A 65-Year-Old Man Returns to the Office for Follow-Up 10

question 435

Multiple Choice

A 65-year-old man returns to the office for follow-up 10 days after receiving a subacromial corticosteroid injection for right-sided rotator cuff tendinopathy.  The tendinopathy was confirmed on musculoskeletal ultrasound of the shoulder prior to the injection.  The patient initially experienced mild improvement of the shoulder pain, but starting 2 days ago, the pain significantly worsened and is now accompanied by generalized body ache and fatigue.  He does not report trauma or excessive shoulder use since the injection.  Medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus and gout.  Temperature is 37.9 C (100.2 F) , blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg, and pulse is 109/min.  On examination, there is mild swelling in the lateral right shoulder.  Range of motion is limited in multiple axes due to significant pain, which is worse compared to examination prior to the injection.  Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management of this patient?

• A)Image-guided aspiration
• B)Range-of-motion exercises and analgesic therapy
• C)Repeat corticosteroid injection
• D)Serum uric acid level
• E)X-ray of the shoulder

---

Definitions:

Desire Affiliation

An individual's need or longing for social connections and relationships with others, driving them towards group involvement or social interaction.

Uncertain

Characterized by doubt or lacking definite plans, outcomes, or clarity; undecided.

Embarrassed

Feeling self-conscious, ashamed, or uncomfortable due to a socially awkward situation.

Exchange Theory

A social psychological and sociological perspective that explains social change and stability as a process of negotiated exchanges between parties.