A 22-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department with a Persistent

question 374

Multiple Choice

A 22-year-old man comes to the emergency department with a persistent, painful erection he has had for the past 6 hours.  The patient has had similar episodes that lasted 1-2 hours but resolved spontaneously.  He says his symptoms started this morning without provocation when he woke up.  The patient recently started a summer job working outside pouring concrete.  Medical history includes sickle cell disease; he has not taken any medications other than his usual folic acid.  The patient does not use alcohol or illicit drugs.  On examination, the penis is rigid, and the glans is soft.  The scrotum is normal.  Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

• A)Administer a packed red blood cell transfusion
• B)Administer an intravenous beta blocker
• C)Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
• D)Aspirate blood from the corpora cavernosa
• E)Insert a urinary catheter

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Definitions:

Facilitating Functions

include activities that help in the smooth execution of transactions and exchanges in the marketplace, such as logistics, financing, and information provision.

Purchasing Products

The process of acquiring goods or services to fulfill the needs or requirements of a business or consumer.

Resale

The act of selling a product or service to another party after it has been purchased from the original seller.

Transactional Function

A business activity that involves the buying and selling of goods and services, including all processes that enable these transactions.