An 18-month-old toddler, Estaban, presents with his father for a sick visit. The child, who is typically healthy and UTD with immunizations, has had URI-like symptoms for the past 6 days with congested cough and clear to yellow nasal discharge. Per parental report, Esteban is drinking fluids without difficulty and has a slightly reduced appetite and had a single episode of post tussive vomiting 3 days ago. For the past 36 hours, his father reports increased crankiness and intermittent fever to 102.6°F (39.2°C), with the father stating, “This is how he acted a few months ago when he had an ear infection.” Which of the two following findings are most suggestive in the diagnosis of acute otitis media in a toddler?

A. Bulging tympanic membrane

B. Cough

C. Evidence of ear discomfort

D. Bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy
---
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrdfBpjYODQ&list=PLf0PFEPBXfq592b5zCthlxSNIEM-H-EtD&index=72

Visit fhea.com to learn more!

A 60 year old man presents with a chief complaint of a 6 month history of increasing fatigue despite adequate rest and sleep. He denies chest pain or difficulty breathing, and reports he is a non smoker. Concurrent history includes a 25 year history of alcohol used disorder, with daily intake of 5-7, occasionally more, 1.5 oz shots of whiskey, and chronic poor nutrition, reporting, “I eat chips and crackers a lot, I do not have the time to make a meal and I cannot afford to eat out. He is currently employed as a warehouse working, and states, “I get to work every day. The booze is really not problem.” On physical exam, mild pharyngeal redness without exudate, conjunctival pallor, and epigastric tenderness are present. The following lab results are noted.

Hgb = 9 g/dL (normal 14 to 16 g/dL)

Hct = 28.5% (normal 42% to 48%)

RBC = 3.4 million mm3 (normal 4.7 to 6.1 million mm3)

MCV = 108 fL (normal 81 to 96 fL)

MCHC = 33.2 g/dL (normal 31 to 37 g/dL)

RDW = 18.4% (normal 11-15%)

These findings are most likely caused by:

A. iron deficiency anemia

B. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

C. Folic acid deficiency anemia

D. Anemia of chronic disease.
---
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU-JuuCQT18&list=PLf0PFEPBXfq592b5zCthlxSNIEM-H-EtD&index=71

Visit fhea.com to learn more!

A 45 year old woman with a 10 year history of hypothyroidism presents for follow up care. She's been taking levothyroxine 100 micrograms per day with excellent adherence. Stating "I take the medicine every morning on an empty stomach with a big glass of water.” She states she's generally feeling well, but notices increased fatigue over the past four months, which she attributes to the stress of starting her graduate studies while working full time. The results of today's laboratory testing include the following:

TSH is 2.3, the norm being .4 to 4, pre T4 15 with norm being 10 to 27.

The next step in her care is to:

A. continue on the same levothyroxine dose and obtain a repeat TSH in one year.

B. increase the levothyroxine dose by 25 micrograms per day and repeated TSH in one month.

C. increase the levothyroxine dose by 25 micrograms per day and repeated TSH in two months.

D. Repeat the TSH and free T4 today and provide counseling about taking the medication with breakfast.
---
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOXdT0E5oFM&list=PLf0PFEPBXfq592b5zCthlxSNIEM-H-EtD&index=70

Visit fhea.com to learn more!