🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

An 80-year-old patient presents with new-onset dizziness and unsteadiness. Her medication list includes lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, metformin, simvastatin, aspirin, omeprazole, and zolpidem. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

A Order a head CT to rule out a stroke.
B Review and potentially deprescribe unnecessary or high-risk medications.
C Refer to physical therapy for balance exercises.
D Prescribe meclizine for symptomatic relief of dizziness.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

In elderly patients, new symptoms like dizziness are frequently side effects of polypharmacy. A thorough medication review for potential interactions or inappropriate medications is the critical first step.

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