Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A sudden, painful unilateral loss of vision is a medical emergency that may be caused by central retinal artery occlusion. This condition occurs when the main artery supplying blood to the retina becomes blocked, leading to a sudden and severe reduction in blood flow to the eye. The lack of blood flow can cause irreversible damage to the retina, resulting in a significant loss of vision. Patients with central retinal artery occlusion typically present with sudden, painless, and severe vision loss in one eye. Immediate medical attention is crucial to try to restore blood flow and minimize potential permanent vision loss in these cases. Vitreous hemorrhage, macular degeneration, and optic neuritis do not typically present with sudden, painful unilateral loss of vision as seen in central retinal artery occlusion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most likely explanation for the discrepancy between the patient's relatively normal blood pressure reading (118/92) and the presence of hypertensive changes in her retinas and mild proteinuria is that the process causing her retinopathy and kidney problems has resolved. Hypertensive changes in the retinas and proteinuria are typically signs of chronic uncontrolled hypertension, but they can also be residual manifestations of previously uncontrolled hypertension that has now been effectively treated.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The description provided fits the criteria for tension-type headache. Tension-type headaches are typically described as a mild to moderate, dull, band-like pressure or tightness around the head. They can last from minutes to days and are often triggered by stress, anxiety, poor posture, or prolonged computer use. The absence of symptoms like photophobia and nausea, along with the response to over-the-counter medication, further support the diagnosis of tension-type headache in this case. Other headache types such as migraines or cluster headaches usually present with additional symptoms like nausea, photophobia, or tearing of the eye, which are not mentioned in this scenario. Analgesic rebound headaches typically occur in individuals who overuse pain medications, leading to worsening headaches when the medication wears off, but this patient's history does not suggest such misuse.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The description provided, which includes a clearly demarcated, round patch of hair loss without visible scaling or inflammation and absence of hair shafts, is characteristic of alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in round or oval patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. It is not associated with pulling or twisting of hair (trichotillomania), fungal infection (tinea capitis), or hair loss due to constant pulling force (traction alopecia). In alopecia areata, the affected area usually appears smooth and without visible signs of irritation. Treatment options for alopecia areata may include corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, or minoxidil.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A sudden, painful unilateral loss of vision is a medical emergency that may be caused by central retinal artery occlusion. This condition occurs when the main artery supplying blood to the retina becomes blocked, leading to a sudden and severe reduction in blood flow to the eye. The lack of blood flow can cause irreversible damage to the retina, resulting in a significant loss of vision. Patients with central retinal artery occlusion typically present with sudden, painless, and severe vision loss in one eye. Immediate medical attention is crucial to try to restore blood flow and minimize potential permanent vision loss in these cases. Vitreous hemorrhage, macular degeneration, and optic neuritis do not typically present with sudden, painful unilateral loss of vision as seen in central retinal artery occlusion.