A patient presents to the emergency department with severe pain in their leg, fever, and redness over a recent wound site. The patient reports having an open fracture two weeks ago, which was treated with a cast. Upon examination, the area over the fracture is swollen, warm to the touch, and extremely tender. The patient is also experiencing chills and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Based on these symptoms, which of the following is most likely the diagnosis, and what are the primary signs and symptoms?

Choice A reason: Gout tophi are urate crystal deposits, typically on joints like the big toe, not widespread on hands. Osteoarthritis nodes (Heberden’s/Bouchard’s) are more common in elderly hands, so this is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Rheumatoid nodules occur in rheumatoid arthritis, usually near elbows, not diffusely on hands. Osteoarthritis nodes are bony growths on finger joints, more likely in this patient, so this is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Osteoarthritis nodes (Heberden’s and Bouchard’s) are bony lumps on finger joints, common in elderly women with joint pain. This matches the hand findings, making it the correct diagnosis.

Choice D reason: Carpal tunnel syndrome causes wrist pain and numbness, not joint lumps. Osteoarthritis nodes explain the hand bumps in this elderly patient, so this is incorrect.

Choice A reason: Yellowing of the sclera (icterus) is expected with high bilirubin in cirrhosis, as impaired liver function causes bilirubin accumulation. Conjugated bilirubin deposits in the sclera, visible early due to its vascularity, making this a correct clinical finding.

Choice B reason: Dark brown urine results from excess conjugated bilirubin excreted by the kidneys in cirrhosis. High bilirubin levels overwhelm liver clearance, leading to bilirubinuria, which darkens urine, making this a correct and common finding in this condition.

Choice C reason: Frothy light-colored urine is not associated with high bilirubin. Light urine suggests dilute urine or low bilirubin excretion, opposite to the dark urine seen in cirrhosis, making this an incorrect finding for this patient’s condition.

Choice D reason: Jaundice of the skin occurs with elevated bilirubin in cirrhosis, as bilirubin deposits in tissues. This yellowish discoloration is a hallmark of liver dysfunction, reflecting impaired bilirubin metabolism, making this a correct clinical manifestation.

Choice E reason: Bluish mucous membranes suggest cyanosis from hypoxemia, not related to high bilirubin. Cirrhosis causes jaundice, not oxygenation issues, unless complicated by other conditions, making this an incorrect finding for this patient.