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Question 1
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A 33-year-old male was brought in with complaints of an unsteady gait. According to the patient, he suffered a severe headache in the morning, with associated vomiting. Slowly his condition deteriorated until he was unable to walk. On exam, he had nystagmus and there was past pointing of the right arm. He speech was slurred, his uvula was deviated towards the right and there was decreased pinprick sensation on the right half of the body. The most likely site of the lesion in this patient would be?
Your Answer: Left lateral medulla
Explanation:Loss of sensations in left (ipsilateral) side of the face and contralateral (right) side of the body indicates a defect in left lateral medulla. Further cerebellar signs lead to the diagnosis of Lateral Medullary Syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 2
Correct
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A 28-year-old male is involved in a motorcycle accident. He sustained a direct blow to his lower chest. His blood pressure is 83/48, HR 113 bpm. On examination, there are multiple bruises on the chest with bowel sounds heard on auscultation of his chest. The single most likely diagnosis is?
Your Answer: Diaphragmatic rupture
Explanation:Ruptured diaphragm is a serious condition that is very difficult to diagnose and requires rapid intervention. The presence of bowel sounds on chest auscultation is highly suggestive of this.
Ruptured oesophagus is excluded by the absence of haematemesis and normal intestinal sounds.
Fractured ribs could be life threatening if associated with a tension pneumothorax which is excluded by a normal chest auscultation.
Flail chest is characterised by paradoxical breathing and respiratory failure. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 3
Correct
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A 30-year-old previously well female presented with yellowish discolouration of her sclera. Investigations revealed low haemoglobin, a retic count of 8% and the occasional spherocyte on blood film. Which of the following is the most appropriate single investigation?
Your Answer: Direct coombs test
Explanation:A low haemoglobin and a high retic count is suggestive of a haemolytic anaemia. Occasional spherocytes can be seen on blood film during haemolysis and it is not a specific finding. Direct Coombs test will help to identify autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, where there are antibodies attached to RBCs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 4
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A 44-year-old woman is investigated for hot flushes and night sweats. Her blood tests show a significantly raised FSH level and her symptoms are attributed to menopause. Following discussions with the patient, she elects to have hormone replacement treatment. What is the most significant risk of prescribing an oestrogen-only preparation rather than a combined oestrogen-progestogen preparation?
Your Answer: Increased risk of endometrial cancer
Explanation:The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on unopposed oestrogen increases the risk of endometrial cancer, and uterine hyperplasia or cancer.
Evidence from randomized controlled studies showed a definite association between HRT and uterine hyperplasia and cancer. HRT based on unopposed oestrogen is associated with this observed risk, which is unlike the increased risk of breast cancer linked with combined rather than unopposed HRT. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 5
Correct
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From the following drugs, which is an inhaled glucocorticoid that is used for maintenance therapy, but not important in mild asthmatic attacks?
Your Answer: Fluticasone propionate
Explanation:From the given answers Fluticasone propionate is the inhaled glucocorticoid. It is not important as a reliever medication but important in maintenance therapy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 6
Incorrect
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An iv-drug abuser sustains an open head injury and is admitted overnight for observation. The next morning she is ok and is discharged. A week later she is re-admitted with fluctuating hard neurological signs. Blood results show neutrophilia and raised C-reactive protein (CRP).
Which of the following is the best initial treatment step?Your Answer: Antibiotic therapy iv
Correct Answer: Computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast
Explanation:Increased WBC count and CRP suggest infection. But with the fluctuating hard neurological signs, there is suspicion of the presence of a cerebral mass, which is an indication for requesting for a CT scan with contrast, to rule out an abscess or haematoma. The lumbar puncture can be considered after the CT scan.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Following a road traffic accident, a gentleman is brought to A&E. He is found to have oliguria and diagnosed with acute renal tubular necrosis.
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What is the most common complication and cause of death in this condition?Your Answer: Electrolyte abnormalities
Correct Answer: Infection
Explanation:In patients with acute renal tubular necrosis, infection in the form of gram-negative septicaemia is the most common cause of death, especially while the patient is awaiting spontaneous recovery of their renal function.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 21-year-old male was brought in unconscious state with high fever, swollen nasal mucosa and constricted pupils. Which of the following substances can cause this presentation?
Your Answer: Heroin
Correct Answer: Cocaine
Explanation:This presentation is suggestive of cocaine toxicity. The major effects of cocaine poisoning include CNS effects such as agitation, seizures and psychosis, and cardiovascular effects such as dysrhythmias, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular collapse. The common route for cocaine ingestion is through the nose, hence the irritated swollen septum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 9
Correct
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What is the mode of spread of chickenpox?
Your Answer: Airborne
Explanation:Chickenpox is a highly communicable viral disease caused by human (alpha) herpesvirus 3 (varicella-zoster virus, VZV). It is transmitted from person to person by direct contact (touching the rash), droplet or air born spread (coughing and sneezing).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 10
Correct
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An 18-year-old male has been taken to the emergency department and is in a semi-unconscious state. Upon examination, he has the following stats: pulse = 60 bpm; RR = 8/min; and BP = 120/70 mmHg. The doctors also notice needle track marks on both of his arms, and his pupils are very small. From the list of options, choose the most suitable treatment.
Your Answer: Naloxone
Explanation:A reduced state of consciousness, RR 8/min, hypotension, miosis, and needle track marks on the arm are all symptoms of an opiate drug overdose, and so Naloxone is the most appropriate course of treatment.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 11
Correct
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A 42-year-old man with alcoholic liver disease is admitted with pyrexia. He has been unwell for the past three days and has multiple previous admissions before with variceal bleeding. Examination shows multiple stigmata of chronic liver disease, ascites and jaundice.
Paracentesis is performed with the following results: Neutrophils 487 cells/ul
What is the most appropriate treatment?Your Answer: Intravenous cefotaxime
Explanation:This describes a clinical scenario of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The diagnosis is made when fluid removed (ascites) is found to have > 250/mm cubed of PMNs (polymorphonuclear leukocytes). Cefotaxime or another third generation cephalosporin is the treatment of choice.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary System
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Question 12
Correct
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A female patient presents with pain upon inspiration and dyspnoea. She had a myocardial infarction four days ago. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Pericarditis
Explanation:Although viral infection is the most common identifiable cause of acute pericarditis, the condition may be associated with many diseases. Non-viral causes of pericarditis include bacterial infection, MI, chest trauma, and neoplasm. Post-MI pericarditis may develop two to four days after an acute infarction and results from a reaction between the pericardium and the damaged adjacent myocardium. Dressler’s syndrome is a post-MI phenomenon in which pericarditis develops weeks to months after an acute infarction; this syndrome is thought to reflect a late autoimmune reaction mediated by antibodies to circulating myocardial antigens.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 70-year-old woman is having trouble in speaking following a stroke. Her limbs are paralyzed, both left upper and lower limbs. Which anatomical site is most likely affected?
Your Answer: Cerebellum
Correct Answer: Internal capsule
Explanation:– The given scenario is typical of lesion in internal capsule.
– Memory impairment is caused by a hippocampal lesion,
– Impairment of arousal, facial paresis, visual field defect, facial paresis, hemiataxia, and hemispacial neglect are just some of the conditions caused by thalamic lesion.
– Brainstem stroke on the other hand causes breathing abnormality, altered consciousness, and blood pressure disorder. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatric Medicine
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Question 14
Correct
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A scientist is using denaturation, annealing and elongation to amplify a desired fragment of DNA. Which molecular technique is he using?
Your Answer: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Explanation:PCR is a simple, yet elegant, enzymatic assay, which allows for the amplification of a specific DNA fragment from a complex pool of DNA. PCR can be performed using source DNA from a variety of tissues and organisms, including peripheral blood, skin, hair, saliva, and microbes. Only trace amounts of DNA are needed for PCR to generate enough copies to be analysed using conventional laboratory methods. For this reason, PCR is a sensitive assay. Each PCR assay requires the presence of template DNA, primers, nucleotides, and DNA polymerase. The DNA polymerase is the key enzyme that links individual nucleotides together to form the PCR product. The above mentioned components are mixed in a test tube or 96-well plate and then placed in a machine that allows repeated cycles of DNA amplification to occur in three basic steps. The machine is essentially a thermal cycler. It has a thermal block with holes, into which the test tubes or plates holding the PCR reaction mixture are inserted. The machine raises and lowers the temperature of the block in discrete, precise and pre-programmed steps. The reaction solution is first heated above the melting point of the two complementary DNA strands of the target DNA, which allows the strands to separate, a process called denaturation. The temperature is then lowered to allow the specific primers to bind to the target DNA segments, a process known as hybridization or annealing. Annealing between primers and the target DNA occurs only if they are complementary in sequence (e.g. A binding to G). The temperature is raised again, at which time the DNA polymerase is able to extend the primers by adding nucleotides to the developing DNA strand. With each repetition of these three steps, the number of copied DNA molecules doubles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 15
Correct
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A 42-year-old female presents with a funny bone sensation in her right elbow that is accompanied by numbness and tingling in the 4th and 5th digits. The symptoms are aggravated when the elbow is bent for a prolonged period. Which of the following explains the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Cubital tunnel syndrome
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 16
Incorrect
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What is the mechanism of action of sumatriptan?
Your Answer: 5-HT2 agonist
Correct Answer: 5-HT1 agonist
Explanation:Triptans are specific 5-HT1 agonists used in the acute treatment of migraine. They are generally used as first-line therapy in combination with an NSAID or paracetamol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 17
Correct
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A 22-year-old female presents with a history of a whitish discharge from her vagina. She previously underwent a dental procedure and completed a 7 day antibiotic course prior to it. Which of the following microorganisms has most likely lead to this?
Your Answer: Candida
Explanation:Candida albicans is the most common cause of candidiasis and appears almost universally in low numbers on healthy skin, in the oropharyngeal cavity, and in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. In immunocompetent individuals, C. albicans usually causes minor localized infections, including thrush (affecting the oral cavity), vaginal yeast infections (if there is an underlying pH imbalance), and infections of the intertriginous areas of skin (e.g., the axillae or gluteal folds). More widespread and systemic infections may occur in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., neonates, diabetics, and HIV patients), with the oesophagus most commonly affected (candida esophagitis). Localized cutaneous candidiasis infections may be treated with topical antifungal agents (e.g., clotrimazole). More widespread and systemic infections require systemic therapy with fluconazole or caspofungin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A 59-year-old scientist is referred to you with a 2-year history of ascending lower limb numbness and, more recently, foot drop. In the last 6 months he has also developed numbness in his fingers. He has a distal reduction to pinprick and relatively preserved muscle power, except for ankle dorsiflexion and hyporeflexia in his legs. The GP has already organised nerve conduction studies and the report is sent along with the patient. Which of the following would be suggestive of an axonal neuropathy?
Your Answer: Reduced conduction velocity
Correct Answer: Reduced compound muscle action potential amplitude
Explanation:Reduced conduction velocity is associated with demyelinating neuropathies. An abnormally slow response is associated with very proximal disease, i.e. radiculopathies. Delayed P100 latency is a feature of performing visual evoked potentials in those with optic nerve disease. Conduction block is usually associated with certain types of demyelinating neuropathy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 19
Incorrect
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In the event of an overdose, haemodialysis is ineffective as a treatment modality for which of the following drugs?
Your Answer: Barbiturates
Correct Answer: Tricyclics
Explanation:Tricyclic compounds can’t be cleared by haemodialysis.
Drugs that can be cleared with haemodialysis include: (BLAST)
– Barbiturate
– Lithium
– Alcohol (inc methanol, ethylene glycol)
– Salicylates
– Theophyllines (charcoal hemoperfusion is preferable)Drugs which cannot be cleared with haemodialysis include:
– Tricyclics
– Benzodiazepines
– Dextropropoxyphene (Co-proxamol)
– Digoxin
– Beta-blockers -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 20
Correct
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A woman with breast cancer develops urinary frequency. Which part of the brain has metastasis potentially spread to?
Your Answer: Diencephalon
Explanation:Diencephalon consists of four structures; thalamus, subthalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus. The hypothalamus has a crucial role in controlling urinary frequency.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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An 86-year-old woman accidentally inhaled her hearing aid due to her advanced Alzheimer's dementia. Upon clinical examination, her respiratory rate is found to be 35, and thus a bronchoscopy is recommended. According to which of the following would you obtain consent for this patient?
Your Answer: Relatives/next of kin will have to consent for the patient
Correct Answer: The procedure does not require a written consent
Explanation:This is an emergency case regarding a patient with impaired cognitive functioning. This is why the procedure does not require a written consent. In any other case where the patient has a normal mental capacity, the consent would be obtained as an informed written consent. In this case however, the suggested procedure is almost a matter of life and death, the doctor being required to act on behalf of the patient to her optimal advantage. Under English law no other person can consent to treatment on behalf of an adult, though it is desirable that next of kin are consulted before treating an adult without consent. Recent legislation gives legal authority to people appointed by the patient, or by the state, or a relative or carer, to consent (or refuse) on behalf of the patient. A mini-mental score may not adequately identify those unable to give consent.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatric Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 61-year-old man presents post seizure. On examination, he is oriented and alert with hyperreflexia of the left arm, and inattention on the left side of the body. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Parkinsonism
Correct Answer: Cerebral tumour
Explanation:Brain tumour symptoms include gradual paralysis on one side of the body, extreme headaches, and seizures. Hyperreflexia is defined as overactive reflexes including twitching or spastic tendencies, which are indicative of upper motor neuron disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A 54-year-old woman, with a long history of inflammatory bowel disease presents to his GP with abnormal liver function tests. She has a raised alkaline phosphatase level but no symptoms of liver disease.
Which of the following options is the best set of investigations to confirm the diagnosis?Your Answer: Liver biopsy and anti-mitochondrial antibodies
Correct Answer: MRCP and liver biopsy
Explanation:In a patient with abnormal LFTs and UC, think primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). MRCP and liver biopsy is the best answer. MRCP will show classically beads on a string – intra and extrahepatic stricturing and dilation. Remember this finding!! Liver biopsy is required for official diagnosis (need tissue!).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary System
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Question 24
Correct
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A 70-year-old woman had a major surgery for removal of cancer of the ovary and lymph node dissection 6 days ago. She had not passed any flatus or stool since then. She recently developed recurrent vomiting and severe abdominal distention. What is the next step of management?
Your Answer: NG tube suction and IV fluids
Explanation:This patient developed paralytic ileus. It should be treated conservatively using IV fluids and NG tube.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Which one of the following responses is the least likely to be associated with primary pulmonary hypertension?
Your Answer: Fenfluramine
Correct Answer: Recurrent pulmonary embolism
Explanation:Connective-tissue diseases, liver cirrhosis, exposure to anorexigens and likely other alpha-adrenergic stimulants [e.g., cocaine, amphetamines] and HIV infection are associated with primary pulmonary hypertension. Recurrent pulmonary emboli, chronic lung diseases, left heart diseases are causes for secondary pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary vascular hypertension after use of fenfluramine is rarely reported.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 26
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 27
Incorrect
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Which one of the following statements regarding minimal change glomerulonephritis is incorrect?
Your Answer: The majority of cases are steroid responsive
Correct Answer: Hypertension is found in approximately 25% of patients
Explanation:Hypertension and haematuria are not common presentations in minimal change glomerulonephritis, all other statements are correct.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 28
Correct
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A 41-year-old man who has had two episodes of pneumonia in succession and an episode of haemoptysis is observed to have paroxysms of coughing and increasing wheezing. A single lesion which is well-defined is seen in the lower right lower lobe on a chest x-ray. There is no necrosis but biopsy shows numerous abnormal cells, occasional nuclear pleomorphism and absent mitoses.
Which diagnosis fits the clinical presentation?Your Answer: Bronchial carcinoid
Explanation:Bronchial carcinoids are uncommon, slow growing, low-grade, malignant neoplasms, comprising 1-2% of all primary lung cancers.
It is believed to be derived from surface of bronchial glandular epithelium. Mostly located centrally, they produce symptoms and signs of bronchial obstruction such as localized wheeze, non resolving recurrent pneumonitis, cough, chest pain, and fever. Haemoptysis is present in approximately 50% of the cases due to their central origin and hypervascularity.
Central bronchial carcinoids are more common than the peripheral type and are seen as endobronchial nodules or hilar/perihilar mass closely related to the adjacent bronchus. Chest X-ray may not show the central lesion depending on how small it is. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 29
Correct
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which of the following skin conditions is not associated with diabetes mellitus?
Your Answer: Scleroderma
Correct Answer: Sweet's syndrome
Explanation:Diabetic dermadromes constitute a group of cutaneous conditions commonly seen in people with diabetes with longstanding disease. Conditions included in this group are:
– Acral dry gangrene
– Carotenosis
– Diabetic dermopathy
– Diabetic bulla
– Diabetic cheiroarthropathy
– Malum perforans
– Necrobiosis lipoidica
– Limited joint mobility
– Scleroderma
– Waxy skin is observed in roughly 50%. Sweet’s syndrome is also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis has a strong association with acute myeloid leukaemia. It is not associated with diabetes mellitus. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
