A 34-Year-Old, Obese, Caucasian Male Presents to Your Office with an Abnormal

question 930

Multiple Choice

A 34-year-old, obese, Caucasian male presents to your office with an abnormal sensation over his right thigh. He says, "It gets numb, and sometimes I feel burning over my thigh."  He denies any back pain, muscle weakness, or abnormal sensation below the knee.  His past medical history is insignificant.  He smokes two packs of cigarettes and consumes 1-2 bottles of beer daily.  He is a construction worker.  He frequently works in a squatting position.  Physical examination reveals an area of decreased sensation over the right anterolateral thigh.  There is no muscle weakness.  Deep tendon reflexes are symmetrical.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

• A)Plain x-rays of the hip and pelvis
• B)Electromyography and nerve conduction studies
• C)Refer to physical therapy
• D)Prescribe gabapentin
• E)Advise weight loss and to avoid tight-fitting garments

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Definitions:

Western Bias

The inclination to favor Western or Eurocentric perspectives, often at the expense of ignoring or undervaluing other viewpoints.

First World

A term originally used during the Cold War to describe industrialized capitalist countries in North America, Western Europe, and their allies.

Third World

A term originally used to describe countries that were not aligned with either the capitalist First World or the socialist Second World during the Cold War, now often referring to developing countries.

Gross Domestic Product

The total market value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period, serving as a broad measure of economic activity.