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Question 1
Correct
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A 18-year-old male complained of scrotal pain following a game of football. He couldn't recall any trauma to groin. Which of the following is the best investigation to confirm the diagnosis?
Your Answer: USG of the scrotum
Explanation:USG of the scrotum is important to exclude any abnormality with testicles, epididymis and scrotum. This presentation can be acute epididymo-orchitis or testicular torsion. USG of the scrotum will help to confirm the diagnosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Men's Health
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Question 2
Correct
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A 11-year-old is referred to neurology due to episodes her GP feels are epileptiform. Her mother reports that she appears to just 'stop', sometimes even in mid conversation, for several seconds at random times during the day. During these episodes, she can be unresponsive to questioning and has no recollection of them.
Which of these drugs is contraindicated in this condition?Your Answer: Carbamazepine
Explanation:The patient’s history points to absence seizures. Carbamazepine has been shown to aggravate generalized seizure types, especially absence seizures, because it acts directly on the ventrobasal complex of the thalamus which is critical to the neurophysiology of absence seizures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 3
Incorrect
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A 20-year-old woman presents to the hospital with sharp, left-sided chest pain and shortness of breath.
On examination her pulse is 101 beats per minute and blood pressure is 124/61 mmHg. She is seen to be mildly breathless at rest but her oxygen saturation on air was 98%.
CXR reveals a left pneumothorax with a 4 cm rim of air visible.
Which management strategy is appropriate in this patient?Your Answer: Insertion of intercostal chest drain
Correct Answer: Needle aspiration
Explanation:Pneumothorax is defined as air in the pleural space and may be classified as spontaneous, traumatic or iatrogenic. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in patients without clinically apparent lung disease.
Primary pneumothorax has an incidence of 18-28 per 100,000 per year for men and 1.2-6 per 100,000 per year for women. Most patients present with ipsilateral pleuritic chest pain and acute shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is largely dependent on the size of the pneumothorax and whether there is underlying chronic lung disease.Young patients may have chest pain only. Most episodes of pneumothorax occur at rest. Symptoms may resolve within 24 hours in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The diagnosis of a pneumothorax is confirmed by finding a visceral pleural line displaced from the chest wall, without distal lung markings, on a posterior-anterior chest radiograph.
Breathless patients should not be left without intervention regardless of the size of pneumothorax. If there is a rim of air >2cm on the chest X-ray, this should be aspirated.
Aspiration is successful in approximately 70 per cent of patients; the patient may be discharged subsequently. A further attempt at aspiration is recommended if the patient remains symptomatic and a volume of less than 2.5 litres has been aspirated on the first attempt.If unsuccessful, an intercostal drain is inserted. This may be removed after 24 hours after full re-expansion or cessation of air leak without clamping and discharge may be considered.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 4
Incorrect
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A 72-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with a broad complex tachycardia. Which of the following features is more suggestive that this has resulted because of a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) rather than a ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
Your Answer: QRS complex greater than 160 ms on ECG
Correct Answer: Absence of QRS concordance in chest leads on ECG
Explanation:To differentiate ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrant conduction the following electrocardiographic features should be looked for:
Evidence of preceding atrial activity for SVT. Oesophageal leads are helpful if P waves are hidden in the QRS complex.
QRS duration more than 140 ms for VT.
QRS morphology: Features of QRS morphology that favour SVT are RBBB or triphasic patterns like rSR in V1 and qRS in V6. Monophasic pattern like R or qR in V1 and rS or QS in V6 or multiple morphology QRS complexes favour VT.
AV dissociation for VT. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 5
Correct
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A 25-year-old man wants to start a relationship but is concerned about his small phallus. He also has difficulty becoming aroused. On examination, he is slim and has gynecomastia. There is a general paucity of body hair, his penis and testes are small.
Which diagnosis fits best with this history and examination?Your Answer: Klinefelter's syndrome
Explanation:The patient most likely has Klinefelter’s syndrome.
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) refers to a group of chromosomal disorders in which the normal male karyotype, 46,XY, has at least one extra X chromosome. XXY aneuploidy, the most common human sex chromosome disorder. It is also the most common chromosomal disorder associated with male hypogonadism and infertility.
Klinefelter syndrome is characterized by hypogonadism (micro-orchidism, oligospermia/azoospermia), gynecomastia in late puberty, hyalinization and fibrosis of the seminiferous tubules, elevated urinary gonadotropin levels, and behavioural concerns. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 6
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old male complains of a headache that gets worse when he moves his head forward. From the list of options, which is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Migraine
Correct Answer: Chronic Sinusitis
Explanation:Symptoms such as pain worsening when bending forward, are consistent with chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis also does not present with nausea or vomiting, which is worsened by loud noises or bright lights.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 7
Correct
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A 70-year-old man presents to the emergency department acutely unwell. He is shocked, drowsy and confused.
He is known to be type-2 diabetic maintained on metformin.
Blood tests reveal a metabolic acidosis with an anion gap of 24 mmol/l. Ketones are not significantly elevated and random blood glucose was 8.7 mmol/l.
What is the mainstay of treatment for this condition?Your Answer: Rehydration
Explanation:Lactic acidosis is occasionally responsible for metabolic acidosis in diabetics. It may occur in the presence of normal blood levels of the ketone bodies, and such cases are often described as having non-ketotic diabetic acidosis.
It is most commonly associated with tissue hypoperfusion and states of acute circulatory failure.
Appropriate measures include treatment of shock, restoration of circulating fluid volume, improved cardiac function, identification of sepsis source, early antimicrobial intervention, and resection of any potential ischemic regions. Reassessment of lactate levels for clearance assists ongoing medical management. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 8
Correct
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A 35-year-old male developed difficulty in breathing following administration of IV Co-amoxiclav. On examination he was flushed, there were bilateral rhonchi and his blood pressure was 80/50 mmHg. What is the immediate management of this patient?
Your Answer: Epinephrine 0.5 mg IM
Explanation:This case indicates an anaphylactic reaction. The causative factor should be stopped or removed as soon as possible and IM Epinephrine 0.5mg administered. IV Epinephrine can also be considered provided that it is adequately diluted.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 9
Incorrect
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Which of the following would be the most appropriate treatment (leaving out the current NICE guidelines) for a 29-year-old man with erythrodermic psoriasis and arthritis mutilans involving several digits of both hands?
Your Answer: Methotrexate
Correct Answer: Etanercept
Explanation:TNF-alpha inhibitors are known to ameliorate the symptoms and disease activity of Arthritis mutilans (a rare and severe form of psoriatic arthritis), by disabling the cytokines that are involved in inflammation and joint destruction. From the mentioned choices, this would be the most effective option. Methotrexate is the most commonly used DMARD, followed by sulfasalazine used in mild to moderate forms of psoriatic arthritis but has not shown much efficacy in arthritis mutilans. Phototherapy, narrowband UVB light therapy can be very effective in clearing skin lesions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A 28-year-old primigravida in her 24th week of pregnancy came for the routine follow up. She was asymptomatic at the time of examination. Her blood pressure was 152/92 mmHg and pulse rate was 90 bpm. Her blood pressure at the booking visit had been 132/80 mmHg. Her other examination findings were normal. Which of the following is the best method to use to treat her?
Your Answer: Moxonidine
Correct Answer: Labetalol
Explanation:Methyldopa is the drug of first choice for the control of mild to moderate hypertension in pregnancy. Labetalol is also considered as a first line drug for hypertension in pregnancy. Calcium channel blockers and hydralazine are considered as second line drugs. Beta-blockers (except labetalol), angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and thiazides are not recommended.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which one of the following is a contraindication to the use of a triptan in the management of migraine?
Your Answer: Previous intracranial tumour
Correct Answer: A history of ischaemic heart disease
Explanation:A history of ischaemic heart disease in a contraindication for prescribing triptans because they act by constricting cerebral and also coronary vessels, increasing the risk of stroke.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 22 year-old woman presents with a low body temperature and tremors. She reports seeing colour every time she shuts her eyes. What drug has she been using?
Your Answer: Heroine
Correct Answer: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Explanation:Psychedelic drugs, like LSD, are strongly associated with closed-eye hallucinations that this patient is experiencing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Which one of the following responses is the least likely to be associated with primary pulmonary hypertension?
Your Answer: Fenfluramine
Correct Answer: Recurrent pulmonary embolism
Explanation:Connective-tissue diseases, liver cirrhosis, exposure to anorexigens and likely other alpha-adrenergic stimulants [e.g., cocaine, amphetamines] and HIV infection are associated with primary pulmonary hypertension. Recurrent pulmonary emboli, chronic lung diseases, left heart diseases are causes for secondary pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary vascular hypertension after use of fenfluramine is rarely reported.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 23-year-old woman presents with hirsutism and oligomenorrhea for the last five years. She is very anxious about her irregular menses and worried as her mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer recently. She is a lawyer and does not want to conceive, at least for the next couple of years.
The examination is essentially normal except for coarse dark hair being noticed under her chin and over her lower back.
Investigations done during the follicular phase:
Serum androstenedione 10.1 nmol/l (0.6-8.8)
Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate 11.6 ىmol/l (2-10)
Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone 5.6 nmol/l (1-10)
Serum oestradiol 220 pmol/l (200-400)
Serum testosterone 3.6 nmol/l (0.5-3)
Serum sex hormone binding protein 32 nmol/l (40-137)
Plasma luteinising hormone 3.3 U/l (2.5-10)
Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone 3.6 U/l (2.5-10)
What is the most appropriate treatment?Your Answer: Spironolactone
Correct Answer: Combined OCP
Explanation:This patient has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Medical management of PCOS is aimed at the treatment of metabolic derangements, anovulation, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularity.
First-line medical therapy usually consists of an oral contraceptive to induce regular menses. The contraceptive not only inhibits ovarian androgen production but also increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) production. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommends the use of combination low-dose hormonal contraceptive agents for long-term management of menstrual dysfunction.
If symptoms such as hirsutism are not sufficiently alleviated, an androgen-blocking agent may be added. Pregnancy should be excluded before therapy with oral contraceptives or androgen-blocking agents are started.
First-line treatment for ovulation induction when fertility is desired is clomiphene citrate. Second-line strategies may be equally effective in infertile women with clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 15
Correct
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A 18-year-old gentleman is referred to dermatology. He has around 10 hyperpigmented macules on his torso which vary in size from 1.5-5 cm in size. His GP also noted some freckles in the groin region. He is also currently under orthopaedic review due to a worsening scoliosis of the spine. His father suffered from similar problems before having a fatal myocardial infarction two years ago. Which chromosome is most likely to have a gene defect?
Your Answer: Chromosome 17
Explanation:The patient’s history and presentation and familial history, meets the diagnostic criteria for Neurofibromatosis type I, presenting with neurofibromas noted in this patient as hyperpigmented macules and freckles, musculoskeletal disorders like the scoliosis in this case, and a familial history. Neurofibromatosis type I is caused by a mutation on Chromosome 17.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 16
Correct
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Which of the following describes the reason for the decline of the use of beta blockers as antihypertensives in last few years?
Your Answer: Less likely to prevent stroke + potential impairment of glucose tolerance
Explanation:According to the latest research, beta blockers are associated with higher incidence of fatal and non-fatal strokes, all cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular mortality. New-onset diabetes also associates with beta blockers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 17
Correct
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A 72-year-old woman presents with left side groin pain. She says she suddenly collapsed and was not able to lift her leg anymore. She is on calcium supplements and alendronate. What is the best diagnosis?
Your Answer: Fracture of neck of femur
Explanation:Fracture of the neck of femur is characterised by inability to lift the affected limb. This is relatively common in osteoporotic patients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 18
Correct
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A 43-year-old man is reviewed in the gastroenterology clinic. He has had troublesome dyspepsia for the past six months which has not settled with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. During the review of his systems he also reports passing 6-7 watery stools per day. An OGD 3 weeks ago showed gastric erosions and ulcers.
Which one of the following investigations is most likely to be diagnostic?Your Answer: Fasting gastrin
Explanation:This case describes Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is characterized by refractory peptic ulcer disease, often multiple ulcers. This is typically caused by secretion of gastrin from a gastrinoma, a neuroendocrine tumour. The most common site of ulceration is the duodenum. A symptom of a pancreatic gastrinoma may be steatorrhea from the hypersecretion of gastrin. Serum gastrin levels > 1000 and a pH < 2 are diagnostic of pancreatic gastrinoma. None of the other answer choices are a better answer than this. CT abdomen may potentially show a tumour, but this is not diagnostic for type.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A 19-year-old girl suffers from a hereditary disease and presents at her GP with a renal colic. She claims that her mother had this problem too. What type of renal calculus is most likely responsible for the renal colic?
Your Answer: Calcium oxylate
Correct Answer: Cystine
Explanation:The patient seems to have inherited cystinuria which is an autosomal recessive disease. Typical for the disease is the abnormally high concentration of cysteine in the urine, finally causing cystinuria. In a person with cystinuria, the high concentrations of cysteine in the kidney results in the formation of stones with frequent colic pains and complications. If the genotype is partially expressed, then the phenotype might be even asymptomatic, thus the disease has a high variability.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Which of the following indicates the opening of tricuspid valve in jugular venous waveform?
Your Answer: a wave
Correct Answer: y descent
Explanation:The a wave indicates atrial contraction. The c wave indicates ventricular contraction and the resulting bulging of tricuspid valve into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole. The v wave indicates venous filling. The x descent indicates the atrium relaxation and the movement of the tricuspid valve downward. The y descent indicates the filling of the ventricle after tricuspid opening.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
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Question 21
Correct
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A 45-year-old man who had a liver transplant just over 3 months ago, now has primary sclerosing cholangitis. He complains of fever, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, which has come on over the last week. He has a platelet count of 60 x 109/L and alanine transaminase (ALT) of 300 U/L with a normal bilirubin.
He is taking tacrolimus and prednisolone for immunosuppression, and tells you that he recently stopped taking valganciclovir.
What is the most likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Donor-acquired cytomegalovirus
Explanation:The fact that he has recently stopped taking his valganciclovir, anti-viral, is key to the answer to this question. This makes the answer quite plainly donor-acquired CMV infection over all of the other answer choices. He needs to stay on prophylaxis against this, particularly in the first 3 months after transplant. Symptoms and presentations of CMV infection can include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, pneumonitis, hepatitis, hematologic abnormalities, retinitis, and esophagitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary System
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Question 22
Correct
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A 45-year-old male complains of numbness in the little and ring fingers of his left hand. Which of the following nerves is responsible for this presentation?
Your Answer: Ulnar Nerve
Explanation:There are three branches of the ulnar nerve that are responsible for its sensory innervation. The palmar cutaneous branch innervates the medial half of the palm. The dorsal cutaneous branch innervates the dorsal surface of the medial one and a half fingers, and the associated dorsal hand area. The superficial branch innervates the palmar surface of the medial one and a half fingers. According to the given history, the superficial branch of ulnar nerve has been affected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 23
Correct
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A 32-year-old male with a history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day complains of worsening breathlessness on exertion. He was working as a salesman until a few months ago. His father passed away due to severe respiratory disease at a relatively young age. Routine blood examination reveals mild jaundice with bilirubin level of 90 µmol/l. AST and ALT are also raised. Chest X-ray reveals basal emphysema. Which of the following explanation is most likely the cause of these symptoms?
Your Answer: ?-1-Antitrypsin deficiency
Explanation:Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that may cause lung and liver disease. The signs and symptoms of the condition and the age at which they appear vary among individuals. This would be the most likely option as it is the only disease that can affect both liver and lung functions.
People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency usually develop the first signs and symptoms of lung disease between ages 20 and 50. The earliest symptoms are shortness of breath following mild activity, reduced ability to exercise, and wheezing. Other signs and symptoms can include unintentional weight loss, recurring respiratory infections, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat upon standing. Affected individuals often develop emphysema. Characteristic features of emphysema include difficulty breathing, a hacking cough, and a barrel-shaped chest. Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke accelerates the appearance of emphysema symptoms and damage to the lungs.
About 10 percent of infants with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency develop liver disease, which often causes yellowing of the skin and sclera (jaundice). Approximately 15 percent of adults with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency develop liver damage (cirrhosis) due to the formation of scar tissue in the liver. Signs of cirrhosis include a swollen abdomen, swollen feet or legs, and jaundice. Individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are also at risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 24
Correct
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A 40-year-old man comes to the endocrine clinic after his second episode of acute pancreatitis.
On examination, he has a BP of 125/70 mmHg, his pulse is regular 70 bpm and his BMI is 23. There is evidence of eruptive xanthomas on examination of his skin.
It was noted that his fasting triglycerides level is 8.5 mmol/l (0.7-2.1) at his follow up appointment although his LDL level is not particularly raised.
Which of the following is the most appropriate therapy for him?Your Answer: Fenofibrate
Explanation:Three classes of medications are appropriate for the management of major triglyceride elevations: fibric acid derivatives, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fibrate is used as a first-line agent for reduction of triglycerides in patients at risk for triglyceride-induced pancreatitis.
High-dose niacin (vitamin B-3) (1500 or more mg/d) decreases triglyceride levels by at least 40% and can raise HDL cholesterol levels by 40% or more. Niacin also reliably and significantly lowers LDL cholesterol levels, which the other major triglyceride-lowering medications do not.
Omega-3 fatty acids are attractive because of their low risk of major adverse effects or interaction with other medications. At high doses (>4 g/d), triglycerides are reduced.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 25
Incorrect
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A 32-year-old male presents to the emergency after being involved in a horrific fire incident at home with 55% burns over is trunk, back and arms. He has an episode of 300ml of hematemesis which prompts endoscopy. Endoscopy reveals several ulcers in the stomach. How would you manage this patient?
Your Answer: Triple therapy for H.Pylori
Correct Answer: IV PPI
Explanation:Curling’s ulcer is an acute gastric erosion resulting as a complication from severe burns when reduced plasma volume leads to ischemia and cell necrosis (sloughing) of the gastric mucosa. The medical management of patients with stress ulcers is more or less similar to the management of peptic ulcer disease in general. The medication targeting acid peptic disease includes proton pump inhibitors, antihistamines, and ulcer-healing drugs like sucralfate. Patients with overt GI bleeding from ulceration will require endoscopic evaluation and management of the stress ulcers. Endoscopic therapies may include epinephrine injection, electro-cauterization, or clipping of the bleeding vessels. Bleeding ulcers refractory to localized endoscopic treatment may need embolization of the culprit vessel or rarely surgical intervention as a last resort. Surgical interventions are commonly indicated for patients with refractory bleeding despite endoscopic or angiographic treatment or patients with unstable hemodynamics to undergo endoscopic or angiographic procedures. Surgeries are performed as an ultimate life-saving approach.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
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Question 26
Incorrect
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A 65-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes comes to the clinic for review. His HbA1c is elevated at 64 mmol/mol despite taking 1g of metformin BD. On examination, his blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg, his pulse is 82 beats per minute and regular. His BMI is 33 kg/m². A decision is made to start him on dapagliflozin. Which of the following would you expect on starting therapy?
Your Answer: Increased serum urate
Correct Answer: Increased total cholesterol
Explanation:Dapagliflozin works by inhibiting sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and blocking resorption of glucose in the kidney, leading to an increase in urinary glucose excretion and lowering of both plasma glucose levels and body weight.
All studies with SGLT2 inhibitors have found significant reductions in BP, with greater reductions seen in systolic (1.66 to 6.9mmHg) than diastolic (0.88 to 3.5mmHg) BP.
While some trials have shown no change in lipid parameters, others have shown a modest but statistically significant increase in both HDL and LDL cholesterol with no effect on triglycerides or the LDL/HDL ratio. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 27
Incorrect
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A 45-year-old male patient who was initially investigated for having an abdominal mass is diagnosed as having Burkitt lymphoma. He is due to start chemotherapy today.
Which one of the following should be given prior to his chemotherapy in order to reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome?Your Answer: Allopurinol
Correct Answer: Rasburicase
Explanation:Rasburicase should be given prior to chemotherapy in order to reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). Rasburicase is a recombinant version of urate oxidase which is an enzyme that metabolizes uric acid to allantoin. Allantoin is 5-10 times more soluble than uric acid, hence, renal excretion is more effective.
TLS is a potentially fatal condition occurring as a complication during the treatment of high-grade lymphomas and leukaemias. It occurs from the simultaneous breakdown (lysis) of the tumour cells and subsequent release of chemicals into the bloodstream. This leads to hyperkalaemia and hyperphosphatemia in the presence of hyponatraemia. TLS can occur in the absence of chemotherapy, but it is usually triggered by the introduction of combination chemotherapy. Awareness of the condition is critical for its prophylactic management.
Burkitt lymphoma is a high-grade B-cell neoplasm. There are two major forms:
1. Endemic (African) form: typically involves maxilla or mandible.
2. Sporadic form: abdominal (e.g. ileocaecal) tumours are the most common form. More common in patients with HIV.Burkitt lymphoma is associated with the c-myc gene translocation, usually t(8;14). The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly implicated in development of the African form of Burkitt lymphoma and to a lesser extent, the sporadic form.
Management of the lymphoma is with chemotherapy. This tends to produce a rapid response which may cause TLS.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 28
Correct
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A 20-year-old man presents with an acute exacerbation of asthma associated with a chest infection. He is unable to complete a sentence and his peak flow rate was 34% of his normal level. He is treated with high-flow oxygen, nebulised bronchodilators, and oral corticosteroids for three days, but his condition has not improved.
Which of the following intravenous treatments would be the best option for this patient?Your Answer: Magnesium
Explanation:A single dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate is safe and may improve lung function and reduce intubation rates in patients with acute severe asthma. Intravenous magnesium sulphate may also reduce hospital admissions in adults with acute asthma who have had little or no response to standard treatment.
Consider giving a single dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate to patients with acute severe asthma (PEF <50% best or predicted) who have not had a good initial response to inhaled bronchodilator therapy. Magnesium sulphate (1.2-2 g IV infusion over 20 minutes) should only be used following consultation with senior medical staff.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 74-year-old female complains of coarse tremors. Which of the following drugs may be the cause?
Your Answer: Haloperidol
Correct Answer: Lithium
Explanation:The most common adverse effect of lithium is fine hand tremors. It is also an early sign of toxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 30
Correct
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A 23-year-old female presents with a five month history of worsening breathlessness and daily productive cough. As a young child, she had occasional wheezing with viral illnesses and she currently works in a shipyard and also smokes one pack of cigarettes daily for the past three years. Which of the following is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Bronchiectasis
Explanation:Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include:
– a persistent productive cough
– breathlessness.The 3 most common causes in the UK are:
– a lung infection in the past, such as pneumonia or whooping cough, that damages the bronchi
– underlying problems with the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) that make the bronchi more vulnerable to damage from an infection
– allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) – an allergy to a certain type of fungi that can cause the bronchi to become inflamed if spores from the fungi are inhaled -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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