A previously healthy 40-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband because of a 2-day history of fever, lethargy, and confusion. Her temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg. Physical examination shows scattered petechiae and ecchymoses over the lower extremities. Neurologic examination shows moderate generalized motor weakness. She is oriented to person but not to place or time. Laboratory studies show:

A peripheral blood smear shows 3+ polychromasia and 3+ schistocytes. Urine and blood cultures grow no organisms. A chest x-ray shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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A previously healthy 40-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband because of a 2-day history of fever, lethargy, and confusion. Her temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg. Physical examination shows scattered petechiae and ecchymoses over the lower extremities. Neurologic examination shows moderate generalized motor weakness. She is oriented to person but not to place or time. Laboratory studies show:

A peripheral blood smear shows 3+ polychromasia and 3+ schistocytes. Urine and blood cultures grow no organisms. A chest x-ray shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

C. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Answer

A. Acute myeloid leukemia

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B. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Answer

D. Toxic shock syndrome

Answer

E. von Willebrand disease

A previously healthy 40-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband because of a 2-day history of fever, lethargy, and confusion. Her temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), pulse is…

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