Brian Schmidt Is a 58-Year-Old Lawyer with a History of Hypertension

question 55

Multiple Choice

Brian Schmidt is a 58-year-old lawyer with a history of hypertension. His blood pressure has been under fairly good control with prescription medication. His secretary notices that he had a period of confusion and difficulty speaking at a meeting. She advises him to see his doctor. What best explains Brian's symptoms?

• A) transient ischemic attack
• B) myocardial infarction
• C) hypoglycemia
• D) thrombosis

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Definitions:

Liver Sinusoid

Specialized, capillary-like blood vessels in the liver involved in the filtration and exchange of substances between the blood and liver cells.

Hepatic Portal System

A system of veins that carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver for detoxification and metabolism before it enters the general circulation.

Detoxify Substances

The process by which toxic substances are removed or transformed into less harmful compounds in the body.

Capillary Beds

Networks of capillaries within body tissues that facilitate exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.