A 78-Year-Old Patient Recently Noticed Dark Blotches on His Forearms

question 5

Multiple Choice

A 78-year-old patient recently noticed dark blotches on his forearms and on the backs of his hands. He seems to bruise even when a phlebotomy is performed using excellent technique with no problems encountered. No other symptoms exist, and all laboratory tests are normal. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

• A) Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
• B) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• C) Paraproteinemia and amyloidosis
• D) Senile purpura

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Definitions:

Trunk

The main body or stem of a tree, or the main part of the human body excluding the head, neck, and limbs.

Skull

The bony structure forming the head, protecting the brain and supporting the structures of the face.

Monthly

Pertaining to or occurring every month.

Auscultation

The medical practice of listening to the internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope, to assess the condition of heart, lungs, or other organs.