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Question 1
Correct
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The posterior boundary of the carotid triangle is bounded by which of the following muscles?
Your Answer: Sternocleidomastoid
Explanation:The carotid triangle is a portion of the anterior triangle of the neck. It is bounded superiorly by the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, antero-inferiorly by the superior belly of omohyoid and posteriorly by the sternocleidomastoid. The floor is formed by the thyrohyoid, hyoglossus, middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictors and the roof is formed by the skin, superficial fascia, platysma and deep fascia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 78-year-old diabetic man undergoes renal function tests. Which of the following substances will be the most accurate for measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?
Your Answer: Creatinine
Correct Answer: Inulin
Explanation:Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the volume of fluid filtered from the renal glomerular capillaries into the Bowman’s capsule per unit time. Clinically, this is often measured to determine renal function. Inulin was originally used as it is not reabsorbed by the kidney after glomerular filtration, therefore its rate of excretion is directly proportional to the rate of filtration of water and solutes across the glomerular filter. However, in clinical practice, creatinine clearance is used to measure GFR. Creatinine is an endogenous molecule, synthesised in the body, that is freely filtered by the glomerulus (but also secreted by the renal tubules in very small amounts). Creatinine clearance exceeds GFR due to creatinine secretion, and is therefore a close approximation of the GFR.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 3
Incorrect
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Which of the following conditions can present with multiple abscesses that may discharge sulphur granules?
Your Answer: Histoplasmosis
Correct Answer: Actinomycosis
Explanation:Actinomycosis is primarily caused by any of the several members of the bacterial genus Actinomyces. These bacteria are generally anaerobes. And can cause multiple abscesses that may discharge sulphur granules.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 4
Correct
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During an exploratory laparotomy in a 22 year-old man shot in the abdomen, the operating doctor discovers the large bowel is perforated. Which of the following characteristics of the bowel enabled the surgeon to identify it as the large bowel?
Your Answer: Epiploic appendages
Explanation:The large intestine doesn’t have a continuous layer of longitudinal muscle. Instead, it has three strips of longitudinal muscle called taenia coli. The large intestine is covered with omental appendages that are fat filled. It is also folded into sacculations called haustrations. Serosa is a general term for the outermost coat or serous layer of a visceral structure that lies in the body cavities of the abdomen or thorax.
Complete circular folds are only found in the small intestine.
Valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring are the circular folds which are large valvular flaps projecting into the lumen of the small bowel.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 5
Incorrect
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What is the normal amount of oxygen that is carried in the blood?
Your Answer:
Correct 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 6
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old gentleman was recently diagnosed with hypertension, with no other abnormalities on physical examination. Further investigations revealed the following :
Na+ 144 mmol/l
K+ 3.0 mmol/l
Cl- 107 mmol/l
Bicarbonate 25 mmol/l.
Blood glucose 5.8 mmol/l.
What is the likely diagnosis?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Conn syndrome
Explanation:Overproduction of aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid) by the adrenal glands is known as Conn’s syndrome. It can be either due to an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma (50-60% cases) or adrenal gland hyperplasia (40-50% cases). Excess aldosterone leads to sodium and water retention, along with potassium excretion. This leads to arterial (non-essential) hypertension. Conn’s syndrome is the commonest cause of primary hyperaldosteronism. Other symptoms include muscle cramps, headache (due to hypokalaemia) and metabolic alkalosis, which occurs due to increased secretion of H+ ions by the kidney. The raised pH of the blood traps calcium leading to symptoms of hypocalcaemia, which can be mimicked by liquorice ingestion and Liddle syndrome. To diagnose Conn’s syndrome, the ratio of renin and aldosterone is measured. Due to suppression of renin secretion, there is low renin to aldosterone ratio (<0.05). However, anti-hypertensives may affect the test results and should be withdrawn for 6 weeks. Computed tomography can also be done to detect the presence of adrenal adenoma. Cushing’s syndrome does not cause hypokalaemia with normal serum glucose levels. Nelson’s syndrome refers to increased ACTH secretion due to pituitary adenoma. Pheochromocytoma will not lead to hypokalaemia even though hypertension can be seen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation in the left leg. He is likely to have a lesion involving:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Right lateral spinothalamic tract
Explanation:The spinothalamic tract is a sensory pathway originating in the spinal cord that transmits information to the thalamus. There are two main parts of the spinothalamic tract: the lateral spinothalamic tract transmits pain and temperature and the anterior spinothalamic tract transmits touch (crude touch). The decussation of this pathway occurs at the level of the spinal cord. Hence, a unilateral lesion of the lateral spinothalamic tract causes contralateral loss of pain and temperature.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Renin is secreted by pericytes in the vicinity of the afferent arterioles of the kidney from the juxtaglomerular cells. Plasma renin levels are decreased in patients with:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Primary aldosteronism
Explanation:Primary aldosteronism, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism or Conn’s syndrome, is excess production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands resulting in low renin levels. Most patients with primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome) have an adrenal adenoma. The increased plasma aldosterone concentration leads to increased renal Na+ reabsorption, which results in plasma volume expansion. The increase in plasma volume suppresses renin release from the juxtaglomerular apparatus and these patients usually have low plasma renin levels. Salt restriction and upright posture decrease renal perfusion pressure and therefore increases renin release from the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Secondary aldosteronism is due to elevated renin levels and may be caused by heart failure or renal artery stenosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old male is suspected to have pancreatic cancer. What particular tumour marker should be requested to aid in the confirmation of the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Explanation:Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is used as a tumour marker. CEA test measures the amount of this protein that may appear in the blood of some people who have certain types of cancers especially cancer of the colon and rectal cancer. It may also be present in the pancreas, breast, ovary or lung.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A 50 year old male point was diagnosed with tennis elbow that became worse after he started playing basket ball over the last three months. He was admitted to the orthopaedic ward to have elbow braces fitted. What type of synovial joint is the elbow joint?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hinge
Explanation:The elbow joint is one of the many synovial joints in the body. This joint is an example of the hinge joint as the humerus is received into the semilunar notch of the ulna and the capitulum of the humerus articulates with the fovea on the head of the radius, together acting as a hinge in one plane.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 11
Incorrect
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The physician suggested lifestyle modification for his patient because his present condition could increase his risk for the development of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. What is the most common predisposing factor for the development of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Explanation:Barret’s oesophagus is attributed primarily to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The chronic acidic environment damages the squamous epithelial lining of the oesophagus, and subsequently undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells develop into columnar epithelium, this is then known as Barret’s oesophagitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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An 18 year-old with an iron deficient diet was prescribed an iron supplement by her GP. Lack of iron often results in:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hypochromic anaemia
Explanation:Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It can occur due to deficiency of iron from decreased intake, increased loss or inadequate absorption. An MCV less than 80 will indicated iron deficiency anaemia. On the smear the RBCs will be microcytic hypochromic and will also show poikilocytosis. Iron profile tests are important to make a diagnosis. Clinically the patient will be pale and lethargic.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Calculate the total peripheral resistance for a patient with a blood pressure of 130/70 mm HG and cardiac output of 5 litres / min?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 18 mmHg × min/l
Explanation:Total peripheral resistance = Mean arterial pressure/Cardiac output. And the mean arterial pressure = Diastolic pressure + 1/3 (Systolic pressure – Diastolic pressure), i.e., 70 + 1/3 (130-70) = 90 mmHg. Therefore, total peripheral resistance = 90 mmHg/5 l per min = 18 mmHg × min/l.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 20-year old boy presented with low grade fever, night sweats and weakness over two months. On examination, he had multiple, non-tender, cervical, supraclavicular and axillary adenopathy. Microscopy of lymph node biopsy showed the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. He is likely suffering from:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Explanation:Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a disease characterized by malignant proliferation of cells of the lymphoreticular system. It can be localized or disseminated, and can involve the nodes, spleen, liver and marrow. Symptoms of the disease include non-tender lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching and hepatosplenomegaly. Histologically, the involved nodes show the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, binucleated cells, in a heterogenous cellular infiltrate of histiocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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During an appendicectomy in a 16 year old girl, the registrar initially did not find the appendix on entering the peritoneal cavity. She, however, remained calm as she knew she could find it by:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Looking at the confluence of the taenia coli
Explanation:The vermiform appendix arises from the apex of the caecum. Although it has a constant base, it can pass in one of several directions such as upward behind the caecum, to the left behind the ileum and mesentery or downward into the lesser pelvis. It is retained in place by a peritoneal fold, the mesoenteriole derived from the left leaf of the mesentery. Taenia coli meet at the appendix which is the terminal portion of the caecum. The appendix is below the ileocecal valve, not above. It is not near the right colic artery (which supplies the ascending colon). It would not be found by removing a layer of the jejuno-ileum and is not in the pelvic brim.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A 42 year old women presents with end stage renal failure and is prepared to receive a kidney from her husband. HLA testing showed that they are not a 100% match and she is given immunosuppressant therapy for this. Three months later when her renal function tests were performed she showed signs of deteriorating renal function, with decreased renal output, proteinuria of +++ and RBCs in the urine. She was given antilymphocyte globulins and her condition reversed. What type of graft did this patient receive?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Allograft
Explanation:Allograft describes a graft between two of the same species. As the donor and the recipients are history-incompatible, rejection of the graft is common and is controlled by immunosuppressive drug therapy. Isograft and syngraft are synonymous and referred to a graft transferred between genetically identical individuals e.g. identical twins. In this case rejection is rare as they are history-compatible.
Autograft refers to transfer of one part of the body to another location.
Xenograft is transfer of tissue from another species e.g. pig to human in valve replacement surgeries and rejection is very high.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Renal
- Pathology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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A 65-year old patient with altered bowl movement experienced the worsening of shortness of breath and exertional chest pains over the course of 8 weeks. Examination shows pallor and jugular venous distension. Furthermore, a test of the stool for occult blood is positive. Laboratory studies show:
Haemoglobin 7.4 g/dl
Mean corpuscular volume 70 fl Leukocyte count 5400/mm3
Platelet count 580 000/mm3 Erythrocyte sedimentation 33 mm/h
A blood smear shows hypochromic, microcytic RBCs with moderate poikilocytosis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Iron deficiency anaemia
Explanation:Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It can occur due to deficiency of iron due to decreased intake or due to faulty absorption. An MCV less than 80 will indicated iron deficiency anaemia. On the smear the RBC will be microcytic hypochromic and will also show piokilocytosis. iron profiles tests are important to make a diagnosis. Clinically the patient will be pale and lethargic.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A 65-year-old man with no history of smoking complains of shortness of breath and persistent cough over the past 8 months. He reveals that in the 1960s he worked for several years as a boiler operator. Chest X-ray shows diffuse lung infiltrates. Which of the following is the most probable cause of these findings?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Asbestosis
Explanation:Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease which leads to long-term respiratory complications and is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. Symptoms due to long exposure to asbestos usually appear 10 to 40 years after initial exposure and include shortness of breath, cough, weight loss, clubbing of the fingers and chest pain. Typical chest X-ray findings include diffuse lung infiltrates that cause the appearance of shaggy heart borders.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A patient at the time of her second delivery opted for a bilateral pudendal nerve block. In order to inject the anaesthetic agent near the pudendal nerve a anaesthetic consultant had to insert a finger into the vagina and press laterally to palpate which landmark?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Ischial spine
Explanation:The ischial spine is always palpated through the walls of the vagina when performing a transvaginal pudendal nerve block and can easily be palpated on the lateral wall of the vagina.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 20
Incorrect
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In multiple myeloma, which of these cell types confirms the diagnosis when found in a smear of bone marrow aspirate?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Plasma cells
Explanation:A bone marrow aspiration is the diagnostic test for multiple myeloma, which is a malignant bone tumour that usually affects older adults. The smear reveals clusters of plasma cells, while X-rays tend to show circumscribed lytic lesions or diffuse demineralisation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Gastric acid secretion is stimulated by which of the following?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gastrin
Explanation:Gastric acid secretion is stimulated by three factors:
– Acetylcholine, from parasympathetic neurones of the vagus nerve that innervate parietal cells directly
– Gastrin, produced by pyloric G-cells
– Histamine, produced by mast cells.
Gastric acid is inhibited by three factors:
– Somatostatin
– Secretin
– Cholecystokinin
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A young female in the 15th week of pregnancy presented to the emergency department with the passage of grape-like masses per vagina. Dilatation and curettage was done and microscopy revealed large avascular villi with trophoblastic proliferation. Which one of the following investigations is best recommended for her follow-up?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Serum β-hCG
Explanation:Trophoblast is the layer of cells surrounding the blastocyst and that later develops into the chorion and amnion. Gestational trophoblastic disease is a tumour arising from this trophoblast. It can occur during or after either an intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy. If it occurs in a pregnant woman, it usually leads to spontaneous abortion, eclampsia or fetal death. It can be either malignant or benign.
In suspected cases, investigations include measurement of serum beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and pelvic ultrasound. Confirmatory test is a biopsy. Post-removal, the disease is classified clinically to assess further treatment. To assess the presence of metastases, further work-up includes computed tomography of the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Chemotherapy is usually needed for persistent disease. If at least three consecutive, weekly serum β-hCG measurements are normal, treatment is considered successful. Follow-up is also done by measuring β-hCG.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Women's Health
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A 45 year old man who complains of chronic post prandial, burning epigastric pain undergoes a gastrointestinal endoscopy. There is no apparent mass or haemorrhage and a biopsy is taken from the lower oesophageal mucosa just above the gastro-oesophageal junction. The results reveal the presence of columnar cells interspersed with goblet cells. Which change best explains the above mentioned histology?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Metaplasia
Explanation:Metaplasia is the transformation of one type of epithelium into another as a means to better cope with external stress on that epithelium. In this case metaplasia occurs due to the inflammation resulting from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Dysplasia is disordered cellular growth. Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number but not cell type i.e. transformation. Carcinoma is characterized by cellular atypia. Ischaemia would result in necrosis with ulceration. Carcinoma insitu involves dysplastic atypical cells with the basement membrane intact and atrophy would mean a decrease in number of cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Gastrointestinal
- Pathology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A medical intern wanting to perform her first thoracentesis (remove fluid from the pleural cavity) wishes to be reminded where to insert the needle to aspirate in order to avoid injuring the lung or neurovascular elements. Where is this place?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: The bottom of interspace 9 in the midaxillary line
Explanation:Thoracentesis is performed in the costodiaphragmatic recess. The needle needs to be inserted below the level of the lungs to avoid injury to the lungs. At the paravertebral line, is between ribs 10 and 12, at the midaxillary line between ribs 8 and 10 and at the midclavicular line between interspaces 6 and 8. The needle should be inserted at the top of the rib (or the bottom of the interspace) to avoid damage to the neurovascular structures found below the rib running in the costal groove.
The recommended location for the needle insertion varies depending upon the source. It is critical that the patient hold his or her breath to avoid piercing of the lung.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Which of the following is most likely to cause hypovolaemic hypernatremia:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hyperalimentation
Explanation:Hypernatremia, characterised by a high serum sodium concentration, is rarely associated with volume overload (hypervolemia). A hypovolaemic hypernatremia may be seen during excessive administration of hypertonic sodium bicarbonate, hypertonic saline or hyperalimentation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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A 23-year-old woman decides to donate a kidney through a kidney chain. Which of the following indices would be expected to be decreased in the donor after full recovery from the operation?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Creatinine clearance
Explanation:Since medication to prevent rejection is so effective, donors do not need to be similar to their recipient. Most donated kidneys come from deceased donors; however, the utilisation of living donors is on the rise. Most problems encountered with live donation are associated with the donor. Firstly, there are the potentially harmful investigative procedures carried out in the assessment phase, the most hazardous being renal angiography, where there is cannulation of the artery and injection of a radio-opaque dye to determine the blood supply to the kidney. Secondly, there are the short-term risks of nephrectomy surgery. According to the literature, there is a mortality rate of between 1 in 1600 and 1 in 3000, but this is no more than is associated with any anaesthetic. In the initial postoperative period creatinine clearance may be decreased but this recovers fully over a few weeks to months. Long-term complications include prolonged wound pain.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 27
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 28
Incorrect
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An anatomy instructor is giving a demonstration of the right lung. Which of the statements about the right lung made by the demonstrator is correct?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Its upper lobar bronchus lies behind and above the right pulmonary artery
Explanation:The root of the lungs on both sides are similar in that the pulmonary veins are anterior and inferior while the bronchus is posterior. However, on the right side, the pulmonary arteries are anterior to the bronchus while on the left side the pulmonary arteries are superior to the bronchus. The lingual is only found on the left lung. The mediastinum is the space in the thorax between the two pleural sacs and does not contain any lung. The right lung, having three lobes, is slightly larger than the left lung. On both sides, the phrenic nerves passes in front of the root of the lung.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Which of the following conditions is characterized by generalised oedema due to effusion of fluid into the extracellular space?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Anasarca
Explanation:Anasarca (or ‘generalised oedema’) is a condition characterised by widespread swelling of the skin due to effusion of fluid into the extracellular space. It is usually caused by liver failure (cirrhosis of the liver), renal failure/disease, right-sided heart failure, as well as severe malnutrition/protein deficiency.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A patient is brought to the accident and emergency department. He is said to have been involved in a mall explosion. Chest imaging reveals metal fragments in his thoracic cavity. He also has a pericardial effusion suggestive of a pericardial tear. An emergency thoracotomy is done which revealed a tear of the pericardium inferiorly. The surgeon began to explore for fragments in the pericardial sac with his hand from below the apex. He slips his fingers upward and to the right within the sac until they were stopped by the cul-de-sac formed by the pericardial reflection near the base of the heart. His finger tips were now in the:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Oblique pericardial sinus
Explanation:Transverse sinus: part of pericardial cavity that is behind the aorta and pulmonary trunk and in front of the superior vena cava separating the outflow vessels from the inflow vessels.
Oblique pericardial sinus: is behind the left atrium where the visceral pericardium reflects onto the pulmonary veins and the inferior vena cava. Sliding a finger under the heart will take you to this sinus.
Coronary sinus: large vein that drains the heart into the right atrium. Located on the surface of the heart.
Coronary sulcus: groove on the heart demarcating the atria from the ventricles.
Costomediastinal recess: part of the pleural sac where the costal pleura transitions to become the mediastinal pleura.
Sulcus terminalis: a groove between the right atrium and the vena cava.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
