A 42-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Worsening

question 284

Multiple Choice

A 42-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to worsening jaw pain and stiffness.  His symptoms began 2 days ago and have limited his ability to eat.  Today the patient also developed painful stiffness in his neck.  He has had no fever, chills, headache, focal weakness, or numbness.  The patient is a farmer in rural Pennsylvania and sustained a wooden splinter injury to his forearm while working in a barn a week ago.  He has no chronic medical conditions but has not had medical care for many years.  On examination, the patient is not able to open his mouth.  The muscles of the neck are tense, and neck range of motion is impaired.  Which of the following is the best approach to establishing diagnosis in this patient?

• A)Anaerobic blood culture
• B)Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
• C)Clinical diagnosis only
• D)Serum toxin assay
• E)Several sets of antibody titers

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Definitions:

Modern Welfare State

A concept in political science referring to a government that provides for the welfare of its citizens through programs such as healthcare, education, and social security.

Collective Violence

Acts of violence committed by groups of individuals, often driven by a common purpose or ideology.

Major Crimes

Serious criminal offenses that typically involve violence or significant harm to individuals or property, such as murder, rape, or burglary.

Political Citizenship

The status of being a citizen, including rights, privileges, and duties associated with participating in the political process of a country or community.