A 62-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office Due to Increasing

question 518

Multiple Choice

A 62-year-old man comes to the office due to increasing discomfort and bulging at the right groin.  He was previously diagnosed with a direct inguinal hernia but had no operative repair.  The patient recently had acute bronchitis with an incessant dry cough, which caused the hernia to enlarge.  He has had no abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or constipation.  Medical history includes hypothyroidism, seasonal allergy, and several previous episodes of sinusitis.  Medications are levothyroxine and a glucocorticoid nasal spray.  The patient smokes a pack of cigarettes daily and drinks alcohol occasionally.  Vital signs are within normal limits.  BMI is 24 kg/m².  Physical examination shows a nontender, easily reducible groin mass.  Surgical hernia repair is planned.  Which of the following most increases the risk for postoperative wound infection in this patient?

• A)Body mass index
• B)Comorbid conditions
• C)Medications
• D)Prior infections
• E)Smoking history

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Definitions:

Outgroup Members

Individuals who are perceived as not belonging to one's own group, often seen as different or separate from the in-group.

Reciprocity Norm

A social norm that dictates that individuals should return the favor or kindness that others have done for them.

Social Influence Technique

Strategies or methods used to change or influence the attitudes, behaviors, or perceptions of others through social interaction.

Foot-In-The-Door Technique

A persuasion strategy that involves getting a person to agree to a small request as a precursor to getting them to accede to a larger request.