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Question 1
Correct
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A 49-year-old woman with acute renal failure has a total plasma [Ca2+] = 2. 5 mmol/l and a glomerular filtration rate of 160 l/day. What is the estimated daily filtered load of calcium?
Your Answer: 240 mmol/day
Explanation:Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. The average adult body contains in total approximately 1 kg of calcium of which 99% is in the skeleton in the form of calcium phosphate salts. The extracellular fluid (ECF) contains approximately 22 mmol, of which about 9 mmol is in the plasma. About 40% of total plasma Ca2+ is bound to proteins and not filtered at the glomerular basement membrane. Therefore, the estimated daily filtered load is 1.5 mmol/l × 160 l/day = 240 mmol/day. The exact amount of free versus total Ca2+ depends on the blood pH: free Ca2+ increases during acidosis and decreases during alkalosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 45-year old with sarcoidosis has enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Which nerve is most likely to be irritated in this patient?
Your Answer: Right recurrent laryngeal
Correct Answer: Left recurrent laryngeal
Explanation:Tracheobronchial lymph nodes are located at the bifurcation of the trachea and are in three groups i.e. the right superior, left superior and inferior. The aorta arches over the left bronchus near the point of tracheal bifurcation. Thus, the nerves that are closely associated with the aorta might be irritated if these nodes become inflamed. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve is such a nerve. The phrenic nerves, both the left and the right, are lateral and thus would not be affected. The right recurrent nerve loops around the right subclavian artery and is distant from this area. The right vagus artery is not associated with the aorta and the sympathetic chain is located in the posterior chest parallel to the vertebra, also not associated with the tracheobronchial tree.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 3
Correct
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Which of the following diseases can cause paraesthesia along the distribution of the median nerve of the hand, especially after activities which require flexion and extension of the wrist?
Your Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Explanation:Carpal tunnel syndrome tends to occur in women between the ages of 30-50. There are many risk factors, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, pregnancy, and repetitive wrist work. Symptoms include pain in the hand and wrist, tingling, and numbness distributed along the median nerve (the palmar side of the thumb, the index and middle fingers, and the radial half of the ring finger), which worsens at night.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 4
Correct
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Which of the following malignancies is likely to have the best prognosis?
Your Answer: Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
Explanation:Papillary carcinoma accounts for 70-80% of all thyroid cancers and is seen commonly in people aged 30-60 years. It is more aggressive in elderly patients. 10-20% cases may have recurrence or persistent disease. More common in females with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Papillary carcinomas can also contain follicular carcinomas. The common route of spread is through lymphatics to regional nodes in one-third cases and pulmonary metastasis can also occur. Papillary carcinomas of the thyroid have the best prognosis, especially in patients less than 45 years of age with small tumours confined to the thyroid gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 5
Correct
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A child presents with hypertension. Serum potassium analysis shows hypokalaemia. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Liddle syndrome
Explanation:Liddle’s syndrome,  is an autosomal dominant disorder, that is characterized by early, and frequently severe, high blood pressure associated with low plasma renin activity, metabolic alkalosis, low blood potassium, and normal to low levels of aldosterone. Liddle syndrome involves abnormal kidney function, with excess reabsorption of sodium and loss of potassium from the renal tubule. Bartter Syndrome also presents with hypokalaemia, however blood pressure of these patients is usually low or normal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 6
Correct
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A young lady visited a doctor with complaints of fever and a dull, continuous pain in the right lumbar region for 6 days. On, enquiry, she recalled passing an increasing number of stools with occasional blood in last few months. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy was taken 5 cm proximal to ileocaecal valve which showed transmural inflammation with several granulomas. Tissue section showed the absence of acid-fast bacillus. She denies any history of travel and her stool cultures were negative. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Crohn’s disease
Explanation:Crohn’s disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract but is usually seen in the distal ileum and colon. It is transmural and symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, anorexia and weight loss. On examination, there is usually abdominal tenderness with a palpable mass or fullness seen occasionally. Rectal bleeding is uncommon (except in isolated colonic involvement) which manifests like ulcerative colitis. Differential diagnosis includes acute appendicitis or intestinal obstruction. 25%-33% patients also have perianal disease in the form of fissure or fistulas.
Extra intestinal manifestations predominate in children, and include: arthritis, pyrexia, anaemia or growth retardation. Histologically, the disease shows crypt inflammation and abscesses initially, which progress to aphthoid ulcers. These eventually develop into longitudinal and transverse ulcers with interspersed mucosal oedema, leading to the characteristic ‘cobblestoned appearance’. Transmural involvement leads to lymphoedema and thickening of bowel wall and mesentery, leading to extension of mesenteric fat on the serosal surface of bowel and enlargement of mesenteric nodes. There can also be hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae, fibrosis and stricture formation, which can cause bowel obstruction.
Abscesses are common and the disease can also leas to development of fistulas with various other organs, anterior abdominal wall and adjacent muscles. Pathognomonic non-caseating granulomas are seen in 50% cases and they can occur in nodes, peritoneum, liver, and in all layers of the bowel wall. The clinical course does not depend on the presence of granulomas. There is sharp demarcation between the diseased and the normal bowel (skip areas).
35% cases show only the ileal involvement, whereas in 45% cases, both the ileum and colon are involved with a predilection for right side of colon. 20% cases show only colonic involvement, often sparing the rectum (unlike ulcerative colitis). In occasional cases, there is jejunoileitis – involvement of the entire small bowel. The stomach, duodenum and oesophagus are rarely involved, although there has been microscopic evidence of disease involving the gastric antrum in younger patients. The affected small bowel segments show increased rick of cancer. Moreover, patients with colonic disease show a long-term risk of cancer similar to that seen in ulcerative colitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 7
Correct
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Which of the following is the most common germ cell tumour of the testis affecting an adult male?
Your Answer: Seminoma
Explanation:Germ cell tumours represent 90% of primary tumours arising in the testis. They are broadly divided into seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas are the most common testicular germ cell tumour seen in 40% cases. The other non-seminomatous histological subtypes include embryonal (25%), teratocarcinoma (25%), teratoma (5%) and pure choriocarcinoma (1%).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 8
Correct
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If a tumour is found in both lobes of the prostate, without nodal involvement or metastases, a histological grade of G2 and elevated PSA, what is the overall prostatic cancer stage?
Your Answer: Stage II
Explanation:The AJCC uses the TNM, Gleason score and PSA levels to determine the overall stage of prostatic cancer. This staging is as follows:
Stage I: T1, N0, M0, Gleason score 6 or less, PSA less than 10; or T2a, N0, M0, Gleason score 6 or less, PSA less than 10
Stage IIa: T1, N0, M0, Gleason score of 7, PSA less than 20; or T1, N0, M0, Gleason score of 6 or less, PSA at least 10 but less than 20; or T2a or T2b, N0, M0, Gleason score of 7 or less, PSA less than 20
Stage IIb: T2c, N0, M0, any Gleason score, any PSA; or T1 or T2, N0, M0, any Gleason score PSA of 20 or more; or T1 or T2, N0, M0, Gleason score of 8 or higher, any PSA
Stage III: T3, N0, M0, any Gleason score, any PSA Stage IV: T4, N0, M0,any Gleason score, any PSA; or any T, N1, M0,any Gleason score, any PSA; or Any T, any N, M1, any Gleason score, any PSA.
The patient in this case has a T2 N0 M0 G2 tumour, meaning it belongs in stage II
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 9
Correct
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A 50-year-old woman goes to the doctor complaining of myalgia, muscle cramps, and weakness; she is diagnosed with severe hypokalaemia. Which of the following is the most common cause of hypokalaemia?
Your Answer: Prolonged vomiting
Explanation:Potassium is one of the body’s major ions. Nearly 98% of the body’s potassium is intracellular. The ratio of intracellular to extracellular potassium is important in determining the cellular membrane potential. Small changes in the extracellular potassium level can have profound effects on the function of the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. Hypokalaemia may result from conditions as varied as renal or gastrointestinal (GI) losses, inadequate diet, transcellular shift (movement of potassium from serum into cells) and medications. The important causes of hypokalaemia are:
Renal losses: renal tubular acidosis, hyperaldosteronism, magnesium depletion, leukaemia (mechanism uncertain).
GI losses: vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, diarrhoea, enemas or laxative use, ileal loop.
Medication effects: diuretics (most common cause), β-adrenergic agonists, steroids, theophylline, aminoglycosides.
Transcellular shift: insulin, alkalosis.
Severe hypokalaemia, with serum potassium concentrations of 2.5–3 meq/l, may cause muscle weakness, myalgia, tremor, muscle cramps and constipation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 10
Correct
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A 65-year-old smoker presents with painless haematuria, urinary frequency and urgency. He is diagnosed with bladder cancer. Which is the most likely type?
Your Answer: Transitional cell carcinoma
Explanation:90% of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas derived from the bladder urothelium. Risk factors include industrial chemicals, smoking and infection. Schistosomiasis and bladder stones predispose to the squamous cell variety.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 11
Correct
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A patient is suspected to have Blastomyces dermatidis infection. The patient contracted the disease most likely through which port of entry?
Your Answer: Respiratory tract
Explanation:Blastomycosis disease is a fungal infection acquired through inhalation of the spores. It caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis and manifests as a primary lung infection in about 70% of cases. The onset is relatively slow and symptoms are suggestive of pneumonia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 35-year old lady presents to her GP with vague abdominal symptoms. Examination reveals a normal size spleen. Which of the following is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Macronodular cirrhosis
Correct Answer: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Explanation:Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disease caused due to development of an antibody against a platelet antigen (autoantibody). In childhood disease, the autoantibody gets triggered by binding of viral antigen to the megakaryocytes. Presentation includes unexplained thrombocytopenia, petechiae and bleeding from mucosal surfaces. The spleen usually does not enlarge in size. However, splenomegaly can occur due to coexisting viral infection. Marrow examination reveals normal or increased number of megakaryocytes. Diagnosis is by exclusion of other thrombocytopenic disorders.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 13
Correct
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An 18 -year-old female is diagnosed with folliculitis in the left axilla. What is the most likely organism that could cause this condition?
Your Answer: Staphylococcus aureus
Explanation:Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicles. It is usually caused by Staphylococcus infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 14
Correct
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A 47 -year-old male was admitted due to a bleeding peptic ulcer. On his 3rd hospital day, he developed a cardiac arrhythmia. His serum potassium was markedly elevated. What is the most likely cause of hyperkalaemia in this patient?
Your Answer: Multiple blood transfusions
Explanation:Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding often require blood transfusion. Among the various side effects of blood transfusions, is the increase of potassium levels. The use of stored blood for transfusions is followed by an increase of serum potassium levels. Potassium level increases are more pronounced in patients who receive blood stored for more than 12 d. Furthermore, the lysis and destruction of red blood cells, especially in the transfusion of older PRBCs, can further increase potassium levels. Excessive use of a PPi has been associated with hyperkaelemia however would be less likely in this acute setting.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 15
Correct
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A young girl injured her arm following a fall down the steps On examination, it was found that her left proximal radioulnar joint had dislocated and the annular ligament was stretched. This will make which movement extremely painful?
Your Answer: Supination
Explanation:Supination is the rotation of the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces anteriorly. This is performed by the biceps brachii and supinator of the extensor muscles of the thumb. The opposite action of moving the palm from an anterior-facing position to a posterior-facing position is called pronation. Pronation is performed by the pronator teres and pronator quadratus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 16
Correct
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Which of the following structures lying posterior to the ovary are at risk of injury in excision of a malignant tumour in the right ovary?
Your Answer: Ureter
Explanation:The ovaries are two nodular structures situated one on either side of the uterus in relation to the lateral wall of the pelvis and attached to the back of the broad ligament of the uterus, lying posteroinferiorly to the fallopian tubes. Each ovary has a lateral and medial surface. The ureter is at greater risk of iatrogenic injury at this location.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following proteins acts as cofactor in the thrombin-induced activation of anticoagulant protein C?
Your Answer: Alpha-2-antiplasmin
Correct Answer: Thrombomodulin
Explanation:Thrombomodulin is a protein cofactor expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. Thrombomodulin binds with thrombin forming a complex which activates protein C, initiating the anticoagulant pathway.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 18
Correct
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A young man was thrown from a vehicle in a collision. He landed on his head and shoulder tip, stretching the left side of his neck. A neurological examination revealed that the fifth and sixth cervical nerves had been torn from the spinal cord. What is the most obvious clinical manifestation of this?
Your Answer: Abduction
Explanation:In the case of injuries to the upper roots of the brachial plexus there is complete loss of abduction. The muscle performing this movement is the supraspinatus. This initiates the movement, followed by the deltoid muscle, which allows for complete abduction. Both these muscles are innervated by nerves originating from C5 and C6. The injury to these roots results in a condition named Erb-Duchenne’s palsy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Question 20
Correct
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Which muscles are attached to the tibial tuberosity?
Your Answer: Vastus intermedius
Explanation:The tuberosity of the tibia is the site of attachment to the ligamentum patella (the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle which include four heads: rectus femoris, vastus medialis, intermedius and lateralis).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 21
Correct
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Paracentesis of ascetic fluid in a 45-year old woman revealed the following : clear, yellow fluid with protein 2.0 g/dl and a few mesothelial and mononuclear cells seen. No malignant cells seen. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Cirrhosis
Explanation:Ascites develops either from:
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- Increased  accumulation
- Increased capillary permeability
- Increased venous pressure
- Decreased protein (oncotic pressure)
- Decreased clearance
- Increased lymphatic obstruction
- Increased  accumulation
Cause
- Transudate (<30g/L protein) (Systemic disease)
- Liver (Cirrhosis)
- Cardiac e.g. RHF, CCF, SBE right heart valve disease and constrictive Pericarditis
- Renal failure
- Hypoalbuminaemia (nephrosis)
- Exudate (>30g/L protein) (Local disease)
- Malignancy
- Venous obstruction e.g. Budd-Chiari, Schistosomiasis
- Pancreatitis
- Lymphatic obstruction
- Infection (especially TB)
Cirrhosis is disease of the liver that is characterized by fibrosis leading to disorganization of the hepatic architecture. It shows the development of regenerative nodules surrounded by dense fibrotic tissue. Cirrhosis shows non-specific symptoms initially, which include fatigue, anorexia and weight loss. It can later progress to portal hypertension, ascites and liver failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 22
Correct
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An ECG of a 30 year old woman revealed low voltage QRS complexes. This patient is most probably suffering from?
Your Answer: Pericardial effusion
Explanation:The QRS complex is associated with current that results in the contraction of both the ventricles. As ventricles have more muscle mass than the atria, they result in a greater deflection on the ECG. The normal duration of a QRS complex is 10s. A wide and deep Q wave depicts myocardial infarction. Abnormalities in the QRS complex maybe indicative of a bundle block, ventricular tachycardia or hypertrophy of the ventricles. Low voltage QRS complexes are characteristic of pericarditis or a pericardial effusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 23
Correct
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A 60-year-old woman has had persistent diarrhoea for a week. A stool test reveals an infection by Clostridium difficile. Which of the following antibiotics could be used to treat the infection?
Your Answer: Oral vancomycin
Explanation:Three antibiotics are effective against Clostridium difficile:
Metronidazole 500 mg orally three times daily is the drug of choice, because of superior tolerability, lower price and comparable efficacy.
Oral vancomycin 125 mg four times daily is second-line therapy in particular cases of relapse or where the infection is unresponsive to metronidazole treatment.
Thirdly, the use of linezolid might also be considered.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 24
Correct
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A patient presented with continuous bleeding several hours after dental extraction. Which of the following findings is most often associated with clinical bleeding?
Your Answer: Factor IX deficiency
Explanation:Factor IX deficiency, also called Haemophilia B or Christmas disease, is a disorder caused by missing or defective clotting factor IX. Deficiency of the factor IX causes irregular bleeding that can happen spontaneously or after mild trauma, surgery and dental extractions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 25
Correct
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During laparoscopic surgery to repair a direct inguinal hernia in a 68-year old man, the surgeon asked the registrar to look at the medial inguinal fossa to identify the direct inguinal hernia. To do so, she would have to look at the area that is between the:
Your Answer: Medial umbilical ligament and inferior epigastric artery
Explanation:The medial umbilical fold is made by the medial umbilical ligament-which is the obliterated portion of the umbilical artery, while the lateral umbilical fold is a fold of peritoneum over the inferior epigastric vessels. The median umbilical fold is a midline structure made by the median umbilical ligament i.e. the obliterated urachus. The medial inguinal fossa is the space on the inner abdominal wall between the medial umbilical fold and the lateral umbilical fold. It is place in the abdominal wall where there is an area of weak fascia i.e. the inguinal triangle through which direct inguinal hernias break through. The lateral inguinal fossa on the other hand is a space lateral to the lateral umbilical fold. Indirect inguinal hernias push through this space.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 26
Correct
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition that occurs in critically ill patients, and can be triggered by events such as trauma and sepsis. Which of the following variables is most likely to be lower than normal in a patient with ARDS?
Your Answer: Lung compliance
Explanation:Acute (or Adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition occurring in critically ill patients characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) starts with damage to the alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, resulting in increased permeability to plasma and inflammatory cells. These cells pass into the interstitium and alveolar space, resulting in pulmonary oedema. Damage to the surfactant-producing type II cells and the presence of protein-rich fluid in the alveolar space disrupt the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, leading to micro atelectasis and impaired gas exchange. The pathophysiological consequences of lung oedema in ARDS include a decrease in lung volumes, compliance and large intrapulmonary shunts. ARDS may be seen in the setting of pneumonia, sepsis, following trauma, multiple blood transfusions, severe burns, severe pancreatitis, near-drowning, drug reactions, or inhalation injuries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 27
Incorrect
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A 30-year old lady presented to her GP with complaints of tremors, excessive emotional outbursts, weight loss and increased sweating over 20 days. On examination, she had warm and moist skin, a fine tremor of the fingers and hyperreflexia. Her vital signs were normal. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Pheochromocytoma
Correct Answer: Hyperthyroidism
Explanation:Excess of circulating free thyroid hormones (thyroxine and/or triiodothyronine) leads to hyperthyroidism. Common causes include Graves’ disease, toxic thyroid adenoma and toxic multinodular goitre. Grave’s disease is the most common cause and is responsible for 70-80% cases of hyperthyroidism. Other causes include excess intake of thyroid hormone, amiodarone-related. It is important that hyperthyroidism is not confused with hyperthyroxinaemia (high levels of thyroid hormone in blood), which includes causes like thyroiditis. Both the conditions lead to thyrotoxicosis (symptoms due to hyperthyroxinemia). Symptoms include weight loss associated with increased appetite, anxiety, weakness, heat intolerance, depression, increased sweating, dyspnoea, loss of libido, diarrhoea, palpitations and occasionally arrhythmias. If there is an acute increase in metabolic rate, the condition is known as ‘thyroid storm’. Elderly sometimes present only with fatigue and weight loss and this is called apathetic hyperthyroidism. Neurological symptoms are also seen in hyperthyroidism and these are tremor, chorea, myopathy and periodic paralysis. One of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism is stroke of cardioembolic origin due to coexisting atrial fibrillation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 28
Correct
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Which of the following terms best describes the movement of leukocytes towards a specific target?
Your Answer: Chemotaxis
Explanation:The movement of leukocytes towards a chemical mediator is termed chemotaxis and the mediators likewise called chemoattractants.
Diapedesis is the squeezing of the leukocytes from the capillary wall into the intercellular space.
Endocytosis is engulfing of a small substance by the cells e.g. glucose, protein, fats.
Margination is lining of the WBC along the periphery of the blood vessel.
Adhesion is attachment with the vessel wall.
Phagocytosis is described as engulfing the bacteria or the offending substance.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 29
Correct
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T lymphocytes that express the MCH type II antigen are most likely to produce which of the following cytokines?
Your Answer: Gamma interferon
Explanation:Interferon gamma is a soluble cytokine previously known as the macrophage activating factor. It is the only member belonging to the type II class of the interferons. It is secreted by a number of cells taking part in the immune reaction including: T-helper cells (CD-4), cells with immunological memory (CD45PA), killer cells (CD8), dendrite cells (CD23,35), natural killer cells (CD16) and B lymphocytes (CD22,CD23). It has both a defending as well as a pathological effect. It induces differentiation in the myeloid cell in the bone marrow. If macrophages are infected by parasites it activates the macrophages to destroy them. IFN-γ strengthens the anti-tumour activities of the cytotoxic lymphocytes. Together with CD4 or CD8 toxins, produced by lymphocytes, it suppresses the growth of the tumour cells. along with these functions it increases the non specific response of the natural killer cells, causing changes in the cell membrane surface to prevent adhesion and penetration of a virus. It can either increase or decrease B cell response and it activates osteoclasts which increases bone resorption.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 30
Correct
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A 65-year-old female is taking different medications for various medical conditions. Which medication would most likely predispose the patient to develop hyperkalaemia?
Your Answer: Spironolactone
Explanation:The most important potential side effect of spironolactone is hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels), which, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Hyperkalaemia in these patients can present as a non anion-gap metabolic acidosis.Â
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 31
Incorrect
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The vagus nerve passes through which of the following foramen?
Your Answer: Foramen magnum
Correct Answer: Jugular foramen
Explanation:The jugular foramen is a large foramen in the base of the skull. It is located behind the carotid canal and is formed in front by the petrous portion of the temporal bone, and behind by the occipital bone. Cranial nerves IX, X, and XI and the internal jugular vein pass through the jugular foramen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 32
Correct
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A 65 year old man with a history of diabetes and hypertension presented with a stroke a few months ago severely affecting his speech and movement in the right arm and leg. A cerebral angiogram revealed a middle cerebral artery occlusion. A recent CT scan was done which revealed a 5 cm cystic space in his left parietal lobe. This lesion is a result of which of the following forms of resolution?
Your Answer: Liquefactive necrosis
Explanation:Characteristically, the brain will undergo liquefactive necrosis following ischaemic injury. This leaves a cystic space in that region which would show up on a CT scan. Atrophy would result in a generalized decrease in the brain size. Coagulative necrosis typically occurs in parenchymal organs e.g. the spleen or kidney which have a lower lipid content. Caseous necrosis is typical in granulomatous tuberculosis infection. Apoptosis will not form a cystic area as it is programmed cell death involving a individual cells. Gangrenous necrosis is characteristic of ischaemic injury of the lower limb and GI tract. Fibrinous necrosis results from necrotic damage to the blood vessels with the leaking of proteins into the vessel, appearing bright pink on H & E staining.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 33
Correct
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During a surgical procedure involving the carotid artery, which nerve in the cervical plexus of nerves that is embedded in the carotid sheath is most susceptible to injury?
Your Answer: Ansa cervicalis
Explanation:The ansa cervicalis is a loop of nerves that are part of the cervical plexus. They lie superficial to the internal jugular vein in the carotid triangle. Branches from the ansa cervicalis innervate the sternohyoid, sternothyroid and the inferior belly of the omohyoid. The superior root of the ansa cervicalis is formed by a branch of spinal nerve C1. These nerve fibres travel in the hypoglossal nerve before leaving to form the superior root. The superior root goes around the occipital artery and then descends embedded in the carotid sheath. It sends a branch off to the superior belly of the omohyoid muscle and is then joined by the inferior root. The inferior root is formed by fibres from spinal nerves C2 and C3.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 34
Incorrect
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Raised alkaline phosphatase and positive antimitochondrial antibody indicates which of the following conditions presenting with pruritus?
Your Answer: Sclerosing cholangitis
Correct Answer: Primary biliary cirrhosis
Explanation:An autoimmune disease, primary biliary cirrhosis results in destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. This leads to cholestasis, cirrhosis and eventually, hepatic failure. Symptoms includes fatigue, pruritus and steatorrhea. Increased IgM levels, along with antimitochondrial antibodies are seen in the serum. Liver biopsy is diagnostic, and also aids in staging of disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 35
Correct
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What is expected from complete transection of the inferior gluteal nerve when it emerges from the greater sciatic foramen?
Your Answer: Extension of the thigh would be the action most affected
Explanation:As the inferior gluteal nerve emerges from the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis muscle, it divides into branches and enters the gluteus maximus muscle which extends the femur and bends the thigh in line with the body.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 36
Correct
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After a prolonged coronary artery bypass surgery, a 60-year old gentleman was transfused 3 units of fresh-frozen plasma and 2 units of packed red cells. Two days later, the nurse noticed that he was tachypnoeic and chest X-ray showed signs consistent with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following variables will be low in this patient?
Your Answer: Compliance of the lung
Explanation:Acute or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a reaction to several forms of lung injuries and is commonly associated with sepsis and SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome), severe traumatic injury, severe head injury, narcotics overdose, drowning, pulmonary contusion, and multiple blood transfusions. There is an increase in risk due to pre-existing liver disease or coagulation abnormalities. It results due to indirect toxic effects of neutrophil-derived inflammatory mediators in the lungs. ARDS is defined by the 1994 American–European Consensus Committee as the acute onset of bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray, a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (pa(O2)) to fraction of inspired oxygen Fi(O2) ratio of less than 200 mmHg and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of less than 18 or the absence of clinical evidence of left arterial hypertension. ARDS is basically pulmonary oedema in the absence of volume overload or poor left ventricular function. This is different from acute lung injury, which shows a pa(O2)/Fi(O2) ratio of less than 300 mmHg. Pathogenesis of ARDS starts from damage to alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, causing increased permeability. Damage to surfactant-producing type II cells disrupts the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, causing micro atelectasis and poor gas exchange. There is a decrease in lung compliance and increase in work of breathing. Eventually, there is resorption of alveolar oedema, regeneration of epithelial cells, proliferation and differentiation of type II alveolar cells and alveolar remodelling. Some show resolution and some progress to fibrosing alveolitis, which involves the deposition of collagen in alveolar, vascular and interstitial spaces.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 37
Incorrect
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Out of the given options, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in a 25-year old gentleman presenting with a testicular germ cell tumour?
Your Answer: Leydig cell tumour
Correct Answer: Embryonal carcinoma
Explanation:Embryonal carcinoma is a non-seminomatous germ cell tumour of the testis, accounting for 25% testicular tumours. Other germ cell tumours include seminoma, teratoma and choriocarcinoma. Embryonal carcinomas are known to occur in men aged 25-35 years, and occasionally in teens. They are rarely seen in ovaries of females. It can spread to the vas deferens and also to the aortic lymph nodes. Embryonal carcinomas are known to have elements of fetal origin such as cartilage. Usually, the main tumour is about 2.5cm long, with an extension of 8-9cm along the testicular cord. Contiguous spread to the testicle is seen in less than 1% cases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 38
Correct
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The Carpal tunnel does NOT contain:
Your Answer: Flexor carpi ulnaris
Explanation:The contents of the carpal tunnel include:
– Median nerve
– Flexor digitorum supervicialis
– Flexor digitorum profundus
– Flexor policis longus
– Flexor carpi radialis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 39
Correct
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A 55-year-old male chronic smoker is diagnosed with non-small-cell cancer. His right lung underwent complete atelectasis and he has a 7cm tumour involving the chest wall. What is the stage of the lung cancer of this patient?
Your Answer: T3
Explanation:Non-small-cell lung cancer is staged through TNM classification. The stage of this patient is T3 because based on the TNM classification the tumour is staged T3 if > 7 cm or one that directly invades any of the following: Chest wall (including superior sulcus tumours), diaphragm, phrenic nerve, mediastinal pleura, or parietal pericardium; or the tumour is in the main bronchus < 2 cm distal to the carina but without involvement of the carina, Or it is associated with atelectasis/obstructive pneumonitis of the entire lung or separate tumour nodule(s) in the same lobe.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 40
Correct
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Renal function is an indication of the state of the kidney, measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In a healthy person, GFR would be greatly increased by:Â
Your Answer: Substantial increases in renal blood flow
Explanation:An increase in the rate of renal blood flow (RBF) greatly increases the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The more plasma available (from increased RBF), the more filtrate is formed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the volume of fluid filtered from the renal (kidney) glomerular capillaries into the Bowman’s capsule per unit time. Central to the physiologic maintenance of GFR is the differential basal tone of the afferent and efferent arterioles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 41
Correct
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The thyrocervical trunk branches into which artery that passes upward and in front of the vertebral artery and longus colli muscle:
Your Answer: Inferior thyroid
Explanation:The inferior thyroid artery is an artery in the neck. It arises from the thyrocervical trunk and passes upward, in front of the vertebral artery and longus colli muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 42
Correct
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A cerebellar tremor can be differentiated from a Parkinsonian tremor in that:
Your Answer: It only occurs during voluntary movements
Explanation:Cerebellar disease leads to intention tremors, which is absent at rest and appears at the onset of voluntary movements. In comparison, Parkinson’s tremor is present at rest. Frequency of tremor is a less reliable means to differentiate between the two as the oscillation amplitude of the tremor is not constant throughout a voluntary action.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 43
Correct
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A medical officer was shown an X ray with barium contrast and was asked to distinguish the small from the large bowel. Which of the following features listed is CORRECT?
Your Answer: Circular folds of the mucosa
Explanation:Distinguishing features include:
1. Three strips of longitudinal muscle-taenia coli- on the wall instead of a continuous surrounding longitudinal muscle that is seen in the small intestine
2. The colon has bulges called haustra that are not on the small bowel.
3. The surface of the colon is covered with fatty omental appendages. Both the colon and the small intestine have similar circular smooth muscle layer, serosa. Peyer’s patches are lymphoid tissues that are not visible on X ray with barium contrast.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 44
Correct
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Where would you insert the needle when drawing blood from a patient's median cubital vein?
Your Answer: Anterior aspect of the elbow
Explanation:The correct answer is to insert it into the anterior aspect of the elbow. If you look at the venous drainage of the upper limb, you will find that there are two main veins, the basilic and the cephalic vein; the connecting branch between these two veins is the median cubital vein. and this vein passes via the cubital fossa which is on the anterior aspect of the forearm.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 45
Correct
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A 60-year-old woman complains of left sided headaches which have been recurring for several years. She recently suffered from a focal seizure for the first time a few days ago. A CT scan shows a mass in the left hemisphere of the brain. The most likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Meningioma
Explanation:Meningiomas are a common benign intracranial tumour, and their incidence is higher in women between the ages of 40-60 years old. Many of these tumours are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally, although some of them may have malignant presentations (less than 2% of cases). These benign tumours can develop wherever there is dura, over the convexities near the venous sinuses, along the base of the skull, in the posterior fossa and, within the ventricles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 46
Correct
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A elderly patient with bulbar palsy is bed ridden. While swallowing he aspirates one of his tablets into his lungs. In which bronchopulmonary segments is it most likely to end up?
Your Answer: Superior segmental bronchus of the right inferior lobe
Explanation:Inhaled objects are more likely to enter the right lung for several reasons. First the right bronchus is shorter, wider and more vertical than the left bronchus. Also, the carina (a ridge-like structure at the point of tracheal bifurcation) is set a little towards the left. The superior segmental bronchus branches posteriorly off the intermediate bronchus or the inferior lobe bronchus and is thus more likely to receive the foreign body that enters the right main bronchus. The lingula is only found on the left lung. The terminal bronchiole is a very small space almost impossible for the tablet to lodge here.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 47
Correct
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An electronic manufacturing engineer had abdominal distension and underwent a CT scan of the abdomen. Thereafter he was diagnosed with hepatic angiosarcoma. Exposure to what agent is responsible for the development of this neoplasm?
Your Answer: Arsenic
Explanation:Hepatic angiosarcomas are associated with particular carcinogens which includes: arsenic , thorotrast, and polyvinyl chloride. With exposure to this three agents, there is a very long latent period of many years between exposure and the development of tumours.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 48
Incorrect
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In what form are fats primarily transported in the body?
Your Answer: Cholesterol
Correct Answer: Free fatty acids
Explanation:Fat is mainly transported in the body as free fatty acids. Once out of the adipose cell, the free fatty acids get ionized and combine with albumin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 49
Correct
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A 70-year old man who is suspected to have a perforated colonic diverticulum is explored in theatre through a midline incision. This incision will be through the:
Your Answer: Linea alba
Explanation:The linea alba is the point where this incision was made. It is a tendinous raphe in the midline of the abdomen extending between the xiphoid process and the symphysis pubis. It is placed between the medial borders of the recti and is formed by the blending of the aponeuroses of the external and internal obliques and transversi.
The linea aspera is a vertical ridge on the posterior surface of the femur.
The arcuate line is the inferior border of the posterior rectus sheath behind the rectus abdominis muscle.
The semilunar line is the lateral margin of the rectus abdominis.
The iliopectineal line is a line on the pelvic bones formed by the arcuate line of the ilium and the pectineal line of the pubis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 50
Incorrect
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Which of the following physiological changes will you see in a young man who has been trekking in the Himalayas for 3 years?
Your Answer: Decreased haematocrit
Correct Answer: Increased renal excretion of HCO3 –
Explanation:The atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes as compared with sea level. This leads to a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. Once 2100 m (7000 feet) of altitude is reached, there is a drop in saturation of oxyhaemoglobin. The oxygen saturation of haemoglobin determines the oxygen content in the blood. The body physiological tries to adapt to high altitude by acclimatization. Immediate effects include hyperventilation, fluid loss (due to a decreased thirst drive), increase in heart rate and slightly lowered stroke volume. Long term effects include lower lactate production, compensatory alkali loss in urine, decrease in plasma volume, increased erythropoietin release and red cell mass, increased haematocrit, higher concentration of capillaries in striated muscle tissue, increase in myoglobin, increase in mitochondria, increase in aerobic enzyme concentration such as 2,3-DPG and pulmonary vasoconstriction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
