Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What test should be ordered for a patient using Ibuprofen who presents with a red patch?

1. Blood glucose level

2. Platelet count

3. Liver function tests

4. Bone marrow biopsy

The correct answer is: Platelet count

When evaluating a patient who presents with a red patch while using Ibuprofen, the most relevant test to consider is a platelet count. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can sometimes interfere with normal platelet function and aggregation. A decrease in platelet count can lead to a condition known as thrombocytopenia, which can result in easy bruising or the development of red or purplish patches on the skin due to minor bleeding under the skin (petechiae or purpura). Monitoring the platelet count can help determine whether the observed red patch is a result of an underlying issue caused by Ibuprofen or if there's another etiology involved. Other tests such as blood glucose level, liver function tests, or bone marrow biopsy are not specifically associated with the effects of Ibuprofen or the symptoms presented in this case. Blood glucose levels are more relevant in managing diabetes or metabolic disorders, liver function tests evaluate liver health, and bone marrow biopsy is an invasive test typically used to investigate hematological disorders rather than assessing the immediate effects of NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. Therefore, the platelet count stands out as the most pertinent test in this scenario.