An 82-Year-Old Man Is Found Unresponsive by His Neighbor

question 577

Multiple Choice

An 82-year-old man is found unresponsive by his neighbor.  The patient lives alone in his suburban home.  When the neighbor went to check on him, the patient was on the floor and not answering any questions.  His medical history is unknown.  On arrival of emergency medical services, the patient is obtunded and responds only to painful stimuli.  Supportive measures are begun, including endotracheal intubation, but the patient dies en route to the hospital.  Autopsy reveals extensive atherosclerotic disease involving the coronary and internal carotid arteries.  Histopathologic examination of the brain in the right middle cerebral artery territory shows neurons with intensely eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclear fragmentation.  Based on these findings, this patient's cerebral injury most likely occurred approximately how long ago?

• A)Less than an hour
• B)12-24 hours
• C)1-2 weeks
• D)2 months
• E)2 years

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Definitions:

Severe Autism

A classification of autism spectrum disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, communication, and by restrictive and repetitive behaviors, requiring substantial support.

Punishment

A consequence that reduces the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, often applied to correct undesirable actions.

Psychosocial Development

The process by which individuals understand themselves within the context of social relationships, including the development of personality, emotional growth, and social skills.

Negative Reinforcer

A reinforcer that, when removed, increases the frequency of a behavior.