Biomedicine and Diagnosis Flashcards

A patient has a blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg, papilledema, and confusion. This presentation is best classified as:

Answer: Hypertensive emergency

Hypertensive emergency is defined by severely elevated BP with acute target organ damage such as papilledema and altered mental status requiring immediate intervention.

The Romberg test primarily evaluates the integrity of which sensory system?

Answer: Proprioception and dorsal column function

The Romberg test assesses proprioception; a positive result (increased sway with eyes closed) indicates loss of dorsal column sensory input rather than cerebellar dysfunction.

Which dermatome corresponds to the umbilicus?

Answer: T10

The T10 dermatome innervates the skin at the level of the umbilicus, a landmark used in neurological and spinal cord injury assessment.

A patient's CBC shows microcytic, hypochromic anemia with low serum ferritin. The most likely diagnosis is:

Answer: Iron-deficiency anemia

Low serum ferritin is the most specific finding for iron-deficiency anemia, which produces small, pale red blood cells (microcytic, hypochromic).

Crepitus detected over a joint on passive range-of-motion testing most commonly suggests:

Answer: Osteoarthritis

Crepitus (grinding or crackling sensation) during joint movement is a hallmark of osteoarthritis, reflecting irregular cartilage surfaces rubbing together.

Which of the following is the most reliable clinical indicator of dehydration in an adult patient?

Answer: Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension (a drop of ≥20 mmHg systolic upon standing) is one of the most reliable signs of significant volume depletion in adults.

The QRS complex on an ECG represents which cardiac electrical event?

Answer: Ventricular depolarization

The QRS complex reflects simultaneous ventricular depolarization, the electrical activation that triggers ventricular contraction.