376) A 56 year old Hispanic man with no significant past medical history presents to community health center with complaints of burning pain in his abdomen and bloating for the past 2 months. The pain is more is more in the epigastric area and is worse after eating and it is worse at night. He denies any chest pain or shortness of breath. He takes over the counter antacids when the pain occurs and that seems to relieve the pain temporarily. He denies dysphagia, weightloss, nausea, vomiting, dark colored stools or rectal bleeding. There is no family history of gastric malignancy. He does not smoke or drink alcohol. On examination, he is well-built. Abdominal examination does not reveal any tenderness or palpable masses. Stool guaiac is negative and complete blood count does not show any anemia. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A) H.Pylori antibodies
B) Trial of Proton Pump Inhibitors
C) Empiric therapy for H.Pylori
D) Ultrasound Gall Bladder
E) Endoscopy
Archer USMLE Step 3 and Internal medicine blogs are the products of highly successful Archer USMLE reviews. These blogs are run by board-certified teaching physicians. From time to time, several evidence based guidelines on disease management strategies and patient care will be posted and discussed here to help USMLE Step 3 examinees and those appearing for Internal Medicine Boards. These include the areas of medicine that are highly tested on USMLE 3 as well as Internal medicine board exams.