-
Question 1
Correct
-
Which of the following occurs primarily to produce passive expiration:
Your Answer: Relaxation of diaphragm and external intercostal muscles
Explanation:Passive expiration is produced primarily by relaxation of the inspiratory muscles (diaphragm and external intercostal muscles) and the elastic recoil of the lungs. In expiration, depression of the sternal ends of the ribs (‘pump handle’ movement), depression of the lateral shafts of the ribs (‘bucket handle’ movement) and elevation of the diaphragm result in a reduction of the thorax in an anteroposterior, transverse and vertical direction respectively. This results in a decreased intrathoracic volume and increased intrathoracic pressure and thus air is forced out of the lungs.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
-
-
Question 2
Incorrect
-
A 30-year-old rugby player suffers from an anterior cruciate ligament tear while pivoting to attempt to run around another player. An MRI was performed and showed that his injury caused two other structures in the knee joint to be injured.
Which of the following structures is most likely also injured?Your Answer: Lateral meniscus
Correct Answer: Medial meniscus
Explanation:The O’Donoghue unhappy triad or terrible triad often occurs in contact and non-contact sports, such as basketball, football, or rugby, when there is a lateral force applied to the knee while the foot is fixated on the ground. This produces an abduction-external rotation mechanism of injury.
The O’Donoghue unhappy triad comprises three types of soft tissue injury that frequently tend to occur simultaneously in knee injuries. O’Donoghue described the injuries as: anterior cruciate ligament tear, medial collateral ligament injury, and medial meniscal tear (lateral compartment bone bruise).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
Cystic fibrosis patients have a weakened lung surfactant system. Which of the following cell types is in charge of surfactant secretion?
Your Answer: Type II pneumocytes
Explanation:Alveolar type II cells are responsible for four primary functions: surfactant synthesis and secretion, xenobiotic metabolism, water transepithelial transport, and alveolar epithelium regeneration following lung injury.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
-
-
Question 4
Incorrect
-
You see a patient in the Emergency Department with features consistent with a diagnosis of type I diabetes mellitus.
Which of these is MOST suggestive of type I diabetes mellitus?
Your Answer: Onset under the age of 20
Correct Answer: History of recent weight loss
Explanation:A history of recent weight loss is very suggestive of an absolute deficiency of insulin seen in type I diabetes mellitus.
An age of onset of less than 20 years makes a diagnosis of type I diabetes mellitus more likely. However, an increasing number of obese children and young people are being diagnosed with type II diabetes.
Microalbuminuria, peripheral neuropathy, and retinopathy all occur in both type I and type II diabetes mellitus. They are not more suggestive of type I DM.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
-
-
Question 5
Incorrect
-
A patient suffers a lower limb fracture that causes damage to the nerve that innervates peroneus brevis.
Peroneus brevis receives its innervation from which of the following nerves? Select ONE answer only.Your Answer: Deep peroneal nerve
Correct Answer: Superficial peroneal nerve
Explanation:Peroneus brevis is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve.
Peroneus longus is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve.
Peroneus tertius is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
-
-
Question 6
Correct
-
A migrant from Eastern Europe needs to have screening performed for tuberculosis (TB) because he is a high-risk patient.
Which statement concerning TB screening in the UK is true?
Your Answer: Vaccination with the BCG can result in a false positive test
Explanation:Vaccination with the BCG can result in a false positive test.
The Mantoux test replaced the Heaf test as the TB screening test in the UK in 2005.
The ‘Sterneedle’ gun is used to inject 100,000 units/ml of tuberculin purified protein derivative into the skin for the Heaf testThe Mantoux test involves the injection of 5 Tuberculin units (0.1mL) intradermally and the result read 2-3 days later.
The interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) should NOT be used for neonates
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
-
-
Question 7
Incorrect
-
The correct statement regarding the parasympathetic nervous system is which of the following?
Your Answer: Parasympathetic preganglionic neurones release acetylcholine which acts on cholinergic muscarinic receptors.
Correct Answer: Parasympathetic preganglionic neurones run in cranial nerves III, VII, IX and X.
Explanation:The electron transfer system is responsible for most of the energy produced during respiration. The is a system of hydrogen carriers located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Hydrogen is transferred to the electron transfer system via the NADH2 molecules produced during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. As a result, a H+ion gradient is generated across the inner membrane which drives ATP synthase. The final hydrogen acceptor is oxygen and the H+ions and O2 combine to form water.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Cellular
- Physiology
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
A new chemotherapy drug is being tested. The intervention reduces the risk of death from 10 in 1000 to 5 in 1000. What is the number needed to treat to prevent one death:
Your Answer: 200
Explanation:Absolute risk reduction (ARR) of treatment
= risk of death in control group – risk of death in treatment group
ARR = (10/1000) – (5/1000)
= 5/1000 = 0.005
Number needed to treat (NNT)
= 1/ARR
= 1/0.005
= 200
Therefore 200 people would need to be treated to prevent one extra death. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
- Statistics
-
-
Question 9
Incorrect
-
Normal human immunoglobulin is mostly used to protect against which of the following infectious diseases?
Your Answer: Measles, mumps and rubella
Correct Answer: Measles and hepatitis A
Explanation:Immune globulin IM is indicated for prophylaxis following exposure
to hepatitis A, to prevent or modify measles (rubeola) in a
susceptible person exposed fewer than 6 days previously,
for susceptible household contacts of measles patients,
particularly contacts <1 year and pregnant women without
evidence of immunity, and to modify rubella in exposed pregnant
women who will not consider a therapeutic abortion. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunoglobulins And Vaccines
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 10
Correct
-
Which of these is NOT a lithium side effect:
Your Answer: Peptic ulcer disease
Explanation:Adverse Effects of lithium Include
Leucocytosis (most patients)
Polyuria/polydipsia (30-50%)
Dry mouth (20-50%)
Hand tremor (45% initially, 10% after 1 year of treatment)
Confusion (40%)
Decreased memory (40%)
Headache (40%)
Muscle weakness (30% initially, 1% after 1 year of treatment)
Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes (20-30%)
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (10-30% initially, 1-10% after 1-2 years of treatment)
Hyperreflexia (15%)
Muscle twitch (15%)
Vertigo (15%)
Extrapyramidal symptoms, goitre (5%)
Hypothyroidism (1-4%)
Acne (1%)
Hair thinning (1%) -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 11
Correct
-
What is the pathophysiology of a phaeochromocytoma:
Your Answer: Catecholamine-secreting tumour
Explanation:Phaeochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours which occur in about 0.1% of patients with hypertension. In about 90% of cases they arise from the adrenal medulla. The remaining 10%, which arise from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue, are termed paragangliomas. Common presenting symptoms include one or more of headache, sweating, pallor and palpitations. Less commonly, patients describe anxiety, panic attacks and pyrexia. Hypertension, whether sustained or episodic, is present in at least 90% of patients. Left untreated phaeochromocytoma can occasionally lead to hypertensive crisis, encephalopathy, hyperglycaemia, pulmonary oedema, cardiac arrhythmias, or even death.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
-
-
Question 12
Correct
-
At rest, saliva is produced predominantly by which of the following:
Your Answer: Submandibular gland
Explanation:At rest, most saliva is produced by the submandibular gland (65%). When stimulated by the autonomic nervous system, about 50% of saliva is produced by the parotid gland with only 30% produced by the submandibular gland.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 13
Correct
-
You are reviewing a patient with hypocalcaemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) acts to increased calcium reabsorption at which of the following sites in the nephron:
Your Answer: Distal convoluted tubule
Explanation:Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a peptide hormone synthesised by the chief cells of the parathyroid glands, located immediately behind the thyroid gland. PTH is primarily released in response to decreasing plasma [Ca2+] concentration. PTH acts to increase plasma calcium levels and decrease plasma phosphate levels.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) acts to increase calcium reabsorption in the distal tubule of the nephron (by activating Ca2+entry channels in the apical membrane and the Ca2+ATPase pump in the basolateral membrane) and increase phosphate excretion by inhibiting reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the nephron. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
-
-
Question 14
Correct
-
Question 15
Incorrect
-
A 60-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) walks into the clinic to discuss her most recent blood results indicating an accelerated progression of CKD.
Which of the following is the correct definition for accelerated progression of CKD?
Your Answer: A sustained decrease in GFR of 15% or more within 12 months
Correct Answer: A sustained decrease in GFR of 15 ml/minute/1.73 m 2 per year
Explanation:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disorder in which kidney function gradually deteriorates over time. It’s fairly prevalent, and it typically remains unnoticed for years, with only advanced stages of the disease being recognized. There is evidence that medication can slow or stop the progression of CKD, as well as lessen or prevent consequences and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
CKD is defined as kidney damage (albuminuria) and/or impaired renal function (GFR 60 ml/minute per 1.73 m2) for three months or longer, regardless of clinical diagnosis.
A prolonged decline in GFR of 25% or more with a change in GFR category within 12 months, or a sustained drop in GFR of 15 ml/minute/1.73 m² per year, is considered accelerated CKD progression.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is defined as severe irreversible kidney impairment with a GFR of less than 15 ml/minute per 1.73 m² and a GFR of less than 15 ml/minute per 1.73 m². -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal Physiology
-
-
Question 16
Correct
-
In which part of the gastrointestinal tract is Meckel's diverticulum commonly located?
Your Answer: Ileum
Explanation:Meckel’s diverticulum is the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting approximately 2% of the general population. Meckel’s diverticulum are designated true diverticula because their walls contain all the layers found in normal small intestine. Their location varies among individual patients, but they are usually found in the ileum within 100 cm of the ileocecal valve.
Approximately 60% of Meckel’s diverticulum contain heterotopic mucosa, of which over 60% consist of gastric mucosa. Pancreatic acini are the next most common; others include Brunner’s glands, pancreatic islets, colonic mucosa, endometriosis, and hepatobiliary tissues.
A useful, although crude, mnemonic describing Meckel’s diverticulum is the “rule of twos”: 2% prevalence, 2:1 male predominance, location 2 feet proximal to the ileocecal valve in adults, and half of those who are symptomatic are under 2 years of age.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen And Pelvis
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 17
Incorrect
-
A 60-year-old man comes to your department with complaints of epigastric pain. There is a history of rheumatoid arthritis and he has been taking ibuprofen 200 mg TDS for the last 2 weeks.
The following scenarios would prompt you to consider the co-prescription of a PPI for gastroprotection with NSAIDs EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Co-prescription of fluoxetine
Correct Answer: Long-term use for chronic back pain in a patient aged 30
Explanation:The current recommendations by NICE suggest that gastro-protection should be considered if patients have ≥1 of the following:
Aged 65 or older
– Using maximum recommended dose of an NSAID
– History of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
– Concomitant use of: antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, Corticosteroids, anticoagulants and low dose aspirin
– Long-term NSAID usage for: long-term back pain if older than 45 and patients with OA or RA at any ageThe maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen is 2.4 g daily and this patient is on 400 mg of ibuprofen TDS.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
You are taking care of a 55-year-old male patient with a direct inguinal hernia. In explaining his hernia, which of the following layers was compromised and had resulted in his condition?
Your Answer: Lacunar ligament
Correct Answer: Transversalis fascia
Explanation:Direct inguinal hernias are most often caused by a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall that develops over time, or are due to straining or heavy lifting.
A direct inguinal hernia protrudes through the Transversalis fascia.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 19
Incorrect
-
A 53-year-old man arrives at the emergency department complaining of visual impairment in his right eye. On examination, you notice that neither his right nor left pupil constricts when you shine a light in his right eye. When you flash a light in his left eye, the pupils of both his left and right eyes constrict. Which of the following nerves is the most likely to be affected:
Your Answer: Ophthalmic nerve
Correct Answer: Optic nerve
Explanation:In full optic nerve palsy, the afferent pupillary light reflex is lost. Because the afferent optic nerve does not sense light flashed in the afflicted eye, the ipsilateral direct and contralateral consensual reflexes are gone. However, the contralateral direct and ipsilateral consensual reflexes are intact because the efferent oculomotor nerve is normal.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Cranial Nerve Lesions
-
-
Question 20
Correct
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a cohort study used to investigate the relationship between exposure to a risk factor and a future outcome:
Your Answer: Can measure absolute and relative risk directly
Correct Answer: Particularly suitable for rare diseases
Explanation:Advantages: ideal for studying associations between an exposure and an outcome when the exposure is uncommon, the time sequence of events can be assessed, they can provide information on a wide range of disease outcomes, the absolute and relative risk of disease can be measured directly, they can give a direct estimation of disease incidence rates
Disadvantages: costly and can take long periods of time if the outcome is delayed, subject to subject-selection and loss to follow-up bias, large sample size required for rare outcome of interest so it is not useful for rare diseases, prone to confounding -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
- Study Methodology
-
-
Question 22
Correct
-
An 18-year-old student presents with a 1-week history of sore throat, low grade fever, and malaise. Upon history taking, she noted that she had a fine rash over her body a week ago that quickly fades. Further examination and observation was done and the presence of mild splenomegaly was noted. Her test shows positive for heterophile antibody test, suspecting a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.
Which of the following characteristics is mostly associated with the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis?Your Answer: Atypical lymphocytes
Explanation:Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis which is a clinical entity characterized by sore throat, cervical lymph node enlargement, fatigue and fever.
It is accompanied by atypical large peripheral blood lymphocytes. These atypical lymphocytes, also known as Downey cells, are actually activated CD8 T lymphocytes, most of which are responding to EBV-infected cells.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
-
-
Question 23
Incorrect
-
A patient complains of stomach ache. You see a midline scar in the epigastric area when you examine the abdomen. Upon further interrogation, the patient reveals that she had a subtotal gastrectomy for recurring stomach ulcers several years ago. The stomach mucosa secretes a variety of vital compounds, and her ability to secrete some of these molecules has been harmed as a result of his surgery.
The stomach mucous neck cells secrete which of the following substances?
Your Answer: Secretin
Correct Answer: Bicarbonate
Explanation:Foveolar cells, also known as gastric mucous-neck cells, are cells that line the stomach mucosa and are found in the necks of the gastric pits. Mucus and bicarbonate are produced by these cells, which prevent the stomach from digesting itself. At pH 4, the mucous allows the acid to penetrate the lining, while below pH 4, the acid is unable to do so. Viscous fingering is the term for this procedure.
The table below summarizes the many cell types found in the stomach, as well as the substances secreted by each cell type and the function of the secretion:
Cell type/ Substance secreted/ Function of secretion
Parietal cells/ Hydrochloric acid/ Kills microbes and activates pepsinogen
Parietal cells/ Intrinsic factor/Binds to vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption
Chief cells/ Pepsinogen/ Protein digestion
Chief cells/ Gastric lipase/ Fat digestion
G-cells/ Gastrin/ Stimulates gastric acid secretion
Enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cells) /Histamine/ Stimulates gastric acid secretion
Mucous-neck cells/ Mucous and bicarbonate/ Protects stomach epithelium from acid
D-cells/ Somatostatin/ Inhibits gastric acid secretion -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Physiology
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
When treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which of the following should be given if the systolic blood pressure is initially less than 90 mmHg:
Your Answer: 1 L sodium chloride 0.9% intravenous infusion over 10 - 15 minutes
Correct Answer: 500 mL sodium chloride 0.9% intravenous infusion over 10 - 15 minutes
Explanation:If SBP is less than 90 mmHg , 500 mL sodium chloride 0.9 percent should be administered intravenously over 10–15 minutes, and repeated if SBP remains less than 90 mmHg. When SBP is greater than 90 mmHg, sodium chloride infusion must be maintained at a rate that replaces the deficit.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 25
Correct
-
Noradrenaline exhibits its positive inotropic effect by which of the following mechanisms:
Your Answer: Binds to beta1-receptors and causes increased Ca2+ entry via L-type channels during the action potential
Explanation:Noradrenaline (the sympathetic neurotransmitter) is a positive inotrope; it binds to β1-adrenoceptors on the membrane and causes increased Ca2+entry via L-type channels during the AP and thus increases Ca2+release from the SR. Noradrenaline also increases Ca2+sequestration into the SR and thus more Ca2+is available for the next contraction. Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin) slow the removal of Ca2+from the cell by inhibiting the membrane Na+pump which generates the Na+gradient required for driving the export of Ca2+; consequently the removal of Ca2+from the myocyte is slowed and more Ca2+is available for the next contraction. Acidosis is negatively inotropic, largely because H+competes for Ca2+binding sites.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
On ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, a 48-year-old Caucasian man has an average BP reading of 152/96 mmHg (ABPM).
Which of the following would be the patient's first-line drug treatment?Your Answer: No medication is required at this stage
Correct Answer: Ramipril
Explanation:An ambulatory blood pressure reading of >150/95 is classified as stage 2 hypertension, according to the NICE care pathway for hypertension, and the patient should be treated with an antihypertensive drug.
A calcium-channel blocker, such as amlodipine, would be the most appropriate medication for a 48-year-old Afro-Caribbean man.
An ACE inhibitor, such as ramipril, or a low-cost angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan, would be the most appropriate medication for a 48-year-old Caucasian man.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 27
Correct
-
What is the primary route of transmission of Norovirus?
Your Answer: Oral-faecal route
Explanation:Norovirus is spread primarily by faecal-oral contact, but it can also be spread through contact with an infected person, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contact with contaminated surfaces or items.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
-
-
Question 28
Correct
-
Regarding paracetamol, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: It has anti-pyretic action.
Explanation:Paracetamol is a non-opioid analgesic, similar in efficacy to aspirin, with antipyretic properties but no anti-inflammatory properties. It is well absorbed orally and does not cause gastric irritation. Paracetamol is a suitable first-line choice for most people with mild-to-moderate pain, and for combination therapy.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 29
Incorrect
-
You need to give your patient antibiotics, so you call microbiology for some advice.
Of the following antibacterial drugs, which of them is a protein synthesis inhibitor?
Your Answer: Metronidazole
Correct Answer: Erythromycin
Explanation:Bacteriostatic antibiotics include erythromycin and other macrolides. They work by attaching to the bacterial ribosome’s 50S subunit, preventing translocation and, as a result, inhibit protein synthesis. Macrolide antibiotics are actively concentrated inside leukocytes and delivered into the infection site as a result.
Action Mechanisms- Examples:
Cell wall production is inhibited
Vancomycin
Vancomycin
CephalosporinsThe function of the cell membrane is disrupted
Nystatin
Polymyxins
Amphotericin BInhibition of protein synthesis
Chloramphenicol
Macrolides
Aminoglycosides
TetracyclinesNucleic acid synthesis inhibition
Quinolones
Trimethoprim
Rifampicin
5-nitroimidazoles
Sulphonamides
Anti-metabolic activity
Isoniazid -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 30
Correct
-
Which of the following is the primary indication for loop diuretics?
Your Answer: Acute pulmonary oedema
Explanation:Loop diuretics have long been the cornerstone of pulmonary oedema treatment, with furosemide being the most commonly used of these drugs. Premedication with drugs that decrease preload (e.g., nitro-glycerine [NTG]) and afterload (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors) before the administration of loop diuretics can prevent adverse hemodynamic changes.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
