system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 75-year-old woman comes to the physician because of generalized weakness for 6 months. During this period, she has also had a 4-kg (8.8-lb) weight loss and frequent headaches. She has been avoiding eating solids because of severe jaw pain. She has hypertension and osteoporosis. She underwent a total left-sided knee arthroplasty 2 years ago because of osteoarthritis. The patient does not smoke or drink alcohol. Her current medications include enalapril, metoprolol, low-dose aspirin, and a multivitamin. She appears pale. Her temperature is 37.5°C (99.5°F), pulse is 82/min, and blood pressure is 135/80 mm Hg. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show:
Hemoglobin 10 g/dL
Mean corpuscular volume 87 μm3
Leukocyte count 8,500/mm3
Platelet count 450,000/mm3
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 90 mm/h
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?"
assistant
Oral prednisone and temporal artery biopsy