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Question 1
Incorrect
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Which is primarily responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3 in the periphery?
Your Answer: Deiodinase 3
Correct Answer: Deiodinase 1
Explanation:Type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase, also known simply as deiodinase 1, is an enzyme which can produce both triiodothyronine (active form) or inactivate metabolites from T4. It is responsible for almost 80% of the conversion of peripheral T4 to T3. Iodothyronine deiodinases are not to be confused with iodotyrosine deiodinases, which are also part of the deiodinase enzymes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 2
Incorrect
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Restriction Enzymes...
Your Answer: Cut DNA sequences randomly
Correct Answer: Cut DNA sequences at specific sites
Explanation:Restriction endonucleases are enzymes that recognise short sequences of double stranded DNA and cut them at specific nucleotide points or sequences. These sequences differ for different restriction endonucleases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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Regarding Gene Knockout Mouse Models, all are true except:
Your Answer: RFLP analysis is slow and cumbersome and is now largely obsolete
Correct Answer: In knockout mouse models a gene is turned on through targeted mutation
Explanation:In knockout mouse models, a gene is not turned on but rather turned off or “knocked out” through targeted mutation. This involves disrupting or deleting the gene to study the effects of its loss of function. Knockout models are crucial for understanding the roles of specific genes, particularly those with unknown functions.
The other statements are true:
- Knockout models are important in studying the roles of sequenced genes with unknown function.
- RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms) can be subcategorized as SLP (single locus probe) and MLP (multi locus probe).
- RFLP analysis is slow and cumbersome and is now largely obsolete, having been replaced by more efficient techniques.
- Sequence changes involved in RFLP can be analyzed more quickly by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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Which of the following corresponds to an oblique line drawn from the sternal end of the left 3rd costal cartilage to the sternal end of the right 6th costal cartilage?
Your Answer: Atrio-ventricular (coronary) groove
Explanation:The AV groove corresponds to the right border of the heart. The right border corresponds to a line drawn from the 3rd right costal cartilage to the 6th right costal cartilage; this border is slightly convex to the right.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of the following drugs requires plasma level monitoring?
Your Answer: Vancomycin
Explanation:All patients require plasma-vancomycin measurement (after 3 or 4 doses if renal function normal, earlier if renal impairment). There is a risk of nephrotoxicity including renal failure, interstitial nephritis and ototoxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Which hormone is associated with the temperature surge in hot flushes?
Your Answer: Oestrogen
Correct Answer: LH
Explanation:Luteinizing hormone or LH is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Studies have shown surges in LH levels during menopausal hot flushes, suggesting that a pulsatile release of LH is responsible for increased hypothalamic norepinephrine activity, causing the hot flushes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Incorrect
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The liver is the principal site for?
Your Answer: Synthesis of immunoglobulins
Correct Answer: Storage of iron
Explanation:The liver mainly synthesizes proteins including albumin, globulins and coalgulative factors. Vitamin B12 is taken in via the diet and stored by the liver. Vitamin C is not stored and excessive vitamin C is excreted via urine. Liver is the main site of iron storage, where it is stored in the form of ferritin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
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Question 8
Correct
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According to the Vaughan William's classification of antiarrhythmic agents, lidocaine is a:
Your Answer: Class Ib agent
Explanation:Lidocaine is an example of class IB antiarrhythmics.The Vaughan-Williams classification of antiarrhythmicsI: Membrane stabilizing agentsIA: Quinidine, Procainamide, DisopyramideIB: Lidocaine, MexiletineIC: Propafenone, Flecainide II: β blockers – Propranolol, EsmololIII: Agents widening AP – Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Dofetilide, Ibutilide, SotalolIV: Calcium channel blockers – Verapamil, DiltiazemV: Miscellaneous – Digoxin, adenosine, magnesium
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 62 year old female has complained she feels unsteady when she is walking. She is examined and is found to have pyramidal weakness of her left lower leg. She also has reduced pain and temperature sensation on her right leg and right side of her torso up to the umbilicus. Her joint position sense is also impaired in her left big toe but is found to be normal elsewhere. She has definite left extensor plantar response, and the right plantar response is equivocal. Where is the lesion?
Your Answer: Left lumbo-sacral plexus
Correct Answer: Left mid-thoracic cord
Explanation:In Brown-Sequard syndrome, there is paralysis and loss of proprioception, which occurs on the same (ipsilateral) side of the body, as the lesion. Loss of pain and temperature sensation, therefore, occurs on the opposite (contralateral) side of the body as the lesion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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A 41 year old woman who has a history of SLE presents with a dry cough, dyspnoea and fever. She is being treated with a monthly dose of IV cyclophosphamide for Grade IV nephropathy. The last cyclophosphamide dose was 10 years ago. Lab investigations are as follows: WCC: 2.3 (lymphocyte count 0.7)Platelets: 81Hb: 10.5ESR: 56CRP: 43PO2: 7.2 kPa, PCO2: 3.6 kPa after walking out to the toilet.Chest X ray was unremarkable apart from some patchy pulmonary infiltration.What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)
Explanation:Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, is an opportunistic fungal lung infection occurring almost exclusively in immunocompromised individuals. In 50% of cases, PCP is the first manifestation of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), but it may be caused by other immunodeficiency disorders. PCP should be suspected in patients with a history of progressive dyspnoea and a dry cough with resistance to standard antibiotic treatment. Signs that support this diagnosis include a CD4 count < 200/μL, an increased beta-D-glucan level, and diffuse bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray. Management of PCP includes high-dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), treatment of the underlying immunodeficiency disorder, and steroids in the case of severe respiratory insufficiency. TB is less likely to be present in this case as ESR is relatively low and chest x-ray appeared normal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 11
Incorrect
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In which phase do chromosomes in the nucleus become condensed into well-defined chromosomes?
Your Answer: Anaphase
Correct Answer: Metaphase
Explanation:Prophase begins when the nucleus envelope disintegrates and the chromosomes start to condense. The chromosomes consist of two sister chromatids that are joined at a constriction known as centromere. When the cell reaches the metaphase the chromosomes are completely condensed and ready to align on the equatorial plate
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Emulsification of dietary lipids is brought about by
Your Answer: Pepsin
Correct Answer: Bile salts
Explanation:Digestion of fats can begin in the mouth where lingual lipase breaks down some short chain lipids into diglycerides. However fats are mainly digested in the small intestine. The presence of fat in the small intestine produces hormones that stimulate the release of pancreatic lipase from the pancreas and bile from the liver which helps in the emulsification of fats for absorption of fatty acids.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 13
Correct
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Choose the correct answer: fibers in the superior cerebellar peduncle:
Your Answer: Are mainly tracts projecting from the cerebellar nuclei to the brown nucleus
Correct Answer: Are mainly ventral spinocerebellar tracts from the cerebellar nuclei to the thalamus and red nucleus
Explanation:There are three cerebellar peduncles with different connections and functions. The three are mainly, superior, middle and inferior. The superior cerebellar peduncle is also known as the “Brachium conjunctivum”. It predominantly contains efferent fibers from the cerebellar nuclei, as well as some afferents from the spinocerebellar tract. The efferent pathways include cerebellorubral, dentatothalamic, and fastigioreticular fibers. These are tracts projecting from the deep cerebellar nuclei to the thalamus and red nucleus. The middle cerebellar peduncle connects to the pontine nucleus and the dorsal spinocerebellar tracts run through the superior cerebellar peduncle.
The superior cerebellar peduncle contains vital afferent and efferent fibers including cerebellothalamic, cerebellorubral and ventrospinocerebellar tracts.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 15
Correct
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Question 16
Incorrect
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In most somatic cells telomeres progressively shorten as:
Your Answer: Protein synthesis increases
Correct Answer: The cell divides
Explanation:Telomere length shortens with age. Progressive shortening of telomeres leads to senescence, apoptosis, or oncogenic transformation of somatic cells, affecting the health and lifespan of an individual. Telomeres prevent the chromosomes from shortening and prevent the coding portion of the DNA from being lost, thus allowing the cell to replicate indefinitely. During replication telomeres may be lost resulting in cell death.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old female was brought to the ER in a confused state. The patient works in a photograph development laboratory. On admission, she was hypoxic and hypotensive. A provisional diagnosis of cyanide poisoning was made. What is the definitive treatment?
Your Answer: Desferioxamine
Correct Answer: Hydroxocobalamin
Explanation:Cyanide poisoning: Aetiology:Smoke inhalation, suicidal ingestion, and industrial exposure (specific industrial processes involving cyanide include metal cleaning, reclaiming, or hardening; fumigation; electroplating; and photo processing) are the most frequent sources of cyanide poisoning. Treatment with sodium nitroprusside or long-term consumption of cyanide-containing foods is a possible source.Cyanide exposure most often occurs via inhalation or ingestion, but liquid cyanide can be absorbed through the skin or eyes. Once absorbed, cyanide enters the blood stream and is distributed rapidly to all organs and tissues in the body. Pathophysiology:Inside cells, cyanide attaches itself to ubiquitous metalloenzymes, rendering them inactive. Its principal toxicity results from inactivation of cytochrome oxidase (at cytochrome a3), thus uncoupling mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and inhibiting cellular respiration, even in the presence of adequate oxygen stores.Presentation:• ‘Classical’ features: brick-red skin, smell of bitter almonds• Acute: hypoxia, hypotension, headache, confusion• Chronic: ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitisManagement:• Supportive measures: 100% oxygen, ventilatory assistance in the form of intubation if required.• Definitive: Hydroxocobalamin (iv) is considered the drug of choice and is approved by the FDA for treating known or suspected cyanide poisoning. • Coadministration of sodium thiosulfate (through a separate line or sequentially) has been suggested to have a synergistic effect on detoxification.Mechanism of action of hydroxocobalamin: • Hydroxocobalamin combines with cyanide to form cyanocobalamin (vitamin B-12), which is renally cleared.• Alternatively, cyanocobalamin may dissociate from cyanide at a slow enough rate to allow for cyanide detoxification by the mitochondrial enzyme rhodanese.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Correct
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The process whereby DNA fragments are separated by size and charge is called:
Your Answer: Gel electrophoresis
Explanation:Fragments of DNA of varying length can be separated on the basis of their charge and their size by a process called gel electrophoresis. Because DNA contains negatively charged phosphate groups, it will migrate in an electric field toward the positive electrode. Shorter chains migrate more rapidly through the pores of the gel, and thus separation depends on length. DNA bands in the gel can be visualized by various techniques including staining with dyes and autoradiography.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 19
Incorrect
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All of the following constitute small intestinal brush border enzymes except:
Your Answer: Sucrase
Correct Answer: Alpha-amylase
Explanation:The final step in digestion of carbohydrates, which is conversion of disaccharides to absorbable monosaccharides occurs on the small intestinal epithelial cells. The enzymes responsible for this final stage of digestion are not freely found in the intestinal lumen, but they are found as integral membrane proteins in the plasma membrane of the epithelial cell. The apical plasma membrane of the intestinal epithelial cell has numerous microvilli which extend from the cell known as the brush border. Thus, the enzymes embedded in those microvilli are referred to as brush border enzymes. All these enzymes except alfa amylase are brush border enzymes. Alfa amylase is secreted by pancreatic acinar cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Which dorsal (sensory) root is responsible for umbilical area sensation?
Your Answer: C3 & c4
Correct Answer: T10
Explanation:The area of skin supplied by one nerve is called a dermatome. T10 supplies sensory neurons to the area of the umbilicus. C3 and C4 supply the neck and the shoulder, T4 supplies the dermatome at the level of the nipple, S3 supplies the inguinal region and L5 supplies the lateral aspect of the leg and the medical aspect of the dorsum of the feet plus the first 3 toes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 21
Correct
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A 60-year-old male is under treatment with azathioprine after a renal transplant. During his review, he complains of pain and swelling over his left great toe. Investigations reveal hyperuricemia. Suspecting gout, he was started on allopurinol. Subsequently, he develops aplastic anaemia. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for his bone marrow failure?
Your Answer: Mercaptopurine toxicity
Explanation:The cause for bone marrow suppression in this patient is most probably mercaptopurine toxicity.Azathioprine is metabolized to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), which itself is metabolized by xanthine oxidase. Xanthine oxidase inhibition by allopurinol leads to the accumulation of 6-MP which then precipitates bone marrow failure. This may be potentially fatal if unrecognized.Clinical presentation:Toxicity symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms, bradycardia, hepatotoxicity, myelosuppression.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following skin coloration abnormalities occurs due to adrenal insufficiency due to primary adrenal disease?
Your Answer: Hypopigmentation
Correct Answer: Hyperpigmentation
Explanation:Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism is an endocrine disorder. Hyperpigmentation is one of its most common signs; it occurs as a result of an increase in pro-opiomelanocortin to produce more ACTH in response to the decreased levels of cortisol. Pro-opiomelanocortin is a precursor of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), which stimulates melanocytes, causing darkening of the skin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Which one of the following statements best describes a type II statistical error?
Your Answer: The alternative hypothesis is rejected when it is false
Correct Answer: The null hypothesis is accepted when it is false
Explanation:In statistical hypothesis testing there are 2 types of errors:- type I: the null hypothesis is rejected when it is true – i.e. Showing a difference between two groups when it doesn’t exist, a false positive. – type II: the null hypothesis is accepted when it is false – i.e. Failing to spot a difference when one really exists, a false negative.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
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Question 24
Incorrect
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What is the enzyme that is involved in the formation of citrulline?
Your Answer: Transaminase
Correct Answer: Ornithine transcarbamoylase
Explanation:Carbamoyl phosphate is converted to citrulline by ornithine transcarbamoylase.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 25
Incorrect
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The function of Troponin T in cardiac muscle is?
Your Answer: Binding site for Ca2+ to initiate muscle contraction
Correct Answer: Allows attachment of troponin components to tropomyosin
Explanation:Troponin T binds the troponin components to tropomyosin. Troponin I inhibits the interaction of myosin with actin, and troponin C contains the binding sites for the Ca2+ that helps initiate contraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Where is Basic Electrical rhythm initiated
Your Answer: Antegrade neurons
Correct Answer: Interstitial cells of cajal
Explanation:The interstitial cells of Cajal are specialized pacemaker cells located in the wall of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. These cells are connected to the smooth muscle via gap junctions and the myenteric plexus. The cell membranes of the pacemaker cells undergo a rhythmic depolarization and repolarization from -65mV to -45mV. This rhythm of depolarization-repolarization of the cell membrane creates a slow wave known as a basic electrical rhythm (BER), and it is transmitted to the smooth muscle cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is true of the beta- lactams:
Your Answer: The addition of clavulanic acid improves the spectrum to include coagulase-negative staphylococci
Correct Answer: Co-amoxiclav is more likely to cause obstructive jaundice than amoxicillin
Explanation:β-lactam antibiotics are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics, consisting of all antibiotic agents that contain a β-lactam ring in their molecular structures. This includes penicillin derivatives (penams), cephalosporins (cephems), monobactams, and carbapenems. Most β-lactam antibiotics work by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis in the bacterial organism and are the most widely used group of antibiotics. Bacteria often develop resistance to β-lactam antibiotics by synthesizing a β-lactamase, an enzyme that attacks the β-lactam ring. To overcome this resistance, β-lactam antibiotics are often given with β-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanic acid. Immunologically mediated adverse reactions to any β-lactam antibiotic may occur in up to 10% of patients receiving that agent (a small fraction of which are truly IgE-mediated allergic reactions). Rarely, cholestatic jaundice has been associated with Co-amoxiclav (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid). The reaction may occur up to several weeks after treatment has stopped, and usually takes weeks to resolve. It is more frequent in men, older people, and those who have taken long courses of treatment; the estimated overall incidence is one in 100,000 exposures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old woman diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is about to be started on the CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone). Her pre-chemotherapy blood investigations show:Hb: 11.8 g/dlPlatelets: 423 x 109/lWBC: 11.2 x 109/lNa+: 143 mmol/lK+: 3.9 mmol/lUrea: 6.2 mmol/lCreatinine: 78 μmol/lUric acid: 0.45 mmol/lCiprofloxacin is prescribed in addition to the CHOP regimen to reduce the risk of neutropenic sepsis. Which of the following drugs should be added to lower the risk of other complications?
Your Answer: Aspirin
Correct Answer: Allopurinol
Explanation:Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) occurs most notably in patients with haematological malignancies including, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL).Risk factors for TLS include:• Large tumour burden• Sensitivity of the tumour to chemotherapy• Rapid tumour growth rateTLS is characterized by:• Hyperuricemia• Hyperkalaemia• Hyperphosphatemia• HypocalcaemiaTreatment of TLS:• Allopurinol: It is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, it reduces the conversion of nucleic acid by-products to uric acid. Thus, it prevents urate nephropathy and subsequent oliguric renal failure. Note: dose reduction is essential in renal failure or if given along with mercaptopurine or azathioprine.Alternatives to Allopurinol: Febuxostat; Rasburicase are useful in patients with hyperuricemia.• Hydration• Diuresis: Should be considered in well hydrated patients with insufficient urine output. Furosemide to be considered in normo-volemic patients with hyperkalaemia. Urine alkalization can be considered for promoting alkaline diuresis.• Treatment of electrolyte imbalances including hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcaemia.• Dialysis can be considered in refractory cases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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The thalamic nuclei that project over wide regions of the neocortex are:
Your Answer: Midline and intralaminar nuclei
Correct Answer: Specific relay nuclei
Explanation:The thalamus is considered the relay station for sensory and motor stimuli. There are three basic types of thalamic nuclei: relay nuclei, association nuclei and non-specific nuclei. Relay nuclei receive very well defined inputs and project this signal to functionally distinct areas of the cerebral cortex. These include the nuclei that relay primary sensations and also the nuclei involved in feedback of cerebellar signals and basal gangliar output.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which of the following antiarrhythmic drugs may be used in the treatment of long QT syndrome?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Atenolol
Explanation:Beta-blockers are the mainstay of treatment in long QT syndrome. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are the most effective treatment in genotypes with a high risk of recurrence.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
