MCCQE Exam Results

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

This is a classic presentation of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips in older adults. PMR is closely associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA), which presents with unilateral headache, jaw claudication, visual symptoms, and scalp tenderness. Given the risk of vision loss with GCA, it ' s critical to screen for these symptoms in all patients with suspected PMR.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Rheumatology, PMR and GCA:

“Patients with PMR should be assessed for symptoms of GCA such as headache, visual changes, and jaw claudication. GCA can result in permanent vision loss if not promptly treated.”

MCCQE1 Objectives – Internal Medicine > Rheumatology:

“Candidates must identify signs of GCA in patients with PMR and understand the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.”

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Magnesium sulfate toxicity is dose-dependent. The earliest and most sensitive clinical sign is the loss of deep tendon reflexes (especially patellar), which occurs before respiratory depression or cardiac changes.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Obstetrics Chapter:

“Toxicity from magnesium sulfate is progressive and typically presents first with loss of deep tendon reflexes. Respiratory depression and cardiac arrest occur at higher serum levels. Regular monitoring of reflexes, respiratory rate, and urine output is essential.”

MCCQE1 Objectives (Obstetrics > 83-3: Preterm Labour and Tocolysis):

“The candidate must recognize early signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity including areflexia and respiratory depression.”

Tachycardia (B), hypotension (C), and tachypnea (D) are not typical early signs. Oliguria (E) may be a risk factor for accumulation but is not the first sign of toxicity.

In a healthy adolescent training for a triathlon, the most likely cause of subacute toenail changes is repetitive microtrauma from running—often due to shoes with inadequate toe box space or downhill running—leading to nail plate injury (e.g., subungual hemorrhage/onycholysis and dystrophic discoloration). MCCQE objectives emphasize choosing the most probable diagnosis based on context and initiating the least invasive, most appropriate first-line management. The key intervention is correcting the mechanical cause: ensuring adequate toe space, proper shoe fit, and appropriate nail trimming, which typically prevents progression and allows gradual regrowth over months.

Topical antifungal creams are unlikely to help if the primary issue is trauma and, even in onychomycosis, topical creams generally do not penetrate the nail plate effectively. Hygiene advice and avoiding pools/hot tubs may reduce superficial fungal exposure but does not address the principal driver in this scenario. Biopsy is unnecessary for typical trauma-related nail changes in a low-risk patient without concerning features (rapid growth, pigment extending onto adjacent skin, or mass).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Given his age and a first-degree relative with colon cancer diagnosed before age 60, this patient meets criteria for early colon cancer screening. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for both screening and diagnosis in this context.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Gastroenterology, “Colorectal Cancer Screening”:

“Patients with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 60 should begin screening at age 40, or 10 years before the relative’s diagnosis. Colonoscopy is the preferred method.”

MCCQE1 Objectives (Population Health > Preventive Screening > 63-1):

“Candidates must apply colorectal cancer screening guidelines and select appropriate tests based on risk level.”

FIT (A) is for average-risk screening. MRI (B) and CT colonography (E) are secondary. Barium enema (D) is outdated.

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