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A 72-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department After

question 390

Multiple Choice

A 72-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after an episode of syncope during a family gathering. The patient was sitting in his chair after dinner and passed out briefly. There are no apparent injuries and no seizure-like activity was observed. His granddaughter says that he has had frequent episodes of dizziness in the last 2 weeks. These episodes are sometimes accompanied by confusion and are not related to physical activity or changes in position. The patient's other medical problems include coronary artery disease and hypertension. He does not use alcohol or tobacco. His medications include aspirin, lisinopril, atorvastatin, and isosorbide mononitrate. Blood pressure is 105/60 mm Hg and respirations are 14/min. The patient is fully alert and oriented. Examination reveals no neck bruits. Lung fields are clear, and no cardiac murmurs are heard. Neurologic examination is within normal limits. ECG is shown in the exhibit. Serum potassium is 4.1 mEq/L and serum creatinine is 1.1 mg/dL. Which of the following is the best next step in management of this patient?

Definitions:

Positive Statement

An objective statement based on fact that can be tested and validated, often used in the description of economic behaviors.

Economic Policy

Strategies and actions taken by the government or regulatory bodies to influence the economy, including fiscal, monetary, and trade policies.

Societal Goal

A long-term objective that benefits the larger community, aiming at improvements in social well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

Microeconomic Statement

An assertion or observation that pertains to the individual units of the economy, such as households or businesses, rather than the economy as a whole.