelines on Meningitis Diagnosis, Treatment and Care · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 553
Question
A clinician is considering preeclampsia with severe features. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
New hypertension after 20 weeks with end-organ findings such as severe pressure, thrombocytopenia, liver injury, kidney injury, pulmonary edema, or neurologic symptoms suggests severe disease.
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 554
Question
A clinician is considering bipolar I mania. Which finding adds the most support?
Réponse
At least one week of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, decreased sleep, pressured speech, grandiosity, and risky behavior suggests mania.
Management of Bipolar Disorder in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 555
Question
What is the priority management step for celiac disease?
Réponse
Do not start a gluten-free diet before completing diagnostic testing unless immediate clinical needs demand it.
ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 556
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports acute compartment syndrome?
Réponse
Pain out of proportion, pain with passive stretch, tense swelling, and progressive neurologic deficits after injury are warning signs.
Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 557
Question
For surgical decision-making, how should a clinician initially manage Cushing syndrome?
Réponse
Confirm hypercortisolism, identify whether it is ACTH dependent, and localize the source before definitive treatment.
Treatment of Cushing Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 558
Question
Which bedside pattern best points to retinal detachment?
Réponse
New flashes, floaters, and a curtain or shadow across the visual field suggest detachment.
Retinal Detachment · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 559
Question
How should a clinician respond when requested to falsify a work note or record?
Réponse
Decline, document objective facts accurately, explain what can truthfully be certified, and preserve the integrity of the record.
Management of Medical Records · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 560
Question
How can a clinician reduce avoidable harm related to hypertensive emergency?
Réponse
Accurate home monitoring and sustained treatment adherence reduce progression to crisis.
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 561
Question
What clinical clue should raise suspicion for COPD?
Réponse
Progressive exertional dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum, and exposure to tobacco, biomass, or occupational irritants suggest COPD.
2026 GOLD Report and Pocket Guide · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 562
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for acute pyelonephritis?
Réponse
Select empiric therapy from local resistance and severity, then narrow to the culture.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 563
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports plaque psoriasis?
Réponse
Well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scale on extensor surfaces and nail pitting support psoriasis.
Psoriasis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 564
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for Parkinson disease?
Réponse
Start multidisciplinary care and choose symptomatic treatment by functional impact, age, cognition, and adverse-effect risk.
Parkinson’s Disease in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 565
Question
Which diagnosis best fits hypotonic euvolemic hyponatremia with inappropriately concentrated urine after thyroid, adrenal, renal, and diuretic causes are excluded?
Réponse
Hyponatremia due to SIADH. Nausea, confusion, gait change, seizure, or subtle cognitive symptoms with hypotonic euvolemic hyponatremia may reflect SIADH.
Clinical Practice Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyponatraemia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 566
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for gonococcal urethritis or cervicitis?
Réponse
Treat promptly, test for other STIs, abstain until treatment criteria are met, and arrange partner services.
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 567
Question
How should medication be used in aortic dissection?
Réponse
Use an IV beta-blocker first to reduce shear stress, then add a vasodilator if pressure remains high.
2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 568
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for menopause vasomotor symptoms?
Réponse
Match treatment to symptom burden, uterus status, contraindications, and patient preference.
Hormone Therapy for Menopause · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 569
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for cirrhosis with ascites?
Réponse
Spironolactone with furosemide is a common diuretic combination when renal function and electrolytes allow.
Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Ascites, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 570
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for alcohol withdrawal?
Réponse
Stabilize, give thiamine, use symptom- or risk-guided withdrawal treatment, and admit high-risk patients.
The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 571
Question
In a child or adolescent, what drug class or regimen fits sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis?
Réponse
Use rapid individualized analgesia, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for selected mild pain and opioids for severe pain, followed by frequent reassessment.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Management of Acute and Chronic Pain · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 572
Question
For surgical decision-making, what is the priority management step for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Réponse
Use neutral-position night splinting initially; refer for decompression with severe weakness, denervation, or persistent symptoms.
Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 573
Question
In an infant aged 1–23 months, what drug class or regimen fits bronchiolitis?
Réponse
Routine salbutamol, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended; use antibiotics only when bacterial infection is evident or strongly suspected.
Bronchiolitis: Recommendations for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Management of Children One to 24 Months · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 574
Question
In a child or adolescent, which bedside pattern best points to diabetic ketoacidosis?
Réponse
Hyperglycemia with dehydration, abdominal pain, vomiting, Kussmaul respirations, or altered mental status suggests ketoacidosis.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 575
Question
For surgical decision-making, how should a clinician initially manage peritonsillar abscess?
Réponse
Assess the airway, drain the abscess, hydrate, and treat infection.
Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 576
Question
Which factors determine a PA’s scope of practice?
Réponse
A PA’s education and experience, state law, practice-setting policy and credentialing, and the care team’s arrangements together define the services the PA may provide.
PA Scope of Practice · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 577
Question
What immediate plan is appropriate for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
Réponse
For acute pulmonary edema, support oxygenation and relieve congestion while identifying the trigger.
2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 578
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for acute ischemic stroke?
Réponse
Antiplatelet therapy is used after hemorrhage is excluded when thrombolysis timing and stroke mechanism allow.
2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 579
Question
What combination of findings should raise suspicion for acute calculous cholecystitis?
Réponse
Right-upper-quadrant pain or tenderness, fever, leukocytosis, and a positive Murphy sign support the diagnosis when considered together.
2020 World Society of Emergency Surgery Updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Calculous Cholecystitis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 580
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for community-acquired pneumonia?
Réponse
Use guideline-concordant empiric antibiotics based on setting, comorbidity, and local resistance; narrow when microbiology permits.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 581
Question
Which diagnosis is defined by acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with bilateral opacities not fully explained by cardiac failure after a known insult?
Réponse
Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with bilateral opacities not fully explained by cardiac failure after a known insult suggests ARDS.
An Update on Management of Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 582
Question
What medication strategy is appropriate for ectopic pregnancy?
Réponse
Methotrexate is an option for selected stable unruptured ectopic pregnancy without contraindications.
Ectopic Pregnancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 583
Question
In a child or adolescent, what medication strategy is appropriate for major depressive disorder?
Réponse
When medication is indicated for an adolescent, use an evidence-supported SSRI with close monitoring; combine it with psychotherapy according to severity and preference.
Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 584
Question
In a child or adolescent, identify the condition from this pattern: Chronic pruritic eczematous patches with age-dependent flexural or facial distribution and a relapsing course are typical.
Réponse
Atopic dermatitis. Chronic pruritic eczematous patches with age-dependent flexural or facial distribution and a relapsing course are typical.
Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 585
Question
Which pharmacologic approach is preferred for a postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis at high fracture risk?
Réponse
Bisphosphonates are first-line for many postmenopausal women at high fracture risk; consider anabolic therapy for very high risk.
Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 586
Question
Which history or examination finding most strongly supports atrial fibrillation?
Réponse
An irregularly irregular pulse with palpitations, fatigue, or dyspnea suggests atrial fibrillation.
2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for Atrial Fibrillation: Key Perspectives · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 587
Question
Which diagnosis best fits dysuria and frequency without vaginal symptoms in an otherwise appropriate patient?
Réponse
Uncomplicated cystitis. Dysuria and frequency without vaginal symptoms strongly support lower urinary infection in an appropriate patient.
EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 588
Question
How should a clinician initially manage nephrotic syndrome?
Réponse
Manage edema and cause, and urgently evaluate thrombosis, infection, or severe volume compromise.
KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases with 2024 Chapter Updates · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 589
Question
What condition should be suspected from this finding: A single fever in a patient with severe chemotherapy-related neutropenia is an emergency even when examination is unrevealing.
Réponse
Neutropenic fever. A single fever in a patient with severe chemotherapy-related neutropenia is an emergency even when examination is unrevealing.
Outpatient Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Adults Treated for Malignancy · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 590
Question
What is the purpose of root cause analysis after a serious patient-safety event?
Réponse
Identify active and latent system contributors, then design and track corrective actions that reduce recurrence rather than stopping at individual blame.
Root Cause Analysis · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 591
Question
For surgical decision-making, a patient has this pattern: Often asymptomatic hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, bone loss, constipation, or neurocognitive symptoms can be the clue. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Primary hyperparathyroidism. Often asymptomatic hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, bone loss, constipation, or neurocognitive symptoms can be the clue.
Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Fifth International Workshop Guidelines · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 592
Question
How should a clinician initially manage obstructive sleep apnea?
Réponse
Offer positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea with excessive sleepiness and consider it for impaired sleep-related quality of life or comorbid hypertension.
Clinical Practice Guideline for Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Positive Airway Pressure · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 593
Question
A patient has this pattern: A rapid unilateral hearing decrease, often noticed on waking and sometimes with tinnitus, is an otologic emergency. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Réponse
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. A rapid unilateral hearing decrease, often noticed on waking and sometimes with tinnitus, is an otologic emergency.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 594
Question
Which diagnosis requires bradykinesia plus rest tremor or rigidity and often includes reduced arm swing or a shuffling gait?
Réponse
Parkinson disease. Bradykinesia plus rest tremor or rigidity, with reduced arm swing and shuffling gait, supports parkinsonism.
Parkinson’s Disease in Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 595
Question
Which diagnosis best fits purulent urethral discharge, dysuria, cervicitis, pelvic pain, or a relevant sexual exposure, although infection may be asymptomatic?
Réponse
Gonococcal urethritis or cervicitis. Purulent urethral discharge, dysuria, cervicitis, pelvic pain, or exposure may indicate gonorrhea, but infection can be asymptomatic.
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 596
Question
Which diagnosis best fits hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and menstrual transition at the expected age?
Réponse
Menopause vasomotor symptoms. Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and menstrual transition at the expected age usually identify menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
The Menopause Years · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 597
Question
Which diagnosis causes tremor, autonomic hyperactivity, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, hallucinations, or seizures after reducing heavy alcohol use?
Réponse
Alcohol withdrawal. Tremor, autonomic hyperactivity, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, hallucinations, or seizures after reducing heavy alcohol use suggests withdrawal.
The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 598
Question
Which diagnosis causes bloody diarrhea, urgency, tenesmus, and crampy abdominal pain with continuous colonic inflammation?
Réponse
Ulcerative colitis. Bloody diarrhea, urgency, tenesmus, and crampy abdominal pain with continuous colonic inflammation suggest ulcerative colitis.
Updated 2025 ACG Guidelines to Manage Adult Ulcerative Colitis Patients · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 599
Question
Which diagnosis best fits abrupt severe monoarthritis with erythema, often at the first metatarsophalangeal joint?
Réponse
Gout flare. Abrupt severe monoarthritis with erythema, often at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, suggests gout.
Gout · reviewed 2026-08-26
Carte 600
Question
For surgical decision-making, which diagnosis best fits this presentation: Exertional dyspnea, angina, or syncope with a harsh crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur radiating to the carotids is typical.
Réponse
Symptomatic aortic stenosis. Exertional dyspnea, angina, or syncope with a harsh crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur radiating to the carotids is typical.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease · reviewed 2026-08-26
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PANCE Flashcards: Blueprint-Aligned Diagnoses, Tests & Next Steps
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