Rosh Emergency Medicine Practice Test

Which of the following is a risk factor for a suspected diagnosis in a patient presenting with right upper quadrant pain?

1. Coffee consumption

2. Diet rich in polyunsaturated fats

3. Dyslipidemia

4. Male sex

The correct answer is: Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia stands out as a significant risk factor for a suspected diagnosis when a patient presents with right upper quadrant pain, particularly in the context of conditions such as gallbladder disease or pancreatitis. Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal lipid levels, which can lead to the formation of gallstones—one of the most common causes of right upper quadrant pain. The presence of cholesterol gallstones is particularly associated with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, conditions that are encompassed by dyslipidemia. In patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain, dyslipidemia can indicate a higher likelihood of related complications, such as acute cholecystitis resulting from gallstone obstruction. Understanding the metabolic implications of dyslipidemia is essential in evaluating the overall risk profile for gallbladder complications in this clinical scenario. The other options, while having associations with various health conditions, do not have a direct link to the risk of specific diagnoses that present with right upper quadrant pain. For example, coffee consumption and a diet rich in polyunsaturated fats do not significantly contribute to the risks associated with gallbladder disease, and male sex is less critical as a solitary risk factor compared to the established