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  • Question 1 - A 52-year-old female visits the Emergency Department complaining of an acute worsening of...

    Incorrect

    • A 52-year-old female visits the Emergency Department complaining of an acute worsening of her asthma symptoms. A detailed history reveals that she took one of her brother's heart pills without a prescription as she was experiencing palpitations and thought it would cure her. Her shortness of breath was suddenly exacerbated after ingesting this medicine.

      Which one of the following medications has this woman most likely consumed?

      Your Answer: Bisoprolol

      Correct Answer: Propranolol

      Explanation:

      Propranolol, like other non-selective beta-blockers, is contraindicated in patients with asthma. These drugs can cause acute bronchospasm, therefore worsening symptoms, especially in high doses. However, there has been some recent evidence that long-term use of selective beta-blockers in mild or moderate asthma patients can be safe.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
      • Pharmacology
      14.2
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - A 22-year-old with a history of brittle asthma is brought to the ED...

    Incorrect

    • A 22-year-old with a history of brittle asthma is brought to the ED by her partner. She is wheezing and very short of breath and her condition is deteriorating rapidly. Following a series of nebulisations, hydrocortisone and IV magnesium sulphate, she is taken to resus and the intensive care team is called to review her. She is severely hypoxic and confused and a decision is made to intubate her.

      Which of these drugs is ideal as an induction agent in this patient?

      Your Answer: Etomidate

      Correct Answer: Ketamine

      Explanation:

      Only about 2% of asthma attacks requires intubation and most severe cases are managed with non-invasive ventilation techniques.

      Though life-saving in the crashing asthmatic, intubation in asthmatic patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and is risky. Indications for intubation in asthmatic patients include:
      Severe hypoxia
      Altered mental state
      Respiratory or cardiac arrest
      Failure to respond to medications

      Ketamine (1-2 mg/kg) is the preferred induction agent. It has bronchodilatory properties and does not cause hypotension.

      Propofol poses a risk of hypotension but can also be used.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pharmacology
      • Respiratory Pharmacology
      11.3
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - Cardiac myocytes are connected to each other by which of the following: ...

    Correct

    • Cardiac myocytes are connected to each other by which of the following:

      Your Answer: Intercalated discs

      Explanation:

      Adjacent cardiac myocytes are connected to each other by intercalated discs. The intercalated discs provide both a structural attachment by ‘glueing’ cells together at desmosomes and an electrical contact made up of proteins called connexons, called a gap junction, which essentially creates a low-resistance pathway between cells.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular
      • Physiology
      12
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - The cutaneous circulation is responsible for the skin's blood supply. Because the skin...

    Incorrect

    • The cutaneous circulation is responsible for the skin's blood supply. Because the skin is not a highly metabolically active tissue with low energy requirements, its blood supply differs from that of other tissues. Instead of capillaries, some of the circulating blood volume in the skin passes through arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs).

      Which of the following statements regarding arteriovenous anastomoses is correct?

      Your Answer: AVAs act like capillaries in allowing the transport of solutes across their walls

      Correct Answer: AVAs are innervated by sympathetic fibres originating from the hypothalamus

      Explanation:

      Short vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) link tiny arteries and veins. They have a large lumen diameter. The strong and muscular walls allow AVAs to completely clog the vascular lumen, preventing blood flow from artery to vein (acting like a sphincter). When the AVAs open, they create a low-resistance connection between arteries and veins, allowing blood to flow into the limbs’ superficial venous plexuses. There is no diffusion of solutes or fluid into the interstitium due to their strong muscle walls.

      AVAs are densely innervated by adrenergic fibres from the hypothalamic temperature-regulation centre. High sympathetic output occurs at normal core temperatures, inducing vasoconstriction of the AVAs and blood flow through the capillary networks and deep plexuses. When the temperature rises, sympathetic output decreases, producing AVA vasodilation and blood shunting from the artery to the superficial venous plexus. Heat is lost to the environment as hot blood rushes near to the skin’s surface.
      AVAs are a specialized anatomical adaptation that can only be found in large quantities in the fingers, palms, soles, lips, and pinna of the ear.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular Physiology
      • Physiology
      5.8
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - Which of the following nerves provides cutaneous innervation to the posterior surface of...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following nerves provides cutaneous innervation to the posterior surface of the scrotum?

      Your Answer: Branch of the iliohypogastric nerve

      Correct Answer: Branch of the perineal nerve

      Explanation:

      The following nerves provide cutaneous innervation to the scrotum, and other anatomic structures:

      The perineal nerve supplies the muscles in the urogenital triangle, and the skin on the posterior surface of the scrotum (or labia majora).

      The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve supplies the cremaster muscle, the skin over the anterior surface of the thigh, and the anterolateral surface of the scrotum.

      The ilioinguinal nerve supplies the external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, skin of the upper medial aspect of thigh, the root of the penis and the anterior surface of the scrotum in the male, and the mons pubis and labia majora in the female.

      The posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh, or posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, supplies the skin over the lower medial quadrant of the buttock, the inferior skin of the scrotum or labium majus, and the back of the thigh and the upper part of the leg.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Abdomen And Pelvis
      • Anatomy
      27.2
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - The percentage of patients with hepatitis B that develop chronic infection is about:...

    Incorrect

    • The percentage of patients with hepatitis B that develop chronic infection is about:

      Your Answer: 30%

      Correct Answer: 10%

      Explanation:

      With hepatitis B, about 90% of people will develop lifelong immunity after clearing the infection. Chronic hepatitis develops in about 10% of patients and this may be complicated by cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a very high risk of chronic infection and hepatocellular carcinoma when there is congenital infection. The risk of this in healthy adults is only about 5%.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      8.4
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - A 37-year-old man presents with breathlessness on exertion and dry cough, fever for...

    Correct

    • A 37-year-old man presents with breathlessness on exertion and dry cough, fever for the past 2 days and bilateral pleuritic chest pain.

      He had been diagnosed with HIV and commenced on HAART but due to side effects, his compliance has been poor over the last few months.

      On examination you note scattered crackles and wheeze bilaterally, cervical and inguinal lymphadenopathy, and oral thrush. At rest his oxygen saturation is 97% but this drops to 87% on walking. There is perihilar fluffy shadowing seen on his chest X-ray.

      Which of these organisms is the most likely causative organism?

      Your Answer: Pneumocystis jirovecii

      Explanation:

      All of the organisms listed above can cause pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals but the most likely cause in this patient is Pneumocystis jirovecii.

      It is a leading AIDS-defining infection in HIV-infected individuals and causes opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals. HIV patients with a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 are more prone.

      The clinical features of pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii are:
      Fever, chest pain, cough (usually non-productive), exertional dyspnoea, tachypnoea, crackles and wheeze.
      Desaturation on exertion is a very sensitive sign of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.

      Chest X-ray can show perihilar fluffy shadowing (as is seen in this case) but can also be normal.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      11.1
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - Regarding linear relationships between two variables, what does a positive correlation coefficient indicate:...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding linear relationships between two variables, what does a positive correlation coefficient indicate:

      Your Answer: The two variables are inversely proportional

      Correct Answer: The two variables are directly proportional

      Explanation:

      A positive correlation coefficient means that the two variables are directly proportional e.g. height and weight in healthy growing children.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Evidence Based Medicine
      • Statistics
      13.5
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) acts to cause all of the following effects EXCEPT...

    Incorrect

    • Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) acts to cause all of the following effects EXCEPT for:

      Your Answer: Inhibits aldosterone secretion

      Correct Answer: Vasoconstricts the afferent arteriole

      Explanation:

      ANP acts to:
      Inhibit Na+ reabsorption in the distal nephron (through inhibition of ENaC in principal cells)
      Suppress the production of renin
      Suppress the production of aldosterone
      Suppress the production of ADH
      Cause renal vasodilation, increasing the glomerular filtration rate

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Renal
      10.4
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - Regarding antacids, which of the following statements is CORRECT: ...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding antacids, which of the following statements is CORRECT:

      Your Answer: Antacids act to inhibit H2-receptors on gastric parietal cells.

      Correct Answer: Antacids should not be taken at the same time as other drugs as they impair absorption.

      Explanation:

      Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may impair absorption. Antacids act by neutralising stomach acid. They are used for symptomatic relief in dyspepsia, but are not first line for proven peptic ulcer disease where antisecretory drugs have a better healing effect. Magnesium-containing antacids tend to be laxative whereas aluminium-containing antacids tend to be constipating. Antacids are contraindicated in hypophosphataemia.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastrointestinal
      • Pharmacology
      24.5
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - A 40-year-old man who has a history of asthma arrives at the emergency...

    Incorrect

    • A 40-year-old man who has a history of asthma arrives at the emergency department complaining of palpitations that have been going on for 5 days. Which of the following beta-blockers is the safest for an asthmatic patient?

      Your Answer: Propranolol

      Correct Answer: Atenolol

      Explanation:

      Atenolol is a beta blocker, which is a type of medication that works by preventing certain natural substances in the body, such as epinephrine, from acting on the heart and blood vessels.

      This effect reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac strain. Atenolol, bisoprolol fumarate, metoprolol tartrate, nebivolol, and (to a lesser extent) acebutolol have a lower action on beta2 (bronchial) receptors and are thus cardio selective but not cardiac specific.

      They have a lower effect on airway resistance, although they are not without this adverse effect.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular
      • Pharmacology
      9.1
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - Regarding bile, which of the following statements is INCORRECT: ...

    Correct

    • Regarding bile, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:

      Your Answer: The sphincter of Oddi contracts to force bile from the gallbladder into the duodenum.

      Explanation:

      Bile is secreted by hepatocytes. It is isotonic and resembles plasma ionically. This fraction of bile is called the bile acid-dependent fraction. As it passes along the bile duct, the bile is modified by epithelial cells lining the duct by the addition of water and bicarbonate ions; this fraction is called the bile acid-independent fraction. Overall, the liver can produce 500 – 1000 mL of bile per day. The bile is either discharged directly into the duodenum or stored in the gallbladder. The bile acid-independent fraction is made at the time it is required i.e. during digestion of chyme. The bile acid-dependent fraction is made when the bile salts are returned from the GI tract to the liver, and is then stored in the gallbladder until needed. The gallbladder not only stores bile but concentrates it by removing non-essential solutes and water, leaving bile acids and pigments, mainly by active transport of Na+into the intercellular spaces of the lining cells which, in turn, draws in water, HCO3-and Cl-from the bile and into the extracellular fluid. Within a few minutes of a meal, particularly when fatty foods have been consumed, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the bile duct. The sphincter of Oddi is relaxed, allowing the bile to pass into the duodenum through the ampulla of Vater.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastrointestinal
      • Physiology
      6.1
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - You're taking a history of a 59-year-old banker who has had heartburn in...

    Correct

    • You're taking a history of a 59-year-old banker who has had heartburn in the past.

      Which of the following information about antacids is correct?

      Your Answer: Magnesium carbonate can reduce the absorption of drugs taken at the same time

      Explanation:

      Antacids such as aluminium hydroxide and magnesium carbonate are commonly used. They’re both water-insoluble and can reduce the absorption of drugs taken together. Allow at least 1-2 hours between taking these antacids and any other medications.

      Because it reduces gastrointestinal phosphate absorption, aluminium hydroxide can also be used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with renal failure.

      Magnesium carbonate has a laxative effect, whereas aluminium hydroxide has a constipating effect.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
      • Pharmacology
      17.7
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - A 23-year-old male is referred to your haematology clinic after an acute attack...

    Incorrect

    • A 23-year-old male is referred to your haematology clinic after an acute attack of haemolytic anaemia. He was diagnosed with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency ten years ago.

      Which ONE of the following options is FALSE with regards to this disorder?

      Your Answer: It shows X-linked recessive inheritance

      Correct Answer: Acute haemolysis can be triggered by cephalosporin antibiotics

      Explanation:

      Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder in which there is a deficiency of the enzyme G6PD. This causes instability of red blood cell membranes under oxidative stress leading to haemolysis.

      Triggers include:
      1) Fava beans
      2) Sulphonamides
      3) Primaquine
      4) Anti-TB drugs
      5) Infections

      Most individuals will be asymptomatic until exposed to one of the triggers listed above. It is the commonest human enzyme defect and affects males more than females because of the X-linked inheritance pattern. The use of penicillins and cephalosporins is generally safe.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Haematology
      • Pathology
      15.9
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - Which of the following nerves provides sensory innervation to the anteromedial and anterosuperior...

    Correct

    • Which of the following nerves provides sensory innervation to the anteromedial and anterosuperior aspects of the external ear?

      Your Answer: Auriculotemporal nerve

      Explanation:

      Sensory innervation to the external ear is supplied by both cranial and spinal nerves. Branches of the trigeminal, facial, and vagus nerves (CN V, VII, X) are the cranial nerve components, while the lesser occipital (C2, C3) and greater auricular (C2, C3) nerves are the spinal nerve components involved. The lateral surface of the tympanic membrane, the external auditory canal, and the external acoustic meatus are all innervated by nervus intermedius (a branch of CN VII), the auriculotemporal nerve (CN V3), and the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The concha receives split innervation from nervus intermedius, the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, and the greater auricular (spinal) nerve. Beyond the concha, the anteromedial and anterosuperior parts of the pinna are innervated by the auriculotemporal nerve, and a portion of the lateral helix by the lesser occipital nerve. The greater auricular nerve provides innervation to the area of the pinna inferolateral to the lobule.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Head And Neck
      20.8
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - Which of the following statements concerning hepatitis D is TRUE: ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following statements concerning hepatitis D is TRUE:

      Your Answer: Coinfection with hepatitis D has no correlation with severity of disease.

      Correct Answer: It can only be transmitted with, or to somebody who is infected with, Hepatitis B.

      Explanation:

      Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is an RNA virus that was discovered in 1977 and is structurally unrelated to the hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses. HDV causes a unique infection that requires the assistance of HBV viral particles to replicate and infect hepatocytes. Its clinical course is varied and ranges from acute, self-limited infection to acute, fulminant liver failure. Chronic liver infection can lead to end-stage liver disease and associated complications (including accelerated fibrosis, liver decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      12.5
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - Which of the following nerves has been damaged when a patient presents with...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following nerves has been damaged when a patient presents with a foot drop?

      Your Answer: Tibial nerve

      Correct Answer: Common peroneal nerve

      Explanation:

      The common peroneal nerve often referred to as the common fibular nerve, is a major nerve that innervates the lower extremity. It is one of the two major branches off the sciatic nerve and receives fibres from the posterior divisions of L4 through S2 nerve roots. The common peroneal nerve separates from the sciatic nerve in the distal posterior thigh proximal to the popliteal fossa. After branching off of the sciatic nerve, it continues down the thigh, running posteroinferior to the biceps femoris muscle, and crosses laterally to the head of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle through the posterior intermuscular septum. The nerve then curves around the fibular neck before dividing into two branches, the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) and the deep peroneal nerve (DPN). The common peroneal nerve does not have any motor innervation before dividing; however, it provides sensory innervation to the lateral leg via the lateral sural nerve.

      The superficial peroneal nerve innervates the lateral compartment of the leg, and the deep peroneal nerve innervates the anterior compartment of the leg and the dorsum of the foot. These two nerves are essential in the eversion of the foot and dorsiflexion of the foot, respectively. The superficial and deep peroneal nerves provide both motor and sensory innervation.

      The most common presentation with common peroneal nerve injury or palsy is acute foot drop, although symptoms may be progressive and can include sensory loss or pain. Weakness in foot eversion may occur if the superficial peroneal nerve component is involved.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      11.7
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - A 58-year-old woman presents with symptoms of increase in weight, proximal muscular weakening...

    Incorrect

    • A 58-year-old woman presents with symptoms of increase in weight, proximal muscular weakening and withering, easy bruising, and acne. You notice that she has a full, plethoric aspect to her face, as well as significant supraclavicular fat pads, when you examine her. She has previously been diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome.

      Which of the following biochemical profiles best supports this diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Hyponatraemic metabolic alkalosis

      Correct Answer: Hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis

      Explanation:

      Cushing’s syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs brought on by long-term exposure to high amounts of endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids. Cushing’s syndrome affects about 10-15 persons per million, and it is more common in those who have had a history of obesity, hypertension, or diabetes.

      A typical biochemical profile can help establish a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. The following are the primary characteristics:
      Hypokalaemia
      Alkalosis metabolique

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine Physiology
      • Physiology
      32
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - The normal range of arterial HCO3- is: ...

    Incorrect

    • The normal range of arterial HCO3- is:

      Your Answer: 20 - 28 mmol/L

      Correct Answer: 24 - 30 mmol/L

      Explanation:

      Normal ranges:
      pH = 7.35 – 7.45
      pO2(on air) = 11 -14 kPa
      pCO2= 4.5 – 6.0 kPa
      HCO3-= 24 – 30 mmol/L
      BE = +/- 2 mmol/L

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Renal
      9.8
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - Which of the following is the most common cause of megaloblastic anaemia: ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following is the most common cause of megaloblastic anaemia:

      Your Answer: Vitamin B12 deficiency

      Explanation:

      Megaloblastic anemia results from inhibition of DNA synthesis during red blood cell production. When DNA synthesis is impaired, the cell cycle cannot progress from the growth stage to the mitosis stage. This leads to continuing cell growth without division, which presents as macrocytosis, with an increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The defect in red cell DNA synthesis is most often due to hypovitaminosis, specifically vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency.
      Folate is an essential vitamin found in most foods, especially liver, green vegetables and yeast. The normal daily diet contains 200 – 250 μg, of which about 50% is absorbed. Daily adult requirements are about 100 μg. Absorption of folate is principally from the duodenum and jejunum. Stores of folate are normally only adequate for 4 months and so features of deficiency may be apparent after this time.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Haematology
      • Pathology
      10.5
      Seconds
  • Question 21 - Regarding Clostridium species, which of the following statements is INCORRECT: ...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding Clostridium species, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:

      Your Answer: They are Gram-positive.

      Correct Answer: They are facultative anaerobes.

      Explanation:

      Clostridium spp. are obligatory anaerobic spore-forming Gram-positive bacilli. Toxin production is the main pathogenicity mechanism.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      7.3
      Seconds
  • Question 22 - You're called to a cardiac arrest in your Emergency Department resuscitation area. The...

    Correct

    • You're called to a cardiac arrest in your Emergency Department resuscitation area. The rhythm strip is shown in the diagram below. Defibrillation has already been attempted three times on the patient. You intended to administer amiodarone, but your department has informed you that it is not available. In these circumstances, if amiodarone is not available, which of the following drugs is recommended by the ALS guidelines? Ventricular fibrillation

      Your Answer: Lidocaine

      Explanation:

      If amiodarone is unavailable in VF/pVT arrests, lidocaine at a dose of 1 mg/kg can be used instead, according to the latest ALS guidelines. If amiodarone has already been given, no lidocaine should be given.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
      • Pharmacology
      22.9
      Seconds
  • Question 23 - Which coronary artery is mostly likely affected if an ECG shows ST segment...

    Incorrect

    • Which coronary artery is mostly likely affected if an ECG shows ST segment elevation in leads II, III and aVF, and ST segment depression in V1-V3?

      Your Answer: Left circumflex artery

      Correct Answer: Right coronary artery

      Explanation:

      A posterior wall MI occurs when posterior myocardial tissue (now termed inferobasilar), usually supplied by the posterior descending artery — a branch of the right coronary artery in 80% of individuals — acutely loses blood supply due to intracoronary thrombosis in that vessel. This frequently coincides with an inferior wall MI due to the shared blood supply.

      The ECG findings of an acute posterior wall MI include the following:

      1. ST segment depression (not elevation) in the septal and anterior precordial leads (V1-V4). This occurs because these ECG leads will see the MI backwards; the leads are placed anteriorly, but the myocardial injury is posterior.
      2. A R/S wave ratio greater than 1 in leads V1 or V2.
      3. ST elevation in the posterior leads of a posterior ECG (leads V7-V9). Suspicion for a posterior MI must remain high, especially if inferior ST segment elevation is also present.
      4. ST segment elevation in the inferior leads (II, III and aVF) if an inferior MI is also present.

      The following ECG leads determine the location and vessels involved in myocardial infarction:

      ECG Leads Location Vessel involved
      V1-V2 Septal wall Left anterior descending
      V3-V4 Anterior wall Left anterior descending
      V5-V6 Lateral wall Left circumflex artery
      II, III, aVF Inferior wall Right coronary artery (80%) or Left circumflex artery (20%)
      I, aVL High lateral wall Left circumflex artery
      V1, V4R Right ventricle Right coronary artery
      V7-V9 Posterior wall Right coronary artery

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Thorax
      16.2
      Seconds
  • Question 24 - Which of the following is the correct sequential order of the phases of...

    Correct

    • Which of the following is the correct sequential order of the phases of healing:

      Your Answer: Haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodelling

      Explanation:

      Acute wound healing has four main stages: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Wound Healing
      18.2
      Seconds
  • Question 25 - A 22 year old student has recently returned from travelling around Kenya and...

    Incorrect

    • A 22 year old student has recently returned from travelling around Kenya and presents to ED with a headache and persistent fever. Malaria is being considered as a potential diagnosis. Which of the following strains of malaria is most likely:

      Your Answer: Plasmodium vivax

      Correct Answer: Plasmodium falciparum

      Explanation:

      Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by female of theAnophelesgenus of mosquito. It is a parasitic infection caused by the genusPlasmodium. Five species are recognized as causing disease in humans;Plasmodium falciparum,Plasmodium ovale,Plasmodium vivax,Plasmodium malariaeandPlasmodium knowlesi.
      The classic symptom of malaria is the malarial paroxysm, a cyclical occurrence of a cold phase, where the patient experiences intense chills, a hot stage, where the patient feels extremely hot and finally a sweating stage, where the fever declines and the patient sweats profusely. On examination the patient may show signs of anaemia, jaundice and have hepatosplenomegaly without evidence of lymphadenopathy.

      Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious form and is responsible for most deaths. Severe or complicated malaria is suggested by the presence of impaired consciousness, seizures, hypoglycaemia, anaemia, renal impairment, respiratory distress and spontaneous bleeding.
      Plasmodium falciparum is the most likely type in this case in view of the presentation.
      Haemoglobinuria and renal failure following treatment is suggestive of blackwater fever, which is caused byPlasmodium falciparum. An autoimmune reaction between the parasite and quinine causes haemolysis, haemoglobinuria, jaundice and renal failure. This can be fatal.
      The benign malarias: P.vivax, P. malariae and P.ovale are usually treated with chloroquine. A course of primaquine is also required in P.vivax and P.ovale infection. Artesunate is the drug treatment of choice for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Quinine can still be used where artesunate is not available. Often combination therapy with drugs such as doxycycline or fansidar is also required.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      15.4
      Seconds
  • Question 26 - The cutaneous circulation's principal role is thermoregulation. This process is aided by the...

    Incorrect

    • The cutaneous circulation's principal role is thermoregulation. This process is aided by the existence of arteriovenous anastomoses.

      Which of the following anatomical areas has the greatest number of arteriovenous anastomoses?

      Your Answer: Lateral leg

      Correct Answer: Pinna of the ear

      Explanation:

      Short vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) link tiny arteries and veins. They have a large lumen diameter. The strong and muscular walls allow AVAs to completely clog the vascular lumen, preventing blood flow from artery to vein (acting like a sphincter). When the AVAs open, they create a low-resistance connection between arteries and veins, allowing blood to flow into the limbs’ superficial venous plexuses. There is no diffusion of solutes or fluid into the interstitium due to their strong muscle walls.

      AVAs are densely innervated by adrenergic fibres from the hypothalamic temperature-regulation centre. High sympathetic output occurs at normal core temperatures, inducing vasoconstriction of the AVAs and blood flow through the capillary networks and deep plexuses. When the temperature rises, sympathetic output decreases, producing AVA vasodilation and blood shunting from the artery to the superficial venous plexus. Heat is lost to the environment as hot blood rushes near to the skin’s surface.
      AVAs are a specialized anatomical adaptation that can only be found in large quantities in the fingers, palms, soles, lips, and pinna of the ear.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular Physiology
      • Physiology
      16.5
      Seconds
  • Question 27 - Renin is produced by which of the following: ...

    Incorrect

    • Renin is produced by which of the following:

      Your Answer: The epithelium of the distal tubule

      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.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Renal
      12.4
      Seconds
  • Question 28 - Which of the following cytokines is important for the maintenance of granulomatous inflammation:...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following cytokines is important for the maintenance of granulomatous inflammation:

      Your Answer: IL- 10

      Correct Answer: TNF-alpha

      Explanation:

      Granulomatous inflammation is a distinctive pattern of chronic inflammation that is encountered in a limited number of infectious and some non-infectious conditions. Briefly, a granuloma is a cellular attempt to contain an offending agent that is difficult to eradicate. In this attempt, there is often strong activation of T lymphocytes leading to macrophage activation, which can cause injury to normal tissues. IL-1 is important in initiating granuloma formation, IL-2 can cause them to enlarge and TNF-α maintains them.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Inflammatory Responses
      • Pathology
      8.5
      Seconds
  • Question 29 - You see a 63-year-old man with a history of melaena and epigastric discomfort....

    Incorrect

    • You see a 63-year-old man with a history of melaena and epigastric discomfort. For a few months, he's been taking aspirin.

      Which of the following statements about aspirin's mechanism of action is correct?

      Your Answer: It reversibly blocks cyclo-oxygenase (COX)

      Correct Answer: It inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 at medium to high doses (500-5000 mg per day)

      Explanation:

      Aspirin inhibits cyclo-oxygenase irreversibly by covalently acetylating the cyclo-oxygenase active site in both COX-1 and COX-2. The production of prostaglandin and thromboxane is reduced as a result. As a result, platelet activation and aggregation are reduced. A single dose of aspirin has a half-life of 7-10 days, which is the time it takes for the bone marrow to produce new platelets.

      Aspirin only inhibits COX-1, the enzyme that produces thromboxane A2, at low doses (75 mg per day), and thus has a primarily anti-thrombotic effect.

      Aspirin inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 at medium to high doses (500-5000 mg per day). COX-2 is involved in the production of prostaglandins, so it has an anti-inflammatory effect at these concentrations.

      Aspirin, when used as an antipyretic for a viral illness in children, can cause Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a potentially fatal liver disease that causes encephalopathy and liver failure.

      The inability of aspirin to reduce platelet production of thromboxane A2, and thus platelet activation and aggregation, is known as aspirin resistance. Although the exact frequency and mechanism of aspirin resistance are unknown, it is thought to affect about 1% of users. Women are more likely than men to experience this phenomenon.

      According to new research, taking aspirin on a regular basis lowers the risk of colorectal cancer. It may also protect against cancers of the breast, bladder, prostate, and lungs.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • CNS Pharmacology
      • Pharmacology
      8
      Seconds
  • Question 30 - Regarding the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, which of the following statements is true?...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, which of the following statements is true?

      Your Answer: It assists with the abduction of the hand at the wrist joint

      Correct Answer: It receives its blood supply from the ulnar artery

      Explanation:

      Extensor carpi ulnaris is a fusiform muscle in the posterior forearm. It spans between the elbow and base of the little finger. This muscle belongs to the superficial forearm extensor group, along with anconaeus, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscles.

      Like all the muscles of this compartment, extensor carpi ulnaris works as an extensor of the wrist. Moreover, due to its specific course, this muscle also acts to adduct the hand.

      Extensor carpi ulnaris is innervated by the posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8), a branch of the deep division of the radial nerve. The radial nerve stems from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.

      Blood supply to the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle is provided by branches of the radial recurrent and posterior interosseous arteries, which stem from the radial and ulnar arteries, respectively.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Upper Limb
      14
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Cardiovascular Pharmacology (1/2) 50%
Pharmacology (2/7) 29%
Respiratory Pharmacology (0/1) 0%
Cardiovascular (1/2) 50%
Physiology (2/8) 25%
Cardiovascular Physiology (0/2) 0%
Abdomen And Pelvis (0/1) 0%
Anatomy (1/5) 20%
Microbiology (1/5) 20%
Pathogens (0/4) 0%
Specific Pathogen Groups (1/1) 100%
Evidence Based Medicine (0/1) 0%
Statistics (0/1) 0%
Renal (0/3) 0%
Gastrointestinal (1/2) 50%
Gastrointestinal Pharmacology (1/1) 100%
Haematology (1/2) 50%
Pathology (2/4) 50%
Head And Neck (1/1) 100%
Lower Limb (0/1) 0%
Endocrine Physiology (0/1) 0%
Thorax (0/1) 0%
Wound Healing (1/1) 100%
Inflammatory Responses (0/1) 0%
CNS Pharmacology (0/1) 0%
Upper Limb (0/1) 0%
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