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  • Question 1 - Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) also referred to as anti-nuclear factors (ANFs) are autoantibodies that...

    Incorrect

    • Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) also referred to as anti-nuclear factors (ANFs) are autoantibodies that bind to contents of the cell nucleus.

      Which ONE of these statements about ANAs is true?

      Your Answer: Nucleolar staining is suggestive of lupus

      Correct Answer: They can be of any immunoglobulin class

      Explanation:

      Anti-nuclear antibodies(ANAs) also referred to as anti-nuclear factors (ANFs) are autoantibodies that bind to contents of the cell nucleus. They can be of any immunoglobulin class.

      CREST syndrome is usually associated with anti-centromere antibodies.

      ELISA testing is cheaper but not the most accurate means of testing for ANAs. Indirect immunofluorescence testing is the most reliable.

      Nucleolar staining is suggestive of scleroderma, while homogenous staining is suggestive of lupus.

      Anti-dsDNA antibodies are found in 80 – 90% of patients with SLE

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • General Pathology
      • Pathology
      36.1
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - A 30-year old male is brought to the emergency room after a terrible...

    Incorrect

    • A 30-year old male is brought to the emergency room after a terrible fall during a photoshoot. The patient reported falling on his right forearm. There is evident swelling and tenderness on the affected area, with notable weakness of the flexor pollicis longus muscle. Radiographic imaging showed a fracture on the midshaft of the right radius.

      Which of the following nerves is most likely injured in the case above?

      Your Answer: The median nerve

      Correct Answer: The anterior interosseous nerve

      Explanation:

      Flexor pollicis longus receives nervous supply from the anterior interosseous branch of median nerve, derived from spinal roots C7 and C8.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Upper Limb
      60
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - A 40-year-old man with episodes of blood in urine and flank pain that...

    Correct

    • A 40-year-old man with episodes of blood in urine and flank pain that are recurrent presents for management. He has a history of hypertension that is difficult to control and recurrent urinary tract infections. Other findings are: bilateral masses in his flanks and haematuria (3+ on dipstick).

      What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Polycystic kidney disease

      Explanation:

      Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) presents with abdominal or loin discomfort due to the increasing size of the kidneys, acute loin pain with or without haematuria, hypertension, and male infertility. It is the most common cause of serious renal disease and the most common inherited cause of renal failure in adults.

      Alport syndrome has hearing loss and eye abnormalities in addition to symptoms of kidney disease.

      Renal cell carcinoma presents with additional features of unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fever of unknown origin and anaemia.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • General Pathology
      • Pathology
      41.6
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - Which of the following is a contraindication for aspirin? ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following is a contraindication for aspirin?

      Your Answer: Children under 16 years

      Explanation:

      Aspirin contraindications include: hypersensitivity to NSAIDs; asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyps; and usage in children or teens.
      There is little evidence of allergic cross-reactivity for salicylates. However, due to similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic activities, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be completely ruled out.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Central Nervous System
      • Pharmacology
      6.4
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - Regarding Clostridium tetani, which of the following statements is CORRECT: ...

    Correct

    • Regarding Clostridium tetani, which of the following statements is CORRECT:

      Your Answer: Infection is predominantly derived from animal faeces and soil.

      Explanation:

      Clostridium tetaniis a Gram positive, rod shaped, obligate anaerobic bacterium.
      The incubation period is quoted as anywhere between 4-21 days and can occur after several months but symptoms usually occur within the first 7 days after exposure.
      Approximately 80% of patients develop generalised tetanus. The commonest presenting feature of generalised tetanus is trismus (lockjaw), occurring in approximately 75% of affected individuals. Other clinical features include:
      Facial spasms (risus sardonicus)
      Opisthotonus (characteristic body shape during spasms)
      Neck stiffness
      Dysphagia
      Calf and pectoral muscle rigidity
      Fever
      Hypertension
      Tachycardia
      Spasms can occur frequently and last for several minutes, they can continue to occur for up to 4 weeks. Current mortality rates are between 10 and 15%.
      Tetanic spasms are caused by the exotoxin tetanospasmin. The effects of tetanolysin are not fully understood but it is not believed to have clinical significance.
      Localised tetanus is a rare form of the disease, occurring in around 1% of affected individuals. Patients have persistent contraction of muscles in the same anatomic area as the injury. It may precede generalised tetanus.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      42.6
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - You're evaluating a male patient who's having a lung function test done. In...

    Incorrect

    • You're evaluating a male patient who's having a lung function test done. In calculating the patient’s functional residual capacity, what parameters should you add to derive the functional residual capacity volume?

      Your Answer: inspiratory reserve volume + residual volume

      Correct Answer: Expiratory reserve volume + residual volume

      Explanation:

      The volume of air that remains in the lungs after a single breath is known as functional residual capacity (FRC). It is calculated by combining the expiratory reserve volume and residual volume.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory Physiology
      52.3
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - Which of the following does NOT affect the rate of flow of a...

    Correct

    • Which of the following does NOT affect the rate of flow of a liquid through a tube:

      Your Answer: Surface tension

      Explanation:

      Flow through a tube is dependent upon:
      The pressure difference across the ends of the tube (P1– P2)
      The resistance to flow provided by the tube (R)
      This is Darcy’s law, which is analogous to Ohm’s law in electronics:
      Flow = (P1– P2) / R
      Resistance in the tube is defined by Poiseuille’s law, which is determined by the diameter of the tube and the viscosity of the fluid. Poiseuille’s law is as follows:
      Resistance = (8VL) / (Ï€R4)
      Where:
      V = The viscosity of the fluid
      L = The length of the tube
      R = The radius of the tube
      Therefore, in simple terms, resistance is directly proportional to the viscosity of the fluid and the length of the tube and inversely proportional to the radius of the tube. Of these three factors, the most important quantitatively and physiologically is vessel radius.
      It can be seen that small changes in the radius can have a dramatic effect on the flow of the fluid. For example, the constriction of an artery by 20% will decrease the flow by approximately 60%.
      Another important and frequently quoted example of this inverse relationship is that of the radius of an intravenous cannula. Doubling the diameter of a cannula increases the flow rate by 16-fold (r4). This is the reason the diameter of an intravenous cannula in resuscitation scenarios is so important.
      *Please note that knowledge of the detail of Poiseuille’s law is not a requirement of the RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Basic Cellular
      • Physiology
      28.4
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - Which of the following statements is correct about the extensor digitorum muscle? ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following statements is correct about the extensor digitorum muscle?

      Your Answer: It extends the medial four digits at the metacarpophalangeal joints

      Explanation:

      Extensor digitorum is a long muscle located in the posterior compartment of the forearm. Together with the extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis as well as the brachioradialis, it belongs to the group of superficial extensors of the forearm. These muscles can be easily palpated in the lateral aspect of the posterior forearm, especially during the extension of hand when they are contracted.

      Extensor digitorum runs from the lateral epicondyle of humerus to the medial four phalanges of the hand. In this way, it generates the pull for the extension of the four medial fingers in their metacarpophalangeal and both interphalangeal joints. Extensor digitorum also participates in the extension of the wrist.

      Extensor digitorum is innervated by posterior interosseous nerve which is a continuation of a deep branch of radial nerve (root value C7 and C8).

      Extensor digitorum is vascularized by the branches of three different arteries: (1) posterior interosseous artery, (2) radial recurrent artery, and (3) anterior interosseous artery. Anterior and posterior interosseous arteries are the branches of the common interosseous artery that arises from the ulnar artery. The radial recurrent artery is a branch of the radial artery.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Upper Limb
      71.9
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - Regarding the glomerular filtration barrier, which of the following statements is CORRECT: ...

    Correct

    • Regarding the glomerular filtration barrier, which of the following statements is CORRECT:

      Your Answer: The main factor determining whether a substance is filtered or not is molecular weight.

      Explanation:

      Molecular weight is the main factor in determining whether a substance is filtered or not – molecules < 7 kDa in molecular weight are filtered freely e.g. glucose, amino acids, urea, ions but larger molecules are increasingly restricted up to 70 kDa, above which filtration is insignificant. Negatively charged molecules are further restricted, as they are repelled by negative charges, particularly in the basement membrane. Albumin has a molecular weight of 69 kDa and is negatively charged, thus only very small amounts are filtered (and all of the filtered albumin is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule), whereas small molecules such as ions, glucose, amino acids and urea pass the filter without hindrance. This means that ultrafiltrate is virtually protein free, but otherwise has an identical composition of that of plasma. The epithelial lining of the Bowman's capsule consists of a single layer of cells called podocytes. The glomerular capillary endothelium is perforated by pores (fenestrations) which allow plasma components with a molecular weight of < 70 kDa to pass freely.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Renal
      57.6
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - An 80-year-old patient with a history of chronic heart failure presents to you....

    Incorrect

    • An 80-year-old patient with a history of chronic heart failure presents to you. Examination reveals widespread oedema.

      Which statement about plasma oncotic pressure (Ï€ p ) is true?

      Your Answer: 70% of π p is generated by immunoglobulins

      Correct Answer: The influence of π p on fluid movement is negligible if the capillary reflection co-efficient is 0.1

      Explanation:

      Plasma oncotic pressure (Ï€p) is typically 25-30 mmHg.

      70% of π p is generated by albumin so Hypoalbuminemia will decrease π p

      The osmotic power of albumin is enhanced by the Gibbs-Donnan effect.

      The influence of π p on fluid movement is negligible if the capillary reflection coefficient is 0.1. Another way of saying a vessel is highly permeable is saying the reflection coefficient is close to 0.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular Physiology
      • Physiology
      29.1
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - Regarding the lumbar plexus, which of the following is a direct muscular branch?...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding the lumbar plexus, which of the following is a direct muscular branch?

      Your Answer: Nerve to quadratus femoris

      Correct Answer: Nerve to quadratus lumborum

      Explanation:

      The lumbar plexus gives rise to several branches which supply various muscles and regions of the posterior abdominal wall and lower limb. These branches include the Iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, femoral and obturator nerves.

      In addition, the lumbar plexus gives off muscular branches from its roots, a branch to the lumbosacral trunk and occasionally an accessory obturator nerve.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      30
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - A 72 year old man is brought to ED by ambulance with sudden...

    Correct

    • A 72 year old man is brought to ED by ambulance with sudden onset chest pain, palpitations and shortness of breath. His HR is 160 bpm and BP 90/65. ECG demonstrates new-onset fast atrial fibrillation. Which of the following is the first-line treatment option in this case:

      Your Answer: Synchronised DC cardioversion

      Explanation:

      All patients with adverse features suggesting life-threatening haemodynamic instability (shock, syncope, heart failure, myocardial ischaemia) caused by new onset atrial fibrillation should undergo emergency electrical cardioversion with synchronised DC shock without delaying to achieve anticoagulation.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular
      • Pharmacology
      33.3
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - A 26-year old female comes to the Emergency Room with complaints of bloody...

    Incorrect

    • A 26-year old female comes to the Emergency Room with complaints of bloody stools. She reports that prior to the passage of bloody stools, she experienced a sharp pain during defecation. Medical history reveals that she has been experiencing constipation for the past 2 weeks. After completing her medical history and physical examination, the attending physician gives an initial diagnosis of an anal fissure.

      Which of the following nerves transmit painful sensation from the anus, resulting in the pain associated with anal fissure?

      Your Answer: Perineal nerve

      Correct Answer: Inferior rectal nerve

      Explanation:

      A fissure in ano is a tear in the anoderm distal to the dentate line. The pathophysiology of anal fissure is thought to be related to trauma from either the passage of hard stool or prolonged diarrhoea. A tear in the anoderm causes spasm of the internal anal sphincter, which results in pain, increased tearing, and decreased blood supply to the anoderm. The site of the anal fissure in the sensitive lower half of the anal canal, which is innervated by the inferior rectal nerve, results in reflex spasm of the external anal sphincter, aggravating the condition. Because of the intense pain, anal fissures may have to be examined under local anaesthesia.

      The inferior rectal nerve is a branch of the pudendal nerve. This nerve runs medially across the ischiorectal fossa and supplies the external anal sphincter, the mucous membrane of the lower half of the anal canal, and the perianal skin.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Abdomen And Pelvis
      • Anatomy
      57
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - Among the following infectious diseases, which is typically considered to have an incubation...

    Correct

    • Among the following infectious diseases, which is typically considered to have an incubation period of less than 3 weeks?

      Your Answer: Diphtheria

      Explanation:

      C. diphtheriae, which is the causative agent of diphtheria, is carried in the upper respiratory tract and spread by droplet infection or hand-to-mouth contact. The incubation period averages 2 to 5 days.

      Infectious mononucleosis is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The incubation period for EBV varies from 2 weeks to 2 months.

      The incubation for Hepatitis A virus is approximately 1 month.

      The incubation period for Hepatitis C ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months.

      The period from infection to development of anti-HIV antibodies is usually less than 1 month but may be up to 3 months.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      15.4
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - Which of the following is the most abundant immunoglobulin in plasma: ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following is the most abundant immunoglobulin in plasma:

      Your Answer: IgG

      Explanation:

      IgA is the major Ig in secretions, particularly from the gastrointestinal tract (but also in saliva, tears, sweat and breast milk).
      IgE is important for mast cell degranulation in allergic and antiparasitic response. In the allergic response, the plasma cell produces IgE-antibodies, which, like antibodies of other immunoglobulin isotypes, are capable of binding a specific allergen via its Fab portion.
      IgG is the most abundant in plasma (comprising 80% of normal serum immunoglobulin) and the main circulatory Ig for the secondary immune response.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Immune Responses
      • Pathology
      7.9
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - A 58-year-old man with a long history of depression presents with a deliberate...

    Correct

    • A 58-year-old man with a long history of depression presents with a deliberate overdose of verapamil tablets, which he is prescribed for a heart condition.

      What is verapamil's mechanism of action?

      Your Answer: L-type calcium channel blockade

      Explanation:

      Overdosing on calcium-channel blockers should always be taken seriously and regarded as potentially fatal. Verapamil and diltiazem are the two most lethal calcium channel blockers in overdose. These work by binding the alpha-1 subunit of L-type calcium channels, preventing calcium from entering the cell. In cardiac myocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, and islet beta-cells, these channels play an important role.

      The standard ABC approach should be used to resuscitate all patients as needed. If life-threatening toxicity is expected, intubation and ventilation should be considered early on. If hypotension and shock are developing, early invasive blood pressure monitoring is recommended.

      The primary goal of specific treatments is to support the cardiovascular system. These are some of them:

      1. Fluid resuscitation: Give up to 20 mL of crystalloid per kilogramme of body weight.

      2. Calcium supplementation
      This can be a good way to raise blood pressure and heart rate temporarily.
      via central venous access: 10% calcium gluconate 60 mL IV (0.6-1.0 mL/kg in children) or 10% calcium chloride 20 mL IV (0.2 mL/kg in children)
      Boluses can be given up to three times in a row.
      To keep serum calcium >2.0 mEq/L, consider a calcium infusion.

      3. Atropine: 0.6 mg every 2 minutes up to 1.8 mg is an option, but it is often ineffective.

      4. HIET (high-dose insulin-euglycemic therapy):
      The role of HIET in the step-by-step management of cardiovascular toxicity has changed.

      5. Vasoactive infusions:
      This was once thought to be a last-ditch measure, but it is now widely recommended that it be used sooner rather than later.
      Insulin with a short half-life 50 mL of 50 percent glucose IV bolus plus 1 U/kg bolus (unless marked hyperglycaemia present)
      Short-acting insulin/dextrose infusions should be continued.
      Glucose should be checked every 20 minutes for the first hour, then hourly after that.
      Regularly check potassium levels and replace if they fall below 2.5 mmol/L.
      Titrate catecholamines to effect (inotropy and chronotropy); options include dopamine, adrenaline, and/or noradrenaline infusions.

      6. Sodium bicarbonate: Use 50-100 mEq sodium bicarbonate (0.5-1.0 mEq/kg in children) in cases where a severe metabolic acidosis develops.

      7. Cardiac pacing: It can be difficult to achieve electrical capture, and it may not improve overall perfusion.
      Bypass AV blockade with ventricular pacing, which is usually done at a rate of less than 60 beats per minute.

      8. Intralipid transport
      Calcium channel blockers are lipid-soluble agents, so they should be used in refractory cases.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
      • Pharmacology
      44.1
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - Which of these structures is the smallest and deepest component of...

    Incorrect

    • Which of these structures is the smallest and deepest component of muscle connective tissue?

      Your Answer: Sarcolemma

      Correct Answer: Endomysium

      Explanation:

      There are three types of muscle:
      Skeletal muscle
      Cardiac muscle
      Smooth muscle

      Individual muscle is enveloped in a layer of dense irregular connective tissue called the epimysium. The epimysium protects the muscles from friction against bones and other muscles.

      Skeletal muscle is composed of muscle fibres, referred to as myofibers which is ensheathed by a wispy layer of areolar connective tissue called the endomysium. The endomysium is the smallest and deepest component of muscle connective tissue.

      Myofibers grouped together in bundles form fascicles, or fasciculi. These are surrounded by a type of connective tissue called the perimysium.

      Beneath the endomysium lies the sarcolemma, an elastic sheath with infoldings that invaginate the interior of the myofibers, particularly at the motor endplate of the neuromuscular junction.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Basic Cellular Physiology
      • Physiology
      18.4
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - Which of the following is an adverse effect of carbamazepine: ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following is an adverse effect of carbamazepine:

      Your Answer: Ototoxicity

      Correct Answer: Aplastic anaemia

      Explanation:

      Common adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, sedation, dizziness, headache, blurred vision and ataxia. These adverse effects are dose related and are most common at the start of treatment.
      Other adverse effects include:
      Allergic skin reactions (and rarely, more serious dermatological conditions)
      Hyponatraemia (avoid concomitant use with diuretics)
      Leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and other blood disorders including aplastic anaemia
      Hepatic impairment

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Central Nervous System
      • Pharmacology
      30.4
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - Which of the following laboratory findings is NOT typical of Hodgkin lymphoma: ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following laboratory findings is NOT typical of Hodgkin lymphoma:

      Your Answer: Raised ESR

      Correct Answer: Basophilia

      Explanation:

      Features may include:Normochromic normocytic anaemia is most common; bone marrow failure involvement is unusual in early disease, but if it occurs bone marrow failure may develop with leucoerythroblastic anaemiaOne-third of patients have a neutrophilia; eosinophilia is frequentAdvanced disease is associated with lymphopenia and loss of cell-mediated immunityPlatelet count is normal or increased in early disease and reduced in later stagesESR and CRP are usually raised (ESR is useful in monitoring disease progress)Serum LDH is raised initially in 30-40% of casesDiagnosis is made by histological examination of an excised lymph nodeThe distinctive multinucleate polypoid RS cell is central to the diagnosis of the four classic types of HL (95% of cases)

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Haematology
      • Pathology
      8.5
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - Which of the following clinical features would you NOT expect to see in...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following clinical features would you NOT expect to see in a tibial nerve palsy:

      Your Answer: Weakened inversion of the foot

      Correct Answer: Weakened eversion of the foot

      Explanation:

      Damage to the tibial nerve results in loss of plantarflexion of the ankle and weakness of inversion of the foot resulting in a shuffling gait, clawing of the toes and loss of sensation in its cutaneous distribution.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      11
      Seconds
  • Question 21 - A 38-year-old man returns from an overseas business trip with a fever and...

    Correct

    • A 38-year-old man returns from an overseas business trip with a fever and a headache. Following investigations a diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is made.
      Which of the following statements regarding Plasmodium falciparum malaria is true? Select ONE answer only.

      Your Answer: There may be a continuous fever

      Explanation:

      Plasmodium falciparum malaria is transmitted by female of the Anopheles genus of mosquito. The Aedes genus is responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue fever and yellow fever.
      Plasmodium falciparumis found globally but is mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa.
      The incubation period of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is 7-14 days.
      Sporozoites invade hepatocytes. Within the hepatocyte asexual reproduction occurs producing merozoites, which are released into the blood stream and invade the red blood cells of the host.
      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.
      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. There may also, however, be a continuous fever.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      22.9
      Seconds
  • Question 22 - Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that are critical in the maintenance,...

    Correct

    • Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that are critical in the maintenance, repair and remodelling of bones.
      Which of the following inhibits osteoclast activity? Select ONE answer only.

      Your Answer: Calcitonin

      Explanation:

      Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that breaks down bone tissue. This is a critical function in the maintenance, repair and remodelling of bones. The osteoclast disassembles and digests the composite of hydrated protein and minerals at a molecular level by secreting acid and collagenase. This process is known as bone resorption and also helps to regulate the plasma calcium concentration.
      Osteoclastic activity is controlled by a number of hormones:
      1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol increases osteoclastic activity
      Parathyroid hormone increases osteoclastic activity
      Calcitonin inhibits osteoclastic activity
      Bisphosphonates are a class of drug that slow down and prevent bone damage. They are osteoclast inhibitors.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine Physiology
      • Physiology
      35.1
      Seconds
  • Question 23 - A 52-year old male comes to the out-patient department for a groin mass...

    Correct

    • A 52-year old male comes to the out-patient department for a groin mass that protrudes when standing. The patient notes that it is reducible when lying down. On physical examination, there is presence of a cough impulse. The initial assessment is hernia. Further investigation reveals that the mass lies lateral to the epigastric vessels.

      Among the types of hernia, which is the most likely diagnosis of the case above?

      Your 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.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Abdomen And Pelvis
      • Anatomy
      34
      Seconds
  • Question 24 - The enzyme protein gastric lipase is responsible for the breakdown of lipids in...

    Incorrect

    • The enzyme protein gastric lipase is responsible for the breakdown of lipids in the stomach.

      Which of the following cell types secretes gastric lipase?

      Your Answer: Parietal cells

      Correct Answer: Chief cells

      Explanation:

      Gastric lipase, commonly known as LIPF, is an acidic lipase released by gastric chief cells, which are found deep within the stomach lining’s mucosal layer. It’s an enzymatic protein that’s in charge of fat digestion in the stomach.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastrointestinal Physiology
      • Physiology
      18.6
      Seconds
  • Question 25 - Regarding hypertensive crises, which of the following statements is CORRECT: ...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding hypertensive crises, which of the following statements is CORRECT:

      Your Answer: Oral amlodipine is usually first line in management of hypertensive emergencies.

      Correct Answer: In a hypertensive emergency, blood pressure should be reduced by 20 - 25% within 2 hours.

      Explanation:

      A hypertensive emergency is defined as severe hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 180/110 mmHg) with acute damage to the target organs. Prompt treatment with intravenous antihypertensive therapy is generally required; over the first few minutes or within 2 hours, blood pressure should be reduced by 20 – 25%. Severe hypertension without acute target organ damage is defined as hypertensive urgency.; blood pressure should be reduced gradually over 24 – 48 hours with oral antihypertensive therapy. If blood pressure is reduced too quickly in the management of hypertensive crises, there is a risk of reduced organ perfusion leading to cerebral infarction, blindness, deterioration in renal function, and myocardial ischaemia.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular
      • Pharmacology
      121.9
      Seconds
  • Question 26 - Compression of this nerve can cause weakness in the left leg while walking...

    Correct

    • Compression of this nerve can cause weakness in the left leg while walking and thigh adduction weakness at the hip joint.

      Your Answer: Obturator nerve

      Explanation:

      The obturator nerve is a sensory and motor nerve that emerges from the lumbar plexus and innervates the thigh.

      This nerve supplies motor innervation to the medial compartment of the thigh, making it necessary for thigh adduction.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      22.5
      Seconds
  • Question 27 - What is the primary function of collagen in wound healing? ...

    Correct

    • What is the primary function of collagen in wound healing?

      Your Answer: Strength and support

      Explanation:

      Key elements of the maturation stage include collagen cross-linking, collagen remodelling, wound contraction, and repigmentation. The tensile strength of the wound is directly proportional to the amount of collagen present. Numerous types of collagen have been identified; types I and III predominate in the skin and aponeurotic layers. Initially, a triple helix (tropocollagen) is formed by three protein chains; two are identical alpha-1 protein chains, and the third is an alpha-2 protein.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Wound Healing
      8.7
      Seconds
  • Question 28 - A 36-year-old woman is 22-weeks pregnant and is investigated for a possible thyroid...

    Incorrect

    • A 36-year-old woman is 22-weeks pregnant and is investigated for a possible thyroid disorder. When her total thyroid hormone levels does not correlate with her thyrometabolic status, her thyroid-binding globulin levels are checked.

      What percentage of circulating thyroid hormones is bound to thyroid-binding globulin?

      Your Answer: 99%

      Correct Answer: 70%

      Explanation:

      Only a very small fraction of the thyroid hormones circulating in the blood are free. The majority is bound to transport proteins. Only the free thyroid hormones are biologically active, and measurement of total thyroid hormone levels can be misleading.

      The relative percentages of bound and unbound thyroid hormones are:
      Bound to thyroid-binding globulin -70%
      Bound to albumin -15-20%
      Bound to transthyretin -10-15%
      Free T3 -0.3%
      Free T4 -0.03%

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine Physiology
      • Physiology
      24.9
      Seconds
  • Question 29 - Which of the following decreases activation of vitamin D: ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following decreases activation of vitamin D:

      Your Answer: Chronic renal failure

      Explanation:

      Calcium deficiency (low Ca2+ diet or hypocalcemia) activates 1-alpha-hydroxylase in the cells of the renal proximal tubule which catalyses the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hypophosphatemia also stimulate the enzyme. Chronic renal failure is associated with a constellation of bone diseases, including osteomalacia caused by failure of the diseased renal tissue to produce the active form of vitamin D.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine
      • Physiology
      42.1
      Seconds
  • Question 30 - A patient suffers a lower limb fracture that causes damage to the nerve...

    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
      23.7
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

General Pathology (1/2) 50%
Pathology (3/5) 60%
Anatomy (3/8) 38%
Upper Limb (1/2) 50%
Central Nervous System (1/2) 50%
Pharmacology (3/5) 60%
Microbiology (3/3) 100%
Pathogens (1/1) 100%
Physiology (4/9) 44%
Respiratory Physiology (0/1) 0%
Basic Cellular (1/1) 100%
Renal (1/1) 100%
Cardiovascular Physiology (0/1) 0%
Lower Limb (1/4) 25%
Cardiovascular (1/2) 50%
Abdomen And Pelvis (1/2) 50%
Specific Pathogen Groups (2/2) 100%
Immune Responses (1/1) 100%
Cardiovascular Pharmacology (1/1) 100%
Basic Cellular Physiology (0/1) 0%
Haematology (0/1) 0%
Endocrine Physiology (1/2) 50%
Gastrointestinal Physiology (0/1) 0%
Wound Healing (1/1) 100%
Endocrine (1/1) 100%
Passmed