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Joe Sims: Test Results

Chest X-ray

EKG

Laboratory Test Report

Patient: Joe Sims
Referring Physician: Dr. Grey

CBC

wbc 6400 (5-10,000)
hct 48% (36-44% male 40-50)
polys 70% (60-80)
lymphs 30% (20-40)

Chemistries

bun 19 mg%(18-25)
creatinine 1.0mg% (5-1.7)
fasting glucose 100mg% (up to 109)
sodium 142 mmol/L (135-145)
potassium 4.0 mmol/L (3.3-4.9)
bicaronate 26 mmol/L (22-32)
chloride 101 mmol/L(97-110)

Self-assessment question:

What does Joe Sims' chest x-ray show?

a. Cardiomegaly
b. Congestive heart failure
c. Emphysema
d. Pneumothorax

The correct answer is a. The cardiac silhouette occupies well over one-half the diameter of the chest, indicating cardiomegaly. The lung fields are normal in appearance.

Self-assessment question:

What does Joe Sims' EKG show?

a. Indeterminate axis
b. Non-specific T wave abnormalities
c. Low voltage
d. All of the above

The correct answer is d. All of these changes are both "non-specific" and compatible with a disorder of the myocardium.

Next: Questions about this case