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Question 1
Correct
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Which statement about antithrombin III is true?
Your Answer: It inhibits particularly factor II and X
Explanation:Antithrombin inactivates its physiological target enzymes, Thrombin (Factor II), Factor Xa and Factor IXa. ATIII binds to thrombin and then forms the thrombin-anti thrombin complex or TAT complex. This is a major natural pathway of anticoagulation. This binding of thrombin to AT is greatly enhanced in the presence of heparin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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Pancreatic juice is usually?
Your Answer: Alkaline
Explanation:Pancreatic juice is alkaline in nature and has a high amount of bicarbonate ions. About 1500 ml is secreted every day. It also contains a large quantity of enzymes in the inactive form.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 3
Correct
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Which of the following statements correctly describes a function of the parasympathetic innervation of the GI tract.
Your Answer: Parasympathetic cholinergic activity increases the activity of intestinal smooth muscle
Explanation:The parasympathetic nerves stimulate peristalsis and relax the sphincters; they also stimulate secretion. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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In the absence of insulin:
Your Answer: Glucose uptake by most of the brain is normal
Explanation:Although it is known that insulin levels affect glucose uptake, oxidation and storage in peripheral tissues, its role in the brain isn’t as clear. However, studies have shown that bulk brain glucose uptake isn’t affected by insulin. Glucose transport into the neurons is GLUT3 dependent, and its transport into glia and brain endothelial cells rely on GLUT1. Insulin isn’t necessary for GLUT1 or GLUT3, which explains why brain glucose uptake isn’t affected by insulin levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 5
Incorrect
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Question 6
Correct
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A 20-year-old female has been admitted with an acute infection. She gives a history suggestive of hypersensitivity to amoxicillin. After consultation with the allergy specialist, she has now been diagnosed with an IgE mediated penicillin allergy. Which of the following drugs should be avoided in this patient?
Your Answer: Cefalexin
Explanation:Cefalexin should be avoided in this patient.This patient is known to have a severe penicillin allergy. None of the above antibiotics are penicillin based. However, 0.5 – 6.5% of patients who are proven to have an IgE mediated penicillin allergy will also be allergic to cephalosporins, including cefalexin. Penicillin, cephalosporins, and carbapenems are all members of the beta-lactam group of antibiotics and share a common beta-lactam ring. There is, therefore, a small risk of allergy cross-over between all these antibiotics. The rates of allergy cross-over are lower with second and third-generation cephalosporins than first-generation cephalosporins such as cefalexin.It is important to question the patient carefully to ascertain what symptoms they had on exposure to penicillin. Symptoms such as an urticarial rash or itching make it more likely that they have an IgE mediated allergy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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The reticular formation occupies which area of the brain?
Your Answer: Thalamic nuclei
Correct Answer: Medulla and midbrain
Explanation:The reticular formation is a set of interconnected nuclei that are located along the brainstem.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 8
Correct
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A 24 year old male, known case of hereditary angioneurotic oedema presents with recurrent fever and arthralgia which is accompanied by a rash on face and upper chest. These attacks have been refractory to treatment and have occurred recurrently requiring adrenaline on several occasions. Lab results reveal persistently reduced C4 levels. Which of the following is most likely causing his current symptoms?
Your Answer: Systemic lupus erythematosus
Explanation:Angioedema secondary to C1 inhibitor deficiency has been rarely reported to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. A genetic defect of C1 inhibitor produces hereditary angioedema, which is usually presented with cutaneous painless oedema, but oedema of the genital area, gastrointestinal and laryngeal tracts have also been reported. In lupus patients, angioedema may be the result of an acquired type of C1 inhibitor deficiency, most probably due to antibody formation directed against the C1 inhibitor molecule.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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Why is tissue plasminogen activator (tPa) a valuable treatment used in myocardial infarction and stroke?
Your Answer: It forms plasmin from its inactive precursor
Explanation:tPA is a serine protease involved in the breakdown of blood clots. It functions by converting plasminogen, an inactive precursor, into plasmin, an active enzyme. Plasmin then degrades fibrin, the main protein component of blood clots, leading to clot dissolution. This mechanism is particularly valuable in the treatment of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and ischemic stroke, where timely dissolution of the clot can restore blood flow to affected tissues and reduce damage.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
- It forms plasmin from its inactive precursor
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Which of the following is an example of a ketone body?
Your Answer: Malonyl CoA
Correct Answer: Acetoacetate
Explanation:Ketone bodies are three water-soluble molecules (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and their spontaneous breakdown product, acetone) that are produced by the liver from fatty acids during periods of low food intake (fasting), carbohydrate restrictive diets, starvation, prolonged intense exercise, alcoholism or in untreated (or inadequately treated) type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 11
Correct
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Which receptor type is associated with bronchial muscle relaxation?
Your Answer: β2
Explanation:β2-adrenoceptors are widely distributed in the respiratory tract. When they are activated, an intracellular response induces the activation of cyclic AMP; this, in turn, produces airway relaxation through phosphorylation of muscle regulatory proteins and modification of cellular Ca2+concentrations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Which of the following enzymes are involved in Phase I drug metabolism?
Your Answer: UDP-glucuronosyl transferases
Correct Answer: Alcohol dehydrogenase
Explanation:Drug metabolism can be broadly classified into:Phase I (functionalization) reactions: also termed non-synthetic reactions, they include oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, cyclization and de-cyclization. The most common and vital reactions are oxidation reactions. (Of the given enzymes only Alcohol dehydrogenase is involved in phase I drug metabolism. Succinate dehydrogenase, is a vital enzyme involved in the Kreb’s cycle and the mitochondrial electron transport chain). They are mainly catalysed by Cytochrome P-450 enzyme.Phase II (conjugation) reactions: occur following phase I reactions, they include reactions: glucuronidation and sulphate conjugation, etc. They are mostly catalysed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzyme. Other phase II enzymes include: sulfotransferases, N-acetyltransferases, glutathione S-transferases and methyltransferases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Where does protein digestion begin?
Your Answer: Mouth
Correct Answer: Stomach
Explanation:Digestion typically begins in the stomach when pepsinogen is converted to pepsin by the action of hydrochloric acid, and continued by trypsin and chymotrypsin in the small intestine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 14
Correct
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When looking at the JVP what does the c wave signify:
Your Answer: Isovolumetric ventricular contraction
Explanation:The C wave signifies a rise in the atrial pressure during isovolumetric contraction due to the tricuspid valve bulging into the atria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 15
Incorrect
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Efferent innervation of the muscle spindle is supplied by which type of motor neuron?
Your Answer: Delta – motor neuron
Correct Answer: Gama – motor neuron
Explanation:The muscle spindle is supplied by both sensory and motor nerves. Sensory supply is via Type Ia fibers whereas the motor supply is via gamma motor neurons.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 16
Correct
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Which ion channel is a dimer?
Your Answer: Cl- channel
Explanation:A dimer is a chemical structure formed from two similar sub-units. Chloride channels or exchangers are composed of two similar subunits—a dimer—each subunit containing one pore.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following values of bone mineral density measured by DEXA would signify osteopenia?
Your Answer: Z score of -1.5
Correct Answer: T score of -2.2
Explanation:DEXA T Scores:Normal T-score ≥ −1.0Osteopenia −2.5 < T-score < −1.0Osteoporosis T-score ≤ −2.5Severe osteoporosis T-score ≤ −2.5 with fragility fracture
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 18
Correct
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Which of the following is least recognised as a potential complication of acromegaly?
Your Answer: Mental retardation
Explanation:Acromegaly is a condition that results from excess growth hormone (GH) after the growth plates have closed. It is typically due to the pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone. In more than 95% of people the excess production is due to a benign tumour, known as a pituitary adenoma. The condition is not inherited.Complications:Severe headacheArthritis and carpal tunnel syndromeEnlarged heartLiver fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasiaHypertensionDiabetes mellitus (excess of GH leads to insulin resistance)Heart failureKidney failureColorectal cancerCompression of the optic chiasm leading to loss of vision in the outer visual fields (typically bitemporal hemianopia.)Increased palmar sweating and sebum production over the face (seborrhoea) are clinical indicators of active GH-producing pituitary tumours.hypertensiondiabetes (>10%)cardiomyopathycolorectal cancer
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 19
Incorrect
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All of the following are consistent with the indicator dilution method except---
Your Answer: The cardiac output is equal to the amount of indicator injected divided by its average concentration in arterial blood after a single circulation though the heart
Correct Answer: In thermodilution, the indicator used is warm saline
Explanation:In thermodilution, the indicator used is cold saline.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 20
Correct
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How does the proximal convoluted tubule excrete H+?
Your Answer: Via Na+/H+ antiporter.
Explanation:H+ secretion from cells across the luminal membrane is mostly in exchange for Na+ ions, and to a small extent, through a proton ATPase. Secreted H+ react with filtered HC03- to form H2CO3.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 21
Correct
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What is the most common cardiac defect seen in patients with Down’s syndrome?
Your Answer: Atrioventricular septal defect
Explanation:The rate of congenital heart disease in new-borns with Down syndrome is around 40%. Of those with heart disease, about 80% have an atrioventricular septal defect or ventricular septal defect with the former being more common. Mitral valve problems become common as people age, even in those without heart problems at birth.[3] Other problems that may occur include tetralogy of Fallot and patent ductus arteriosus.[38] People with Down syndrome have a lower risk of hardening of the arteries
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 22
Correct
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Which one of the following is a risk factor for torsade de pointes?
Your Answer: Hypothermia
Explanation:The following is a list of factors associated with an increased tendency toward torsades de pointes:- Hypokalaemia (low blood potassium)- Hypomagnesemia (low blood magnesium)- Hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium)- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)- Heart failure- Left ventricular hypertrophy- Hypothermia- Subarachnoid haemorrhage- Hypothyroidism
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Activation of nitric oxide synthesis by endothelial cells is triggered by:
Your Answer: Bradykinin
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation:Acetylcholine, histamine, bradykinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and shear stress on the endothelial cells causing the release of NO. NO is formed from arginine and causes vasodilatation of the blood vessels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old male presented to the ER after being rescued from a house fire. He complained of feeling dizzy and having a worsening headache. On examination, he was dyspnoeic, drowsy and confused. There was no evidence of facial burns and no stridor. He was normotensive, tachycardic (pulse rate: 102 bpm), tachypnoeic (respiratory rate: 35/min) and had O2 saturation of 100% in room air. His venous blood gas results are given below: pH - 7.28pCO2 - 3.5 kPapO2 - 15.9 kPaNa+ - 139 mmol/LK+ - 4.5 mmol/LBicarbonate - 11 mmol/LChloride - 113 mmol/LLactate - 13.6 mmol/LKeeping in mind the likely diagnosis, which among the following is the most appropriate intervention for this patient?
Your Answer: 15 litres of high-flow oxygen via face mask
Correct Answer: Intravenous hydroxocobalamin
Explanation:The most appropriate intervention in this patient is intravenous hydroxocobalamin.The clinical scenario provided is suggestive of acute cyanide toxicity secondary to burning plastics in the house fire. Cyanide ions inhibit mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase, preventing aerobic respiration. This manifests in normal oxygen saturations, a high pO2 and flushing (or ‘brick red’ skin) brought on by the excess oxygenation of venous blood. In the question above it is important to note that the blood gas sample given is venous rather than arterial. His blood gas also demonstrates an increased anion gap, consistent with his high lactate (generated by anaerobic respiration due to the inability to use available oxygen).The recommended treatment for moderate cyanide toxicity in the UK is one of three options: sodium thiosulfate, hydroxocobalamin or dicobalt edetate. Among the options given is hydroxocobalamin and this is, therefore, the correct answer. Hydroxocobalamin additionally has the best side-effect profile and speed of onset compared with other treatments for cyanide poisoning.Other options:- Intubation would be appropriate treatment in the context of airway burns but this patient has no evidence of these, although close monitoring would be advised. – High-flow oxygen is the treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning – a sensible differential, but this man’s very high lactate and high venous pO2 fit better with cyanide toxicity. Intravenous dexamethasone would be another treatment for airway oedema once an endotracheal tube had been placed. – Intravenous sodium nitroprusside is a treatment for high blood pressure that can cause cyanide poisoning, and would, therefore, be inappropriate.Note:Cyanide may be used in insecticides, photograph development and the production of certain metals. Toxicity results from reversible inhibition of cellular oxidizing enzymesClinical presentation:Classical features: brick-red skin, the smell of bitter almondsAcute: hypoxia, hypotension, headache, confusionChronic: ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitisManagement:Supportive measures: 100% oxygenDefinitive: hydroxocobalamin (intravenously), also a combination of amyl nitrite (inhaled), sodium nitrite (intravenously), and sodium thiosulfate (intravenously).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 25
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 26
Incorrect
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Which among the following antihypertensives is centrally acting?
Your Answer: Hydralazine
Correct Answer: Moxonidine
Explanation:Moxonidine and alpha-methyl dopa are centrally acting antihypertensives and modify blood pressure through modifying sympathetic activity.Other options:Verapamil is a calcium antagonist.Minoxidil and hydralazine are both vasodilators.Phenoxybenzamine is an alpha-blocker.Adverse effects:Dry mouth and somnolence were the most frequently reported adverse events, followed by headache, dizziness, nausea and allergic skin reactions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Correct
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Where is the melanocortin system located?
Your Answer: Hypothalamus
Explanation:The melanocortin system is a group of hormones which include hormones from the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons, the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-co-expressing neurons. This system is located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus; it also includes the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)-expressing neurons located in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The system regulates energy expenditure and food intake.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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AV valves open during?
Your Answer: Early diastole
Explanation:The cardiac cycle refers to a complete heartbeat from its generation to the beginning of the next beat, and so includes the diastole, the systole, and the intervening pause.The first stage, diastole, is when the semilunar valves (the pulmonary valve and the aortic valve) close, the atrioventricular (AV) valves (the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve) open, and the whole heart is relaxed. The second stage, atrial systole, is when the atrium contracts, and blood flows from atrium to the ventricle.The third stage, isovolumic contraction is when the ventricles begin to contract, the AV and semilunar valves close, and there is no change in volume. The fourth stage, ventricular ejection, is when the ventricles are contracting and emptying, and the semilunar valves are open. During the fifth stage, isovolumic relaxation time, pressure decreases, no blood enters the ventricles, the ventricles stop contracting and begin to relax, and the semilunar valves close due to the pressure of blood in the aorta.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 29
Correct
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According to Starling's law of the heart:
Your Answer: The extent of the preload is proportional to the end-diastolic volume
Explanation:Frank starlings law describes that an increase in the venous return or the end diastolic volume will cause an increase in the stroke volume/ preload and also cardiac output. It stems from the fact that increased venous return will increase the stretch on the ventricular muscle fibers. The sarcomere will stretch a considerable length that is needed for maximum contraction and the development of tension in the muscle fiber. The greater the venous return the greater the cardiac output. This relationship is directly proportional.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Portal vein receives its blood from all the following except:
Your Answer: Spleen
Correct Answer: Kidney
Explanation:The portal vein receives blood from the intestines via the superior and inferior mesenteric veins, from stomach via the gastric veins and from the spleen and pancreas via splenic vein. The kidney is supplied by the renal artery and drains into the renal vein into the inferior venacava.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
