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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 27-year-old male is admitted after drinking engine coolant in an apparent suicide attempt. Lab investigations reveal:
- pH 7.1 (7.36-7.44)
- pO2 15.3 kPa (11.3-12.6)
- pCO2 3.2 kPa (4.7-6.0)
- Standard bicarbonate 2.2 mmol/L (20-28)
- Serum calcium 1.82 mmol/L (2.2-2.6)
Your Answer: Haemodialysis
Correct Answer: Fomepizole infusion
Explanation:The patient’s symptoms and lab results are indicative of ethylene glycol poisoning, commonly found in engine coolant. Ethylene glycol is metabolized to toxic metabolites, including glycolic acid and oxalic acid, which can cause metabolic acidosis (evidenced by the low pH and low bicarbonate levels) and can bind calcium, leading to hypocalcemia.
Fomepizole is an antidote that inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that converts ethylene glycol into its toxic metabolites. This prevents further formation of the harmful substances, allowing time for the ethylene glycol to be excreted unchanged in the urine.
While haemodialysis is also an important treatment for severe ethylene glycol poisoning, especially in cases of significant acidosis or renal failure, the immediate administration of fomepizole is the most urgent intervention to prevent further toxicity. Haemodialysis can be considered if the patient does not respond adequately to fomepizole or if there are signs of severe toxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 2
Correct
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With regards to splenic micro-architecture which is not contained within the red pulp
Your Answer: Malpighian corpuscles
Explanation:Red pulp is responsible for mechanical filtration of red blood cells and is composed of sinusoids, which are filled with blood, splenic cords of reticular fibers and a marginal zone bordering on white pulp. White pulp provides an active immune response through humoral and cell-mediated pathways. Composed of nodules, called Malpighian corpuscles. These are composed of: lymphoid follicles, rich in B-lymphocytes and periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (PALS), rich in T-lymphocytes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 3
Correct
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The following is true in relation to coronary venous drainage?
Your Answer: Most venous return ultimately drains into right atrium via the coronary sinus
Explanation:Most of the venous blood returns to the heart via the coronary sinus and the anterior cardiac veins. Apart from these there are other vessels that drain directly into the heart chambers
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 4
Incorrect
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The cavernous sinus is?
Your Answer: Medial to the body of the sphenoid
Correct Answer: Lateral to the body of the sphenoid
Explanation:It is a venous sinus which creates a cavity called the lateral sellar compartment bordered by the temporal bone and the sphenoid bone. There are 2 on either side. It is about 1cm wide and extends from the posterior aspect of the orbit to the petrous part of the temporal bone. They sit on either side or lateral to the sphenoid bone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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With regard to cell membrane proteins:
Your Answer: Those that act as pumps transport substances down an electrochemical gradient
Correct Answer: Carriers are involved in facilitated diffusion
Explanation:Pumps use a source of free energy such as ATP to transport ions against a gradient and is an example of active transport. Unlike channel proteins which only transport substances through membranes passively, carrier proteins can transport ions and molecules either passively through facilitated diffusion, or via secondary active transport. Channels are either in open state or closed state. When a channel is opened, it is open to both extracellular and intracellular. Pores are continuously open to both environments, because they do not undergo conformational changes. They are always open and active.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Where is thyroglobulin produced?
Your Answer: Colloid
Correct Answer: Thyrocytes
Explanation:Thyroglobulin, or Tg, is a protein that functions as the precursor to thyroid hormones. It is synthesized by thyrocytes and then secreted into the colloid. It also functions as a negative-feedback regulator of thyroid hormone biosynthesis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Which of the following pairing is correct:
Your Answer: Herpes simplex type I and primary genital herpes
Correct Answer: Herpes simplex type I and herpes encephalitis
Explanation:Herpes simplex virus is likely the most common cause of Mollaret’s meningitis, and, in worse case scenarios, can lead to a potentially fatal case of herpes simplex encephalitis. The eighth human herpesvirus or HHV-8 causes Kaposi’s sarcoma and Herpes simplex type 2 is responsible for most primary genital herpes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 8
Correct
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The bradycardia that occurs in patients with raised intracranial pressure is a result of the?
Your Answer: Cushing reflex
Explanation:When intracranial pressure is increased, the blood supply to RVLM neurons is compromised. This results in an increase in their discharge as a result of hypoxia and hypercapnia. The resultant rise in systemic arterial pressure (Cushing reflex) tends to restore the blood flow to the medulla.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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Which statement describes endogenous transmission the best?
Your Answer: Commensal flora that gain access to an inappropriate area
Explanation:All answers A, B, C, and D are examples of exogenous infections. Endogenous infection is an infection by organisms that normally reside in the body but have previously been dormant.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Which lipoprotein contains the most cholesterol esters?
Your Answer: HDL
Correct Answer: LDL
Explanation:LDL and HDL transport both dietary and endogenous cholesterol in the plasma, but LDL is the main transporter of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 11
Incorrect
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In the basal ganglia, the Lentiform nucleus is formed by which two nuclei?
Your Answer: Caudate and putamen
Correct Answer: Putamen and Globus pallidus
Explanation:The Basal Ganglia are composed of the following structures: Caudate, putamen, Globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra.
The Lentiform nucleus is a biconvex structure located within the basal ganglia of the brain. It is composed of two nuclei:
- Putamen: This is the outer part of the Lentiform nucleus and is involved in regulating movements and various types of learning.
- Globus pallidus: This is the inner part of the Lentiform nucleus and is divided into two segments: the external segment (GPe) and the internal segment (GPi). It plays a key role in the regulation of voluntary movement.
These two structures together form the Lentiform nucleus, which is an integral part of the basal ganglia system involved in motor control.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 12
Correct
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The first enzyme carbohydrates encounter in the digestive tract is?
Your Answer: Amylase
Explanation:Carbohydrate digesting enzymes are known as amylase. Salivary amylase or ptyalin is the first enzyme to begin carbohydrate digestion in he oral cavity. Amylose is a component of carbohydrates and is not an enzyme. Isomaltase, maltase and sucrase are enzymes found in the small intestines that digest disaccharides like maltose and sucrose to monosaccharides.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Telomerase is active in all of the following cells, except:
Your Answer: Certain osteoblasts
Correct Answer: Certain liver cells
Explanation:Telomerase is an enzyme that adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres), preventing their shortening during cell division. Telomerase activity is crucial for cells that divide frequently and need to maintain their telomere length for continued proliferation. These include:
- Stem cells: They have high telomerase activity to maintain their long-term proliferative capacity.
- Germ cells: These cells also have active telomerase to ensure the stability of genetic material across generations.
- Certain white blood cells: Some immune cells, particularly those that need to proliferate in response to infection, show telomerase activity.
- Certain cancer cells: Many cancer cells reactivate telomerase, which contributes to their uncontrolled growth and immortality.
However, most somatic cells, including certain liver cells, do not exhibit significant telomerase activity. While some liver cells might show low levels of telomerase activity during regeneration, it is not generally active in normal, differentiated liver cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 68 year old male, previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis presents to your clinic with acute on chronic pain in his big toe. Past history is significant for hypertension for which he takes Bendroflumethiazide 5mg daily. Examination reveals an erythematous, red hot metatarsophalangeal joint that has a knobbly appearance. X-ray shows punched out bony cysts. Which of the following would be the most appropriate long term management for this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Stop Bendroflumethiazide and substitute a calcium antagonist
Explanation:The most likely diagnosis is chronic tophaceous gout, which is classically associated with chronic renal impairment or long term diuretic therapy. There is tophus formation due to urate crystal deposition in and around the joint. These tophi can also form in the bones and soft tissues. Renal manifestations with uric acid include nephrolithiasis and uric acid nephropathy. Whenever there is an acute on chronic attack of gout, the inciting cause must be established and in case of diuretic use, they should be immediately replaced with another medication. Allopurinol is never started during an acute episode. it is first allowed to settle before administration of allopurinol. Although dietary restriction must be observed in people with a propensity of gout, this scenario clearly presents diuretics as the cause.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 15
Incorrect
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The cells that secrete HCL are found in which part of the stomach?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Body
Explanation:The stomach can be divided in to different regions. Cardia, fundus, body, antrum and pylorus from proximal end to distal end respectively. Different cell types are distributed accordingly among the regions of the stomach. Cells that secret HCl in the gastric mucosa are known as parietal cells and are abundant in the gastric body region. They have receptors for acetylcholine stimulated via the vagus nerve, histamine receptors and gastrin receptors which stimulate gastric acid secretion. G cells that secret gastrin are abundant in the antrum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Which of the following would be the most appropriate treatment (leaving out the current NICE guidelines) for a 29 year old man with erythrodermic psoriasis and arthritis mutilans involving several digits of both hands?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Etanercept
Explanation:TNF-alpha inhibitors are known to ameliorate the symptoms and disease activity of Arthritis mutilans (a rare and severe form of psoriatic arthritis), by disabling the cytokines that are involved in inflammation and joint destruction. From the mentioned choices, this would be the most effective option. Methotrexate is the most commonly used DMARD, followed by sulfasalazine used in mild to moderate forms of psoriatic arthritis but has not shown much efficacy in arthritis mutilans. Phototherapy, narrowband UVB light therapy can be very effective in clearing skin lesions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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A 75-year-old man has presented to the clinic with a complaint of disturbed sleep. The physician has prescribed temazepam. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of this drug?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid
Explanation:Temazepam is an orally available benzodiazepine used in the therapy of insomnia. The soporific activity of the benzodiazepines is mediated by their ability to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission through binding to the GABA-A receptor.The recommended initial dose for insomnia is 7.5 mg before bedtime, increasing as needed to a maximum dose of 30 mg. The most common side effects of temazepam are dose-related and include daytime drowsiness, lethargy, ataxia, dysarthria, and dizziness.Tolerance develops to these side effects, but tolerance may also develop to the effects on insomnia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Regarding glomus cells, which of the following is true?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Contain catecholamines
Explanation:The carotid body detects changes in the composition of arterial blood flowing through it, mainly the partial pressure of oxygen, but also of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it is also sensitive to changes in pH and temperature.The carotid body is made up of two types of cells, called glomus cells: Glomus type I/chief cells release a variety of neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, ATP, and dopamine that trigger EPSPs in synapsed neurons leading to the respiratory centre.Glomus type II/sustentacular cells resemble glia, express the glial marker S100 and act as supporting cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Which of the following is the most common clinical feature of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Headache
Explanation:Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:It is considered as the great imitator of other diseases as the patients present with a myriad of symptoms. The carbon monoxide diffuses rapidly across the pulmonary capillary membrane binding to the haem molecule with a very high affinity (240 times that of oxygen) forming carboxy-haemoglobin (COHb). Non-smokers have a baseline COHb of ,3% while smokers have a baseline COHb of 10-15%.Clinical features of carbon monoxide toxicity:Headache: 90% of cases (most common clinical feature)Nausea and vomiting: 50%Vertigo: 50%Confusion: 30%Subjective weakness: 20%Severe toxicity: ‘pink’ skin and mucosa, hyperpyrexia, arrhythmias, extrapyramidal features, coma, deathCherry red skin is a sign of severe toxicity and is usually a post-mortem finding.Management• 100% oxygen• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)The use of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treatment mild to moderate CO poisoning is not routine.The selection criteria for HBOT in cases of CO poisoning include:• COHb levels > 20-25%• COHb levels > 20% in pregnant patient • Loss of consciousness• Severe metabolic acidosis (pH <7.1)• Evidence of end-organ ischemia (e.g., ECG changes, chest pain, or altered mental status)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Choose the correct answer: The interposed nuclei…
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Are the emboliform and globose nuclei in the paravermis
Explanation:The interposed nuclei are a part of deep cerebellar complex and are composed of the globose nucleus and the emboliform nucleus. It receives afferent fibers from the anterior lobe of the cerebellum and sends output via the superior cerebellar peduncle to the red nucleus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Where does secretin work in the pancreas?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Pancreatic ducts
Explanation:Secretin, a hormone produced by the duodenal S cells in response to the stomach chyme containing high hydrogen atom concentration (high acidity), is released into the blood stream; upon return to the digestive tract, secretion decreases gastric emptying, increases secretion of the pancreatic ductal cells, as well as stimulating pancreatic acinar cells to release their zymogenic juice.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 34-year-old man was brought to the ER following a road-traffic-accident. An X-ray of his left thigh revealed a fractured shaft of the left femur. He has a known history of opioid abuse. You are called to the ward to assess him after he becomes unwell. Which of the following clinical features are NOT compatible with a diagnosis of opioid withdrawal?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hypothermia
Explanation:Among the options provided, hypothermia is not a symptom of opioid withdrawal.Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include dysphoric mood, yawning, insomnia, muscle aches, lacrimation/rhinorrhoea, papillary dilatation, piloerection, fever, sweating, nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea.If the patient is having an opioid withdrawal reaction, then give 10 mg of methadone syrup and wait about 60 min to determine its effect.COWS (Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale) assessment for opioid withdrawal is commonly used to determine the severity of opioid withdrawal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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In which phase do chromosomes in the nucleus become completely condensed into well-defined chromosomes?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Metaphase
Explanation:Prophase begins when the nucleus envelope disintegrates and the chromosomes start to condense. The chromosomes consist of two sister chromatids that are joined at a constriction known as centromere. When the cell reaches the metaphase the chromosomes are completely condensed and ready to align on the equatorial plate
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Which of the following is an example of a ketone body?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Acetoacetate
Explanation:Ketone bodies are three water-soluble molecules (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and their spontaneous breakdown product, acetone) that are produced by the liver from fatty acids during periods of low food intake (fasting), carbohydrate restrictive diets, starvation, prolonged intense exercise, alcoholism or in untreated (or inadequately treated) type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 25
Incorrect
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The action of progesterone on different organs/systems includes:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Breasts: stimulation of lobular and alveolar development
Explanation:Progesterone is a sex hormone which affects mainly the reproductive system. In the breasts, it mediates the lobuloalveolar maturation to allow for milk production; this is done in conjunction with prolactin. It acts to maintain female reproductive and sex characteristics.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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If both the noradrenergic and the cholinergic systems are blocked in the heart, the rate will be approximately:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 100/min
Explanation:The normal heart beat is about 70/min. This is due to a predominant parasympathetic activity. If sympathetic activity was unopposed the heart rate would have been 150/min. When both the noradrenergic and cholinergic systems are blocked the heart rate is 100/min. This is the normal firing rate of the SA node.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 27
Incorrect
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In a 60kg adult male with normal mean arterial pressure and oxygen consumption, what proportion of the cardiac output at rest goes to the brain?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 10-15%
Explanation:The rate of cerebral blood flow in the adult is typically 750 millilitres per minute, which is 10-15% of the cardiac output. On average around 13.9% of cardiac output is distributed to the brain.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Role of bile salts in digestion of fats include
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Reduce surface tension, emulsification and transportation
Explanation:Bile acts to some extent as a surfactant reducing surface tension, helping to emulsify the lipids in food. Bile salt anions are hydrophilic on one side and hydrophobic on the other side; consequently, they tend to aggregate around droplets of lipids (triglycerides and phospholipids) to form micelles, with the hydrophobic sides towards the fat and hydrophilic sides facing outwards. The hydrophilic sides are negatively charged, and this charge prevents fat droplets coated with bile from re-aggregating into larger fat particles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which is primarily responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3 in the periphery?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Deiodinase 1
Explanation:Type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase, also known simply as deiodinase 1, is an enzyme which can produce both triiodothyronine (active form) or inactivate metabolites from T4. It is responsible for almost 80% of the conversion of peripheral T4 to T3. Iodothyronine deiodinases are not to be confused with iodotyrosine deiodinases, which are also part of the deiodinase enzymes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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