MCCQE Part 1 MCCQE Medical Council of Canada Study Notes

This is a known patient with intellectual disability and behavioral concerns. The presentation of alcohol intoxication in a calm patient who inadvertently broke bottles warrants prompt, nonjudgmental clinical assessment before escalating. De-escalation and safety assessment come first.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Psychiatry, "Psychiatric Emergencies and Crisis Management":

“In agitated or intoxicated individuals with developmental disability, a calm approach and prompt physician assessment are essential to prevent escalation and assess for medical or psychiatric needs.”

MCCQE1 Objectives (Psychiatry > Crisis and Acute Presentations > 72-2):

“Candidates must assess potentially disruptive patients with dignity and caution before involving law enforcement or security. Physician engagement is often calming.”

Police intervention (A) is premature and may escalate matters. Ignoring (B) risks safety. Asking him to leave (C) without assessment is inappropriate. Social work (E) may help, but after medical triage.

This patient’s lab results suggest impaired fasting glucose and an elevated A1c just below the threshold for diabetes. The gold standard to confirm diabetes in such intermediate cases is the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Toronto Notes 2023 – Endocrinology, “Diabetes Mellitus” Section:

“If A1c is in the 6.0–6.4% range or fasting glucose 6.1–6.9 mmol/L, a 75 g OGTT is recommended to establish the diagnosis of diabetes or confirm impaired glucose tolerance.”

MCCQE1 Objectives (Internal Medicine > 76-4: Diabetes):

“Candidates must correctly apply diabetes screening and diagnostic criteria and follow up abnormal results with appropriate confirmatory testing.”

Urine ACR (C) is useful in diagnosed diabetes, not for initial screening. TSH (A), capillary glucose testing (B), and exercise testing (E) are not indicated at this stage.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

The patient is in a persistent vegetative state and medically stable, meaning he does not need continued hospitalization. The goal is to provide appropriate long-term care in the least restrictive setting, typically at home with robust home care support services. This approach aligns with ethical care, family-centered goals, and medical appropriateness.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Pediatrics / Neurodevelopment & Chronic Care:

“Home care with appropriate medical and caregiver support is often the best setting for children with severe neurological impairments who are medically stable.”

MCCQE1 Objectives (Pediatrics > 77-5: Chronic Neurological Disorders):

“Candidates must assess discharge planning and coordinate home care support for children with long-term care needs.”

Palliative facility (B) is not appropriate unless end-of-life is imminent. School (C) is not feasible in this state. Hospital readmission for respite (D) is not standard. Rehabilitation (E) has little utility in persistent vegetative state.

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