Rosh Internal Medicine Boost Practice Exam

At what time interval did the patient recall symptoms resolving during the previous episode?

1. 5 minutes

2. 10 minutes

3. 15 minutes

4. 30 minutes

The correct answer is: 10 minutes

The choice indicating that the patient's symptoms resolved in 10 minutes is significant because it suggests a rapid improvement, which can be important for differential diagnosis. Many acute conditions, such as temporary ischemic attacks or certain types of seizures, often have symptoms that resolve quickly, providing clues about the underlying pathophysiology. In clinical practice, when patients report a short time frame for the resolution of symptoms, it might lead a physician to consider conditions that are self-limiting or that respond rapidly to certain triggers. For instance, migraines can have transient phases of discomfort that resolve within similar time frames. Understanding this timeframe helps narrow down potential diagnoses and guides appropriate management strategies. In contrast, symptoms that last longer—such as in the case of a stroke or prolonged seizure—would not have a resolution in such a brief period and may indicate more severe underlying issues. Thus, recognizing the 10-minute resolution is crucial for clinical assessment and decision-making.