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  • Question 1 - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition that occurs in critically...

    Correct

    • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition that occurs in critically ill patients, and can be triggered by events such as trauma and sepsis. Which of the following variables is most likely to be lower than normal in a patient with ARDS?

      Your Answer: Lung compliance

      Explanation:

      Acute (or Adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition occurring in critically ill patients characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) starts with damage to the alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, resulting in increased permeability to plasma and inflammatory cells. These cells pass into the interstitium and alveolar space, resulting in pulmonary oedema. Damage to the surfactant-producing type II cells and the presence of protein-rich fluid in the alveolar space disrupt the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, leading to micro atelectasis and impaired gas exchange. The pathophysiological consequences of lung oedema in ARDS include a decrease in lung volumes, compliance and large intrapulmonary shunts. ARDS may be seen in the setting of pneumonia, sepsis, following trauma, multiple blood transfusions, severe burns, severe pancreatitis, near-drowning, drug reactions, or inhalation injuries.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      28.5
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - A suspected recreational drug user was brought to the Emergency department in an...

    Correct

    • A suspected recreational drug user was brought to the Emergency department in an unconscious state, and was found to be hypoventilating. Which of the following set of arterial blood gas analysis report is most consistent with hypoventilation as the primary cause? pH, pa(CO2) (mmHg), pa(O2) (mmHg).

      Your Answer: 7.28, 55, 81

      Explanation:

      Hypoventilation (or respiratory depression) causes an increase in carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) and respiratory acidosis. It can result due to drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates, mechanical conditions or holding ones breath. Strong opioids such as heroin and fentanyl are commonly implicated and can lead to respiratory arrest. In recreational drug overdose, acute respiratory acidosis occurs with an increase in p(CO2) over 45 mm Hg and acidaemia (pH < 7.35)

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      38.2
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - The pleural cavity is the space between the two pulmonary pleurae which cover...

    Correct

    • The pleural cavity is the space between the two pulmonary pleurae which cover the lungs. What is the normal amount of pleural fluid?

      Your Answer: 10 ml

      Explanation:

      Pleural fluid is a serous fluid produced by the serous membrane covering normal pleurae. Most fluid is produced by the parietal circulation (intercostal arteries) via bulk flow and reabsorbed by the lymphatic system. The total volume of fluid present in the intrapleural space is estimated to be only 2–10 ml. A small amount of protein is present in intrapleural fluid. Normally, the rate of reabsorption increases as a physiological response to accumulating fluid.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      7.8
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - After a prolonged coronary artery bypass surgery, a 60-year old gentleman was transfused...

    Incorrect

    • After a prolonged coronary artery bypass surgery, a 60-year old gentleman was transfused 3 units of fresh-frozen plasma and 2 units of packed red cells. Two days later, the nurse noticed that he was tachypnoeic and chest X-ray showed signs consistent with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following variables will be low in this patient?

      Your Answer: Oncotic pressure of alveolar fluid

      Correct Answer: Compliance of the lung

      Explanation:

      Acute or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a reaction to several forms of lung injuries and is commonly associated with sepsis and SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome), severe traumatic injury, severe head injury, narcotics overdose, drowning, pulmonary contusion, and multiple blood transfusions. There is an increase in risk due to pre-existing liver disease or coagulation abnormalities. It results due to indirect toxic effects of neutrophil-derived inflammatory mediators in the lungs. ARDS is defined by the 1994 American–European Consensus Committee as the acute onset of bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray, a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (pa(O2)) to fraction of inspired oxygen Fi(O2) ratio of less than 200 mmHg and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of less than 18 or the absence of clinical evidence of left arterial hypertension. ARDS is basically pulmonary oedema in the absence of volume overload or poor left ventricular function. This is different from acute lung injury, which shows a pa(O2)/Fi(O2) ratio of less than 300 mmHg. Pathogenesis of ARDS starts from damage to alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, causing increased permeability. Damage to surfactant-producing type II cells disrupts the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, causing micro atelectasis and poor gas exchange. There is a decrease in lung compliance and increase in work of breathing. Eventually, there is resorption of alveolar oedema, regeneration of epithelial cells, proliferation and differentiation of type II alveolar cells and alveolar remodelling. Some show resolution and some progress to fibrosing alveolitis, which involves the deposition of collagen in alveolar, vascular and interstitial spaces.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      43.1
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - A chloride sweat test was performed on a 13-year-old boy. Results indicated a...

    Correct

    • A chloride sweat test was performed on a 13-year-old boy. Results indicated a high likelihood of cystic fibrosis. This diagnosis is associated with a higher risk of developing which of the following?

      Your Answer: Bronchiectasis

      Explanation:

      Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder that causes the build up of thick mucus in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is a hereditary autosomal-recessive disease caused by mutations of the CFTR gene. Cystic fibrosis eventually results in bronchiectasis which is defined as a permanent dilatation and obstruction of bronchi or bronchioles.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      13.2
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - Which of the following muscles aid in inspiration? ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following muscles aid in inspiration?

      Your Answer: Diaphragm and external intercostals

      Explanation:

      The diaphragm and external intercostals are muscles of inspiration as they increase the volume of thoracic cavity and reduce the intrathoracic pressure. Muscles of expiration include abdominal muscles and internal intercostals.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      9.1
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - Work of breathing (WOB) is the energy expended to inhale and exhale a breathing gas. Normally, maximal amount of work...

    Correct

    • Work of breathing (WOB) is the energy expended to inhale and exhale a breathing gas. Normally, maximal amount of work of breathing is required to overcome:

      Your Answer: Elastic lung compliance

      Explanation:

      The forces of elastance (compliance), frictional resistance and inertia have been identified as the forces that oppose lung inflation and deflation. The normal relaxed state of the lung and chest is partially empty. Further exhalation requires muscular work. Inhalation is an active process requiring work. About 60–66% of the total work performed by the respiratory muscles is used to overcome the elastic or compliance characteristics of the lung–chest cage, 30–35% is used to overcome frictional resistance and only 2–5% of the work is used for inertia.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      21.9
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - What is the normal amount of oxygen that is carried in the blood?...

    Correct

    • What is the normal amount of oxygen that is carried in the blood?

      Your Answer: 20 ml oxygen/100 ml blood

      Explanation:

      Normally, 100 ml of blood contains 15g haemoglobin and a single gram of haemoglobin can bind to 1.34 ml oxygen when 100% saturated. Thus, 15 × 1.34 = 20 ml O2/100 ml blood. The haemoglobin in venous blood that is leaving the tissues is about 75% saturated with oxygen, and hence it carries about 15 ml O2/100 ml venous blood. This implies that for each 10 ml of blood, 5 ml oxygen is transported to the tissues. With a p(O2) > 100 mm Hg, only 3 ml of oxygen is dissolved in every one litre of plasma. By increasing the pA(O2) by breathing 100% oxygen, one can add an extra amount of oxygen in the plasma, but the amount of oxygen carried by haemoglobin will not increase significantly as it is already > 95% saturated.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      17.5
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - Driving pressure is considered to be a strong predictor of mortality in patients...

    Correct

    • Driving pressure is considered to be a strong predictor of mortality in patients with ARDS. What is the normal mean intravascular driving pressure for the respiratory circulation?

      Your Answer: 10 mmHg

      Explanation:

      Driving pressure is the difference between inflow and outflow pressure. For the pulmonary circulation, this is the difference between pulmonary arterial (pa) and left atrial pressure (pLA). Normally, mean driving pressure is about 10 mmHg, computed by subtracting pLA (5 mmHg) from pA (15 mmHg). This is in contrast to a mean driving pressure of nearly 100 mmHg in the systemic circulation.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      24.4
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - Abnormal breathing is noticed in a of victim of a road traffic accident,...

    Correct

    • Abnormal breathing is noticed in a of victim of a road traffic accident, who sustained a head injury. The breathing pattern is characterised by alternate periods of waxing and waning tidal volumes with interspersed periods of apnoea. This breathing pattern is known as:

      Your Answer: Cheyne–Stokes breathing

      Explanation:

      Cheyne-Stokes breathing is an abnormal breathing pattern with breathing periods of gradually waxing and waning tidal volumes, with apnoeic periods interspersed. It is usually the first breathing pattern to be seen with a rise in intracranial pressure and is caused by failure of the respiratory centre in the brain to compensate quickly enough to changes in serum partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The aetiology includes strokes, head injuries, brain tumours and congestive heart failure. It is also a sign of altitude sickness in normal people, a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning or post-morphine administration. Biot’s respiration (cluster breathing) is characterized by cluster of quick, shallow inspirations followed by regular or irregular periods of apnoea. It is different from ataxic respiration, which has completely irregular breaths and pauses. It results due to damage to the medulla oblongata by any reason (stroke, uncal herniation, trauma) and is a poor prognostic indicator. Kussmaul breathing, also known as ‘air hunger’, is basically respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis and is characterized by quick, deep and laboured breathing. It is most often seen in in diabetic ketoacidosis. Due to forced inspiratory rate, the patients will show a low p(CO2). Ondine’s curse is congenital central hypoventilation syndrome or primary alveolar hypoventilation, which can be fatal and leads to sleep apnoea. It involves an inborn failure to control breathing autonomically during sleep and in severe cases, can affect patients even while awake. It is known to occur in 1 in 200000 liveborn children. Treatment includes tracheostomies and life long mechanical ventilator support.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      13.3
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - How much blood can the pulmonary vessels of a 45-year-old healthy man accommodate...

    Correct

    • How much blood can the pulmonary vessels of a 45-year-old healthy man accommodate when he is at rest?

      Your Answer: 500 ml

      Explanation:

      Pulmonary circulation is the portion of the cardiovascular system which carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart, to the lungs, and returns oxygenated blood back to the heart. The vessels of the pulmonary circulation are very compliant (easily distensible) and so typically accommodate about 500 ml of blood in an adult man. This large lung blood volume can serve as a reservoir for the left ventricle, particularly during periods when left ventricular output momentarily exceeds venous return.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      13.5
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - A 45-year-old man complains of shortness of breath, cough and chest pain. Chest...

    Correct

    • A 45-year-old man complains of shortness of breath, cough and chest pain. Chest X ray revealed a perihilar mass with bronchiectasis in the left mid-lung. Which of the following is most probably associated with these findings?

      Your Answer: Bronchial carcinoid

      Explanation:

      Bronchial carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumours that arise from Kulchitsky’s cells of the bronchial epithelium. Kulchitsky’s cells belong to the diffuse endocrine system. Patients affected by this tumour may be asymptomatic or may present with symptoms of airway obstruction, like dyspnoea, wheezing, and cough. Other common findings are recurrent pneumonia, haemoptysis, chest pain and paraneoplastic syndromes. Chest radiographs are abnormal in the majority of cases. Peripheral carcinoids usually present as a solitary pulmonary nodule. For central lesions common findings include hilar or perihilar masses with or without atelectasis, bronchiectasis, or consolidation. Bronchial carcinoids most commonly arise in the large bronchi causing obstruction.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      38.4
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - A 62-year-old man presented with a persistent cough and weight loss. Chest x-ray...

    Correct

    • A 62-year-old man presented with a persistent cough and weight loss. Chest x-ray demonstrated widespread nodular opacities. After a bronchoalveolar lavage, atypical cells were detected. Which is the most probable diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Bronchioalveolar carcinoma

      Explanation:

      Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a term used to define a particular subtype of adenocarcinoma which develops in cells near the alveoli, in the outer regions of the lungs. On a chest X-ray it can appear as a single peripheral spot or as scattered spots throughout the lungs. Symptoms include cough, haemoptysis, chest pain, dyspnoea and loss of weight.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      19.5
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - If a catheter is placed in the main pulmonary artery of a healthy...

    Correct

    • If a catheter is placed in the main pulmonary artery of a healthy 30-year-old woman, which of the following will be its mean pulmonary arterial pressure?

      Your Answer: 15 mmHg

      Explanation:

      The pulmonary artery pressure (PA pressure) is a measure of the blood pressure found in the main pulmonary artery. The hydrostatic pressure of the pulmonary circulation refers to the actual pressure inside pulmonary vessels relative to atmospheric pressure. Hydrostatic (blood pressure) in the pulmonary vascular bed is low compared with that of similar systemic vessels. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure is about 15 mmHg (ranging from about 13 to 19 mmHg) and is much lower than the average systemic arterial pressure of 90 mmHg.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      37.5
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - Intravenous diazepam was administered to a man who was brought to the emergency...

    Correct

    • Intravenous diazepam was administered to a man who was brought to the emergency department with status epilepticus. He was administered 15 l/min oxygen via a reservoir bag mask. Blood investigations showed sodium = 140 mmol/l, potassium = 4 mmol/l and chloride = 98 mmol/l. His arterial blood gas analysis revealed pH 7.08, p(CO2)= 61.5 mmHg, p(O2) = 111 mmHg and standard bicarbonate = 17 mmol/l. This patient had:

      Your Answer: Mixed acidosis

      Explanation:

      Acidosis with high p(CO2) and low standard bicarbonate indicates mixed acidosis. Lower p(O2) is due to breathing of 70% oxygen. The prolonged seizures lead to lactic acidosis and the intravenous diazepam is responsible for the respiratory acidosis. Treatment includes airway manoeuvres and oxygen, assisted ventilation if needed, and treatment with fluids.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      40.1
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - Fine-needle aspiration is a type of biopsy procedure. When performing a fine-needle aspiration...

    Correct

    • Fine-needle aspiration is a type of biopsy procedure. When performing a fine-needle aspiration of the lungs, which is the most common complication of the procedure?

      Your Answer: Pneumothorax

      Explanation:

      Pneumothorax is the most common complication of a fine-needle aspiration procedure. Various factors, such as lesion size, have been associated with increased risk of pneumothorax .

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      7.2
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - A 49-year-old man, smoker, complains of a persisting and worsening cough over the...

    Correct

    • A 49-year-old man, smoker, complains of a persisting and worsening cough over the past few months. He also has noted blood in his sputum. The patient has no other major health conditions. Which of the following investigative procedures should be done first?

      Your Answer: Sputum cytology

      Explanation:

      Sputum cytology is a diagnostic test used for the examination of sputum under a microscope to determine if abnormal cells are present. It may be used as the first diagnostic procedure to help detect a suspected lung cancer or certain non-cancerous lung conditions.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      16.6
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - A 47-year-old male smoker, who had been self-medicating with oral steroids for the...

    Correct

    • A 47-year-old male smoker, who had been self-medicating with oral steroids for the last two years due to persistent breathlessness presented to the doctor complaining of a productive cough, fever and chest pain. A chest X-ray revealed bilateral patchy opacities. He was diagnosed with bilateral bronchopneumonia. Which of these organisms is most probably causing these findings?

      Your Answer: Nocardia asteroides

      Explanation:

      Nocardia is a Gram-positive aerobic actinomycete. Several species have been identified but the most common human pathogen is Nocardia asteroides. The predominant clinical finding in the majority of patients affected by nocardiosis is pulmonary disease. Predisposing factors for pulmonary nocardiosis include leukaemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, organ transplantation, diabetes and receiving prolonged corticosteroids.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      39.9
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - A 70-year-old male who has smoked since his teens complains of progressive shortness...

    Correct

    • A 70-year-old male who has smoked since his teens complains of progressive shortness of breath and a persistent cough. He is diagnosed with COPD. Which of the following abnormalities is most likely to be present in his pulmonary function tests?

      Your Answer: Increased residual volume

      Explanation:

      Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term poor airflow. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. The best diagnostic test for evaluating patients with suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is lung function measured with spirometry. Key spirometrical measures may be obtained with a portable office spirometer and should include forced vital capacity (FVC) and the normal forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1). The ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) normally exceeds 0.75. Patients with COPD typically present with obstructive airflow. Complete pulmonary function testing may show increased total lung capacity, functional residual capacity and residual volume. A substantial loss of lung surface area available for effective oxygen exchange causes diminished carbon monoxide diffusion in the lung (DLco) in patients with emphysema. Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      27.6
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - The anatomical dead space in a patient with low oxygen saturation, is 125...

    Incorrect

    • The anatomical dead space in a patient with low oxygen saturation, is 125 ml, with a tidal volume of 500 ml and pa(CO2) of 40 mm Hg. The dead space was determined by Fowler's method. If we assume that the patient's lungs are healthy, what will his mixed expired CO2 tension [pE(CO2)] be?

      Your Answer: 50 mmHg

      Correct Answer: 30 mmHg

      Explanation:

      According to Bohr’s equation, VD/VT = (pA(CO2) − pE(CO2))/pA(CO2), where pE(CO2) is mixed expired CO2 and pA(CO2) is alveolar CO2pressure. Normally, the pa(CO2) is virtually identical to pA(CO2). Thus, VD/VT = (pa(CO2)) − pE(CO2)/pa(CO2). By Fowler’s method, VD/VT= 0.25. In the given problem, (pa(CO2) − pE(CO2)/pa(CO2) = (40 − pE(CO2)/40 = 0.25. Thus, pE(CO2) = 30 mmHg. If there is a great perfusion/ventilation inequality, pE(CO2) could be significantly lower than 30 mm Hg, and the patient’s physiological dead space would exceed the anatomical dead space.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      32.5
      Seconds
  • Question 21 - After a severe asthma attack, a 26-year-old woman is left in a markedly...

    Correct

    • After a severe asthma attack, a 26-year-old woman is left in a markedly hypoxic state. In which of the following organs are the arterial beds most likely to be vasoconstricted due to the hypoxia?

      Your Answer: Lungs

      Explanation:

      Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is a local response to hypoxia resulting primarily from constriction of small muscular pulmonary arteries in response to reduced alveolar oxygen tension. This unique response of pulmonary arterioles results in a local adjustment of perfusion to ventilation. This means that if a bronchiole is obstructed, the lack of oxygen causes contraction of the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle in the corresponding area, shunting blood away from the hypoxic region to better-ventilated regions. The purpose of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is to distribute blood flow regionally to increase the overall efficiency of gas exchange between air and blood.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      7.7
      Seconds
  • Question 22 - A chest X-ray in a healthy, non-smoker, asymptomatic 48-year-old woman reveals a 2cm...

    Incorrect

    • A chest X-ray in a healthy, non-smoker, asymptomatic 48-year-old woman reveals a 2cm left lower lobe well-defined round opacity. Which of the following conditions is most probably responsible for this finding?

      Your Answer: Mesothelioma

      Correct Answer: Pulmonary hamartoma

      Explanation:

      An asymptomatic healthy patient with no history of smoking and a lesion of small size most probably has a benign lung lesion. Hamartomas are one of the most common benign tumours of the lung that accounts for approximately 6% of all solitary pulmonary nodules. Pulmonary hamartomas are usually asymptomatic and therefore are found incidentally when performing an imaging test for other reasons.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      15.5
      Seconds
  • Question 23 - Whilst snorkelling, a 30-year old gentleman has the respiratory rate of 10/min, tidal...

    Correct

    • Whilst snorkelling, a 30-year old gentleman has the respiratory rate of 10/min, tidal volume of 550 ml and an effective anatomical dead space of 250 ml. Which of the following will bring about a maximum increase in his alveolar ventilation?

      Your Answer: A 2x increase in tidal volume and a shorter snorkel

      Explanation:

      Alveolar ventilation = respiratory rate × (tidal volume − anatomical dead space volume). Increase in respiratory rate simply causes movement of air in the anatomical dead space, with no contribution to the alveolar ventilation. By use of a shorter snorkel, the effective anatomical dead space will decrease and will cause a maximum rise in alveolar ventilation along with doubling of tidal volume.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      5.3
      Seconds
  • Question 24 - The chest X-ray of a 72 year old patient reveals the presence of...

    Correct

    • The chest X-ray of a 72 year old patient reveals the presence of a round lesion containing an air-fluid level in the left lung. These findings are most probably suggestive of:

      Your Answer: Lung abscess

      Explanation:

      Lung abscesses are collections of pus within the lung that arise most commonly as a complication of aspiration pneumonia caused by oral anaerobes. Older patients are more at risk due to poor oral hygiene, gingivitis an inability to handle their oral secretions due to other diseases. Chest X-ray most commonly reveals the appearance of an irregularly shaped cavity with an air-fluid level.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      5
      Seconds
  • Question 25 - Which of the following variables are needed to calculate inspiratory reserve volume of...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following variables are needed to calculate inspiratory reserve volume of a patient?

      Your Answer: Tidal volume and vital capacity

      Correct Answer: Tidal volume, vital capacity and expiratory reserve volume

      Explanation:

      Vital capacity = inspiratory reserve volume + tidal volume + expiratory reserve volume. Thus, inspiratory reserve volume can be calculated if tidal volume, vital capacity and expiratory reserve volume are known.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      30.4
      Seconds
  • Question 26 - Arterial blood gas analysis of a man admitted with acute exacerbation of chronic...

    Correct

    • Arterial blood gas analysis of a man admitted with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) showed the following: pH = 7.28, p(CO2) = 65.5 mmHg, p(O2)= 60 mmHg and standard bicarbonate = 30.5 mmol/l. This patient had:

      Your Answer: Respiratory acidosis

      Explanation:

      Acidosis with high p(CO2) and normal standard bicarbonate indicates respiratory acidosis, commonly seen in acute worsening of COPD patients. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to alveolar hypoventilation which leads to increased arterial carbon dioxide concentration (p(CO2)). This in turn decreases the HCO3 –/p(CO2) and decreases pH. In acute respiratory acidosis, the p(CO2) is raised above the upper limit of normal (over 45 mm Hg) with a low pH. However, in chronic cases, the raised p(CO2) is accompanied with a normal or near-normal pH due to renal compensation and an increased serum bicarbonate (HCO3 – > 30 mmHg).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      36.2
      Seconds
  • Question 27 - Lung compliance is increased by: ...

    Correct

    • Lung compliance is increased by:

      Your Answer: Emphysema

      Explanation:

      Lung compliance is increased by emphysema, acute asthma and increasing age and decreased by alveolar oedema, pulmonary hypertension, atelectasis and pulmonary fibrosis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      11.7
      Seconds
  • Question 28 - Chest X-ray of a 45-year old gentleman with a week history of pleurisy...

    Incorrect

    • Chest X-ray of a 45-year old gentleman with a week history of pleurisy showed a small pneumothorax with moderate-sized pleural effusion. Arterial blood gas analysis showed p(CO2) = 23 mmHg, p(O2) = 234.5 mmHg, standard bicarbonate = 16 mmol/l. What are we most likely dealing with?

      Your Answer: Compensated respiratory acidosis

      Correct Answer: Compensated respiratory alkalosis

      Explanation:

      Normal pH with low p(CO2) and low standard bicarbonate could indicate either compensated respiratory alkalosis or a compensated metabolic acidosis. However, the history of hyperventilation for 5 days (pleurisy) favours compensated respiratory alkalosis. Compensated metabolic acidosis would have been likely in a diabetic patient with fever, vomiting and high glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      46.1
      Seconds
  • Question 29 - A 45-year-old-female is suspected to have a pulmonary mass. Supposing that she has...

    Correct

    • A 45-year-old-female is suspected to have a pulmonary mass. Supposing that she has a neoplasm, which of the following are most commonly found to involve the lung:

      Your Answer: Pulmonary metastases

      Explanation:

      Lung metastases occur when a cancer started in another part of the body (primary site) spreads to the lungs. The lungs are among the most common site where cancer can spread due to its rich systemic venous drainage, almost every type of cancer can spread to the lung. The most common types of cancer that spread to the lung are breast, colorectal, kidney, testicular, bladder, prostate, head and neck cancers.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Respiratory
      10.5
      Seconds
  • Question 30 - Which of the following physiological changes will you see in a young man...

    Correct

    • Which of the following physiological changes will you see in a young man who has been trekking in the Himalayas for 3 years?

      Your Answer: Increased renal excretion of HCO3 –

      Explanation:

      The atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes as compared with sea level. This leads to a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. Once 2100 m (7000 feet) of altitude is reached, there is a drop in saturation of oxyhaemoglobin. The oxygen saturation of haemoglobin determines the oxygen content in the blood. The body physiological tries to adapt to high altitude by acclimatization. Immediate effects include hyperventilation, fluid loss (due to a decreased thirst drive), increase in heart rate and slightly lowered stroke volume. Long term effects include lower lactate production, compensatory alkali loss in urine, decrease in plasma volume, increased erythropoietin release and red cell mass, increased haematocrit, higher concentration of capillaries in striated muscle tissue, increase in myoglobin, increase in mitochondria, increase in aerobic enzyme concentration such as 2,3-DPG and pulmonary vasoconstriction.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      8.2
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Physiology (17/21) 81%
Respiratory (25/30) 83%
Pathology (8/9) 89%
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