A 54-year-old man presents to the primary care clinic with a…
A 54-year-old man presents to the primary care clinic with a complaint of musculoskeletal pain. During the history and physical examination, the nurse practitioner identifies several findings. Which findings should be considered musculoskeletal “red flags” that warrant further diagnostic evaluation or urgent referral? Select all that apply.
Read DetailsAn 80-year-old woman with diabetes presents with a 3-week hi…
An 80-year-old woman with diabetes presents with a 3-week history of progressively worsening thoracic back pain. She developed chills and a headache yesterday but is unsure whether she had a fever. In clinic, her temperature is 101°F (38.3°C). Examination reveals focal tenderness over the mid-thoracic spine without erythema or swelling. She has no lower extremity weakness, numbness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step for the Nurse Practitioner to take in the evaluation of this patient?
Read DetailsA liver biopsy obtained from a 43-year-old male, after prese…
A liver biopsy obtained from a 43-year-old male, after presenting to the ER with abdominal pain, nausea and yellowing of the skin. The biopsy demonstrates hepatocyte necrosis surrounding the central veins with minimal early inflammation. Which diagnosis is most consistent with these findings?
Read DetailsA 62-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes presents w…
A 62-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes presents with a chronic plantar foot ulcer. During examination, a sterile metal probe contacts bone through the ulcer. Which finding strongly increases suspicion for osteomyelitis?
Read DetailsA 69-year-old woman presents with gradually worsening stiffn…
A 69-year-old woman presents with gradually worsening stiffness and aching in her hands that is most noticeable after gardening. She reports that the discomfort improves after a few minutes of movement. On examination, you note firm, bony enlargements of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints bilaterally without warmth or erythema. The NP knows that these findings are most consistent with which of the following?
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