Test Your Medical Knowledge with a Three Question Quiz!

Over the last decade, I’ve shared many vignettes about many gastroenterology medical conditions, diagnostic strategies and treatment options.  However, this is not a medical blog; it’s a medical commentary blog.  In other words, these posts are not a resource for readers who want understand how the pancreas works or how best to treat Crohn’s disease.  My angle would be more likely discussing why patient with Crohn’s might think twice before pursuing a second opinion.  I don’t present the diagnostic possibilities of abdominal pain that could serve as a primer for patients.  But I might point out why a CAT scan casually ordered on patient with stomach pain can tear open Pandora’s box.

Pandora should have 'kept a lid on it!'

So, in this spirit I’ve prepared a 3-question quiz for readers with the answers found at the foot of this post.  Regular Whistleblower readers will cut through all three of them like a buzz saw   Even two of correct answers would constitute acceptable performance. If, however, only one correct answer is secured or the reader whiffs and strikes out, then a remedial program will be strongly encouraged.

Question #1:

Which of the following is the most useful tool in evaluating a patient with abdominal pain?

(a) Laboratory studies.

(b) Dr. Google.

(c) The medical history.

(d) The abdominal examination.

(e) Urgent referral to a gastroenterologist, preferably one with blogging experience.

 

Question #2:

If your symptoms of reflux have not improved on treatment, which of the next steps make the most sense?

(a) Double your reflux medication.

(b) Ask your PCP to refer you to a gastroenterologist.

(c) Proceed to an Emergency Room for a stat EKG.

(d) Arrange an office visit with your PCP.

(e) Begin medical marijuana.

Question #3:

A physician evaluates a college senior for headaches who is home on spring break. Later that day, the patient’s mother calls the doctor and asks what transpired.  Which of the following would be the physician’s best answer?

(a) Your son is having typical tension headaches.(  No testing is necessary.

(b) While I don’t suspect a serious issue, I recommended a CAT scan just to be sure.

(c) I prescribed a short course of opiates as he was nervous if his headaches became active during finals.

(d) Frankly, I think the problem is in his head.  I recommended that he consult with a psychiatrist.

(e) None of the above.

Answers

Question #1.  Correct answer is (c).  With regard to abdominal pain, the medical history obtained methodically by a medical professional more often leads to the diagnosis than other diagnostic tools.  Dr. Google, an unlicensed ‘doctor’, is a worthy competitor!

Question #2:  Correct answer is (d).  When symptoms persist despite treatment, it’s time to return to the practitioner to delve into this situation.  Perhaps, the diagnosis needs to be reconsidered.  Is the patient taking the medicine as prescribed?  Does more testing make sense?  Should a consultant be recruited?

Question #3:  Correct answer is (e)  Physicians and other medical professionals cannot share private and protected health information with others without due authorization from the patient.  In addition, a caller might misrepresent his relationship with the patient.

So, how well did you do?