Ms Chen Is a 60-Year-Old Widow with a 6-Month History

question 9

Multiple Choice

Ms. Chen is a 60-year-old widow with a 6-month history of episodic chest tightness, shortness of breath, and numbness that "moves all over my body." These symptoms, which occur once or twice weekly, occur suddenly, and reach peak intensity within a few minutes. During these episodes she has the sensation of intermittent "hot" air coming from her abdomen to her throat, making her believe that she is being choked. She also describes feeling as if she is in a closed room or small space. Ms. Chen is anxious and frustrated about her symptoms and thinks she might have a serious medical problem. She has had frequent medical evaluations by her primary care physician and second opinions from various specialists but refuses to see a psychiatrist. A magnetic resonance image of Ms. Chen taken during one of these episodes would most likely reveal increased activity in which of the following structures?

• A) Temporal lobe
• B) Mammillary bodies
• C) Indusium griseum
• D) Nucleus accumbens
• E) Striate cortex

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Definitions:

Misunderstandings

Situations where communication fails or is interpreted incorrectly, leading to confusion and errors in comprehension.

Communication Breakdowns

Situations where the exchange of information fails or is distorted, leading to misunderstandings and potential errors, especially in healthcare settings.

Maslow's Hierarchy

A psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow that is depicted as a pyramid with five levels of needs, from basic survival needs at the bottom to self-actualization at the top.

Basic Needs

Fundamental requirements for human survival and well-being, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing.