. A 65-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with sudden numbness and weakness in the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body difficulty speaking, and severe headache with no known cause. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Stroke
Migraine
Hypoglycemia
Transient ischemic Attack (TIA)
The Correct Answer is A
A. Stroke: The sudden onset of one-sided weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, and severe headache are classic symptoms of an acute stroke, where blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to neurological deficits.
B. Migraine: While migraines can cause headache and some neurological symptoms, they usually include visual disturbances, nausea, or photophobia rather than one-sided weakness and numbness.
C. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, weakness, and headache, but it typically lacks the focal neurological symptoms, like one-sided weakness and numbness.
D. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA can cause similar symptoms, but the deficits are usually transient and resolve within 24 hours without lasting neurological damage. Persistent symptoms are more indicative of a stroke.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis generally presents with redness and discharge but does not cause elevated intraocular pressure, severe pain, or visual disturbances like halos.
B. Acute angle-closure glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by sudden severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea, and vomiting, along with elevated intraocular pressure and a cloudy cornea.
C. Retinal detachment. Retinal detachment may cause sudden vision loss or flashing lights but typically lacks pain, nausea, or vomiting, and does not affect intraocular pressure.
D. Migraine with aura. A migraine with aura may cause visual disturbances but does not present with eye pain, red eye, or elevated intraocular pressure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I should monitor my temperature regularly and report any fevers to my healthcare provider." This statement shows correct understanding. Fever may indicate worsening infection or complications, so it’s important to monitor and report any fevers.
B. "I need to inform my healthcare provider about any new symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain." This statement shows understanding. New symptoms, especially respiratory or cardiac, could signify complications, and should be reported.
C. "I can stop taking my antibiotics once I feel better." This indicates a need for further teaching. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to ensure the infection is completely eradicated, even if symptoms improve.
D. "I will need to take antibiotics before dental procedures." Patients with infective endocarditis often require prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent bacterial entry into the bloodstream.