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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 70-year-old male tells doctors he has been exposed to asbestos 20 years ago and has attempted to quit smoking. He has lost a lot of weight and his voice is very hoarse. Choose the most likely cancer diagnosis in this patient.
Your Answer: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Correct Answer: Bronchial Carcinoma
Explanation:A hoarse voice, exposure to asbestos, and smoking are all consistent with bronchial carcinoma in this patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 66-year-old COPD patient visits the clinic for a review. He has no increase in his sputum volume or change in its colour. He has been a smoker for 39 years and previously worked at the shipping docks.
On examination, he is pursed lip breathing but managing complete sentences.
Investigations:
BP is 141/72 mmHg
Pulse 82 bpm and regular
Sp(O2) 92% on room air
RR 19 breaths/min
Temperature 37.1°C.
Examination of his chest revealed a widespread wheeze with coarse crepitations heard in the L mid-zone. FEV1 :FVC ratio in the clinic today was 68%.
Â
Which of the following would be the most useful investigation that should be performed to establish the diagnosis?Your Answer: Chest X-ray
Correct Answer: High-resolution CT thorax
Explanation:High-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning is more sensitive than standard chest radiography and is highly specific for diagnosing emphysema (outlined bullae are not always visible on a radiograph).
HRCT scanning may provide an adjunct means of diagnosing various forms of COPD (i.e., lower lobe disease may suggest AAT deficiency) and may help the clinician to determine whether surgical intervention would benefit the patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 3
Correct
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A 60-year-old male has been taken to the doctor with dysphagia and pain when swallowing. A barium meal shows he has gross dilation of the oesophagus, with a smooth narrowing at the lower end. Choose the single most likely cause of his symptoms.
Your Answer: Achalasia
Explanation:Finding it difficult to swallow both food and drink with a narrow oesophagus is consistent with a diagnosis of achalasia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 4
Incorrect
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A 52-year-old woman is being reviewed in the oncology clinic following debulking surgery one month ago. She is a known case of primary peritoneal cancer with two liver metastases and has now come in for review prior to adjuvant chemotherapy.
During her chemotherapy, which of the following tumour markers would be the most appropriate to monitor her disease progression?Your Answer: CA 19-9
Correct Answer: CA 125
Explanation:Tumour marker CA 125 is mostly associated with primary peritoneal cancer and ovarian cancer. It can be used to monitor response to chemotherapy, alongside regular CT scans.
Tumour markers can be divided into:
1. Monoclonal antibodies
CA 125: Ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer
CA 19-9: Pancreatic cancer
CA 15-3: Breast cancer2. Tumour specific antigens
Prostate specific antigen (PSA): Prostatic carcinoma
Alpha-feto protein (AFP): Hepatocellular carcinoma, teratoma
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): Colorectal cancer
S-100: Melanoma, schwannomas
Bombesin: Small cell lung carcinoma, gastric cancer3. Enzymes
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Neuron specific enolase (NSE)4. Hormones
Calcitonin
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 5
Correct
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A 65-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes comes to the clinic for review. His HbA1c is elevated at 64 mmol/mol despite taking 1g of metformin BD. On examination, his blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg, his pulse is 82 beats per minute and regular. His BMI is 33 kg/m². A decision is made to start him on dapagliflozin. Which of the following would you expect on starting therapy?
Your Answer: Increased total cholesterol
Explanation:Dapagliflozin works by inhibiting sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and blocking resorption of glucose in the kidney, leading to an increase in urinary glucose excretion and lowering of both plasma glucose levels and body weight.
All studies with SGLT2 inhibitors have found significant reductions in BP, with greater reductions seen in systolic (1.66 to 6.9mmHg) than diastolic (0.88 to 3.5mmHg) BP.
While some trials have shown no change in lipid parameters, others have shown a modest but statistically significant increase in both HDL and LDL cholesterol with no effect on triglycerides or the LDL/HDL ratio. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 6
Correct
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A 28-year-old male was screened for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM). His father has passed away recently at the age of 48 and found to have HOCM during post mortem examination. On examination of this patient his BP was 142/84 mmHg and pulse rate was 68 bpm which was regular. There was a mid systolic murmur and a double apex beat. Echocardiography showed a septal wall thickness of 3.3 cm. What is the factor most closely linked to his 20 year risk of sudden cardiac death?
Your Answer: Septal wall thickness of 3.3 cm
Explanation:There are five prognostic factors which indicate poor prognosis in HOCM:
-family history of HOCM-related sudden cardiac death
-unexplained recent syncope
-large left ventricular wall thickness (MLVWT > 30 mm)
-multiple bursts of nsVT on ambulatory electrocardiography
-hypotensive or attenuated blood pressure response to exercise -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 7
Correct
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β-blockers are used in the treatment of angina because they have which one of the following properties?
Your Answer: Decrease the heart rate and myocardial contractility
Explanation:The cardiovascular effects of β-adrenoceptor block result from reduction of the sympathetic drive which includes reduced heart rate (automaticity) and reduced myocardial contractility (rate of rise of pressure in the ventricle). This will lead to reduced cardiac output and an overall fall in oxygen consumption.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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In which part of the body is conjugated bilirubin metabolised to urobilinogen?
Your Answer: Hepatic sinusoids
Correct Answer: Large intestine
Explanation:Urobiligen is produced by the action of bacteria on bilirubin in the intestine. As a reminder, unconjugated bilirubin becomes conjugated in the hepatocyte. Conjugated bilirubin goes through enterohepatic circulation. About half of the urobiligen is reabsorbed and excreted by the kidneys in the urine. The rest is converted to stercobilinogen –> stercobilin, which is excreted in stool, giving it its brown colour.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 68-year-old palliative care patient with bronchial cancer is suffering from recurrent, distressing cough because he cannot cough up his secretions. Which of the following drugs would most likely be helpful?
Your Answer: Pilocarpine
Correct Answer: Scopolamine
Explanation:When death is imminent, oral and respiratory secretions become salient symptoms. It is important to separate the nursing concerns of frequent suctioning, the family concerns of chest crackles, and the true symptoms of dyspnoea or cough sensed by the patient. While opioids are the most successful agents for management of dyspnoea, anticholinergic agents such as scopolamine and glycopyrrolate are preferred for control of copious secretions. Symptoms such as pain and dyspnoea that do not respond to initial therapy should prompt referral to palliative care and pain management specialists, from the time of presentation until the last days of life.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatric Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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Which of the following statements is false regarding the bioavailability of a drug?
Your Answer: The bioavailability of a drug given orally is often affected by the degree of renal elimination
Explanation:Renal elimination of a drug has no role in altering the bioavailability of a drug.
The bioavailability of a drug is the proportion of the drug which reaches systemic circulation.
Mathematically, bioavailability is the AUCoral/AUCiv x 100%, where AUC = area under the concentration-time curve following a single (oral or iv) dose.Other options are true:
By definition, the bioavailability of a drug given intravenously is 100%.
Drugs given orally that undergo high pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism in the liver or gut wall have a low bioavailability e.g. lidocaine.
Bioavailability is also affected by the degree of absorption from the gut and this can change depending on gut motility and administration of other drugs. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 11
Correct
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A 45-year-old male presents to A&E, after hitting his car multiple times when reversing. He complains of double vision when he looked back during reversing. He also complains of double vision when looking with an outward gaze. Which is the nerve involved in this patient?
Your Answer: Abducent nerve
Explanation:This nerve is responsible for the side to side movement of the eye, hence why damage can cause double vision.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 12
Correct
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A 35-year-old lady was brought to the emergency department in an unconscious state. She is a known drug addict and has a 1 day history of anuria. CXR revealed pulmonary oedema. Serum electrolytes showed hyperkalaemia. The next management step would be?
Your Answer: IV calcium gluconate
Explanation:IV calcium gluconate is the drug of choice in hyperkalaemia, as it is a life threatening condition and prompt management is required.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 13
Correct
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A 40-year-old man presents with recurrent headaches, 2-3 times a day, associated with sweating and palpitations.
His blood pressure during the attacks is around 220/120 mmHg.
Given the likely diagnosis, what is the next appropriate investigation?Your Answer: 24 hour urinary collection of metanephrines
Explanation:Classically, pheochromocytoma manifests with the following 4 characteristics:
– Headaches
– Palpitations
– Sweating
– Severe hypertensionThe Endocrine Society, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, and the European Society of Endocrinology have released clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma.
Biochemical testing via measurement of plasma free metanephrines or urinary fractionated metanephrines should be performed in patients suspected of having pheochromocytoma.Catecholamines produced by pheochromocytomas are metabolized within chromaffin cells. Norepinephrine is metabolized to normetanephrine and epinephrine is metabolized to metanephrine. Because this process occurs within the tumour, independently of catecholamine release, pheochromocytomas are best diagnosed by measurement of these metabolites rather than by measurement of the parent catecholamines.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 14
Correct
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A 21-year-old student presents with yellowish discolouration of her sclera. She says she has had severe headaches over the last few weeks for which she has been taking paracetamol. What is the most likely cause of her jaundice?
Your Answer: Gilbert's syndrome
Explanation:Gilbert’s syndrome is a mild liver disorder in which the liver does not properly process bilirubin. Many people never have symptoms. Occasionally a slight yellowish colour of the skin or whites of the eyes may occur. Other possible symptoms include feeling tired, weakness, and abdominal pain.
The enzymes that are defective in Gilberts – UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A1 (UGT1A1) – are also responsible for some of the liver’s ability to detoxify certain drugs. While paracetamol (acetaminophen) is not metabolized by UGT1A1,[10] it is metabolized by one of the other enzymes also deficient in some people with Gilberts. Therefore a subset of people with Gilberts may have an increased risk of paracetamol toxicity. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary System
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Question 15
Correct
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A 5-year-old girl was admitted for fever, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and signs of pulmonary infection. She now presents a few days later with signs of meningism. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
Explanation:Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer of the lymphoid line of blood cells characterized by the development of large numbers of immature lymphocytes. Symptoms may include feeling tired, frequent infections with fever as well as anaemia with thrombocytopenia. As an acute leukaemia, ALL progresses rapidly and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated. The patient’s age also favours the diagnosis of ALL as it occurs most commonly in children, particularly those between the ages of two and five.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 16
Correct
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Which one of the following congenital infections is most characteristically associated with chorioretinitis?
Your Answer: Toxoplasma gondii
Explanation:The common congenital infections encountered are rubella, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital infection in the UK. Maternal infection is usually asymptomatic.
Congenital toxoplasmosis is associated with fetal death and abortion, and in infants, it is associated with neurologic deficits, neurocognitive deficits, and chorioretinitis. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 17
Correct
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A 40-year-old female patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed with type 1 renal tubular acidosis. What is the most probable sequela of this condition?
Your Answer: Nephrocalcinosis
Explanation:Distal renal tubular acidosis is due to defective proton secretion from the alpha intercalated cells of the distal tubule caused by dysfunction of the H+/K+ antiporter on the apical membrane. This leads to failure of H+ excretion thereby causing systemic acidosis and potassium depletion. Inability to lower the urine pH below 5.3 in the presence of systemic acidosis is the diagnostic hallmark of type I or distal renal tubular acidosis. Hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia and elevated urinary pH observed in distal renal tubular acidosis can lead to nephrocalcinosis and may cause renal calculi, obstructive uropathy and renal failure necessitating surgical or endoscopic stone extraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 18
Correct
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The tumour suppressor gene is associated with multiple colonic polyps in which of the following autosomal dominant disorders?
Your Answer: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Explanation:Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disorder where patients present with malignancy in their middle age. APC tumour suppressor gene is responsible for this disorder. Other disorders mentioned in the above options do not involve the tumour suppressor gene and are not autosomal dominant disorders.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 19
Correct
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A 32-year-old male presents following a car accident. He has a swollen foot, with loss of sensation in the space between the 3rd metatarsal and big toe and foot tenderness. In addition, his dorsalis pedis is not palpable. Which is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Compartment syndrome
Explanation:Acute compartment syndrome results from severe high pressure in the compartment with concomitant insufficient blood supply to the tissue involved. Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency that can lead to severe impairment of the function of the affected limb, if left untreated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 20
Correct
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A 26-year-old student has been brought to the emergency department in a confused state. His friends report that he has been complaining of headaches for the past few weeks. He has a low-grade fever and on examination is noted to have abnormally pink mucosa. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Carbon monoxide poisoning
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 21
Correct
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What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of cisplatin?
Your Answer: Causes cross-linking in DNA
Explanation:Cisplatin is a cytotoxic agent that acts by causing cross-linking in DNA. Its adverse effects include ototoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, hypomagnesaemia, etc.
The causative cytotoxic agents acting through the other aforementioned MOAs are as follows:
1. Doxorubicin: Stabilizes DNA topoisomerase II complex and inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis.
2. Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide): Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, decreasing DNA synthesis.
3. Mercaptopurine (6-MP): Purine analogue that is activated by HGPRTase, decreasing purine synthesis.
4. Vincristine, vinblastine: Inhibits formation of microtubules.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 40-year-old female presented with palmar xanthomas and tuberoeruptive xanthomas on her elbows and knees. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia
Correct Answer: Type III hyperlipoproteinaemia
Explanation:Palmar xanthomas and tuberoeruptive xanthomas are found in type III hyperlipoproteinemia (dysbetalipoproteinemia,broad-beta disease, remnant removal disease)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 23
Correct
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A 52-year-old female who was a smoker, with a history of asymptomatic atrial septal defect (ASD) presented with difficulty in breathing on exertion and ankle oedema for the past 2 weeks. She has defaulted on her follow up for ASD. On examination she was cyanosed and clubbing was noted. Her pulse rate was 92 and blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg. Echocardiography revealed a dilated right ventricle of the heart. The right ventricular pressure was 90 mmHg. Significant tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation were also noted. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Eisenmenger's syndrome
Explanation:According to echocardiography findings pulmonary pressure is closer to systemic blood pressure and it is evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Because of the reversal of shunt due to pulmonary hypertension, cyanosis and clubbing have developed. So the most probable diagnosis is Eisenmenger’s syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A 23-year-old female presents with a five month history of worsening breathlessness and daily productive cough. As a young child, she had occasional wheezing with viral illnesses and she currently works in a shipyard and also smokes one pack of cigarettes daily for the past three years. Which of the following is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Asthma
Correct Answer: Bronchiectasis
Explanation:Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include:
– a persistent productive cough
– breathlessness.The 3 most common causes in the UK are:
– a lung infection in the past, such as pneumonia or whooping cough, that damages the bronchi
– underlying problems with the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) that make the bronchi more vulnerable to damage from an infection
– allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) – an allergy to a certain type of fungi that can cause the bronchi to become inflamed if spores from the fungi are inhaled -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 25
Correct
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A 60-year-old male was diagnosed as diabetic (DM type 2). He has a BMI=32. Lifestyle modification and exercise have failed to control his blood glucose levels. His labs were: urea=3.5mmol/l, creatinine=90 mmol/l, HbA1c=7.5g/dl. What will be the next management step?
Your Answer: Biguanide
Explanation:For type 2 diabetics, biguanides are the treatment of choice.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 26
Correct
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A 73-year-old post-menopausal woman with an ESR of 72mm/hr, complains of pain on chewing and unilateral headache. Which additional treatment would you choose if she is already on oral steroids?
Your Answer: Bisphosphonates
Explanation:The symptoms in concordance with the elevated ESR and the age of the patient should make you think of temporal arteritis. Temporal arteritis is treated with steroids which predispose the patient to develop osteopenia and finally osteoporosis. Its very important to take into account the sex and the age of the patient because osteoporosis is common in post-menopausal women. Bisphosphonates are protective towards osteoporosis and they should be administered next.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Which of the following is most likely linked to male infertility in cystic fibrosis?
Your Answer: Decreased spermatogenesis
Correct Answer: Failure of development of the vas deferens
Explanation:The vas deferens is a long tube that connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts. It acts as a canal through which mature sperm may pass through the penis during ejaculation.
Most men with CF (97-98 percent) are infertile because of a blockage or absence of the vas deferens, known as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). The sperm never makes it into the semen, making it impossible for them to reach and fertilize an egg through intercourse. The absence of sperm in the semen can also contribute to men with CF having thinner ejaculate and lower semen volume.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Which one of the following statements regarding hepatocellular carcinoma is correct?
Your Answer: Alcohol excess is the most common underlying cause worldwide
Correct Answer: Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor
Explanation:Diabetes is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Screening has been shown to be effective. Bevacizumab is not used for advanced cases. The incidence is higher in men. Alcohol is not the most common underlying cause worldwide; this is from cirrhosis from diseases like hepatitis B and C.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary System
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Question 29
Correct
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A 35-year-old woman visits you in the paediatric diabetes clinic with her 2-year-old son who has recently been diagnosed by type-1 diabetes. He has an identical twin brother and she is concerned about his risk of developing diabetes.
What advice would you give regarding his future risk?Your Answer: He has a 30-50% future risk of developing type-1 diabetes
Explanation:The frequency of type-1 diabetes is higher in siblings of diabetic parents (e.g., in the UK 6% by age 30) than in the general population (in the U.K. 0.4% by age 30), while disease concordance in monozygotic (identical) twins is about 40% i.e. the risk that the unaffected twin will develop diabetes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A 16-year-old boy is being treated with ADH for diabetes insipidus. His blood results show:
fasting plasma glucose level: 6 mmol/l (3- 6)
sodium 148 mmol/l (137-144)
potassium 4.5 mmol/l (3.5-4.9)
calcium 2.8 mmol/l (2.2-2.6).
However, he still complains of polyuria, polydipsia and nocturia.
What could be the most probable cause?Your Answer: Hypercalcaemia
Correct Answer: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Explanation:Diabetes insipidus (DI) is defined as the passage of large volumes (>3 L/24 hr) of dilute urine (< 300 mOsm/kg). It has the following 2 major forms:
Central (neurogenic, pituitary, or neurohypophyseal) DI, characterized by decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH; also referred to as arginine vasopressin [AVP])
Nephrogenic DI, characterized by decreased ability to concentrate urine because of resistance to ADH action in the kidney.
The boy most probably has nephrogenic diabetes insidious (DI) not central DI so he is not responding to the ADH treatment. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 31
Correct
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Patients on digoxin therapy are required to receive an initially higher dose of the drug, in order to amplify the effect of the treatment. Which of the following makes this requirement necessary?
Your Answer: Half-life
Explanation:A loading dose is required for drugs that are eliminated from the body in a slow, progressive manner. Half-life is the indicator showing if a drug has a fast, intermediate or slow elimination rate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 32
Incorrect
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A 51 year-old teacher presents complaining of numerous falls. He states he has difficulty walking up stairs, and he thinks it is because of his weak legs rather than blackouts. He is hypertensive and has suffered chronic back pain for many years. He has smoked for many years as well and has a chronic smokers cough. Upon examination, he has weakness of hip flexion and particularly knee extension. He is unable to keep his fingers flexed against force, with the right being weaker than the left. There are no sensory abnormalities and reflexes are preserved bilaterally. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inclusion body myositis
Explanation:The pattern of muscle involvement seen with quadriceps and long-finger flexors is characteristic of inclusion body myositis, an inflammatory myopathy. Polymyositis is likely to cause a predominantly proximal weakness, associated with muscle pain. The signs and symptoms are not consistent with upper cord compression, as there would likely be sensory signs, reflex changes, and possible urinary symptoms. Motor neuron disease cannot be ruled out, but there are no findings of upper motor neuron or bulbar features.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 33
Incorrect
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A 68-year-old female underwent surgery for a hysterectomy. 24 hours later, she is complaining of breathlessness. Upon examination, she has bibasal chest crepitations and a raised jugular venous pressure (JVP). From the list of options, which is the most likely electrolyte or fluid abnormality?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Fluid overload
Explanation:The raised JVP and bibasal crepitations in the patient indicate cardiac failure with fluid overload. A chest x-ray and BNP blood level analysis should be performed to confirm this diagnosis. The x-rays should be analysed for alveolar shadowing, Kerly B lines, cardiomegaly, upper lobe diversion, pleural effusion, and fluid in the fissure. If the patient doesn’t have a history of congestive cardiac failure, then this may have been iatrogenic secondary to intravenous fluids.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 34
Incorrect
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An 85-year-old elderly male presents with complaint of worsening breathlessness over the last 2 years. He has a longstanding history of COPD and currently takes salbutamol, ipratropium, salmeterol, beclomethasone and theophylline. FEV1 comes out to be less than 30%. What will be the most suitable next step in the management of this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Assessment for long term O2 therapy
Explanation:Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is the cornerstone mode of treatment in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with resting hypoxaemia. When appropriately prescribed and correctly used, LTOT has clearly been shown to improve survival in hypoxemic COPD patients. Requirements to proceed to LTOT is the patient should be stable and on appropriate optimum therapy (as in given case) and having stopped smoking tobacco. The patient should be shown to have a PaO2 of less than 7.3 kPa and/or a PaCO2 of greater than 6 kPa on two occasions at least 3 weeks apart. FEV1 should be less than 1.5 litres, and there should be a less than 15% improvement in FEV1 after bronchodilators. Patients with a PaO2 between 7.3 and 8 kPa who have polycythaemia, right heart failure or pulmonary hypertension may benefit from LTOT.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 35
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old alcoholic is admitted with portal hypertension. The wedged hepatic venous pressure is recorded. This pressure is reflective of which part of the hepatic vascular system?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Sinusoids
Explanation:The wedged hepatic venous pressure is a reflection of the portal venous pressure in the hepatic sinusoids. This is a fact to remember. Here is a great but concise explanation as to why: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18695309
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary System
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Question 36
Incorrect
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A 36-year-old patient who is a known IV drug abuser presented with complaints of sudden onset of sharp excruciating chest pain, which increases on inspiration and is relieved by bending forward. He also complained of shortness of breath for the last few months. The most likely diagnosis would be?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Pericarditis
Explanation:The chief symptoms of pericarditis comprise of sudden onset of sharp chest pain, that is relieved by bending forward and is exacerbated by deep inspiration. Symptoms can vary among the individuals but these are the chief symptoms.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 37
Incorrect
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A 25-year-old male presented in the emergency room with a history of loose stools which were bloody and mucoid for the last 2 to 3 months. The stools were also associated with abdominal cramps. He undergoes a colonoscopy after which he will start treatment. What is the most suitable drug in this case?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Mesalazine
Explanation:Symptoms are suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. In this disease mesalazine is very effective as an anti-inflammatory drug.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 38
Incorrect
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A 20-year-old pregnant female in her first trimester met a child with chickenpox. She was investigated for the varicella antibody, which came back negative. She visited her GP. Which of the following measures is the most appropriate one?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Ig
Explanation:After the exposure to chickenpox while pregnant, even if the patient is negative for antibodies she requires immunoglobulin to prevent further issues.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 39
Incorrect
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Question 40
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old female presented with complaints of earache and a high-grade fever. During examination, numerous small vesicles were found within the ear canal and her ear is very tender. Which one of the following organisms is most likely to be responsible for such a condition?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Herpes zoster
Explanation:Herpes zoster is a viral disorder in which painful vesicular lesions are present in a specific dermatome area. High-grade fever may present as well due to infection. Varicella zoster, measles, herpes simplex and HIV do not present with tender lesions of a limited area.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 41
Incorrect
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A patient who has recently been diagnosed with SLE undergoes serum testing. A rise in which of the following antibodies would indicate severe systemic involvement?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Anti double-stranded DNA antibodies
Explanation:Anti ds-DNA antibodies are very specific for SLE and their presence most often indicates systemic spread of the disease. These antibodies are present in about 30 percent of the total cases of SLE.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 42
Incorrect
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A 63-year-old man presents to the clinic complaining of a 6-month history of shortness of breath on exertion and a non-productive cough.
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On examination there is clubbing, and crepitations heard at the lung bases. Lung function tests show a reduced vital capacity and an increased FEV1/FVC ratio.
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What is his diagnosis?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Explanation:Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.
The most common signs and symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are shortness of breath and a persistent dry, hacking cough. Many affected individuals also experience a loss of appetite and gradual weight loss.The clinical findings of IPF are bibasilar reticular abnormalities, ground glass opacities, or diffuse nodular lesions on high-resolution computed tomography and abnormal pulmonary function studies that include evidence of restriction (reduced VC with an increase in FEV1/FVC ratio) and/or impaired gas exchange (increased P(A-a)O2 with rest or exercise or decreased diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide [DLCO]).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 43
Incorrect
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A 45-year-old female presented with weight loss, night sweats and abdominal pain for 6 months. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed a tubo-ovarian mass. What is the most likely organism, which is responsible for this presentation?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Explanation:Constitutional symptoms such as weight loss, evening pyrexia and night sweats are associated with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB). TB can affect any system of the body and should be top in the list of differentials particularly if the patient has a history of contact with a known TB patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 44
Incorrect
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A 44-year-old call centre worker with asthma is prescribed a leukotriene inhibitor. He presents with severe abdominal pain and a pleural effusion. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the effusion?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Churg-Strauss syndrome
Explanation:Churg-Strauss syndrome is characterised by reactions in the serosal membranes. Hence, pericardial effusions and pleural effusions are common. Cytological analysis of the transudate shows high levels of eosinophils. Leukotriene inhibitors are known to increase the incidence of this syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 45
Incorrect
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A 63-year-old gentleman presents with left-sided eye pain and diplopia for the past 2 days. Examination of his eyes shows his pupils equal and reactive to light with no proptosis. There is however an apparent palsy of the 6th cranial nerve associated with a partial 3rd nerve palsy on the left side. Examining the remaining cranial demonstrates hyperaesthesia of the upper face on the left side. Where is the likely lesion?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cavernous sinus
Explanation:A lesion on the cavernous sinus would explain the palsy observed on the III and VI cranial nerves because the cranial nerves III, IV, V, and VI pass through the cavernous sinus. Pain in the eye is due to the nearby ophthalmic veins that feeds the cavernous sinus. Additionally, the lesions in the other structures would have presented with pupil abnormalities and less localized pain and symptoms.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 46
Incorrect
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A 77-year-old female who is a known to have COPD and metastatic lung cancer is admitted with increasing shortness of breath. Following discussion with her family, it is decided to withdraw active treatment including fluids and antibiotics as the admission likely represents a terminal event. Two days after admission, she becomes agitated and restless.
What is the most appropriate management for her agitation and confusion?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Subcutaneous midazolam
Explanation:Generally, underlying causes of confusion need to be looked for and treated as appropriate, for example, hypercalcaemia, infection, urinary retention, and medication. If specific treatments fail, the following may be tried:
1. First choice: haloperidol
2. Other options: chlorpromazine, levomepromazineIn the terminal phase of the illness, agitation or restlessness is best treated with midazolam.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 47
Incorrect
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A 68-year-old gentleman has been receiving dialysis for 6 years. His PTH is elevated at 345 pg/ml (NR 25-65), phosphate 2.13 mmol/l and corrected calcium 2.01 mmol/l.
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Of the following, which is most likely responsible for renal osteodystrophy?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Diminished activity of renal 1-?-hydroxylase
Explanation:Renal osteodystrophy is a metabolic bone disease often affecting long-term dialysis patients. The kidneys are no longer able to maintain the calcium levels in the blood, thus the PTH increases as the body attempts to raise blood calcium levels. Osteomalacia in these cases is most likely caused by the diminished activity of renal 1-a-hydroxylase that is important for hydroxylation of Calciferol to calcitriol (Vitamin D). This bioactive form of Vitamin D is responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 48
Incorrect
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A 71-year-old female presents for investigation of fatigue and weight loss.
Investigations reveal:
Haemoglobin 9.0 g/dL (11.5-16.5)
White cell count 2.0 x109/L (4-11 x109)
Platelet count 250 x109/L (150-400 x109)
Total protein 74 g/L (61-76)
Albumin 28 g/L (37-49)
Urea 16 mmol/L (2.5-7.5)
Creatinine 250 mol/L (60-110)
Plasma glucose 6.5 mmol/L (3.0-6.0)
Urine dipstick analysis: Protein+ & blood+
Renal ultrasound: Normal
Which one of the following investigations would be most appropriate for this patient?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Plasma protein electrophoresis
Explanation:This patient’s symptoms of anaemia, leukopenia, and elevated non-albumin protein concentration with fatigue and weight loss, point to myeloma. Thus plasma protein electrophoresis or Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE) is indicated when there is suspicion of myeloma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 49
Incorrect
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A 25-year-old woman is reviewed in clinic. She was previously treated with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). She remains on PPI therapy but continues to have epigastric discomfort. You suspect she has ongoing H. pylori infection and request a urea breath test to investigate this.
How long would the patient need to stop her PPI therapy before the urea breath test?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 14 days
Explanation:PPI will affect the accuracy of the test. In general, most recommend discontinuing PPI therapy for 2 weeks prior to a urea breath test. PPI’s have an anti-H. pylori effect.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 50
Incorrect
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A 4-year-old child was brought in by his mother with complaints of vesicular eruption over his palms, soles and oral mucosa for the last 5 days. He was slightly febrile. There were no other signs. The most likely causative organism in this case would be?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Coxsackie
Explanation:This patient is most likely suffering from hand, foot mouth disease which is caused by coxsackie virus A16. Its incubation period ranges from 5-7 days and only symptomatic treatment is required.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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Question 51
Incorrect
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A 32-year-old female presented with a lump in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast, which is 1.5cm in size and tender. What is the initial investigation to be done?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Ultrasound
Explanation:Tenderness is usually suggestive of a benign breast mass such as a breast abscess. Ultrasound is used to distinguish solid from cystic structures and to direct needle aspiration for abscess drainage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Women's Health
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Question 52
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old male patient presented with palpitations that occur randomly at rest. There have however been episodes of fast palpitations and dizziness on exertion. On examination there was a systolic murmur at the apex as well as a prominent apex beat and the chest was clear. Which of the following is LEAST likely to suggest a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: A history of hypertension for 10 years
Explanation:Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an autosomal dominant condition. Patients present with sudden cardiac death, dyspnoea, syncope and presyncope, angina, palpitations, orthopnoea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, Congestive heart failure and dizziness. Physical findings include double or triple apical impulse, prominent a wave in the JVP, an ejection systolic crescendo-decrescendo murmur and a holosystolic murmur at the apex and axilla of mitral regurgitation.
ECG shows ST-T wave abnormalities and LVH, axis deviation (right or left), conduction abnormalities (P-R prolongation, bundle-branch block), sinus bradycardia with ectopic atrial rhythm, atrial enlargement, abnormal and prominent Q wave in the anterior precordial and lateral limb leads.
2D echocardiography shows abnormal systolic anterior leaflet motion of the mitral valve, LVH, left atrial enlargement, small ventricular chamber size, septal hypertrophy with septal-to-free wall ratio greater than 1.4:1, mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation, decreased midaortic flow, partial systolic closure of the aortic valve in midsystole -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 53
Incorrect
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Which of the following immune responses occurs in Coeliac disease?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Type IV hypersensitivity
Explanation:Celiac disease is classified as a Type IV hypersensitivity mediated by T-cell response. Negatively charged gliadin has been shown to induce interleukin 15 in the enteric epithelial cells, stimulating the proliferation of the natural killer cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes to express NK-G2D, a marker for natural killer T lymphocytes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune System
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Question 54
Incorrect
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A 72-year-old female presents with tiredness and weakness. On examination, she is pale and has a haemoglobin of 72 g/L with an MCV of 68 fL. Which nail changes may be seen in association with this patient's condition?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Koilonychia
Explanation:Koilonychia, known as spoon nails, is a condition of the nails bending inwards, taking the shape of a spoon. This is a strong indication of iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). The rest of the patient’s symptoms further indicate IDA.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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Question 55
Incorrect
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A 47-year-old hypertensive man presents with difficulty using his right arm, slow walking and occasional loss of balance. He has a broad-based gait with cogwheel rigidity and intention tremor of his right arm. His blood pressure is 140/80 mmHg sitting and 100/60 mmHg standing. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Multiple system atrophy
Explanation:This patient presents with a combination of akinetic rigid syndrome, cerebellar signs and the suggestion of autonomic features. This is most indicative of a diagnosis of multiple system atrophy.
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic dysfunction, tremors, slow movement, muscle rigidity, and postural instability (collectively known as parkinsonism) and ataxia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 56
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a cause of onycholysis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Mycoplasma pneumonia
Explanation:Onycholysis is the separation of the distal edge of the nail from the vascular nailbed causing whiteness of the free edge. Causes include:
– Idiopathic
– Trauma, excessive manicuring
– Infection: especially fungal
– Skin disease: psoriasis, dermatitis
– Impaired peripheral circulation e.g. Raynaud’s
– Systemic disease: hyper/hypothyroidism, reactive arthritis, porphyria cutanea tarda
– Sometimes a reaction to detergents (e.g. washing dishes with bare hands, using detergent-based shampoos or soaps).
– Patients with hepatocellular dysfunction may develop hair-thinning or hair loss and nail changes such as clubbing, leukonychia (whitening), or onycholysis. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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Question 57
Incorrect
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A 70-year-old male presents with chest pain. His past medical history includes hypertension and angina. He continues to smoke about 20 cigarettes per day despite being advised about lifestyle modifications.
Blood investigations obtained in the emergency department show:
Na+: 133 mmol/l
K+: 3.3 mmol/l
Urea: 4.5 mmol/l
Creatinine: 90 μmol/l
Which among the following is the most likely explanation for the abnormalities seen in the above investigations?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Bendroflumethiazide therapy
Explanation:The blood investigations in this patient reveal hyponatremia as well as hypokalaemia. Among the options provided, Bendroflumethiazide therapy can cause the above presentation with the electrolyte disturbances.
Note:
– Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that is associated with hyperkalaemia.
– Enalapril therapy can cause side effects of dizziness, hypotension, cough, and rarely a rash.
– Felodipine therapy can cause side effects of dizziness, headache, cough, and palpitations. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 58
Incorrect
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A 74-year-old man who has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and heart failure is being started on digoxin. What is the mechanism of action of digoxin?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inhibits the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
Explanation:Digoxin acts by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase pump.
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside now mainly used for rate control in the management of atrial fibrillation. As it has positive inotropic properties it is sometimes used for improving symptoms (but not mortality) in patients with heart failure.Mechanism of action:
It decreases the conduction through the atrioventricular node which slows the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
It increases the force of cardiac muscle contraction due to inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. It also stimulates the vagus nerve.Digoxin toxicity:
Plasma concentration alone does not determine whether a patient has developed digoxin toxicity. The likelihood of toxicity increases progressively from 1.5 to 3 mcg/l.
Clinical feature of digoxin toxicity include a general feeling of unwell, lethargy, nausea & vomiting, anorexia, confusion, xanthopsia, arrhythmias (e.g. AV block, bradycardia), and gynaecomastiaPrecipitating factors:
Hypokalaemia
Increasing age
Renal failure
Myocardial ischemia
Hypomagnesaemia, hypercalcemia, hypernatremia, acidosis
Hypoalbuminemia
Hypothermia
Hypothyroidism
Drugs: amiodarone, quinidine, verapamil, diltiazem, spironolactone (competes for secretion in the distal convoluted tubule, therefore, reduce excretion), ciclosporin. Also, drugs that cause hypokalaemia e.g. thiazides and loop diuretics.Management of digoxin toxicity:
Digibind
Correct arrhythmias
Monitor and maintain potassium levels within the normal limits. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 59
Incorrect
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An soccer player suddenly collapsed on the field and started coughing along with shortness of breath. The investigation of choice in this case would be?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Chest x-ray
Explanation:Exercise induced asthma is characterised by sudden onset wheezing, cough and shortness of breath while performing hectic physical activity. The best investigation to perform is a chest X-ray.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 60
Incorrect
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A young alcoholic male patient presented at hospital with complaints of tachycardia and palpitations for the past few hours. During examination, his blood pressure and ECG were normal. What would be the next step in management of this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Reassure and life Style modification
Explanation:Normal blood pressure and ECG rule out any pathological cause of the complaints described in this scenario. These symptoms are most probably due to anxiety or effects of alcohol intake. Lifestyle modification will be the best management plan along with reassurance to calm the patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 61
Incorrect
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A 66-year-old woman comes to you with a tender lump near the anal opening and a fever. She has history of T1DM for the last 20 years. What treatment should she get?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: I&D + antibiotics
Explanation:Surgical incision and drainage is the most common treatment for anal abscesses. About 50% of patients with an anal abscess will develop a complication called a fistula. Diabetes is a risk factor for an anal abscess.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 62
Incorrect
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A 45-year-old male is brought to the emergency department after being found collapsed, outside a nightclub. The ER team found an empty bottle of amyl nitrate in his pocket. The patient is hypoxic with an O2 saturation of 84% and is confused. Which of the following is the best treatment for this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Methylene blue
Explanation:The best treatment for the patient in question would be methylene blue.
The most probable diagnosis in this patient is methemoglobinemia due to the ingestion of amyl nitrate.Amyl nitrate promotes the formation of methaemoglobin, which avidly conserves oxygen and leads to decreased tissue oxygen saturations.
Treatment of choice includes methylene blue and vitamin C.
Adverse effects:
Benign side effects include green or blue discoloration of urine and patients should be forewarned.
Significant side effects are based on methylene blue, itself, being an oxidizing agent and an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A).
As an oxidizing agent, methylene blue can actually precipitate methemoglobinemia or haemolysis in high doses or when ineffectively reduced.
Methylene blue administration in a patient taking a serotonergic agents may predispose to serotonin syndrome.Note: Although methylene blue administration is controversial in the setting of G6PD-deficiency due to reduced levels of NADPH, it is not contraindicated and should be administered cautiously and judiciously.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 63
Incorrect
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A hypertensive man presents to the emergency in a state of restlessness and shock. He has a history of a pulsatile abdominal mass. Pulse is calculated to be 120/min and the BP: 70/40 mmHg. How should he be managed?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: IV fluids 0.9% NS crystalloids to bring SBP to 90mmHg
Explanation:Pre-operative hemodynamic stability is directly associated with the patient’s mortality, and pre-operative shock is the most serious risk factor affecting survival after a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). For this reason, it is important to stabilize the patient’s blood pressure. However, aggressive fluid resuscitation before achieving control of the proximal aorta can lead to further haemorrhaging, which may result in an increased risk of mortality. Thus, the primary goal in the initial management of patients with AAA is achieving hemodynamic stability to allow perfusion of the vital organs. This is the concept underlying permissive hypotension. This usually involves maintaining a systolic blood pressure of 70 to 90 mmHg, and avoiding aggressive resuscitation to pressures higher than 100 mmHg.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 64
Incorrect
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A 4-year-old boy admitted with fever for 2 days had a left sided focal fits, which persisted for 4 minutes. There was no history of head injury. On examination, he was drowsy but there were no focal neurological signs. Urine dipstick was negative. What is the investigation of choice that can be done at this stage to arrive at a diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: CSF analysis
Explanation:This presentation could be due to either a meningitis or encephalitis, which are clinically not distinguishable from the given history. Encephalitis is mostly viral and in UK herpes simplex virus is the main cause. Advanced neuro imaging and EEG will help to differentiate them however from the given answers CSF analysis is the most appropriate, provided that intracranial pressure is not raised. CSF analysis will help to differentiate a pyogenic meningitis from other forms of meningitis and encephalitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 65
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old female with a history of hypertension presented with severe central chest pain for the past one hour, associated with sweating and vomiting. Her ECG showed ST elevation myocardial infarction, evident in leads V2-V4. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for thrombolysis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Intracranial neoplasm
Explanation:Absolute contraindications for fibrinolytic use in STEMI
Prior intracranial haemorrhage (ICH)
Known structural cerebral vascular lesion
Known malignant intracranial neoplasm
Ischemic stroke within 3 months
Suspected aortic dissection
Active bleeding or bleeding diathesis (excluding menses)
Significant closed head trauma or facial trauma within 3 months
Intracranial or intraspinal surgery within 2 months
Severe uncontrolled hypertension (unresponsive to emergency therapy)
For streptokinase, prior treatment within the previous 6 months -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 66
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is advised to start taking an ACE-inhibitor in order to control his hypertension. However, he also needs to monitor his renal function. Keeping in mind that he just started an ACE-inhibitor, how long should he wait until he undergoes a blood test to check creatinine and potassium levels?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: One to two weeks after starting the medication
Explanation:ACE inhibitors effectively reduce systemic vascular resistance in patients with hypertension, heart failure or chronic renal disease. This antihypertensive efficacy probably accounts for an important part of their long term renoprotective effects in patients with diabetic and non-diabetic renal disease. Systemic and renal haemodynamic effects of ACE inhibition, both beneficial and adverse, are potentiated by sodium depletion. Consequently, sodium repletion contributes to the restoration of renal function in patients with ACE inhibitor-induced acute renal failure. On the other hand, co-treatment with diuretics and sodium restriction can improve therapeutic efficacy in patients in whom the therapeutic response of blood pressure or proteinuria is insufficient. Patients at the greatest risk for renal adverse effects (those with heart failure, diabetes mellitus and/or chronic renal failure) also can expect the greatest benefit. Therefore, ACE inhibitors should not be withheld in these patients, but dosages should be carefully titrated, with monitoring of renal function and serum potassium levels. The optimum period to check this is one to two weeks after starting the medication.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 67
Incorrect
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A 71-year-old male got trapped under a cupboard for 4 hours which accidentally fell on his leg while he was moving his house. Which enzyme activity would you measure in this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Creatinine kinase
Explanation:Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Increased amounts of CK are released into the blood when there is muscle damage. This test measures the amount of creatine kinase in the blood.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 68
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old previously well male presented with dysuria and lower abdominal pain. He also complained of passage of air bubbles when he urinated. His urine sample had faecal matters. The abdomen was soft with mild suprapubic tenderness. Which of the following is the most likely pathology?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Crohn's disease
Explanation:Passage of faecal matters in the urine is suggestive of a fistula. Crohn’s disease is the most common cause of an ileovesical fistula. The diagnostic features of a fistula to the urinary system are pneumaturia, fecaluria, and recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections. Cystoscopy will confirm the diagnosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 69
Incorrect
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A 70-year-old male patient presented with chronic congestive heart failure. Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when prescribing drugs for this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Administration of a B-blocker reduces the time spent in hospital
Explanation:It is proven that spironolactone has survival benefits and loop diuretics only give symptomatic relief. Beta blockers are however, known to improve exercise tolerance, left ventricular function and reduce symptoms. They also reduce the mortality associated with heart failure. So administration of beta blockers will reduce the time spent in hospital by improving symptoms.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 70
Incorrect
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A 28-year-old female presented with complaints of weight gain, thinning of scalp hair, dryness and coldness of the skin, constipation and fatigue. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hypothyroidism
Explanation:The symptoms this female presented with in the OPD are major symptoms of hypothyroidism due to insufficient thyroid hormone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 71
Incorrect
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An old man presented with headache and weakness of the left half of the body. His CT scan showed an intracranial bleed (ICB). All of the following factors can lead to ICB except?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Moderate alcohol use
Explanation:Moderate alcohol intake has no association with intracranial bleeding (ICB), rather some authors suggested that it is protective. Patients with a previous history of DVT, mitral valve prolapse or those using cocaine are at an increased risk of developing an ICB.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 72
Incorrect
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Which complication of chronic renal failure is most likely associated with the accumulation of aluminium?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Dialysis dementia
Explanation:Dialysis dementia is a unique neurological syndrome associated with chronic dialysis. Aluminium toxicity is probably the major factor in the pathogenesis of the dementia, which is due to aluminium-containing compounds in the dialysis fluid. Patients with dialysis dementia present with progressive dementia, dysarthria and seizures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 73
Incorrect
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A 3-year-old boy presents with recurrent urinary tract infections. What is the most common cause for this problem in a child of this age?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Vesicoureteric reflux
Explanation:Vesicoureteral reflux is the condition when the urine flows backwards from the bladder into the kidneys, which is the most common cause of UTI in patients this age.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 74
Incorrect
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A 25-year-old athlete presented with a 7-month history of difficulty gripping things. He complained of finding it particularly difficult in cold weather. He remembered his father having similar problems. Upon examination, he had a bilateral ptosis with weakness of the facial muscles. He also had difficulty opening his eyes quickly. Limb examination revealed distal weakness in both hands with difficulty opening and closing both hands quickly. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Myotonic dystrophy
Explanation:Myotonic dystrophy is the most likely diagnosis here.
It is a multisystem disorder causing cognitive impairment, cataracts, cardiac problems and testicular atrophy, as well as affecting the muscles. Patients have muscle weakness, normally worse distally, and/or myotonia (which is worse in cold weather).
On examination, patients may also have frontal balding, a myopathic facies, bilateral ptosis, an ophthalmoplegia and wasting of facial muscles and other limb muscles. Myotonic dystrophy is associated with diabetes mellitus and pituitary dysfunction.
Diagnosis is normally based on clinical features with a characteristic electromyogram (EMG) of myotonic discharges. Creatine kinase is generally normal and muscle biopsy is non-specific. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 75
Incorrect
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A 25-year-old woman is found to have a blood pressure of 170/100 mmHg during a routine medical check. She is otherwise well and her physical examination is unremarkable.
Blood tests show:
Na+ 140 mmol/l
K+ 2.6 mmol/l
Bicarbonate 31 mmol/l
Urea 3.4 mmol/l
Creatinine 77 µmol/l
Which one of the following investigations is most likely to be diagnostic?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Renin:aldosterone ratio
Explanation:Primary aldosteronism now is considered one of the more common causes of secondary hypertension (HTN).
Individuals with primary aldosteronism may present with hypokalaemia metabolic alkalosis; however, as many as 38% of patients with primary aldosteronism may be normokalaemia at presentation.
Routine laboratory studies can show hypernatremia, hypokalaemia, and metabolic alkalosis resulting from the action of aldosterone on the renal distal convoluted tubule (DCT) (i.e., enhancing sodium reabsorption and potassium and hydrogen ion excretion).
Plasma aldosterone/plasma renin activity ratio is used for screening because it is fairly constant over many physiologic conditions.The patient is clinically free, so Cushing diseases can be exclude.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 76
Incorrect
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A 4-year-old baby was brought in by her mother with complaints of generalized pallor, loss of weight and loose stools. The baby's stools were frothy in nature and difficult to flush. Which investigation can help in diagnosing this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Anti-endomysial antibodies
Explanation:The presence of anti-endomysial antibodies confirms the diagnosis of Celiac disease, which is the primary cause of illness in this patient. The sweat chloride test is performed with cystic fibrosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 77
Incorrect
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A 25-year-old woman is presenting with diarrhoea and abdominal bloating over the last 4 months. On examination, she has a blistering rash over her elbows. Biochemical investigation showed that she has low serum albumin, calcium and folate concentrations. On jejunal biopsy there is shortening of the villi and lymphocytosis. What is the most likely cause?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Coeliac disease
Explanation:Celiac disease has characteristic shortened intestinal villi. When patients with celiac disease eat products containing gluten, they are unable to absorb the nutrients due to flattened or shortened intestinal villi. The blistering rash present on the patient’s elbows strongly suggests celiac disease. This rash is a sign of the condition Dermatitis Herpetiformis which is associate with celiac disease. Therefore, it is also often called ‘gluten rash’.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 78
Incorrect
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A 23-year-old man is referred to the pneumologist with a suspicion of bronchiectasis. History reveals he's been having recurrent pulmonary infections his whole life together with difficulties gaining weight. He's a non-smoker with a clear family history and he admits inhalers haven't helped him in the past. He is finally suspected of having cystic fibrosis. What is the normal function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Chloride channel
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 79
Incorrect
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An 81-year-old woman had fallen down in her house. She is now unable to walk. An x-ray was done on her left hip joint, which showed a fracture in the neck of the femur. Which nerve is most likely to be injured?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Sciatic nerve
Explanation:Femoral neck fractures are common injuries that most often result from low-energy falls in the elderly; however, they also can occur in young patients as a result of high-energy mechanisms
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 80
Incorrect
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A 68-year-old man is admitted with an infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Investigations: blood gas taken whilst breathing 28% oxygen on admission:
pH 7.30
p(O2) 7.8 kPa
p(CO2) 7.4 kPa
Which condition best describes the blood gas picture?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Decompensated type-2 respiratory failure
Explanation:The normal partial pressure reference values are:
– PaO2 more than 80 mmHg (11 kPa)
– PaCO2 less than 45 mmHg (6.0 kPa).
This patient has an elevated PaCO2 (7.4kPa)
Hypoxemia (PaO2 <8kPa) with hypercapnia (PaCO2 >6.0kPa).
The pH is also lower than 7.35 at 7.3Type 2 respiratory failure is caused by inadequate alveolar ventilation; both oxygen and carbon dioxide are affected. Defined as the build-up of carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2) that has been generated by the body but cannot be eliminated. The underlying causes include:
– Increased airways resistance (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, suffocation)
– Reduced breathing effort (drug effects, brain stem lesion, extreme obesity)
– A decrease in the area of the lung available for gas exchange (such as in chronic bronchitis)
– Neuromuscular problems (Guillain-Barre syndrome, motor neuron disease)
– Deformed (kyphoscoliosis), rigid (ankylosing spondylitis), or flail chest. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 81
Incorrect
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A 45-year-old female develops profuse watery diarrhoea with lower abdominal pain seven days after undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Pseudomembranous colitis
Explanation:Pseudomembranous colitis is caused by a C. difficile infection that causes membranes to form on the colon wall. It is caused most commonly by broad-spectrum antibiotics. This would include cephalosporins, broad-spectrum penicillin, and clindamycin. Macrolides and quinolones have also been reported as potential aetiologies, but much less commonly. This woman would have received antibiotics prophylactically before her surgery, predisposing her to a possible c difficile infection. This is a much better answer choice than pseudo obstruction, abdominal sepsis, bile acid diarrhoea, and campylobacter gastroenteritis simply based on history of present illness.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 82
Incorrect
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A 37-year old female nurse presents with severe generalized itching, claiming that she had previously applied cream to the body of a patient with similar symptoms. What is the mechanism that produces her itch?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Allergic reaction
Explanation:Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. The entry of allergen into the epidermis or dermis causes a localized allergic reaction. Local mast-cell activation in the skin leads immediately to a local increase in vascular permeability, which causes extravasation of fluid and swelling. Histamine released by mast cells activated by allergen in the skin causes large, itchy, red swellings of the skin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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Question 83
Incorrect
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A 4-year-old girl presents to the clinic with sore throat and a small painful ulcer in her mouth since yesterday and small painful ulcers on palms and soles that are not itchy. She is febrile (38.5 degree Celsius) and is refusing to eat for the past two days. Which of the following will be the most likely cause of this presentation?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Coxsackie virus
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 84
Incorrect
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A 7-year-old female presented with complaints of haematuria and fatigue. She had a history of bloody diarrhoea starting 7 days previously. On investigation, her serum urea and creatinine were raised and proteinuria was present. Which of the following is the most suitable diagnosis for her?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)
Explanation:HUS syndrome occurs mostly in children after some days of bloody diarrhoea. Damaged red blood cells also damage the kidney filtering unit and lead to sudden renal failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 85
Incorrect
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As the SHO of a hospital, you come across the lab report of a patient. It shows the following: glucose 4 mmol/L, K 5.2mmol/L, Na 129 mmol/L. How would you manage this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Normal Saline 0.9%
Explanation:This patient’s blood glucose levels are within the normal range. From their lab report, they are suffering from milk hyperkalaemia and hypernatremia. Thus, normal saline 0.9 per cent is most appropriate in this case.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 86
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old male smoker and a known hypertensive presented with central chest pain radiating to the back. On examination he was tachycardic and hypotensive. His ECG showed inferior ST elevation and his transoesophageal echocardiogram showed a double lumen in the ascending aorta. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Dissecting aortic aneurysm
Explanation:The classic history in this high risk patient is suggestive of a dissecting aortic aneurysm. His transoesophageal echocardiogram confirms the diagnosis. ST elevation in ECG is probably due to the extension of the dissection of the aorta which results in compromised coronary blood supply.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 87
Incorrect
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A son has brought his 72-year-old mother to clinic. He is concerned about her short-term memory problems for the past 10 months. He has to remind her to take her medications and she has had two incidents of falling over in the last 10 months. Which of the following assists in the diagnosis of above condition?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Progressive loss of function
Explanation:The clinical presentation is dementia. To differentiate Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia, the progressive loss of function is important. Progressive loss of function is usually associated with vascular dementia and rest of the responses are associated with Alzheimer disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatric Medicine
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Question 88
Incorrect
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A 26-year-old technician with no past medical history presents to the neurology clinic complaining of muscle pain. He describes severe bilateral cramping calf pain on minimal exercise. This has been present since his late teens and as such he has avoided exercise. Recently, he has attended the local gym to try and lose weight, but attempts at exercise have been dampened by the pain. He does note that if he perseveres with exercise, the pain settles. He has noticed passing dark urine in the evenings following a prolonged bout of exercise. Which of the following clinical tests would be most useful in aiding the diagnosis in this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Muscle biopsy
Explanation:The differential diagnosis of bilateral exercise-induced pain would include metabolic muscle disease, lumbar canal stenosis and intermittent claudication. The patient’s age, history and lack of other risk factors make the latter two options unlikely.
The syndrome described is in fact McArdle’s disease (myophosphorylase deficiency). This is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. Clinical features of pain and fatigue are precipitated in early exercise, as carbohydrates cannot be mobilized to provide an energy substrate to the muscle. With prolonged exercise, fatty acid metabolism provides energy, and symptoms lessen. The dark urine described is likely to represent myoglobinuria following rhabdomyolysis. Definitive diagnosis of most metabolic muscle diseases relies on muscle biopsy and enzyme analysis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 89
Incorrect
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A 53-year-old cashier with a history of chronic back pain presents for a check-up. He is aware of a dragging feeling affecting his left foot when he tries to walk. This has developed since a minor injury to his left knee. On examination, he has weakness of dorsiflexion and eversion of the left foot. The right is unaffected and plantar flexion and inversion are normal on the left. MRI of the spinal cord shows degenerative disc changes at multiple levels, but no evidence of cord or nerve root impingement. Nerve conduction studies and EMG results are pending. Which of the following sensory loss patterns would you expect to find in association with this motor defect?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Sensory loss over the dorsum of the foot and anterolateral leg
Explanation:This patient presentation is unlikely to be an L5 nerve root lesion given the results of the MRI scan. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis is a mononeuritis affecting the left common peroneal nerve. This would lead to sensory loss over the dorsum of the foot and anterolateral leg on the left.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 90
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old male was taken to hospital after he experienced tightness in his chest and a chronic cough. Upon examination, he revealed that he has been smoking 20 cigarettes a day for the past 35 years, and was subsequently diagnosed with COPD. From the list of options, choose the most appropriate ABG picture.
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Respiratory Acidosis
Explanation:COPD impairs the lung’s ability to remove CO2 from the blood, and this removes acid from the body. Excess CO2 causes the pH of the blood to increase, making it far too acidic, and causing respiratory acidosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 91
Incorrect
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Which of the following treatments would you advise for a young, 21-year-old student who has ankylosing spondylitis and complains of worsening back pain and morning stiffness?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Oral NSAIDs
Explanation:NSAIDs are considered as the first line of treatment for managing pain and stiffness associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Other useful medications include TNF-alpha inhibitors. Other drugs like paracetamol, colchicine, and steroids are not routinely used. Bilateral total hip replacement might be indicated in advanced disease contrary to complicated spinal surgery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 92
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old female with a recent history of MI, complained of exertional dyspnoea. On examination there was a third heart sound. ECG showed ST elevations in leads V1 to V4. Which of the following is the most probable reason for this presentation?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Left ventricular aneurysm
Explanation:Electrocardiography is characterized by ST elevation that persists several weeks after an acute MI. The features of heart failure (exertional dyspnoea and third or fourth heart sound) favours the diagnosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 93
Incorrect
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A 26-year-old patient, previously fit and well, is admitted with fluctuating confusion and frank haematuria. He has recently been complaining of generalised malaise and joint pains. Examination reveals jaundice, splenomegaly, and petechiae. His blood pressure is 155/84 mmHg, temperature 37.9oC.
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Initial investigations reveal:
Haemoglobin 9.5 g/dl
White cell count 12 × 109/l
Platelets 40 × 109/l
Creatinine 142 μmol/l
Sodium 139 mmol/l
Potassium 4.5 mmol/l
Urea 9.2 mmol/l
Lactate dehydrogenase 495 U/l (10-250)
Urinalysis Protein ++, blood +++
Blood film shows schistocytes
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What treatment should NOT be given to this patient?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Platelet transfusion
Explanation:There is a strong suspicion of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) in this patient as he presents with neurological changes (from confusion to convulsions and coma), fever, haemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure. Additionally, TTP cases may present with jaundice, splenomegaly, and hypertension as seen in this patient. With a diagnosis of TTP, recent studies have shown that platelet transfusion is not recommended in this case because it has been shown to increase the risk for arterial thrombosis and mortality possibly due to increased aggregations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 94
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding etanercept?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Must be given intravenously
Explanation:Etanercept is a TNF receptor fused with human immunoglobulin. It binds to TNF-alpha preventing it from binding to its normal receptor. Thus, inhibiting it competitively. It is used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults when traditional treatments fail. When injected subcutaneously, it is accompanied with skin reactions and urticaria. It should be given intravenously. Serious blood disorders and demyelination have also been associated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 95
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old male is admitted following a collapse while competing in an iron man triathlon. His blood results are as follows:
Na+ 122 mmol/l
K+ 3.4 mmol/l
Urea 3.2 mmol/l
Creatinine 69 umol/l
During assessment he becomes increasingly obtunded and goes on to have multiple tonic clonic seizures. What is the most appropriate treatment from the list below to improve his neurological status?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hypertonic saline
Explanation:Over consumption of fluids, prolonged race duration and inadequate training all can predispose to acute hyponatraemia.
Mild symptoms include a decreased ability to think, headaches, nausea, and an increased risk of falls. Severe symptoms include confusion, seizures, and coma. Normal serum sodium levels are 135 – 145 mEq/liter (135 – 145 mmol/L). Hyponatremia is generally defined as a serum sodium level of less than 135 mEq/L and is considered severe when the level is below 120 mEq/L.
The correct treatment to give is hypertonic saline. Decompressive craniotomy would help alleviate raised intracranial pressure due to cerebral oedema however is not an appropriate first line treatment. Demeclocycline is used for SIADH and mannitol is more likely to be used in the context of traumatic brain injury.
Hyponatremia is corrected slowly, to lessen the risk of the development of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM), a severe neurological disease involving a breakdown of the myelin sheaths covering parts of nerve cells. During treatment of hyponatremia, the serum sodium (salt level in the blood) should not rise by more than 8 mmol/L over 24 hours. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 96
Incorrect
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A 44-year-old man presents suffering from retrosternal chest pain that started 2 hours ago and radiates to the throat. Which investigation would you immediately perform?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Troponin levels
Explanation:The patient’s age and symptoms are indicating a myocardial infarction. Although, the cause of the pain could also be related to the digestive system, a possible myocardial infarction should be excluded or, if present, managed immediately. Troponins are used to establish the diagnosis. Levels of troponin can become elevated in the blood within 3 or 4 hours after heart injury and may remain elevated for 10 to 14 days.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 97
Incorrect
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A 19-year-old male who is a first year student at university presented in the emergency room with acute disorientation. He was previously relaxed and well. Which of the following is the most likely cause behind his condition?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Drug toxicity
Explanation:History of being well and sudden appearance of agitation and confused state at this age is suggestive of drug intake and toxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 98
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency with acute onset breathlessness. He underwent a total hip replacement 7 days back. On examination, the JVP is raised. Which other investigation would be most helpful in leading to an accurate diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: CTPA
Explanation:The most pertinent diagnosis suspected in this case would be a pulmonary embolism considering the recent surgical history and acute onset of breathlessness. A CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) is a medical diagnostic test that employs computed tomography (CT) angiography to obtain an image of the pulmonary arteries. Its main use is to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 99
Incorrect
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Which one of the following is true of gamma delta T cells?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: They play a role in the skin and gut
Explanation:Gamma delta T cells are of low abundance in the body, are found in the gut mucosa, skin, lungs and uterus, and are involved in the initiation and propagation of immune responses. Their ligands are not known in detail, but the gamma delta T cell receptors recognise intact proteins rather than MHC-presented peptides. Like alpha beta T cells, they develop in the thymus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 100
Incorrect
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A 51-year-old woman complains of sudden onset of severe headache and vomiting that is worse when she is lying flat. Fundoscopy confirms bilateral papilledema. Which is the definitive investigation in this case?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Computed tomography scan
Explanation:A head CT scan is the best step to rule out a mass lesion or bleed. Since the patient has symptoms that may suggest elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), a lumbar puncture should be consulted first with a neurologist since it is contraindicated in this case due to raised ICP and risk of coning.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
