A 41-Year-Old Woman Is Being Evaluated for Peripheral Edema

question 20

Multiple Choice

A 41-year-old woman is being evaluated for peripheral edema.  The patient has gained 6.8 kg (15 lb) over the past 8 weeks.  Her urine is "frothy."  She has no other medical problems and takes no medications.  The patient does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs.  Blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg and pulse is 80/min.  Examination shows generalized edema.  Heart sounds are normal.  The abdomen is soft and nontender.  Serum creatinine is 1.1 mg/dL.  Urinalysis shows 4+ protein, 0-3 leukocytes/hpf, and oval fat bodies.  Serum contains IgG4 antibodies to the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) , a transmembrane protein abundant on podocytes.  Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

• A)Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
• B)Membranous nephropathy
• C)Minimal change disease
• D)Mixed cryoglobulinemia
• E)Multiple myeloma

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Definitions:

Operationalization

Refers to the process of strictly defining variables into measurable factors in research, allowing them to be empirically and quantitatively tested.

Double-Blind

An experimental procedure in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment, to prevent bias.

Randomly Assigned

A method used in experiments where participants are allocated to different groups or conditions in a way that is determined by chance.

Control

The capacity to shape or guide the actions of individuals or the progression of situations.