A middle-aged obese man complains of increasing frequency of headaches and worsening visual acuity. Although his headache pain is usually relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers, the discomfort returns after a few hours. An ophthalmoscopic examination reveals bilateral flame hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots. What laboratory measurement would confirm the likely cause of this man's headaches and worsening sight? A) Serum glucose level B) Hemoglobin A_lc C) Toxicology screen including methanol D) Serum vitamin A level E) Blood pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms and ophthalmoscopic findings suggest hypertensive retinopathy, which is associated with high blood pressure. Measuring blood pressure would confirm if hypertension is the cause of the headaches and visual changes.

A Middle-Aged Obese Man Complains of Increasing Frequency of Headaches