22nd Edition
Dan Longo, Anthony Fauci, Dennis Kasper, Stephen Hauser, J. Larry Jameson, Joseph
Loscalzo, Steven Holland, Carol Langford
,Chapter 1 – The Practice of Medicine
1. A 62-year-old man presents for a routine check-up. He asks about the importance of
evidence-based medicine in his care. Which of the following best describes evidence-
based medicine?
A. Treatment based solely on clinical experience
B. Decisions made based on randomized trials, clinical expertise, and patient values
C. Following guidelines without considering patient preferences
D. Using traditional practices proven over generations
ANS: B. Decisions made based on randomized trials, clinical expertise, and patient values
Rationale: Evidence-based medicine integrates clinical expertise, patient values, and the
best available evidence, such as randomized controlled trials. This approach improves
patient outcomes compared with relying solely on experience or tradition.
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,2. A 45-year-old woman with hypertension presents with elevated blood pressure readings
at home. Her physician emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care. Which
principle best exemplifies this approach?
A. Prescribing medications strictly according to guidelines
B. Considering her preferences and lifestyle when choosing therapy
C. Avoiding discussion of treatment options to reduce confusion
D. Focusing only on lab results and vitals
ANS: B. Considering her preferences and lifestyle when choosing therapy
Rationale: Patient-centered care involves engaging patients in decision-making, respecting
their preferences, and tailoring treatment plans to their lifestyle, improving adherence and
outcomes.
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3. A 70-year-old man presents with fatigue and weight loss. The internist considers multiple
differential diagnoses. Which approach represents the best practice in clinical reasoning?
A. Using pattern recognition only
B. Applying hypothetico-deductive reasoning to evaluate multiple possibilities
, C. Choosing the most common diagnosis regardless of presentation
D. Ordering all possible tests immediately
ANS: B. Applying hypothetico-deductive reasoning to evaluate multiple possibilities
Rationale: Hypothetico-deductive reasoning involves generating hypotheses based on
initial data, testing them with further history, exam, and investigations, which is central to
effective clinical decision-making.
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4. A 33-year-old woman with chronic migraines asks her physician about complementary
and alternative therapies. Which statement aligns with professional medical practice?
A. All alternative therapies are ineffective and should be discouraged
B. Consider evidence-based complementary therapies while discussing risks and benefits
C. Recommend therapies without reviewing scientific evidence
D. Only prescribe medications