Question Easy:
👂 A 24-year-old woman presents with sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, and hearing loss in her left ear. She reports that her symptoms began during a recent flight. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Meniere’s disease
B) Acute otitis media
C) Acoustic neuroma
D) Vestibular neuritis
E) Barotrauma
Question Medium:
👁️ A 32-year-old man presents with a painful red eye accompanied by photophobia and reduced vision. He has a history of wearing contact lenses. On examination, there is a corneal ulcer. What is the most appropriate initial management for this condition?
A) Initiate oral antibiotics
B) Prescribe corticosteroid eye drops
C) Refer immediately to ophthalmology
D) Recommend over-the-counter artificial tears
E) Start antibiotic eye drops
Question Hard:
👃 A 45-year-old factory worker has been experiencing progressive hearing loss. Audiometry testing reveals a dip at 4000 Hz in the right ear, which improves at higher frequencies. What is the most likely cause of this hearing loss?
A) Otosclerosis
B) Presbycusis
C) Noise-induced hearing loss
D) Meniere’s disease
E) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer:
E) Barotrauma
Question Easy Explanation:
The symptoms experienced by the woman relate to barotrauma, which is common during changes in altitude such as during a flight. Barotrauma can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and ear discomfort due to pressure changes impacting the ear structures. 🎢
Question Medium Answer:
E) Start antibiotic eye drops
Question Medium Explanation:
A corneal ulcer in a contact lens wearer is often due to bacterial infection, and immediate initiation of topical antibiotic eye drops is crucial to prevent complications like vision loss. Delaying treatment or mismanaging the condition could lead to worse outcomes. 😷
Question Hard Answer:
C) Noise-induced hearing loss
Question Hard Explanation:
The audiometric “noise notch” at 4000 Hz is characteristic of noise-induced hearing loss, often experienced by individuals exposed to loud noises, such as factory workers. This condition is typically due to repeated exposure to high decibel environments, damaging the hair cells in the cochlea. 🎧
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that smell is often the first sense to decline in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s? Early changes in the olfactory system might serve as a warning sign for these conditions. Fascinating and crucial for early intervention! 👃
Quote of the day: “In the tapestry of healthcare, every thread counts; weave with compassion, knowledge, and resilience.” 🌟