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Question 1
Incorrect
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The medial and lateral pterygoid muscles are innervated by which of the following nerves:
Your Answer: Maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve
Correct Answer: Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
Explanation:Both the medial and lateral pterygoids are innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head And Neck
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Question 2
Incorrect
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What is the primary function of the mitochondria?
Your Answer: The post-translational processing of newly made proteins
Correct Answer: The production of the cell's supply of chemical energy
Explanation:The mitochondria is responsible for the production of the cell’s supply of chemical energy. It does this by using molecular oxygen, sugar and small fatty acid molecules to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by a process ss known as oxidative phosphorylation. An enzyme called ATP synthase is required.
Transcription of ribosomal RNA occurs in the nucleolus
Production of messenger RNA occur in the nucleus
Production of lysosome occurs in the Golgi apparatus
The post-translational processing of newly made proteins occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Cellular Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 3
Correct
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A 57-year-old woman has presented with cough and shortness of breath. Her GP had done some blood tests recently and told her that she had a positive ANA result.
Which of these statements is true about anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs)? Select only ONE answer.
Your Answer: The presence of ANAs in rheumatoid arthritis is suggestive of Felty’s syndrome
Explanation:Anti-nuclear antibodies are auto-antibodies directed against a variety of nuclear antigens. There are different staining patterns and each pattern is suggestive of a different disorder.
Speckled staining is suggestive of mixed connective tissue disease.
Nucleolar staining is suggestive of scleroderma, while homogenous staining is suggestive of lupus.
Anti-double stranded DNA is suggestive of SLE while anti-histone antibodies are suggestive of drug-induced lupus.
ELISA testing is cheaper but not the most accurate means of testing for ANAs. Indirect immunofluorescence testing is the most accurate.
The presence of ANAs in rheumatoid arthritis is suggestive of Felty’s syndrome. Felty’s syndrome is characterized by a combination of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly and neutropenia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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Regarding antihistamines, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Antihistamines act on H2 receptors.
Correct Answer: Elderly patients and children are more susceptible to side effects.
Explanation:Elderly patients and children are more susceptible to side effects. Antihistamines are competitive inhibitors at the H1-receptor. The newer antihistamines e.g. cetirizine cause less sedation and psychomotor impairment than the older antihistamines because they are much less lipid soluble and penetrate the blood brain barrier only to a slight extent. Antihistamines are used as a second line adjunct to adrenaline in anaphylaxis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 5
Correct
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A patient suffers an injury to his thigh that damages the nerve that innervates pectineus.
Which of the following nerves has been damaged in this case? Select ONE answer only.Your Answer: Femoral nerve
Explanation:Pectineus is innervated by the femoral nerve. It may also receive a branch from the obturator nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Which of the following laboratory findings are suggestive of functional hyposplenism:
Your Answer: Small red cell fragments
Correct Answer: Howell-Jolly bodies
Explanation:Functional hyposplenism is characterised by the blood film findings of Howell-Jolly bodies or siderotic granules on iron staining. The most frequent cause is surgical removal of the spleen e.g. after traumatic rupture, but hyposplenism can also occur in sickle cell anaemia, gluten-induced enteropathy, amyloidosis and other conditions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune Responses
- Pathology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A 47-year old male comes to the out-patient department for a painful, right-sided groin mass. Medical history reveals a previous appendectomy 10 years prior. On physical examination, the mass can be reduced superiorly. Also, the mass extends to the scrotum. The initial diagnosis is a hernia.
Among the types of hernia, which is the most likely diagnosis of the case above?Your Answer: Incisional hernia
Correct Answer: Indirect inguinal hernia
Explanation:Inguinal hernias can present with an array of different symptoms. Most patients present with a bulge in the groin area, or pain in the groin. Some will describe the pain or bulge that gets worse with physical activity or coughing. Symptoms may include a burning or pinching sensation in the groin. These sensations can radiate into the scrotum or down the leg. It is important to perform a thorough physical and history to rule out other causes of groin pain. At times an inguinal hernia can present with severe pain or obstructive symptoms caused by incarceration or strangulation of the hernia sac contents. A proper physical exam is essential in the diagnosis of an inguinal hernia. Physical examination is the best way to diagnose a hernia. The exam is best performed with the patient standing. Visual inspection of the inguinal area is conducted first to rule out obvious bulges or asymmetry in groin or scrotum. Next, the examiner palpates over the groin and scrotum to detect the presence of a hernia. The palpation of the inguinal canal is completed last. The examiner palpates through the scrotum and towards the external inguinal ring. The patient is then instructed to cough or perform a Valsalva manoeuvre. If a hernia is present, the examiner will be able to palpate a bulge that moves in and out as the patient increases intra abdominal pressure through coughing or Valsalva.
Groin hernias are categorized into 2 main categories: inguinal and femoral.
Inguinal hernias are further subdivided into direct and indirect. An indirect hernia occurs when abdominal contents protrude through the internal inguinal ring and into the inguinal canal. This occurs lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. The hernia contents may extend into the scrotum, and can be reduced superiorly then superolaterally. A direct inguinal hernia is protrusion of abdominal contents through the transversalis fascia within Hesselbach’s triangle. The borders of Hesselbach’s triangle are the inferior epigastric vessels superolaterally, the rectus sheath medially, and inguinal ligament inferiorly.
A femoral hernia is a protrusion into the femoral ring. The borders of the femoral ring are the femoral vein laterally, Cooper’s ligament posteriorly, the iliopubic tract/inguinal ligament anteriorly and lacunar ligament medially.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen And Pelvis
- Anatomy
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a heritable risk factor for venous thrombosis:
Your Answer: Antithrombin Deficiency
Correct Answer: Von Willebrand disease
Explanation:Approximately one-third of patients who suffer DVT or PE have an identifiable heritable risk factor, although additional risk factors are usually present when they develop the thrombosis. The history of a spontaneous DVT in a close relative increases an individual’s risk of DVT even if no known genetic predisposition can be identified.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis was made on a patient with a known history of sickle cell disease. He has no joint prosthesis on in-dwelling metal work and no known drug allergies.
Which of the following is most likely the causative agent of the case presented above?Your Answer: Group B streptococcus
Correct Answer: Salmonella spp .
Explanation:Patients with sickle cell disease are prone to infection of the bone and bone marrow in areas of infarction and necrosis. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of osteomyelitis in the general population, studies have shown that in patients with sickle cell disease, the relative incidence of Salmonella osteomyelitis is twice that of staphylococcal infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Hepatitis A is transmitted by which of the following routes:
Your Answer: Direct skin contact
Correct Answer: Faecal-oral route
Explanation:Hepatitis A transmission is by the faecal-oral route; the virus is excreted in bile and shed in the faeces of infected people.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which of the following data types does a pain-scoring system represent?
Your Answer: Continuous
Correct Answer: Ordinal
Explanation:Pain scoring systems are processes for assessing pain and the severity of illnesses that have been scientifically designed and tested. An example of ordinal categorical data is a pain scoring system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
- Statistics
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Question 12
Correct
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Regarding antacids, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Antacids are contraindicated in hypophosphataemia.
Explanation:Antacids are contraindicated in hypophosphataemia. Liquid preparations are more effective than tablet preparations. Magnesium-containing antacids tend to be laxative whereas aluminium-containing antacids tend to be constipating. Antacids are best taken when symptoms occur or are expected, usually between meals and at bedtime. Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may impair absorption.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Regarding postural hypotension, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Postural hypotension is usually corrected quickly by the baroreceptor reflex.
Correct Answer: Postural hypotension usually causes a reflex bradycardia.
Explanation:On standing from a prone position, gravity causes blood to pool in veins in the legs. Central venous pressure (CVP) falls, causing a fall in stroke volume and cardiac output (due to Starling’s law) and thus a fall in blood pressure. Normally this fall in BP is rapidly corrected by the baroreceptor reflex which causes venoconstriction (partially restoring CVP), and an increase in heart rate and contractility, so restoring cardiac output and blood pressure. Impaired autonomic nervous activity in the elderly accounts for the greater likelihood of postural hypotension. Any symptoms of dizziness, blurred vision or syncope is due to a transient fall in cerebral perfusion that occurs before cardiac output and mean arterial pressure (MAP) can be corrected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 14
Correct
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Regarding acute idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP), which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Over 80% of children recover without treatment.
Explanation:Acute ITP is most common in children. In approximately 75% of cases, the episode follows vaccination or infection such as chicken pox or glandular fever. Most cases are caused by non-specific immune complex attachment to platelets. Acute ITP usually has a very sudden onset and the symptoms usually disappear in less than 6 months (often within a few weeks). It is usually a self-limiting condition and over 80% of children recover without treatment; in 5 – 10% of cases a chronic form of the disease develops.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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The mechanism of action of abciximab is by:
Your Answer: Inhibition of binding of ADP to its platelet receptor
Correct Answer: Blocking the binding of fibrinogen to GPIIb/IIIa receptor sites
Explanation:Abciximab is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and prevents platelet aggregation by blocking the binding of fibrinogen to receptors on platelets.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Renal potassium excretion is promoted by all but which one of the following:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Increased intracellular magnesium
Explanation:Aldosterone: A rise in [K+] in the extracellular fluid of the adrenal cortex directly stimulates aldosterone release. Aldosterone promotes the synthesis of Na+/K+ATPases and the insertion of more Na+/K+ATPases into the basolateral membrane, and also stimulates apical sodium and potassium channel activity, overall acting to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion.
pH changes: Potassium secretion is reduced in acute acidosis and increased in acute alkalosis. A higher pH increases the apical K+channel activity and the basolateral Na+/K+ATPase activity – both changes that promote K+secretion.
Flow rates: Increased flow rates in the collecting duct reduce K+concentration in the lumen and therefore enhance K+secretion. Increased flow also activates BK potassium channels, and ENaC channels which promote potassium secretion and sodium reabsorption respectively.
Sodium delivery: Decreased Na+delivery to the collecting ducts results in less Na+reabsorption and hence a reduced gradient for K+secretion.
Magnesium: Intracellular magnesium can bind and block K+channels inhibiting K+secretion into the tubules. Therefore magnesium deficiency reduces this inhibitory effect and so allows more potassium to be secreted into tubules and can cause hypokalaemia. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 17
Incorrect
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In inserting a nasogastric tube, which area is least likely to be a site of resistance when the tube goes from the nose to the stomach?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: In the posterior mediastinum where the oesophagus is crossed by the pulmonary trunk
Explanation:In the posterior mediastinum where the oesophagus is crossed by the pulmonary trunk offers the least resistance when nasogastric tube is inserted from the nose to the stomach.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Renin is produced by which of the following:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Granular cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole
Explanation:Juxtaglomerular cells are specialised smooth muscle cells mainly in the walls of the afferent arterioles (and some in the efferent arterioles) which synthesise renin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Which of the following organelles form lysosomes?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: The Golgi apparatus
Explanation:Lysosomes are formed by the Golgi apparatus or the endoplasmic reticulum. Lysosome releases its enzymes and digests the cell when the cell dies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Cellular Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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The following statements concerning lung compliance is true EXCEPT?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Lung compliance is described by the equation: C = ∆ P/ ∆V, where C = compliance, P = pressure, and V = volume
Explanation:Lung compliance is the change in volume per unit change in distending pressure.
It is calculated using the equation:
Lung compliance = ΔV / ΔP
Where:
ΔV is the change in volume
ΔP is the change in pleural pressure.Lung compliance is inversely proportional to stiffness and elastance.
It comprises static (no airflow) and dynamic (during continuous breathing) components.
It is the slope of the pressure-volume curve.
Lung compliance describes the distensibility of the lungs and the chest wall.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following conditions require IV Lidocaine administration?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Refractory ventricular fibrillation in cardiac arrest
Explanation:IV Lidocaine is indicated in Ventricular Arrhythmias or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (after defibrillation, attempted CPR, and vasopressor administration)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 1-year-old male is brought to the paediatrician by his mother due to swelling of the right knee after a minor fall. On examination, the right knee is swollen, fluctuant and tender. Ultrasound-guided aspiration reveals a massive hemarthrosis. Family history shows that his older brother also has a bleeding disorder.
Which one of the following conditions does the patient most likely have?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Haemophilia A
Explanation:A diagnosis of Haemophilia is supported in this patient by the family history and the presence of hemarthrosis-both characteristics of Haemophilia. Haemophilia A is caused by Factor VIII deficiency, leading to impaired coagulation. This disease typically presents after six months when the child starts crawling.
Von Willebrand disease presents with nosebleeds and hematomas. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura presents with bruises that resemble a rash.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency presents with haemolytic anaemia induced by specific drugs or foods.
Factor V Leiden mutation causes blood clotting rather than bleeding.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old man, who was feeling unwell after his return from a business trip, was diagnosed with a disease that is known to be transmitted by a vector.
Among the following microorganisms, which of the following has a mode of transmission of being vector-borne?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Plasmodium falciparum
Explanation:Plasmodium falciparum is a parasite that is vector-borne which is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.
Bordetella pertussis is transmitted through the respiratory tract, via respiratory droplets or direct contact with infectious secretions.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is transmitted via inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.
HIV may be transmitted via sexual contact, vertical transmission from mothers to infants, and among injection drug users sharing infected needles, as well as through transfusion of infected blood products.
Treponema pallidum transmission normally occurs during direct sexual contact with an individual who has an active primary or secondary syphilitic lesion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Principles Of Microbiology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Which of the following is most likely to cause a homonymous hemianopia:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Posterior cerebral artery stroke
Explanation:A posterior cerebral stroke will most likely result in a contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Giemsa-stained blood film microscopy is typically used for the diagnosis of which of the following:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Malaria
Explanation:Giemsa-stained blood film microscopy can be used to identify malarial parasites.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Principles
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Question 26
Incorrect
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A patient with Conn’s syndrome will experience which of the following clinical features?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hypernatraemia
Explanation:Conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis of primary aldosteronism or Conn’s syndrome include hypertension, metabolic alkalosis, hypokalaemia, hypernatremia, and low renin levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Which of the following serology results is consistent with chronic hepatitis B infection:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: HBsAg positive and anti-HBc IgG positive
Explanation:Disease state vs Serology
Acute hepatitis: BHBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc IgM
Chronic hepatitis B (low infectivity): HBsAg (>6/12), anti-HBe, anti-HBc IgG
Chronic hepatitis B (high infectivity): HBsAg (>6/12), HBeAg, anti-HBc IgG
Cleared infection: Anti-HBs, anti-HBe, anti-HBc IgG
Vaccinated: Anti-HBs -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A patient who was put on low molecular weight heparin for suspected DVT and was scheduled for an ultrasound after the weekend, arrives at the emergency department with significant hematemesis. Which of the following medications can be used as a heparin reversal agent:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Protamine sulfate
Explanation:The management of bleeding in a patient receiving heparin depends upon the location and severity of bleeding, the underlying thromboembolic risk, and the current aPTT (for heparin) or anti-factor Xa activity (for LMW heparin). As an example, a patient with minor skin bleeding in the setting of a mechanical heart valve (high thromboembolic risk) and a therapeutic aPTT may continue heparin therapy, whereas a patient with major intracerebral bleeding in the setting of venous thromboembolism several months prior who is receiving heparin bridging perioperatively may require immediate heparin discontinuation and reversal with protamine sulphate. If haemorrhage occurs it is usually sufficient to withdraw unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin, but if rapid reversal of the effects of the heparin is required, protamine sulphate is a specific antidote (but only partially reverses the effects of low molecular weight heparins). Clinician judgment and early involvement of the appropriate consulting specialists is advised.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Innate, or non-specific, immunity is the immune system we are born with.
Which of the following is NOT an example of innate immunity? Select ONE answer only.Your Answer:
Correct Answer: T-lymphocytes
Explanation:Innate, or non-specific, immunity is the immune system we are born with.
There are three aspects of innate immunity:
1. Anatomical barriers, such as:
The cough reflex
Enzymes in tears and skin oils
Mucus – which traps bacteria and small particles
Skin
Stomach acid
2. Humoral barriers, such as:
The complement system
Interleukin-1
3. Cellular barriers, such as:
Neutrophils
Macrophages
Dendritic cells
Natural killer cells
Antibody production is part of the specific, or inducible immune response. T-lymphocytesare responsible for the cell mediated immune response which is part of specific, or inducible immunity. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A young farmer who is caught under farm machinery and suffering from a major crush injury is taken to the emergency department and requires a quick induction sequence. In this type of injury, which of the following anaesthetic medicines should be avoided?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Suxamethonium
Explanation:Suxamethonium is a neuromuscular blocker. It is contraindicated in patients who have experienced massive trauma, hyperkalemic, or burn injuries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
