A 24-year-old woman presents for her first prenatal visit at 2 weeks gestation. The patient is counseled on the importance of folic acid supplementation. Which group of women is advised to take higher doses of folic acid (e.g., 4 mg daily)?
A 26-year-old female visits her primary care physician for preconception counseling. She expresses excitement about starting a family and wants to ensure she is taking all the necessary steps for a healthy pregnancy. She has no prior pregnancies and no family history of congenital abnormalities. During the consultation, the physician explains the importance of folate supplementation. What is the primary benefit of folate supplementation during pregnancy?
A 28-year-old female visits her primary care physician for preconception counseling. She is excited about starting a family and wants to take the necessary steps for a healthy pregnancy. She has no prior pregnancies and no family history of neural tube defects or other congenital abnormalities. During the consultation, the physician explains the importance of folate supplementation in preventing neural tube defects, which occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. What is the recommended daily dose of folic acid for women planning to conceive?
A 45-year-old accountant was admitted to the hospital after experiencing severe abdominal pain for the past 24 hours. The pain, which he described as a constant, burning sensation in his upper abdomen, radiated to his back and was accompanied by nausea but no vomiting. He admitted to recent heavy alcohol consumption at a company retreat. His vital signs upon admission were notable for a fever of 38.5°C, heart rate of 110 bpm, and a blood pressure of 120/70 mmHg. His abdomen was tender on palpation, particularly in the epigastric area, with some guarding but no rebound tenderness. Laboratory tests showed significantly elevated levels of amylase and lipase, elevated liver enzymes, and an abdominal CT scan revealed inflammation and fluid accumulation in the pancreas. Which of the following is NOT part of the diagnostic criteria for acute pancreatitis?
Jake, a 25-year-old outdoor enthusiast, presents with a 2-week history of foul-smelling diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramps. He denies fever, blood in the stool, or recent foreign travel. On examination, Jake appears mildly dehydrated, and stool analysis confirms the presence of Giardia cysts, leading to a diagnosis of Giardiasis. Which of the following best describes the transmission of Giardiasis?
Emma, a 7-year-old girl, is brought to the clinic by her parents due to a 3-day history of watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and low-grade fever. Her parents note that the pain seems to be worse in the lower right side of her abdomen, and she has been lethargic. They mention that Emma drank unpasteurized milk at a family farm outing a week ago. On physical examination, Emma has mild dehydration, and her abdomen is tender in the right lower quadrant, raising concerns about appendicitis. You suspect yersiniosis in this patient. What is the diagnostic test of choice for confirming yersiniosis?
Mr. John, a 45-year-old male, presents to the clinic with complaints of a 3-month history of heartburn and regurgitation, particularly after large meals or lying down. He reports a burning sensation in his chest that worsens after eating spicy or fatty foods. He has been self-medicating with over-the-counter antacids, which provide temporary relief, but his symptoms persist. Medical History Past Medical History: No history of chronic illness. Medications: Occasional use of antacids. Social History: Smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day; occasional alcohol consumption. Physical Examination Vitals: Blood pressure 130/85 mmHg, heart rate 78 bpm, BMI 28 kg/m². General: Appears well-nourished and in no acute distress. Abdominal Exam: Soft, non-tender abdomen with no organomegaly. Based on clinical presentation, you diagnosed his condition as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and started him on famotidine 20 mg twice daily. What is the primary mechanism of action of famotidine