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Question 1
Correct
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A 76 year old man who presented with lower back pain is diagnosed with prostatic carcinoma that has metastasized to his lumber spine. Which of the following markers is characteristically elevated?
Your Answer: PSA
Explanation:Spread of prostatic carcinoma is common to the lumbar spine and pelvis. This results in osteoblastic metastases that will present as lower back pain with increased alkaline phosphatase, prostatic acid phosphates and PSA. PSA is more specific and a PSA > 10 ng/ml for any age is worrisome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia; Urology
- Pathology
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Question 2
Correct
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A 50 year-old man, who sustained a head injury experienced sudden onset of horizontal double vision. He is diagnosed with lateral rectus palsy. Which of the following nerves is affected in this condition?
Your Answer: Abducent
Explanation:The lateral rectus muscle is one of the 6 extra-ocular muscles that control eye movements. It is responsible for abduction and is the only muscle that is innervated by the abducens nerve (CN VI).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 3
Correct
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A cell is classified on the basis of its regenerative ability. Which of the following cells represent a permanent cell?
Your Answer: Erythrocyte
Explanation:An erythrocyte is the last cell in the progeny of RBC cell division and is not capable of further division and regeneration. Hepatocytes, osteocytes and epithelium of kidney tubules are all stable cells. Colonic mucosa and pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells are all labile cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 4
Correct
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An excision of a mass in the right parietal area of the head will be performed. In which layer of the scalp are the nerves and blood vessels located?
Your Answer: Connective tissue
Explanation:The scalp is the anatomical area bordered by the face at the front, and by the neck at the sides and back. The scalp is usually described as having five layers:
1. The skin which contains numerous sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
2. The connective tissue, a dense subcutaneous layer of fat and fibrous tissue that lies beneath the skin, containing the nerves and vessels of the scalp.
3. The aponeurosis or galea aponeurotica, a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue which runs from the frontalis muscle anteriorly to the occipitalis posteriorly.
4. The loose areolar connective tissue layer provides an easy plane of separation between the upper three layers and the pericranium.
5. The pericranium is the periosteum of the skull bones and provides nutrition to the bone and the capacity for repair.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 5
Correct
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A 4-year-old child was brought to a paediatrician for consult due to a palpable mass in his abdomen. The child has poor appetite and regularly complains of abdominal pain. The child was worked up and diagnosed with a tumour. What is the most likely diagnosis ?
Your Answer: Nephroblastoma
Explanation:Nephroblastoma is also known as Wilms’ tumour. It is a cancer of the kidneys that typically occurs in children. The median age of diagnose is approximately 3.5 years. With the current treatment, approximately 80-90% of children with Wilms’ tumour survive.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 6
Correct
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A 35-year-old ultra marathon runner becomes severely dehydrated and collapses. This patient most likely has:
Your Answer: Decreased baroreceptor firing rate
Explanation:Baroreceptors are sensors located in the blood vessels of all vertebrate animals. They sense the blood pressure and relay the information to the brain, so that a proper blood pressure can be maintained. Acute dehydration results in decreased plasma volume and increased plasma osmolarity, since more water than salt is lost in sweat. The decrease in plasma volume leads to an inhibition of the baroreceptors and a lower firing rate. The increase in plasma osmolarity leads to increased ADH secretion and high plasma ADH levels, which increases water permeability of collecting duct cells. Therefore more water is reabsorbed by the kidneys and renal water excretion is low.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 7
Correct
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A space defined by the teres major muscle, the teres minor muscle, long head of the triceps brachii muscle and surgical neck of the humerus contains the axillary nerve and the?
Your Answer: Posterior circumflex humeral artery
Explanation:This quadrangular space transmits the posterior circumflex humeral vessels and the axillary nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 5-year-old child presents with fever and otalgia. Greenish pustular discharge was seen in his left ear during physical examination. The patient is diagnosed with otitis externa. Which of the following organisms most likely caused the infection?
Your Answer: Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Explanation:P. aeruginosa is a multidrug resistant pathogen recognised for its ubiquity, its advanced antibiotic resistance mechanisms and its association with serious illnesses – especially hospital-acquired infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and various septic syndromes. The species name aeruginosa is a Latin word meaning verdigris (copper rust), referring to the blue-green colour of laboratory cultures of the species. This blue-green pigment is a combination of two metabolites of P. aeruginosa, pyocyanin (blue) and pyoverdine (green), which impart the blue-green characteristic colour of cultures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 9
Correct
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Which of the following muscles attach to the hyoid bone?
Your Answer: Middle pharyngeal constrictor
Explanation:The hyoid bone is a horseshoe-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage. A large number of muscles attach to the hyoid: Superiorly – the middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle, hyoglossus muscle, genioglossus, intrinsic muscles of the tongue and suprahyoid muscles. Inferiorly – the thyrohyoid muscle, omohyoid muscle and sternohyoid muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 10
Correct
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A young man came to the emergency room after an accident. The anterior surface of his wrist was lacerated with loss of sensation over the thumb side of his palm. Which nerves have been damaged?
Your Answer: Median
Explanation:The median nerve provides cutaneous innervation to the skin of the palmar radial three and a half fingers. Also the site of injury indicates that the medial nerve may have been injured as it passes into the hand by crossing over the anterior wrist.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Two boys were playing when one of them brought the forearm of the other behind his back. This resulted in a stretching of the lateral rotator of the arm. Which of the following muscles was most likely to have been involved?
Your Answer: Latissimus dorsi
Correct Answer: Infraspinatus
Explanation:There are two lateral rotators of the arm, the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles. The infraspinatus muscle receives nerve supply from C5 and C6 via the suprascapular nerve, whilst the teres minor is supplied by C5 via the axillary nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 12
Correct
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During work up for a 29 year-old lady who complained of chest pain, a computed tomography showed a large mass in the posterior mediastinum. Which among the following structures could be involved?
Your Answer: Lymph nodes
Explanation:Boundaries of the posterior mediastinum include:
Superior: a plane through the sternal angle and T4/5
Inferior: the diaphragm
Anterior: the middle mediastinal structures
Posterior the spinal cord.
Structures in the posterior mediastinum include the descending thoracic aorta, the azygos system, oesophagus, thoracic duct and lymph nodes. The great vessels and structures at the root of the lung are part of the middle mediastinum. In this case, the lymph nodes is the correct answer.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 13
Correct
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A 44-year old man, who was euthyroid underwent thyroidectomy following neoplastic cells found on fine-needle aspiration. Frozen section of multiple thyroid masses showed malignant neoplasm of polygonal cells in nests. The neoplasm also showed presence of amyloid which was positive with Congo-red staining. Immunoperoxidase staining for calcitonin was also positive. Chest X-ray revealed no abnormality. However, his blood pressure was found to be raised, and his serum ionised calcium was high. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA
Explanation:MEN (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia) syndromes are a group of three separate familial disease which consists of adenomatous hyperplasia and neoplasia in several endocrine glands. All three conditions are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, with a single gene producing multiple effects. MEN IIA is characterized by medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism. It should be suspected in patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma, a familial history of MEN, or at least two characteristic endocrine manifestations. Genetic testing is used to confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to aid in complete excision of the localized tumour. Pheochromocytomas can be detected by plasma free metanephrines and fractionated urinary catecholamines, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine).
Imaging studies such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging might also prove useful. Hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed by the standard finding of hypercalcaemia, hypophosphatemia and an increased parathyroid hormone level. Once MEN IIA syndrome is identified in any patient, it is recommended that his or her first-degree relatives and any other symptomatic also undergo genetic testing. Relatives should be subjected to annual screening for hyperparathyroidism and pheochromocytoma beginning in early childhood and continue indefinitely. Serum calcium levels help in screening for hyperparathyroidism. Similarly, screening for pheochromocytoma is by history, measurement of the blood pressure and laboratory testing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 14
Correct
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The circle of Willis is an arterial anastomosis in the base of the brain and is one of the cerebrovascular safeguards in the brain. Where is the circle of Willis contained?
Your Answer: Cisterna basalis
Explanation:Cisterns refers to a system of intercommunicating pools formed by the subarachnoid space at the base of the brain and around the brainstem. Cisterna basalis/basal cistern (interpeduncular cistern) is found at the base of the brain between the two temporal lobes and it contains the arterial circle of Willis. The lumbar cistern is contained in the spinal canal while the foramen magna refers to the opening at the base of the skull though which the spinal cord enters into the skull.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 15
Correct
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The extent of cancer growth can be described through staging. What is taken into consideration when staging a cancer?
Your Answer: Local invasion
Explanation:Cancer stage is based on four characteristics: the size of cancer, whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive, whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, in this case beyond the breast. Staging is important as it is often a good predictor of outcomes and treatment is adjusted accordingly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 16
Correct
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What is the arterial sequence for an analgesic to reach the latissimus dorsi muscle assuming that your starting point is at the subclavian vein?
Your Answer: Subclavian – axillary – subscapular – thoracodorsal
Explanation:Assuming our starting point is the subclavian artery, the analgesic continues in the same vessel into the axillary artery, as it passes into the axilla. The axillary artery at the lower border of the subscapularis gives rise to the subcapsular artery which is considered the largest branch of the axillary artery. This circumflex scapular branch distributes a serratus branch before entering the substance of the muscle as the thoracodorsal artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax spores have been used as a biological warfare weapon. What is the drug of choice in treating anthrax infection?
Your Answer: Clindamycin
Correct Answer: Ciprofloxacin
Explanation:Early antibiotic treatment of anthrax is essential. A delay may significantly lessen the chances for survival of the patient. Treatment for anthrax infection include large doses of intravenous and oral antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin), doxycycline, erythromycin, vancomycin, or penicillin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A patient came into the emergency in a state of shock. His blood group is not known, but on testing it clotted when mixed with Type A antibodies. Which blood should be transfused?
Your Answer: A-ve
Correct Answer: B +ve
Explanation:There are two stages to determine the blood group, known as ABO typing. The first stage is called forward typing. In this method, RBCs are mixed with two separate solutions of type A or type B antibodies to see if they agglutinate. If this blood clumps, this indicates the presence of antigens within the blood sample. For example, a sample of type B blood will clump when tested with type A antibodies as it contains type B antigens. Group B – has only the B antigen on red cells (and A antibody in the plasma)
Group B – has only the B antigen on red cells (and A antibody in the plasma)
Group AB – has both A and B antigens on red cells (but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma)
Group O – has neither A nor B antigens on red cells (but both A and B antibody are in the plasma). Many people also have a Rh factor on the red blood cell’s surface. This is also an antigen and those who have it are called Rh+. Those who have not are called Rh–. A person with Rh– blood does not have Rh antibodies naturally in the blood plasma (as one can have A or B antibodies, for instance) but they can develop Rh antibodies in the blood plasma if they receive blood from a person with Rh+ blood, whose Rh antigens can trigger the production of Rh antibodies. A person with Rh+ blood can receive blood from a person with Rh– blood without any problems. The patient’s blood group is B positive as he has antigen B, antibody A and Rh antigens.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 19
Correct
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A 70-year-old man who was previously healthy develops a rapidly progressing neurological deficit. A MRI reveals a large, poorly defined mass with central necrosis in his left temporal lobe. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Glioblastoma multiforme
Explanation:Glioblastoma multiforme, or grade 4 astrocytoma, is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour. They are formed by small areas of necrotising tissue surrounded by highly anaplastic cells. Most of them arise from the deep white matter of the brain and quickly infiltrate it, becoming very large before they are symptomatic. The most common symptom is progressive memory, personality or neurological deficit due to temporal and frontal lobe involvement. It is most common in men, and risk factors include: neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Von Hippel-Lindau disease, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Turcot syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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A 65-year old gentleman presents to the clinic with chronic back pain and weight loss. His blood count shows a white blood cell count of 10 × 109/l, with a differential count of 66 polymorphonuclear leukocytes, 7 bands, 3 metamyelocytes, 3 myelocytes, 14 lymphocytes, 7 monocytes, and 5 nucleated red blood cells. The haemoglobin is 13 g/dl with a haematocrit of 38.1%, a mean corpuscular volume of 82 fl, and a platelet count of 126 × 109/l. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Correct Answer: Metastatic carcinoma
Explanation:The peripheral blood findings suggest a leucoerythroblastic picture, the common causes of which in a 65-year old gentleman includes prostatic or lung malignancy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 21
Correct
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A 40-year-old woman is suspected to have an ovarian cancer. Which tumour marker should be requested to confirm the diagnosis?
Your Answer: CA-125
Explanation:CA-125 is a protein that is used as a tumour marker. This substance is found in high concentration in patients with ovarian cancer. It is the only tumour marker recommended for clinical use in the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 22
Correct
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Streptokinase is used to break down clots in some cases of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thromboembolism; however, it is not recommended to use it again after 4 days from the first administration. Which complication could arise from repeated use?
Your Answer: Allergic reaction
Explanation:Streptokinase belongs to a group of medications known as ‘fibrinolytics’ and is an extracellular metallo-enzyme produced by beta-haemolytic streptococci, used as an effective clot-dissolving medication in patients with myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. As Streptokinase is a bacterial product, the body has the ability to build up an immunity to it. Therefore, it is recommended that this medication should not be used again after four days from the first administration, as it may not be as effective and may also cause an allergic reaction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 23
Correct
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Injury to this nerve may result in loss of sensation of the mandibular teeth and bone:
Your Answer: Inferior alveolar nerve
Explanation:The inferior alveolar nerve (sometimes called the inferior dental nerve) is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is itself the third branch of the trigeminal nerve. The inferior alveolar nerves supply sensation to the lower teeth of the mandible.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 24
Correct
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A 25-year-old football player suffers severe head trauma during a game. Physical examination reveals a decerebrate posture and bilateral papilledema. A CT scan reveals marked diffuse cerebral oedema. This condition will be most severe in which component of the brain?
Your Answer: White matter
Explanation:The greatest amount of salt and water increase with cerebral oedema occurs within the white matter. Any swelling from oedema, haemorrhage or haematoma increases the intracranial pressure (ICP). As the ICP increases, the cerebral perfusion decreases and brain tissue can become ischaemic, even leading to brain death.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 25
Correct
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Which of these infectious agents tends to affect people under 20 and over 40 years old, can cause acute encephalitis with cerebral oedema and petechial haemorrhages, along with haemorrhagic lesions of the temporal lobe. A lumbar puncture will reveal clear cerebrospinal fluid with an elevated lymphocyte count?
Your Answer: Herpes simplex virus
Explanation:Haemorrhagic lesions of the temporal lobe are typical of Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). It tends to affect patients aged under 20 or over 40 years, and is often fatal if left untreated. In acute encephalitis, cerebral oedema and petechial haemorrhages occur and direct viral invasion of the brain usually damages neurones. The majority of cases of herpes encephalitis are caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), and about 10% of cases of herpes encephalitis are due to HSV-2, which is typically spread through sexual contact.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 26
Correct
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Injury to this nerve will result to the loss of general sensory innervation of the lacrimal gland:
Your Answer: Ophthalmic nerve
Explanation:The lacrimal glands are paired, almond-shaped exocrine glands, that secrete the aqueous layer of the tear film. The lacrimal nerve, derived from the ophthalmic nerve, supplies the sensory component of the lacrimal gland. The greater petrosal nerve, derived from the facial nerve, supplies the parasympathetic autonomic component of the lacrimal gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 27
Correct
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A 26-year-old female sought consultation due to excessive vaginal discharge. Vaginal smear showed numerous bacilli under the microscope. The organism was non-pathogenic. What is the most likely organism:
Your Answer: Lactobacillus species
Explanation:Lactobacillus is a Gram-positive facultative bacteria. It is commonly present in the vagina and the gastrointestinal tract. Colonization of Lactobacillus is usually benign and it makes up a small portion of the gastrointestinal flora.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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During an operation to repair an indirect inguinal hernia, you are asked to indicate the position of the deep inguinal ring. You indicate this as being:
Your Answer: Above the pubic tubercle
Correct Answer: Above the midpoint of the inguinal ligament
Explanation:The deep inguinal ring is near the midpoint of the inguinal ligament, below the anterior superior iliac spine. It is lateral to the inferior epigastric artery. The superficial ring, however, is found above the pubic tubercle. The supravesical fossa is the space between the median and medial umbilical folds.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 29
Correct
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A 55-year old gentleman presented to the doctor with worsening dysphagia for both solids and liquids over 6 months. This was associated with regurgitation of undigested food and occasional chest pain. Barium swallow revealed distal oesophageal dilatation with lack of peristalsis in the distal two-third oesophagus. The likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Achalasia
Explanation:Achalasia is an oesophageal motility disorder where inappropriate contractions in the oesophagus lead to reduced peristalsis and failure of the lower oesophageal sphincter to relax properly in response to swallowing. Classical triad of symptoms include dysphagia to fluids followed by solids, chest pain and regurgitation of undigested food. Other symptoms include belching, hiccups, weight loss and cough. Diagnosis is by:
– X-ray with a barium swallow or oesophagography : narrowing at the gastroesophageal junction (‘bird/parrot beak’ or ‘rat tail’ appearance) and various degrees of mega-oesophagus (oesophageal dilatation) as the oesophagus is gradually stretched by retained food. Effectiveness of treatment can be measured with a 5-minute timed barium swallow.
– Manometry – probe measures the pressure waves in different parts of oesophagus and stomach while swallowing.
– Endoscopy
– CT scan to exclude other causes like malignancy
– Pathological examination showing defect in the nerves which control oesophageal motility (myenteric plexus).
In Chagas disease, there is destruction of ganglion cells by Trypanosoma cruzi.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 30
Correct
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Which statement is true about the inferior sagittal sinus?
Your Answer: Is formed between two layers of meningeal dura
Explanation:The inferior sagittal sinus is also known as the inferior longitudinal sinus. It courses along the inferior border of the falx cerebri, superior to the corpus callosum. It is cylindrical in shape and increases in size as it passes backward ending in the straight sinus. It receives blood from the deep and medial aspects of the cerebral hemispheres and drains into the straight sinus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 31
Correct
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A victim of road traffic accident presented to the emergency department with a blood pressure of 120/90 mm Hg, with a drop in systolic pressure to 100 mm Hg on inhalation. This is known as:
Your Answer: Pulsus paradoxus
Explanation:Weakening of pulse with inhalation and strengthening with exhalation is known as pulsus paradoxus. This represents an exaggeration of the normal variation of the pulse in relation to respiration. It indicates conditions such as cardiac tamponade and lung disease. The paradox refers to the auscultation of extra cardiac beats on inspiration, as compared to the pulse. Due to a decrease in blood pressure, the radial pulse becomes impalpable along with an increase in jugular venous pressure height (Kussmaul sign). Normal systolic blood pressure variation (with respiration) is considered to be >10 mmHg. It is >100 mmHg in Pulsus paradoxus. It is also predictive of the severity of cardiac tamponade.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 32
Correct
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An ultrasound report of a 35-year old female patient revealed that she had cancer of the pancreas and presented with subsequent severe obstructive jaundice. In which part of this was woman's pancreas was the tumour most likely located?
Your Answer: Head
Explanation:The pancreas is divided into five parts; the head, body, neck, tail, and the uncinate process. Of the five parts, tumours located at the head of the pancreas in most instances cause obstruction of the common bile duct more often than tumours in the other parts of the pancreas. This is because the common bile duct passes through the head of the pancreas from the gallbladder and the liver (it is formed where the cystic and the hepatic bile duct join) to empty bile into the duodenum. This biliary obstruction leads to accumulation of bile in the liver and a consequent bilirubinaemia (raised levels of blood bilirubin). This results in jaundice. The pancreas is not divided into lobes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 33
Incorrect
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Cancer of the testis most likely metastases to which set of lymph nodes?
Your Answer: Superficial inguinal
Correct Answer: Aortic
Explanation:The lymphatic drainage of an organ is related to its blood supply. The lymphatic drainage of the testis drains along the testicular artery to reach the lymph nodes along the aorta.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 34
Incorrect
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During an exploratory laparotomy of an acute abdomen, the surgeon identified an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum. This is:
Your Answer: Is an abnormal persistence of the urachus
Correct Answer: Is a site of ectopic pancreatic tissue
Explanation:Meckel’s diverticulum is an outpouching of the small intestine. It usually occurs about 0.6 m (2 feet) before the junction with the caecum. It can be lined with the mucosa of the stomach and may ulcerate. It may also be lined by ectopic pancreatic tissue. It represents the remains of the vitelline duct in early fetal life.
An abnormal persistence of the urachus is called a urachal fistula.
Failure of the midgut loop to return to the abdominal cavity is called an omphalocele.
Polyhydramnios is often caused by anencephaly or oesophageal fistula.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 35
Correct
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A 79-year-old has been bedridden for 2 months after suffering from a stroke. She suddenly developed shortness of breath and chest pain, and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following is most likely to increase in this case?
Your Answer: Ventilation/perfusion ratio
Explanation:Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by an embolus that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream. The change in cardiopulmonary function is proportional to the extent of the obstruction, which varies with the size and number of emboli obstructing the pulmonary arteries. The resulting physiological changes may include pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular failure and shock, dyspnoea with tachypnoea and hyperventilation, arterial hypoxaemia and pulmonary infarction. Consequent alveolar hyperventilation is manifested by a lowered pa(CO2). After occlusion of the pulmonary artery, areas of the lung are ventilated but not perfused, resulting in wasted ventilation with an increased ventilation/perfusion ratio – the physiological hallmark of PE – contributing to a further hyperventilatory state. The risk of blood clots is increased by cancer, prolonged bed rest, smoking, stroke, certain genetic conditions, oestrogen-based medication, pregnancy, obesity, and post surgery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 36
Correct
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A 55-years-old man presented to the emergency department complaining of a squeezing sensation in his chest that has spread to his neck with associated worsening shortness of breath. Which of these laboratory tests would you ask for in this patient:
Your Answer: Creatine kinase-MB
Explanation:Creatine kinase-MB is a test that usually is ordered when the patient has chest pain as a cardiac marker. When a heart attack is suspected and a troponin test (which is more specific for heart damage), is not available CK-MB is ordered. There are 3 forms of CK: CK-MM, CK-BB and CK-MB. CK-MB is commonly found in heart tissue, therefore injured heart muscle cells release CK-MB into the blood. Elevated CK-MB levels indicate that it is probable that a person has recently had a heart attack.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pathology
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Question 37
Incorrect
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Destruction of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus will result in:
Your Answer: Loss of appetite
Correct Answer: Loss of satiety
Explanation:The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus is divided into an anterior and a superior part. The anterior part controls the female sexual drive, whereas the superior part is responsible for satiety. Destruction of the superior part of the nucleus will result in overeating, as no signal tells the body that it is satisfied.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 38
Correct
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An abnormal opening of the urethra on the under surface of the penis (ventral surface) is known as:
Your Answer: Hypospadias
Explanation:Hypospadias is the condition where the urethra opens along the underside or ventral aspect of penile shaft. First-degree hypospadias is seen in 50-75% cases, where the urethra open on the glans penis. Second-degree hypospadias is seen in 20% cases where the urethra opens on the shaft, and third-degree in 30% cases with the urethra opening on the perineum. The severe cases are usually associated with undescended testis (cryptorchidism) or chordee, where the penis is tethered downwards and not completely separated from the perineum.
It is a common male genital birth defect but varying incidences are noted in different countries. There is no obvious inheritance pattern noted. No exact cause has been determined, however several hypotheses include poor response to androgen, or interference by environmental factors.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 39
Correct
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A 27 year old women had developed a darker complexion following a vacation to India. She had no erythema or tenderness. Her skin colour returned to normal over a period of 1 month. Which of the these substances is related to the biochemical change mentioned above?
Your Answer: Tyrosine
Explanation:The tanning process can occur due to UV light exposure as a result of oxidation of tyrosine to dihydrophenylalanine with the help of the tyrosinase enzyme within the melanocytes. Hemosiderin can impart a brown colour due to breakdown of RBC but its usually due to a trauma and is known as haemochromatosis.
Lipofuscin gives a golden brown colour to the cell granules not the skin.
Homogentisic acid is part of a rare disease alkaptonuria, with characteristic black pigment deposition within the connective tissue.
Copper can impart a brown golden colour, but is not related to UV light exposure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 40
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 41
Incorrect
-
Which statement is correct regarding coagulation?
Your Answer: Prekallikrein is converted to kallikrein during activation of tissue factor pathway
Correct Answer: Thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin
Explanation:Coagulation of blood is a complex process and an important part of haemostasis. There are two main pathways related to coagulation: the contact activation pathway/intrinsic pathway and tissue factor/extrinsic pathway. The extrinsic pathway is activated by external trauma that causes blood to escape from the vascular system. This pathway is quicker than the intrinsic pathway and involves factor VII. The intrinsic pathway is activated by trauma inside the vascular system, and initiated by platelets, exposed endothelium, chemicals, or collagen. This pathway is slower than the extrinsic pathway, but more important. It involves factors XII, XI, IX, VIII. Both pathways meet to finish the formation of a clot in what is known as the common pathway. The common pathway involves factors I, II, V, and X. They converge on the common pathway in which activation of prothrombin to thrombin leads to conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and clot formation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 42
Correct
-
A young man in a motor vehicle accident sustained a spinal injury at C8 level. What would likely be seen in this patient?
Your Answer: The hypothenar muscles would be completely paralysed
Explanation:The eighth cervical nerve is one of the contributors of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve supplies the hypothenar muscles which include the opponens digiti minimi, abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and palmaris brevis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 43
Correct
-
The transverse colon has two curvatures known as the colic flexures on each side of its lateral ends, the right and left. The left colic flexure found on the side of the descending colon is attached to an organ superiorly by a mesenteric ligament. Which organ is this?
Your Answer: Spleen
Explanation:The left colic flexure is the bend of the transverse colon as it continues to form the descending colon on the left upper quadrant. The spleen is located on the superior aspect of the left colic flexure. It is commonly referred to as the splenic flexure because of its relation o the spleen superiorly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 44
Correct
-
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 45
Correct
-
Production of pain is most likely associated with:
Your Answer: Substance P
Explanation:Substance P is a short-chain polypeptide that functions as a neurotransmitter and as a neuromodulator, and is thus, a neuropeptide. It has been linked with pain regulation, mood disorders, stress, reinforcement, neurogenesis, respiratory rhythm, neurotoxicity, nausea and emesis. It is also a potent vasodilator as it brings about release of nitric oxide from the endothelium. Its release can also cause hypotension.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 46
Incorrect
-
Passing through the lesser sciatic foramen are the:
Your Answer: Posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh
Correct Answer: Pudendal nerve
Explanation:Structures that pass through the lesser sciatic foramen include:
– the pudendal nerve
– the nerve to obturator internus
– internal pudendal artery
– the tendon of obturator internus
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 47
Correct
-
A 51-year old woman after undergoing a barium swallowing was discovered to be suffering from an oesophageal hiatal hernia. Which muscle fibres of the diaphragm border this hernia directly if the stomach herniates through an enlarged oesophageal hiatus?
Your Answer: Right crus
Explanation:The oesophageal hiatus is a natural fissure on the thoracic diaphragm that allows passage of the oesophagus and the vagal nerve. The oesophageal hiatus is located in one of the tendinous structures of the diaphragm that connect it to the spine which is known as the right crus. In case of an hiatal hernia, this diaphragmatic structure would be the one bordering the hernia as it is the structure that encircles the oesophageal hiatus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 48
Correct
-
Which of the following foramina will the ophthalmic artery pass through in order to reach the eye?
Your Answer: Optic canal
Explanation:The optic foramen is the opening to the optic canal. The canal is located in the sphenoid bone; it is bounded medially by the body of the sphenoid and laterally by the lesser wing of the sphenoid. The superior surface of the sphenoid bone is bounded behind by a ridge, which forms the anterior border of a narrow, transverse groove, the chiasmatic groove (optic groove). The groove ends on either side in the optic foramen, which transmits the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery into the orbital cavity. Compared to the optic nerve, the ophthalmic artery is located inferolaterally within the canal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 49
Correct
-
A patient in the intensive care unit developed hyperphosphatemia. The phosphate level is 160 mmol/L. Which of the following is most likely responsible for this abnormality?
Your Answer: Renal insufficiency
Explanation:Hyperphosphatemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of phosphate in the blood. It is caused by conditions that impair renal phosphate excretion (ex: renal insufficiency, hypoparathyroidism, parathyroid suppression) and conditions with massive extracellular fluid phosphate loads (ex: rapid administration of exogenous phosphate, extensive cellular injury or necrosis, transcellular phosphate shifts).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 50
Correct
-
A 40-year old lady with a flail chest due to trauma was breathing with the help of a mechanical ventilator in the ICU, and was heavily sedated on muscle relaxants. Due to sudden power failure, a nurse began to hand-ventilate the patient with a Ambu bag. What change will occur in the following parameters: (Arterial p(CO2), pH) in the intervening period between power failure and hand ventilation?
Your Answer: Increase, Decrease
Explanation:Respiratory acidosis occurs due to alveolar hypoventilation which leads to increased arterial carbon dioxide concentration (p(CO2)). This in turn decreases the HCO3 –/p(CO2) and decreases pH. Respiratory acidosis can be acute or chronic. In acute respiratory acidosis, the p(CO2) is raised above the upper limit of normal (over 45 mm Hg) with low pH. However, in chronic cases, the raised p(CO2) is accompanied with a normal or near-normal pH due to renal compensation and an increased serum bicarbonate (HCO3 – > 30 mmHg). The given problem represents acute respiratory acidosis and thus, will show a increase in arterial p(CO2) and decrease in pH.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 51
Correct
-
A 7-month-old abandoned baby with congenital non-communicating hydrocephalus is hosted by a clinic at its new-born hostel. A CT scan of the baby's brain reveals what might be a blockage of the ventricular system between the third and the fourth ventricles. Which of the following is the most likely blocked structure?
Your Answer: Cerebral aqueduct
Explanation:The drainage of cerebral spinal fluid from the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle is carried out by the cerebral aqueduct. The cerebral aqueduct is the narrowest passageway in the entire ventricular system and thus forms the most common site of blockage of flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The interventricular foramen allows passage of CSF to the third ventricle. The foramen of Luschka and Magendie are located on the fourth ventricle and allow passage of CSF to the subarachnoid space from the ventricular system. The pontine cistern is a space located on the ventral aspect of the pons. The cisterna magna is an opening on the subarachnoid space between the pia matter and the arachnoid.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 52
Incorrect
-
A 68-year-old man underwent sigmoid resection with diverting colostomy for a ruptured sigmoid diverticulum 10 days ago. He received gentamicin and ampicillin post-op. 2 days after he was discharged from the hospital, he was readmitted because of high grade fever and chills. His blood culture grew Gram-negative bacilli. Which organism is most likely responsible for the patient's infection?
Your Answer: Escherichia coli
Correct Answer: Bacteroides fragilis
Explanation:Bacteroides fragilis is an anaerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium. It is part of the normal flora of the human colon and is generally a commensal, but can cause infection if displaced into the bloodstream or surrounding tissue following surgery, disease, or trauma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 53
Incorrect
-
Tumours derived from all three germ-cell layers in new-borns usually occur in which of the following sites?
Your Answer: Neck
Correct Answer: Sacrococcygeal area
Explanation:A teratoma is a tumour with tissue or organ components resembling normal derivatives of more than one germ layer. It is derived from all three cell layers. The most common location of teratoma in new-born infants is in the sacrococcygeal area.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 54
Incorrect
-
Following a fracture in the fibula, an artery contained in a fibrous canal between tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus was lacerated. Which of the following arteries was injured?
Your Answer: Posterior tibial
Correct Answer: Peroneal
Explanation:The peroneal artery is deeply seated at the back of the fibular side of the leg, contained in a fibrous canal between the tibialis posterior and the flexor hallucis longus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 55
Correct
-
A 70-year-old female who underwent coronary artery bypass graft developed post-operative acute renal failure. Her urinary catheter was left in place to monitor urine output. 6 days later she developed fever and chills. She also complained of suprapubic and left flank pain. She is found to have developed acute ascending pyelonephritis. Which of the following organism was most likely isolated during urine culture?
Your Answer: Escherichia coli with pili
Explanation:The most common cause of urinary tract infection is Escherichia coli. Pilated strains of E. coli ascend the urethra to infect the kidney and the bladder. Catheters have been associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 56
Correct
-
A 20-year old college student was diagnosed with meningitis that had developed due to an acute cavernous sinus thrombosis from an ear infection. Which of the following superficial venous routes is the usual path that an infected blood clot takes to reach the cavernous sinus?
Your Answer: Facial vein
Explanation:The facial vein is the usual communication between the cavernous sinus and the pterygoid sinus. It is through this vein that an infected clot can travel to the cavernous sinus and cause infection. The pterygoid plexus is a venous plexus that is situated between the temporalis muscle and lateral pterygoid muscle, and partly between the two pterygoid muscles. The pterygoid plexus is connected to the facial vein by the deep facial vein. This connection is what makes this area where this sinus and the facial vein are located a danger zone. The danger zone or triangle of the face is the area from the corners of the mouth to the nose bridge. The sinus connection in this area makes it possible for infection to reach the cavernous sinus and at times cause meningitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 57
Correct
-
Hepatomegaly with greatly increased serum alpha-fetoprotein is seen in which of the following conditions?
Your Answer: Hepatocellular carcinoma
Explanation:Hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoma affects people with pre-existing cirrhosis and is more common in areas with higher prevalence of hepatitis B and C. Diagnosis include raise alpha-fetoprotein levels, imaging and liver biopsy if needed. Patients at high-risk for developing this disease can undergo screening by periodic AFP measurement and abdominal ultrasonography. The malignancy carries poor prognosis (see also Answer to 10.4).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 58
Correct
-
The primary somatosensory cortex is located in the:
Your Answer: Postcentral gyrus
Explanation:The primary somatic sensory cortex is located in the postcentral gyrus and is the largest cortical receiving area for information from somatosensory receptors. Through corticocortical fibres, it then sends the information to other areas of the neocortex and further analysis takes place in the posterior parietal association cortex.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 59
Correct
-
A 30-year old lady was admitted to the general surgical ward after a diagnosis of perforation of the first part of the duodenum that resulted from a long standing ulcer. If this perforation led to the expulsion of the gastric content that resulted to the erosion of an artery found in this part of the duodenum (the posterior of the first part of the duodenum). Which of the following arteries is this most likely to be?
Your Answer: Gastroduodenal
Explanation:The proximal part of the duodenum is supplied by the gastroduodenal artery. This artery is found descending behind the first part of the duodenum after branching from the hepatic artery. If gastric content was to be expelled in the posterior portion of the first part of the duodenum, then this artery would be most likely to be damaged. The common hepatic artery and the left gastric artery are branches of the coeliac trunk that are found superior to the duodenum. The proper hepatic artery is a branch of the common hepatic artery also found superior to the duodenum. The superior mesenteric artery is found behind the pancreas as a branch of the aorta that is at the bottom of the L1 level. The right gastric artery arises above the pylorus from the proper hepatic artery and supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach. The intestinal arteries supply the ileum and the jejunum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 60
Correct
-
A 69 Year old lady presented to the emergency department following a massive myocardial infarction. She was found to be in hypotensive shock with focal neurological signs. Unfortunately the patient demised. What would be the expected findings on the brain biopsy?
Your Answer: Liquefactive necrosis
Explanation:Liquefactive necrosis is often associated with bacterial or fungal infections. However, hypoxic death of cells within the central nervous system can also result in liquefactive necrosis. The focal area is soft with a liquefied centre containing necrotic debris and dead white cells. This may later be enclosed by a cystic wall
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 61
Incorrect
-
A 25-year old man presented to the clinic with swelling of the penis. His uncircumcised penis was erythematous and oedematous. The foreskin could not be retracted over the glans. Which of the following agents is the likely cause of his condition?
Your Answer: Treponema pallidum
Correct Answer: Staphylococcus aureus
Explanation:Inflammation of the glans penis is known as balanitis. Associated involvement of the foreskin is then known as balanoposthitis. More likely to occur in men who have a tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back, or poor hygiene.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 62
Correct
-
During strenuous exercise, what else occurs besides tachycardia?
Your Answer: Increased stroke volume
Explanation:During strenuous exercise there is an increase in:
– Heart rate, stroke volume and therefore cardiac output. (CO = HR x SV)
– Respiratory rate (hyperventilation) which will lead to a reduction in Paco2.
– Oxygen demand of skeletal muscle, therefore leading to a reduction in mixed venous blood oxygen concentration.
Renal blood flow is autoregulated, so renal blood flow is preserved and will tend to remain the same. Mean arterial blood pressure is a function of cardiac output and total peripheral resistance and will increase with exercise, mainly as a result of the increase in cardiac output that occurs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 63
Correct
-
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:
-
- 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 64
Correct
-
The proximal tubule is the portion of the ductal system of the nephron of the kidney which leads from Bowman's capsule to the loop of Henle. Which of the following is most likely to be seen in a sample of fluid leaving the proximal tubule?
Your Answer: It will have no amino acids
Explanation:The proximal tubule is the portion of the duct system of the nephron leading from Bowman’s capsule to the loop of Henlé. The most distinctive characteristic of the proximal tubule is its brush border (or ‘striated border’). The luminal surface of the epithelial cells of this segment of the nephron is covered with densely packed microvilli forming a border which greatly increases the luminal surface area of the cells, presumably facilitating their reabsorptive function. Glucose, amino acids, inorganic phosphate, and some other solutes are100% reabsorbed via secondary active transport through co-transporters driven by the sodium gradient out of the nephron.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 65
Incorrect
-
The surgical registrar is doing an exploratory laparotomy on a 35 year old lady of African descent with tuberculous of the abdomen and suspected perforation. The small bowel is matted due to adhesions and it is difficult to differentiate the ileum from the jejunum. Which of the following features is typical of the jejunum?
Your Answer: It has numerous aggregated lymph nodules
Correct Answer: It has sparse aggregated lymph nodules
Explanation:The jejunum has a wider diameter, is thicker and more vascularized, hence of a deeper colour compared to the ileum. The valvulae conniventes (circular folds) of its mucous membranes are large and thick and its villi are larger than those in the ileum. The jejunum also has sparse aggregates of lymph nodules and most of its part occupies the umbilical and left iliac regions whilst the ileum is mostly in the umbilical, hypogastric, right iliac and pelvic regions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 66
Correct
-
Which best describes the sartorius muscle?
Your Answer: Will flex the leg at the knee joint
Explanation:The sartorius muscle arises from tendinous fibres from the superior iliac spine. It passes obliquely across the thigh from lateral to medial and is inserted into the upper part of the medial side of the tibia. When the sartorius muscle contracts it will flex the leg at the knee joint.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 67
Correct
-
A 45-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department due to fever and chills. She has a history of recurrent UTI and complains of dysuria and urinary frequency. Urinary white blood cell count is >200 cell/high power field. If urine culture is performed, what is the most likely organism that will grow?
Your Answer: Escherichia coli
Explanation:The pathogen that most likely causes recurrent urinary tract infection in young women are E. coli, Enterococcus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 68
Incorrect
-
A 45-year old male, who was a chronic smoker presented to the clinic with backache and dry, incessant cough. On examination, he was found to have raised blood pressure, purplish striae on his abdomen, truncal obesity and tenderness over the lower thoracic spine. These findings are suggestive of which condition?
Your Answer: Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I
Correct Answer: Small-cell anaplastic (oat cell) carcinoma
Explanation:The symptoms suggest Cushing syndrome due to increased glucocorticoid levels. One cause of Cushing syndrome is ectopic production of adrenocorticotrophic hormone from oat cell carcinoma. As oat cell carcinoma is known to be highly metastatic, the tenderness in lower back could represent metastatic involvement.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 69
Correct
-
A neonate with failure to pass meconium is being evaluated. His abdomen is distended and X-ray films of the abdomen show markedly dilated small bowel and colon loops. The likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Aganglionosis in the rectum
Explanation:Hirschsprung’s disease (also known as aganglionic megacolon) leads to colon enlargement due to bowel obstruction by an aganglionic section of bowel that starts at the anus. A blockage is created by a lack of ganglion cells needed for peristalsis that move the stool. 1 in 5000 children suffer from this disease, with boys affected four times more commonly than girls. It develops in the fetus in early stages of pregnancy. Symptoms include not having a first bowel movement (meconium) within 48 hours of birth, repeated vomiting and a swollen abdomen. Two-third of cases are diagnosed within 3 months of birth. Some children may present with delayed toilet training and some might not show symptoms till early childhood. Diagnosis is by barium enema and rectal biopsy (showing lack of ganglion cells).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 70
Correct
-
Some substances, such as Chromium-51 and Technetium-99, are freely filtered but not secreted or absorbed by the kidney. In these cases, their clearance rate is equal to:
Your Answer: Glomerular filtration rate
Explanation:If a substance passes through the glomerular membrane with perfect ease, the glomerular filtrate contains virtually the same concentration of the substance as does the plasma and if the substance is neither secreted nor reabsorbed by the tubules, all of the filtered substance continues on into the urine. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) describes the flow rate of filtered fluid through the kidney.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 71
Correct
-
A 25-year-old woman complains of generalised swelling and particularly puffiness around the eyes which is worst in the morning. Laboratory studies showed:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) = 30 mg/dl
Creatinine = 2. 8 mg/dl
Albumin = 2. 0 mg/dl
Alanine transaminase (ALT) = 25 U/l
Bilirubin = 1 mg/dl
Urine analysis shows 3+ albumin and no cells.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Nephrotic syndrome
Explanation:Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder in which the glomeruli have been damaged, characterized by:
– Proteinuria (>3.5 g per 1.73 m2 body surface area per day, or > 40 mg per square meter body surface area per hour in children)
– Hypoalbuminemia (< 2,5 g/dl) – Hyperlipidaemia, and oedema (generalized anasarca).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 72
Incorrect
-
The pleural cavity is the space between the two pulmonary pleurae which cover the lungs. What is the normal amount of pleural fluid?
Your Answer: 250 ml
Correct Answer: 10 ml
Explanation:Pleural fluid is a serous fluid produced by the serous membrane covering normal pleurae. Most fluid is produced by the parietal circulation (intercostal arteries) via bulk flow and reabsorbed by the lymphatic system. The total volume of fluid present in the intrapleural space is estimated to be only 2–10 ml. A small amount of protein is present in intrapleural fluid. Normally, the rate of reabsorption increases as a physiological response to accumulating fluid.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 73
Correct
-
At which cervical level does the common carotid artery bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries?
Your Answer: C4
Explanation:The common carotid arteries are present on the left and right sides of the body. These arteries originate from different sources, but follow symmetrical courses. The right common carotid originates in the neck from the brachiocephalic trunk; the left from the aortic arch in the thorax. These split into the external and internal carotid arteries at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, at around the level of the fourth cervical vertebra.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 74
Correct
-
A 12-year old girl was brought to the hospital with recurrent headaches for 6 months. Her physical examination revealed no abnormality. A CT scan of the head revealed a suprasellar mass with calcifications, eroding the surrounding sella turcica. The lesion is likely to represent:
Your Answer: Craniopharyngioma
Explanation:Craniopharyngiomas (also known as Rathke pouch tumours, adamantinomas or hypophyseal duct tumours) affect children mainly between the age of 5 and 10 years. It constitutes 9% of brain tumours affecting the paediatric population. These are slow-growing tumours which can also be cystic, and arise from the pituitary stalk, specifically the nests of epithelium derived from Rathke’s pouch. Histologically, this tumour shows nests of squamous epithelium which is lined on the outside by radially arranged cells. Calcium deposition is often seen with a papillary type of architecture.
ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas are rare and mostly microadenomas. Paediatric astrocytoma’s usually occur in the posterior fossa. Although null cell adenomas can cause mass effect and give rise to the described symptoms, they are not suprasellar. Prolactinomas can also show symptoms of headache and disturbances in the visual field, however they are known to be small and slow-growing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 75
Incorrect
-
If a patient takes long-term corticosteroid therapy, which of the following diseases is most likely to develop?
Your Answer: Paget’s disease of bone
Correct Answer: Osteoporosis
Explanation:One of the complications of long-term intake of corticosteroids is osteoporosis. Some guidelines recommend prophylactic calcium and vitamin D supplementation in patients who take more than 30 mg hydrocortisone or 7.5 mg of prednisolone daily.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 76
Correct
-
A patient with Paget's disease of the bone is predisposed to developing which type of cancer?
Your Answer: Osteosarcoma
Explanation:Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is a focal disorder of bone. It is presumed benign in nature and mediated by abnormal osteoclast function. However osteosarcomas may occur in <1% of patients with Paget's disease of the bone. Osteosarcomas are osteogenic in origin, and consistently arise in sites of pagetic bone. This is not to be confused with Paget's disease of the breast.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 77
Correct
-
Lung compliance is increased by:
Your Answer: Emphysema
Explanation:Lung compliance is increased by emphysema, acute asthma and increasing age and decreased by alveolar oedema, pulmonary hypertension, atelectasis and pulmonary fibrosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 78
Correct
-
A 46 -year old patient diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, was to undergo surgery to improve drainage from his frontal sinus to the nose. Which is a route that one would take to enter into the frontal sinus through the nasal cavity?
Your Answer: Middle meatus
Explanation:The middle meatus is a nasal passageway located inferior to the middle concha and superior to the inferior concha. On the superior aspect of this meatus is a bulge produced by the middle ethmoidal cells known as the bulla ethmoidalis. Below this bulge is a curved fissure, the hiatus semilunaris, which is also bordered inferiorly by the edge of the uncinate process of the ethmoid. It is through this curved fissure, hiatus semilunaris, that the middle meatus communicates with the frontal sinus. It first forms a communication with a curved passage way known as the infundibulum. The infundibulum anteriorly communicates with the anterior ethmoidal cells and continues upward as the frontonasal duct into the frontal sinus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 79
Correct
-
The tympanic membrane is a thin semi-transparent membrane that separates the tympanic cavity from the bottom of the external acoustic meatus. The interior of the tympanic membrane is innervated by which of the following cranial nerves?
Your Answer: Glossopharyngeal
Explanation:The glossopharyngeal nerve, known as the ninth cranial nerve (CN IX), is a mixed nerve that carries afferent sensory and efferent motor information. The glossopharyngeal nerve has five distinct general functions:
– The branchial motor (special visceral efferent), supplies the stylopharyngeus muscle.
– The visceral motor (general visceral efferent), provides parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland via the otic ganglion.
– The visceral sensory (general visceral afferent), carries visceral sensory information from the carotid sinus and carotid body.
– The general sensory (general somatic afferent), provides general sensory information from the inner surface of the tympanic membrane, upper pharynx (GVA), and the posterior one-third of the tongue.
– The visceral afferent (special visceral afferent), provides taste sensation from the posterior one-third of the tongue, including the circumvallate papillae.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 80
Correct
-
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 81
Correct
-
Which is the correct statement regarding gonadal venous drainage:
Your Answer: The left ovarian vein drains into the left renal vein
Explanation:Spermatic or testicular veins arise from the posterior aspect of the testis and receive tributaries from the epididymis. Upon uniting, they form the pampiniform plexus that makes up the greater mass of the spermatic cord. The vessels that make up this plexus rise up the spermatic cord in front of the ductus deferens. They then unite, below the superficial ring, to form three or four veins that traverse the inguinal canal and enter the abdomen through the deep inguinal ring. They further unite to form 2 veins that ascend up the psoas major muscle behind the peritoneum each lying on either side of the testicular artery. These further unite to form one vein that empties on the right side of the inferior vena cava at an acute angle and on the left side into the renal vein, at a right angle. The left testicular vein courses behind the iliac colon and is thus exposed to pressure from the contents of this part of the bowel. The ovarian vein is the equivalent of the testicular vein in women. They form a plexus in the broad ligament near the ovary and uterine tube and communicate with the uterine plexus. They drain into similar vessels as in a man.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 82
Incorrect
-
Which of the following statements is true of Colles’ fracture?
Your Answer: Is typically associated with compression of the ulnar nerve
Correct Answer: Is a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome
Explanation:Colles’ fracture is a distal fracture of the radius that is a known cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel). It rarely results in ulnar nerve compression. A Colles’ fracture is extra-articular and does not extend into the wrist joint, otherwise this would make it an intra-articular fracture (Barton’s fracture). The distal fragment in a Colles’ fracture is displaced dorsally, unlike in a Smith’s fracture where the distal fragment is displaced volarly (ventrally). Associated fracture of the ulnar styloid process may occur and is a common associated injury.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 83
Correct
-
Which of the following structure contains the parasympathetic pre-ganglionic nucleus that innervates the iris sphincter muscle and the ciliary muscle?
Your Answer: Edinger–Westphal nucleus
Explanation:The Edinger–Westphal nucleus (accessory oculomotor nucleus) is the parasympathetic pre-ganglionic nucleus that innervates the iris sphincter muscle and the ciliary muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 84
Correct
-
Which of the following associations is correctly matched with the body's defence mechanism in fighting infection?
Your Answer: Specific cellular mechanism → cytotoxic T cells
Explanation:The immune system has certain levels of defence against pathogens. First line includes simple barriers such as skin, mucosa and stomach acid that prevent the pathogen from entering into the body. If this barrier is breached then the innate immune system is activated which includes leukocytes (macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, natural killer cells). If the pathogens invade the second layer of defence then the third layer, adaptive immunity is activated, which includes B and T lymphocytes. B cells provide a humoral response whereas cytotoxic T cells have specific cellular mechanisms. They maintain a memory of past infections and are activated faster following a recurrence.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 85
Correct
-
A man had noticed weakness in his left arm causing flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm. Which nerve in this case was injured?
Your Answer: Musculocutaneous
Explanation:The musculocutaneous nerve supplies the biceps brachii and the brachialis muscles. The first one flexes the elbow and the shoulder. It is also involved in supination. The brachialis muscle flexes the forearm. The injury to the musculocutaneous nerve results in paralysis of these muscles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 86
Correct
-
A 56-year-old man undergoes tests to determine his renal function. His results over a period of 24 hours were:
Urine flow rate: 2. 0 ml/min
Urine inulin: 1.0 mg/ml
Plasma inulin: 0.01 mg/ml
Urine urea: 260 mmol/l
Plasma urea: 7 mmol/l
What is the glomerular filtration rate?Your Answer: 200 ml/min
Explanation:Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the volume of fluid filtered from the renal (kidney) glomerular capillaries into the Bowman’s capsule per unit time. GFR is equal to the inulin clearance because inulin is freely filtered into Bowman’s capsule but is not reabsorbed or secreted. The clearance (C) of any substance can be calculated as follows: C = (U × V)/P, where U and P are the urine and plasma concentrations of the substance, respectively and V is the urine flow rate. Thus, glomerular filtration rate = (1.0 × 2. 0)/0.01 = 200 ml/min.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 87
Incorrect
-
A 34-year old gentleman presented with acute pancreatitis to the emergency department. On enquiry, there was found to be a history of recurrent pancreatitis, eruptive xanthomas and raised plasma triglyceride levels associated with chylomicrons. Which of the following will be found deficient in this patient?
Your Answer: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors
Correct Answer: Lipoprotein lipase
Explanation:The clinical features mentioned here suggest the diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemia due to lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency. LPL aids in hydrolysing the lipids in lipoproteins into free fatty acids and glycerol. Apo-CII acts as a co-factor. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to hypertriglyceridemia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 88
Incorrect
-
C5a (a complement component) is a potent?
Your Answer: Opsonin
Correct Answer: Anaphylotoxin
Explanation:C5a is a strong chemoattractant as well as an anaphylotoxin and is involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and T lymphocytes. It is also involved in activation of phagocytic cells, release of granule-based enzymes and generation of oxidants. All of which contribute to innate immune functions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 89
Incorrect
-
Which of these is secreted by both macrophages and muscle cells?
Your Answer: Interleukin-9
Correct Answer: Interleukin-6
Explanation:IL-6 is secreted by the T cells and macrophages and is a pro inflammatory cytokine. It is secreted in response to trauma e.g. burns and tissue damage that leads to inflammation. Apart from this its is also a myokine and is elevated due to muscle contraction. Other functions include: stimulate osteoclast formation when secreted by osteoblasts, mediate fever in acute phase response and are responsible for energy metabolism in muscle and fatty tissues. Inhibitors of IL-6 e.g. oestrogen are used as a treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 90
Correct
-
A 27-year old lady presented with dull, abdominal pain and some pain in her lower limbs. On enquiry, it was revealed that she has been suffering from depression for a few months. Physical examination and chest X-ray were normal. Further investigations revealed serum calcium 3.5 mmol/l, albumin 3.8 g/dl and phosphate 0.65 mmol/l. What is the diagnosis?
Your Answer: Parathyroid adenoma
Explanation:Hypercalcaemia with hypophosphatemia indicates parathyroid disorder and adenomas are more common than hyperplasia. In this young age group, metastatic disease is unlikely. Solitary adenomas are responsible for 80-85% cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. 10-15% cases are due to parathyroid hyperplasia and carcinomas account for 2-3% cases. Symptoms include bone pain (bones), nephrolithiasis (stones), muscular aches, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis (groans), depression (moans), anxiety and other mental disturbances.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 91
Correct
-
A 50-year old, obese gentleman with a compression fracture of T11 vertebra was admitted in the hospital. Examination revealed a raised blood pressure 165/112 mmHg and blood glucose 8.5 mmol/l. His abdomen had the presence of purplish striae. What condition is he likely to be suffering from?
Your Answer: Adrenal cortical carcinoma
Explanation:Adrenocortical carcinomas are rare tumours with reported incidence being only two in a million. However, they have a poor prognosis. These are large tumours and range from 4-10 cm in diameter. They arise from the adrenal cortex and 10% cases are bilateral. 50-80% are known to be functional, leading to Cushing syndrome. Even though the tumour affects both sexes equally, functional tumours are slightly commoner in women and non-functional tumours are commoner in men. As compared to women, men also develop this tumour at an older age and seem to have a poorer prognosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 92
Correct
-
During pregnancy the uterus enlarges however after delivery it regresses to its original size. Which of the following organelles is responsible for this regression?
Your Answer: Lysosomes
Explanation:Lysosomes are formed by budding of the Golgi apparatus and contain enzymes which digest macromolecules. They are found in both plants and animals and are active in autophagic cell death, digestion after phagocytosis and for the cells own recycling process. They fuse with the molecules and release their content resulting in digestion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 93
Correct
-
The following organs would be expected to lie within the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, assuming that the gastrointestinal tract is rotated normally:
Your Answer: Distal jejunum, caecum, vermiform appendix
Explanation:The abdomen is divided by theoretical anatomic lines into four quadrants. The median plane follows the linea alba and extends from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis and splits the abdomen in half. The transumbilical plane is a horizontal line that runs at the level of the umbilicus. This forms the upper right and left quadrants and the lower right and left quadrants. Structures in the right lower quadrant include: caecum, appendix, part of the small intestine, ascending colon, the right half of the female reproductive system, right ureter. Pain in this region is most commonly associated with appendicitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 94
Correct
-
Most of the coagulation factors are serine proteases. Which of the following is not one of them?
Your Answer: Factor XIII
Explanation:Serine protease coagulation factors include: thrombin, plasmin, Factors X, XI and XII. Factor VIII and factor V are glycoproteins and factor XIII is a transglutaminase.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 95
Correct
-
Calculate the pulmonary vascular resistance in an adult male with the following parameters:
Heart rate 70 beats/min
Arterial [O2] 0.24 ml O2/min
Venous [O2] 0.16 ml O2/mi
Whole body O2 consumption 500 ml/min
Pulmonary diastolic pressure 15 mmHg
Pulmonary systolic pressure 25 mmHg
Wedge pressure 5 mmHg.Your Answer: 2.0 resistance units (mmHg/l per min)
Explanation:Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) = (Mean pulmonary artery pressure – Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) divided by Cardiac output. To get cardiac output, Fick’s principle needs to be applied which states that VO2 = (CO × CAO2) – (CO × CVO2) where VO2 = oxygen consumption, CO = cardiac output, CA = oxygen concentration of arterial blood and CVO2 = oxygen concentration of venous blood. Thus, CO = VO2/CAO2– CVO2, CO = 500/0.24–0.16, CO = 500/0.8, CO = 6.25 l/min. To calculate mean pulmonary artery pressure, we use the formula: Mean pulmonary artery pressure = Diastolic pressure + 1/3(Systolic pressure – Diastolic pressure). Thus, Mean pulmonary artery pressure = 15 + 1/3(25 – 15) = 15 + 3. 33 = 18.33. Substituting these values in the first formula, PVR = 18.3–5/6.25 = 13.5/5.25 = 2.0 resistance units (mmHg/l per min) approximately.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 96
Correct
-
Which of the following is NOT true regarding malignant hyperpyrexia
Your Answer: It can be caused by nitrous oxide
Explanation:Malignant hyerpyrexia occurs in 1 in 150,000. All inhalational anaesthetic agents and suxamethonium, except nitrous oxide can cause malignant hyperpyrexia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 97
Correct
-
Cyclophosphamide is used as a chemotherapy and immunosuppressant agent and is indicated in various diseases. One of the most severe complications of its use is cancer of the:
Your Answer: Urinary bladder
Explanation:Cyclophosphamide is used to treat various types of cancer and autoimmune disorders. The main use of cyclophosphamide is in combination with other chemotherapy agents in the treatment of lymphomas, some forms of leukaemia and some solid tumours. Side-effects include nausea and vomiting, bone marrow suppression, stomach ache, diarrhoea, darkening of the skin/nails, alopecia, lethargy, and haemorrhagic cystitis. Cyclophosphamide is itself carcinogenic, potentially causing transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder as a long-term complication.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 98
Correct
-
A CT scan of 65 year old male patient at an outpatient clinic suggested a bone tumour at the stylomastoid foramen. Which of the following cranial nerves is likely to be affected with this tumour?
Your Answer: VII
Explanation:Cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, is found in the internal acoustic canal and runs through this canal into the facial canal before exiting through the stylomastoid foramen. In the case of a bone tumour at the stylomastoid process, the facial nerve is the nerve that will most likely be affected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 99
Correct
-
Which of the following is a potential cause of a positive D-dimer assay?
Your Answer: Deep venous thrombosis
Explanation:A D-dimer test is performed to detect and diagnose thrombotic conditions and thrombosis. A negative result would rule out thrombosis and a positive result although not diagnostic, is highly suspicious of thrombotic conditions like a deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism as well as DIC.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 100
Correct
-
A 17-year-old boy, who had developed shortness of breath and a loss of appetite over the last month, was referred to a haematologist because he presented with easy bruising and petechiae. His prothrombin time, platelet count, partial thromboplastin and bleeding time were all normal. Which of the following would explain the presence of the petechiae and easy bruising tendency?
Your Answer: Scurvy
Explanation:Scurvy is a condition caused by a dietary deficiency of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C, therefore the quantity of it that the body needs has to come from the diet. The presence of an adequate quantity of vitamin C is required for normal collagen synthesis. In scurvy bleeding tendency is due to capillary fragility and not coagulation defects, therefore blood tests are normal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 101
Correct
-
A 45-year old gentleman presents with diarrhoea for two weeks. He has no history of fever and the diarrhoea stops on fasting. Which is the most likely type of diarrhoea that he is suffering from?
Your Answer: Osmotic
Explanation:The different types of diarrhoea are:
1. Secretory diarrhoea – Due to increased secretion or decreased absorption. There is minimal to no structural damage in this type. The most common cause is cholera toxin which stimulates secretion of anions (especially chloride), with sodium and water.
2. Osmotic diarrhoea – Due to increased osmotic load, there is water loss. This occurs in cases of maldigestion syndromes, such as coeliac or pancreatic disease.
3. Motility-related diarrhoea – Occurs in cases of abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Due to increased motility, there is poor absorption and this leads to diarrhoea. This is seen post-vagotomy or in diabetic neuropathy.
4. Inflammatory diarrhoea – Due to damage to the mucosa or brush border, there is a loss of protein-rich fluids and poor absorption. Features of all the above three types can be seen in this type. Aetiology includes bacterial, viral, parasitic infections or autoimmune problems including inflammatory bowel disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 102
Correct
-
Which among the following vertebrae marks the lowest extent of the superior mediastinum?
Your Answer: Fourth thoracic
Explanation:The superior mediastinum lies between the manubrium anteriorly and the upper vertebrae of the thorax posteriorly. Below, it is bound by a slightly oblique plane that passes backward from the sternal angle to the lower part of the body of T4 and laterally by the pleura.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 103
Correct
-
A 7-year-old boy with facial oedema was brought to the hospital by his parents. Renal function is normal and urinalysis revealed the presence of a profound proteinuria. Which of the following is the most probable cause of these findings?
Your Answer: Minimal-change disease
Explanation:Minimal-change disease (MCD) refers to a histopathologic glomerular lesion, typically found in children, that is almost always associated with nephrotic syndrome. The most noticeable symptom of MCD is oedema, which can develop very rapidly. Due to the renal loss of proteins muscle wasting and growth failure may be seen in children. Renal function is usually not affected and a proteinuria of more than 40 mg/h/m2 is the only abnormal finding in urinalysis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Renal
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Question 104
Incorrect
-
A 40-year old lady presented to the hospital with fever and mental confusion for 1 week. On examination, she was found to have multiple petechiae all over her skin and mucosal surfaces. Blood investigations revealed low platelet count and raised urea and creatinine. A platelet transfusion was carried out, following which she succumbed to death. Autopsy revealed pink hyaline thrombi in myocardial arteries. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Correct Answer: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Explanation:Hyaline thrombi are typically associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which is caused by non-immunological destruction of platelets. Platelet transfusion is contraindicated in TTP. Platelets and red blood cells also get damaged by loose strands of fibrin deposited in small vessels. Multiple organs start developing platelet-fibrin thrombi (bland thrombi with no vasculitis) typically at arteriocapillary junctions. This is known as ‘thrombotic microangiopathy’. Treatment consists of plasma exchange.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 105
Incorrect
-
A 5-year-old child is rushed to the emergency department because of fever, erythema and neck stiffness. The child is also hypotensive upon physical examination. Which is the most likely toxin responsible for this child's condition?
Your Answer: Neurotoxin
Correct Answer: Endotoxin
Explanation: An endotoxin is part of the bacterial outer membrane, and it is not released until the bacterium is killed by the immune system. The body’s response to an endotoxin can involve severe inflammation. In general, the inflammation process is usually considered beneficial to the infected host, but if the reaction is severe enough, it can lead to sepsis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 106
Correct
-
Question 107
Correct
-
During a case presentation, a 26 year old is said to have fractured his pelvis and shattered his coccyx following a motorbike accident. It is mentioned that he is likely to have lacerated his middle sacral artery from this kind of injury. Where does the middle sacral artery branch from?
Your Answer: Abdominal aorta
Explanation:The middle sacral artery arises from behind the aorta a little above the point of its bifurcation to descend down in front of L4,5, the sacrum and coccyx.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 108
Correct
-
A 37-year-old woman with a history of rheumatic heart disease presents with 10 days recurrent low fever. Patient underwent laboratory work up and was diagnosed with infective endocarditis. What is the most likely organism that caused the infective endocarditis in this patient?
Your Answer: Streptococcus viridans
Explanation:Subacute bacterial endocarditis is often due to streptococci of low virulence, mainly streptococcus viridans. It is a mild to moderate illness which progresses slowly over weeks and months (>2weeks) and has low propensity to hematogenously seed to extracardiac sites.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 109
Correct
-
An operation to resect a tumour of the right lung was stopped as the chest surgeon said that the tumour was crossing the oblique fissure. Which structures are separated by the oblique fissure of the right lung?
Your Answer: Lower lobe from both upper and middle lobes
Explanation:The oblique fissure on the right lung separates the lower lobe from both the middle and upper lobe. The lingual is only found on the left lung and is part of the upper lobe.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 110
Incorrect
-
What is the most likely cause of bitemporal hemianopia?
Your Answer: Craniopharyngioma
Correct Answer: Prolactinoma
Explanation:Prolactinoma is the mot common pituitary adenoma; leading to hyperprolactinaemia. By virtue of their size, macroprolactinomas press on the adjacent structures leading to headaches and loss of vision due to the pressure effect on optic chiasm. Women notice a change in their menstrual cycle due to raised prolactin levels. In comparison, the problem goes unnoticed in men in the initial stages. Craniopharyngioma is a less common space-occupying lesions affecting children and young adults.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 111
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is the most accurate test for the diagnosis of primary syphilis?
Your Answer: Cytological smear
Correct Answer: Dark-field microscopy
Explanation:Primary syphilis is transmitted via sexual contact. Lesions on genitalia, called a chancre occur after an asymptomatic incubation period of 10-90 days (average 21 days) after exposure. This chancre is a typically solitary (can be multiple), firm, painless, ulceration over the skin at the point of exposure to spirochete, seen on penis, vagina or rectum. It heals spontaneously after 4-6 weeks. Local lymphadenopathy can be seen.
Diagnosis is made by microscopy of fluid from lesion using dark-field illumination, taking care to not confuse with other treponemal disease. Screening tests include rapid plasma regain (RPR) and Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests. False positives are known to occur with these tests and can be seen in viral infections like hepatitis, varicella, Epstein-Barr virus, tuberculosis, lymphoma, pregnancy and IV drug use. More specific tests should therefore be carried out in case these screening tests are positive.
The Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) and the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTAABS) test are based on monoclonal antibodies and immunofluorescence and are more specific. However, they can too show false positives with other treponemal diseases like yaws or pinta. Other confirmatory tests include those based on enzyme-linked immunoassays.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 112
Correct
-
Which of the deep fasciae located in the anterolateral abdominal wall form the inguinal ligament?
Your Answer: External abdominal oblique aponeurosis
Explanation:The inguinal ligament is the inferior border of the aponeurosis of the external oblique abdominis and extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle from whence it is reflected backward and laterally to attach to the pectineal line and form the lacunar ligament.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 113
Correct
-
Calculate the cardiac stroke volume of a patient whose oxygen consumption (measured by analysis of mixed expired gas) is 300 ml/min, arterial O2 content is 20 ml/100 ml blood, pulmonary arterial O2 content is 15 ml/100 ml blood and heart rate is 60/min.
Your Answer: 100 ml
Explanation:By Fick’s principle, VO2 = Q × (CA (O2) − CV (O2)) where VO2 = O2 consumption, Q = cardiac output and CA(O2) and CV(O2) are arterial and mixed venous O2 content respectively. Thus, in the given problem, 300 ml O2/min = Q × (20−15) ml O2/100 ml. Thus, Q = 6000 ml blood/min. Then, we can calculate stroke volume by dividing the cardiac output with heart rate. Thus, stroke volume = 6000 ml/min divided by 60/min stroke volume = 100 ml.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 114
Correct
-
Glucose is the most important source of energy for cellular respiration. The transport of glucose in the renal tubular cells occurs via:
Your Answer: Secondary active transport with sodium
Explanation:In 1960, Robert K. Crane presented for the first time his discovery of the sodium-glucose cotransport as the mechanism for glucose absorption. Glucose transport through biological membranes requires specific transport proteins. Transport of glucose through the apical membrane of renal tubular as well as intestinal epithelial cells depends on the presence of secondary active Na+–glucose symporters, SGLT-1 and SGLT-2, which concentrate glucose inside the cells, using the energy provided by co-transport of Na+ ions down their electrochemical gradient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 115
Correct
-
A 62-year-old male patient in the intensive care unit was found to have a low serum phosphate level. What is the serum level of phosphate which is considered as normal in adults?
Your Answer: 0.8–1.45 mmol/l
Explanation:After calcium, phosphorus is the most plentiful mineral in the human body. It is an important and vital element which our body needs to complete many physiologic processes , such as filtering waste and repairing cells. Phosphorus helps with bone growth and approximately 85% of phosphate in the body is contained in bone. Phosphate is involved in energy storage, and nerve and muscle production. A normal range of plasma phosphate in adults teenagers generally from 0.8 mmol/l to 1.45 mmol/l. The normal range varies depending on age. Infants and children have higher phosphorus levels because more of this mineral is needed for their normal growth and bone development.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 116
Incorrect
-
Infection to all of the following will lead to enlargement of the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, except for:
Your Answer: Penile urethra
Correct Answer: Ampulla of the rectum
Explanation:The superficial inguinal lymph nodes form a chain immediately below the inguinal ligament. They receive lymphatic supply from the skin of the penis, scrotum, perineum, buttock and abdominal wall below the level of the umbilicus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 117
Correct
-
A 20-year old gentleman was brought to the emergency department with headache and nausea for 2 days. He also complained of intolerance to bright light and loud sounds. Lumbar puncture showed glucose < 45 mg/dl, protein > 5 mg/dl and neutrophil leucocytosis. The likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Meningitis
Explanation:Diagnosis of meningitis can be carried out with examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a lumbar puncture (LP). In a case of bacterial meningitis, the CSF analysis will show:
– Opening pressure: > 180 mmH2O
– White blood cell count: 10–10 000/μl with neutrophil predominance
– Glucose: < 40 mg/dl – CSF glucose to serum glucose ratio: < 0.4 – Protein: > 4.5 mg/dl
– Gram stain: positive in > 60%
– Culture: positive in > 80%
– Latex agglutination: may be positive in meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli and group B streptococci
– Limulus, lysates: positive in Gram-negative meningitis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 118
Correct
-
A 62-year-old male smoker, presented with shortness of breath, chronic cough and haemoptysis over the last three months. He has developed a fat pad in the base of his neck, rounded face, acne and osteoporosis. Which of the following is the most likely pulmonary disease that is causing these symptoms and findings?
Your Answer: Small-cell anaplastic carcinoma
Explanation:Small cell lung cancer is a highly aggressive form of lung cancer. It is thought to originate from neuroendocrine cells in the bronchus called Feyrter cells and is often associated to ectopic production of hormones like ADH and ACTH that result in paraneoplastic syndromes and Cushing’s syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 119
Correct
-
Question 120
Correct
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A 55-year-old woman complains of pain in the proximal and distal interphalangeal joins, and back pain which has increased over the last 4 years and worsens after activity. X-rays reveal Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes in her interphalangeal joints and the presence of osteophytes in her spine. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Osteoarthritis
Explanation:Osteoarthritis is most common in older adults, predominating in women between the ages of 40 and 70; after this age, men and women are affected equally. It affects an entire joint, with disruption and potential loss of joint cartilage, along with other joint changes, including bone hypertrophy (osteophyte formation). The pain is usually gradual and is worse after activity, with occasional joint swelling. X-ray findings include marginal osteophytes, narrowing of the joint space, increased density of the subchondral bone, subchondral cyst formation, bony remodelling and joint effusions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 121
Correct
-
Which muscle is responsible for directing the gaze downward when the eye is abducted?
Your Answer: Inferior rectus muscle
Explanation:The inferior rectus muscle is a muscle in the orbit. As with most of the muscles of the orbit, it is innervated by the inferior division of oculomotor nerve (Cranial Nerve III). It depresses, adducts, and helps laterally rotate the eye.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 122
Correct
-
A tumour growing in the posterior mediastinum is found in a 40-year-old man who presented to the out patient clinic with chest pain. Such a tumour is likely to compress the following structure:
Your Answer: Oesophagus
Explanation:The boundaries of the posterior mediastinum are: the superiorly through the sternal angle and T4/5, inferiorly, the diaphragm, anteriorly, by the middle mediastinal structures and posteriorly by the spinal cord. Structures in the posterior mediastinum include the descending thoracic aorta, the azygos system, oesophagus, thoracic duct and lymph nodes. The great vessels and structures at the root of the lung are part of the middle mediastinum. The oesophagus is the only structure in the posterior mediastinum among the choices.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 123
Correct
-
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 124
Incorrect
-
During an inguinal hernia repair, an incision is made parallel to and 5cm above the inguinal ligament. The registrar is warned to look out for the inferior epigastric vessels to avoid damage. Between which layers of the abdominal wall is the registrar likely to find these vessels?
Your Answer: External abdominal oblique and internal abdominal oblique muscles
Correct Answer: Transversus abdominis muscle and peritoneum
Explanation:The inferior epigastric vessels lie on the inner surface of the transversus abdominis muscle covered by the parietal peritoneum. This layer of peritoneum lies over the inferior epigastric vessels to make the lateral umbilical fold. Camper’s and Scarpa’s fascia are two layers of the superficial fascia, the fatty layer and the membranous layer respectively.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 125
Correct
-
Which tumour marker is associated with medullary carcinoma of thyroid?
Your Answer: Calcitonin
Explanation:Medullary carcinoma of thyroid accounts for 3% of thyroid cancers. It arises from the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland that produce calcitonin. It is often familial and caused by mutation of ret proto-oncogene, but can occasionally be sporadic. The familial cases can also occur as part of MEN syndromes IIA and IIB. The high calcitonin leads to down-regulation of the receptors, which does not affect the calcium levels significantly. Medullary carcinoma of thyroid shows characteristic amyloid deposits that stain positively with Congo red. The initial presentation consists of an asymptomatic thyroid nodule. Many cases are diagnosed due to routine screening of relatives of patients with MEN IIA and IIB. Medullary carcinoma can also cause ectopic production of other hormones/peptides such as adrenocorticotrophic hormone, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, kallikreins and serotonin.
Metastasis from medullary carcinoma spread via the lymphatics to cervical and mediastinal nodes, and can also affect the liver, lungs and bone. Diagnosis is by raised serum calcitonin levels. A provocative test with calcium (15 mg/kg intravenously over 4 hours) also aids in diagnosis by leading to excessive secretion of calcitonin. X-ray might also show dense, conglomerate calcification.
CA-125 is frequently elevated in ovarian carcinomas. CA 15-3 is often associated with breast carcinomas. Alpha-fetoprotein is seen raised in hepatomas and gonadal tumours. Elevated HCG is associated with normal pregnancies, gonadal tumours, and choriocarcinomas. Thyroglobulin is used for surveillance in papillary carcinoma of thyroid. CA 19-9 is used in the management of pancreatic cancer.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 126
Correct
-
A computer tomography guided needle biopsy is done on a patient with a cystic swelling in the left chest. The radiologist inserted the biopsy needle into the 9th intercostal space along the mid axillary line to aspirate the swelling and obtain tissue for histological diagnosis. In which space is the swelling most likely to be?
Your Answer: Costodiaphragmatic recess
Explanation:The costodiaphragmatic recess is the lowest point of the pleural sac where the costal pleura becomes the diaphragmatic pleura. At the midclavicular line, this is found between ribs 6 and 8; at the paravertebral lines, between ribs 10 and 12 and between ribs 8 and 10 at the midaxillary line.
The cardiac notch: is an indentation of the heart on the left lung, located on the anterior surface of the lung.
Cupola: part of the parietal pleura that extends above the first rib.
Oblique pericardial sinus: part of the pericardial sac located posterior to the heart behind the left atrium.
Costomediastinal recess: a reflection of the pleura from the costal surface to the mediastinal surface, is on the anterior surface of the chest.
The inferior mediastinum: is the space in the chest occupied by the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 127
Correct
-
Which of these nerves controls adduction of hand?
Your Answer: Ulnar nerve
Explanation:The adductors of the fingers are the palmer interossei. They are supplied by the ulnar nerve, which is a branch of the medical cord of the brachial plexus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 128
Correct
-
During thymectomy the surgeon accidentally nicks a vein that lies just posterior to the thymus. Which of the following vessels is likely to be injured?
Your Answer: Left brachiocephalic vein
Explanation:The thymus is located superficially in the anterior mediastinum. The left brachiocephalic vein courses through the mediastinum to join the right brachiocephalic vein and form the superior vena cava on the right side of the thorax. The left brachiocephalic vein, being superficial, courses just deep to the thymus so that it may be susceptible to compression by an adjacent tumour. The left pulmonary vein, left bronchial vein and right pulmonary artery are deep, and enter and exit the lung at its root, thus are not near the thymus. The right superior intercostal vein drains the 2nd to the 4th intercostal spaces and drains into the arch of the azygos vein. It is not, therefore, closely related with the thymus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 129
Incorrect
-
A 27-year-old HIV patient started on an antifungal agent. Which antifungal agent that inhibits the biosynthesis of fungal ergosterol was given to the patient?
Your Answer: Nystatin
Correct Answer: Ketoconazole
Explanation:Ketoconazole is a synthetic imidazole antifungal drug used primarily to treat fungal infections. It inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol by blocking demethylation at the C14 site of the ergosterol precursor. Amphotericin B and Nystatin impair permeability of the cell membrane. Flucytosine interferes with DNA synthesis, while the target of griseofulvin is the microtubules
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 130
Correct
-
A patient is unable to move their mandible to the left. Which muscle is affected in this case?
Your Answer: Right lateral pterygoid muscle
Explanation:Patients with paralysis of the right pterygoid muscle are unable to move their mandible laterally to the left.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 131
Correct
-
A 30-year-old woman feels thirsty. This thirst is probably due to:
Your Answer: Increased level of angiotensin II
Explanation:Thirst is the basic need or instinct to drink. It arises from a lack of fluids and/or an increase in the concentration of certain osmolites such as salt. If the water volume of the body falls below a certain threshold or the osmolite concentration becomes too high, the brain signals thirst. Excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, along with excessive urination, known as polyuria, may be an indication of diabetes. Angiotensin II is a hormone that is a powerful dipsogen (i.e. it stimulates thirst) that acts via the subfornical organ. It increases secretion of ADH in the posterior pituitary and secretion of ACTH in the anterior pituitary.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 132
Correct
-
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: 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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Question 133
Incorrect
-
Which muscle extends to form the cremasteric muscle?
Your Answer: Rectus abdominis muscle
Correct Answer: Internal abdominal oblique muscle
Explanation:The cremasteric muscle is a thin layer of muscle composed of several fasciculi that originate from the middle of the inguinal ligament. At its point of origin the fibres are continuous with the fibres of internal oblique and sometimes with the transversus abdominis. It then passes along the lateral side of the spermatic cord and descends with it through the superficial inguinal ring on the front and sides of the cord.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 134
Correct
-
After severe injury of the upper limb following an accident. The humerus is injured as well as the nerve which innervates the muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm. Which nerve is injured?
Your Answer: Musculocutaneous
Explanation:The musculoskeletal nerve supplies the muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm including the coracobrachialis, biceps brachii and the greater part of the brachialis. This nerve derives its fibres from the fifth, sixth and seventh cervical nerves and arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. It also provides a branch to the elbow joint.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 135
Incorrect
-
A 47-year old-woman diagnosed with pancreatitis presented to the emergency department complaining of a worsening shortness of breath, fever, agitation and cough. Oxygen saturation was 67% in room air. Her respiratory status continued to deteriorate therefore she was intubated. She was admitted to the intensive care unit for management. Chest X-ray demonstrated bilateral perihilar opacities. The patient failed conventional treatment and died several days later. At autopsy, the lung shows growth of type 2 pneumocytes and thickened alveolar walls. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Chronic bronchitis
Correct Answer: Adult respiratory distress syndrome
Explanation:Acute (or adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition characterised by a non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema that leads to acute respiratory failure. The most common risk factors for ARDS include trauma with direct lung injury, sepsis, pneumonia, pancreatitis, burns, drug overdose, massive blood transfusion and shock. Acute onset of dyspnoea with hypoxemia, anxiety and agitation is typical. Chest X ray most commonly demonstrates bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Histological changes include the exudative, proliferative and fibrotic phase. ARDS is mainly a clinical diagnosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 136
Incorrect
-
Which of the following organelles have the capacity to regenerate and spontaneously replicate?
Your Answer: Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: Mitochondrion
Explanation:A mitochondria is a membrane bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells. They are called the powerhouse of the cell and are the place where ATP is formed from energy generated through metabolism. They are capable of replication as well as repair and regeneration.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 137
Correct
-
After a total colectomy and ileotomy, a 50-year old diabetic man who was a known case of diabetic nephropathy had persistent metabolic acidosis. The patient appeared well perfused, with normal vital signs and normal fluid balance. Investigations revealed:
Sodium = 132 mmol/l
Potassium = 6.6 mmol/l
Creatinine = 185 μmol/l (2.16 mg/dl)
Chloride = 109 μmol/l
8am cortisol = 500 nmol/l (18 μg/dl)
pH = 7.29, p(CO2) = 27 mmHg
p(O2) = 107 mmHg
standard bicarbonate = 12 mmol/l.
What is the likely causes of his acidosis?Your Answer: Renal tubular acidosis
Explanation:Acidosis here is due to low bicarbonate. The low p(CO2) is seen in compensation. The anion gap is normal, ruling out intra-abdominal ischaemia (which leads to metabolic acidosis). If it was a gastrointestinal aetiology, low potassium would be seen. The history of diabetic nephropathy predisposes to renal tubular acidosis. Type 4 (hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism) is associated with high potassium and is found in diabetic and hypertensive renal disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 138
Incorrect
-
During an OSCE exam a medical student is asked to locate the sternal angle. The sternal angle is a land mark for locating the level of the:
Your Answer: First costal cartilage
Correct Answer: Second costal cartilage
Explanation:The sternal angle, a key landmark used in the clinic for auscultating for heart sounds, is the point of attachment of the costal cartilage of rib 2 to the sternum. It thus corresponds to the location of the second rib. A horizontal plane through the sternal angle traverses the T4/T5 intervertebral disc and marks the inferior boundary of the superior mediastinum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 139
Correct
-
A 77-year-old woman's renal function is tested. The following results were obtained during a 24-h period:
Urine flow rate: 2. 0 ml/min
Urine inulin: 0.5 mg/ml
Plasma inulin: 0.02 mg/ml
Urine urea: 220 mmol/l
Plasma urea: 5 mmol/l.
What is the urea clearance?Your Answer: 88 ml/min
Explanation:Urea is reabsorbed in the inner medullary collecting ducts of the nephrons. The clearance (C) of any substance can be calculated as follows: C = (U × V)/P, where U and P are the urine and plasma concentrations of the substance, respectively and V is the urine flow rate. So, glomerular filtration rate = (0.220 × 2. 0)/0.005 = 88 ml/min.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 140
Incorrect
-
What is the likely diagnosis in a 55-year old man presenting with jaundice, weight loss, pale coloured stools and elevated alkaline phosphatase?
Your Answer: Amoebic abscess
Correct Answer: Pancreatic carcinoma
Explanation:Increased alkaline phosphatase is indicative of cholestasis, with a 4x or greater increase seen 1-2 days after biliary obstruction. Its level can remain elevated several days after the obstruction is resolved due to the long half life (7 days). Increase up to three times the normal level can be seen in hepatitis, cirrhosis, space-occupying lesions and infiltrative disorders. Raised alkaline phosphatase with other liver function tests being normal can occur in focal hepatic lesions like abscesses or tumours, or in partial/intermittent biliary obstruction. However, alkaline phosphatase has several isoenzymes, which originate in different organs, particularly bone. An isolated rise can also be seen in malignancies (bronchogenic carcinoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma), post-fatty meals (from the small intestine), in pregnancy (from the placenta), in growing children (from bone growth) and in chronic renal failure (from intestine and bone). One can differentiate between hepatic and non-hepatic cause by measurement of enzymes specific to the liver e.g. gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
In an elderly, asymptomatic patient, isolated rise of alkaline phosphatase usually points to bone disease (like Paget’s disease). Presence of other symptoms such as jaundice, pale stools, weight loss suggests obstructive jaundice, most probably due to pancreatic carcinoma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 141
Incorrect
-
During hysterectomy, the ureter is most likely to be ligated when a surgeon is clamping the?
Your Answer: Uterine tubes
Correct Answer: Uterine arteries
Explanation:The ureter forms the posterior boundary of a shallow depression which lodges the ovary and then runs medially and forward on the lateral aspect of the uterine cervix and upper part of the vagina to reach the fundus of the bladder. It is also situated about 2cm from the side of the cervix of the uterus. The relationship of the ureters and uterine arteries is of clinical significance because the arteries are at risk of iatrogenic injury during hysterectomy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 142
Correct
-
Perforin are present in the granules of which cell?
Your Answer: Natural killer cell
Explanation:Perforins are characteristically found In the granules of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells. They are cytolytic proteins that insert into the target plasma membrane forming a hole and resulting in lysis. They along with granzyme B induce apoptosis in the target cell.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 143
Correct
-
A 40-year old woman with portal hypertension has impaired venous drainage of the anal canal above the pectinate line. Thus, there might be an increase in blood flow downward to the systemic venous system via anastomoses with the inferior rectal vein. This is a tributary of?
Your Answer: Internal pudendal vein
Explanation:The inferior rectal vein drains into the internal pudendal vein. In addition the external iliac vein is one of the two branches of the common iliac vein however the internal iliac vein and it’s tributaries (including the pudendal vein) are much more important in draining the pelvic structures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 144
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is a landmark to identify the site of the 2nd costal cartilage?
Your Answer: Xiphoid process
Correct Answer: Sternal angle
Explanation:The sternal angle is an important part where the second costal cartilage attaches to the sternum. Finding the sternal angle will help in finding the second costal cartilage and intercostal space.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 145
Correct
-
A 25 year-old female medical student presents with fever, lack of appetite, rashes, sore throat and lymphadenopathy. Peripheral smear shows atypical lymphocytes. Which is the most likely organism responsible for this patient's condition?
Your Answer: Epstein–Barr virus
Explanation:Epstein-Barr virus is in the herpes family of viruses and most people will become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. EBV commonly causes infectious mononucleosis, or mono, a contagious viral illness that initially attacks the lymph nodes in the neck and throat. When these tissues become less effective in fighting infection, sore throats, swelling of the nodes and fever may result.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 146
Correct
-
The oesophagus is an important part of the alimentary canal. It receives blood from various arteries in the body. Which one of the following is an artery that will lead to some level of ischaemia to the oesophagus when ligated?
Your Answer: Left inferior phrenic
Explanation:The oesophagus receives its blood supply from the following arteries: the inferior thyroid branch of the thyrocervical trunk, the descending thoracic aorta, the left gastric branch of the coeliac artery and the from the left inferior phrenic artery of the abdominal aorta. Hence ligation of the left inferior phrenic will lead to ischemia to some portions of the oesophagus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 147
Correct
-
A week after a renal transplant the patient received antilymphocyte globulins. Shortly after she developed fever and hypotension. Which of the following mechanisms is involved in this response?
Your Answer: Type III hypersensitivity
Explanation:Type III hypersensitivity is characterized by soluble immune complexes which are aggregations of IgG and IgM antibodies with antigens that deposit in different tissues e.g. the skin, joints, kidneys. They can then trigger an immune response by activating the complement cascade. This reaction can take hours to develop and examples include: immuno-complex glomerulonephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, subacute bacterial endocarditis, arthus reaction and serum sickness.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 148
Incorrect
-
A 22-year old man presented with a mass in his left scrotum which was more prominent when standing and felt like a 'bag of worms'. Examination revealed a non-tender mass along the spermatic cord. Also, the right testis was larger than the left testis. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Haematocele
Correct Answer: Varicocele
Explanation:Varicocele refers to dilatation and increased tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus – which is a network of veins found in spermatic cord that drain the testicle. Defective valves or extrinsic compression can result in outflow obstruction and cause dilatation near the testis. Normal diameter of the small vessels ranges from 0.5 – 1.5mm. A varicocele is a dilatation more than 2mm.
The plexus travels from the posterior aspect of testis into the inguinal canal with other structures forming the spermatic cord. They then form the testicular veins out of which the right testicular vein drains into the inferior vena cava and the left into the left renal vein.
It affects 15-20% men, and 40% of infertile males. Usually diagnosed in 15-25 years of age, they are rarely seen after 40 years of age. Because of the vertical path taken by the left testicular vein to drain into left renal vein, 98% idiopathic varicoceles occur on the left side. It is bilateral in 70% cases. Right-sided varicoceles are rare.
Symptoms include pain or heaviness in the testis, infertility, testicular atrophy, a palpable mass, which is non-tender and along the spermatic cord (resembling a ‘bag of worms’). The testis on the affected side might be smaller.
Diagnosis can be made by ultrasound. Provocative measures such as Valsalva manoeuvre or making the patient stand up to increase the dilatation by increasing the intra-abdominal venous pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 149
Incorrect
-
A gymnast was admitted to hospital for investigation of a weakness in the extension and adduction of his arm. He had a previous penetrating wound in the area of the posterior axillary fold. Which of these muscles is the likely cause?
Your Answer: Levator scapula
Correct Answer: Latissimus dorsi
Explanation:All the criteria of this case points towards the latissimus dorsi. This muscle is greatly involved in extension, adduction and medial rotation of the arm and forms the posterior axillary fold which in this case was injured.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 150
Incorrect
-
The pterion is clinically significant as it marks an area of weakness on the skull. What structure lies beneath it?
Your Answer: Superior sagittal sinus
Correct Answer: Anterior branches of the middle meningeal artery
Explanation:The pterion is the area where four bones, the parietal, frontal, greater wing of sphenoid and the squamous part of the temporal bone meet. It overlies the anterior branch of the middle meningeal artery on the internal aspect of the skull. The pterion is the weakest part of the skull. Slight trauma to this region can cause extradural hematoma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 151
Incorrect
-
In a hypertensive patient with secondary hyperaldosteronism, aldosterone is released mainly in response to:
Your Answer: High volume states (fluid overload)
Correct Answer: Angiotensin II
Explanation:Secondary hyperaldosteronism in hypertension is either due to primary renin overproduction by the kidneys or renin overproduction secondary to decreased renal blood flow. The main stimulus for aldosterone release are adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), angiotensin II and high plasma K+ levels. Low plasma Na+ might also stimulate the adrenal cortex. Fluid overload will reduce aldosterone secretion. Atrial natriuretic peptide is secreted under conditions of expanded extracellular volume and will not lead to aldosterone secretion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
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Question 152
Incorrect
-
A 65-year old patient with altered bowl movement experienced the worsening of shortness of breath and exertional chest pains over the course of 8 weeks. Examination shows pallor and jugular venous distension. Furthermore, a test of the stool for occult blood is positive. Laboratory studies show:
Haemoglobin 7.4 g/dl
Mean corpuscular volume 70 fl Leukocyte count 5400/mm3
Platelet count 580 000/mm3 Erythrocyte sedimentation 33 mm/h
A blood smear shows hypochromic, microcytic RBCs with moderate poikilocytosis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Amyloidosis
Correct Answer: Iron deficiency anaemia
Explanation:Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It can occur due to deficiency of iron due to decreased intake or due to faulty absorption. An MCV less than 80 will indicated iron deficiency anaemia. On the smear the RBC will be microcytic hypochromic and will also show piokilocytosis. iron profiles tests are important to make a diagnosis. Clinically the patient will be pale and lethargic.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 153
Incorrect
-
When you rest your elbows on a desk, what bony landmark of the upper limb are you resting on?
Your Answer: Deltoid tuberosity of the humerus
Correct Answer: Olecranon process of the ulna
Explanation:At the upper and back part of the ulna, there exists a curved eminence which is the olecranon process. This process lodges in the olecranon fossa of the humerus. It’s posterior surface is subcutaneous and this triangular area is what you rest your elbow upon.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 154
Incorrect
-
A 27-year-old woman, who had been taking a combined oral contraceptive for 6 months, presented with inguinal pain and oedema of the left leg. Which of the following investigations would you recommend to help confirm the diagnosis?
Your Answer: Venography
Correct Answer: Duplex scan
Explanation:Oral combined contraceptive pill (OCCP) is a drug used for birth control and treating a number of other conditions. Women who take the OCP have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually in the legs. Duplex ultrasonography is a safe and non-invasive technique which is used for diagnosing the presence of lower extremity thrombi.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pathology
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Question 155
Incorrect
-
Diuretics that act on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle produce:
Your Answer: Reduced absorption of water
Correct Answer: Reduced active transport of sodium
Explanation:The loop of Henlé leads from the proximal convoluted tubule to the distal convoluted tubule. Its primary function uses a counter current multiplier mechanism in the medulla to reabsorb water and ions from the urine. It can be divided into four parts:
1. Descending limb of loop of Henl̩ Рlow permeability to ions and urea, while being highly permeable to water
2. Thin ascending limb of loop of Henl̩ Рnot permeable to water, but it is permeable to ions
3. Medullary thick ascending limb of loop of Henlé – sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl–) ions are reabsorbed by active transport. K+ is passively transported along its concentration gradient through a K+ channel in the basolateral aspect of the cells, back into the lumen of the ascending limb.
4. The cortical thick ascending limb – the site of action where loop diuretics such as furosemide block the K+/Na+/2Cl− co-transporters = reduced active transport.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 156
Correct
-
Hyperplastic arteriosclerosis with fibrinoid necrosis, petechial haemorrhages, microinfarcts in the kidneys and elevated plasma renin are common findings in which of the following patients?
Your Answer: A 45-year-old woman with scleroderma
Explanation:Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic disease of the connective tissue. Involvement of the kidneys occurs in patients with diffuse scleroderma, causing rapid onset of high blood pressure with hyperreninemia, thrombotic microangiopathy, and progressive renal failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Renal
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Question 157
Incorrect
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Which of the following muscles aid in inspiration?
Your Answer: Diaphragm and abdominal muscles
Correct Answer: Diaphragm and external intercostals
Explanation:The diaphragm and external intercostals are muscles of inspiration as they increase the volume of thoracic cavity and reduce the intrathoracic pressure. Muscles of expiration include abdominal muscles and internal intercostals.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 158
Incorrect
-
Internal haemorrhoids are painless and only sensitive to stretch. They are formed from folds of the mucous membrane and the submucosa of the anal canal which contain varicose branches of the:
Your Answer: Inferior rectal vein
Correct Answer: Superior rectal vein
Explanation:Internal haemorrhoids are formed by varicosities of the branches of the superior rectal vein.
External haemorrhoids are formed by varicosities of the branches of the inferior rectal vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Colorectal
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Question 159
Incorrect
-
The petrous part of the internal carotid artery is located inside of which cranial bone?
Your Answer: Maxillary
Correct Answer: Temporal
Explanation:The petrous segment, or C2, of the internal carotid is that which is inside the petrous part of the temporal bone. This segment extends until the foramen lacerum. The petrous portion classically has three sections: an ascending, or vertical portion; the genu, or bend; and the horizontal portion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 160
Incorrect
-
What best describes the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg?
Your Answer: All are innervated by the femoral nerve
Correct Answer: One of the posterior compartment leg muscles laterally rotates the femur
Explanation:The muscles of the back of the leg are subdivided into two groups: superficial and deep. Superficial muscles include gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris and are the chief extensors of the foot at the ankle joint. Deep muscles include the tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus and popliteus
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 161
Incorrect
-
A patient with testicular seminoma has the following tumour markers: LDH 1.3 times the reference levels, β-hCG 4500 mIU/ml and AFP 875 ng/ml. What's the serum tumour marker stage in this case?
Your Answer: S0
Correct Answer: S1
Explanation:According to AJCC guidelines, the serum tumour marker staging is the following:
S0: marker studies within normal limits
S1: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) less than 1.5 times the reference range, beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) <5000 mIU/ml, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) <1000 ng/ml S2: LDH 1.5–10 times the reference range, β-hCG 5000–50,000 mIU/ml or AFP 1000–10,000 ng/ml S3: LDH greater than 10 times the reference range, β-hCG >50,000 mIU/ml or AFP >10,000 ng/ml.
According to this, the patient’s tumour belongs to the S1 stage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 162
Incorrect
-
A 47-year-old male smoker, who had been self-medicating with oral steroids for the last two years due to persistent breathlessness presented to the doctor complaining of a productive cough, fever and chest pain. A chest X-ray revealed bilateral patchy opacities. He was diagnosed with bilateral bronchopneumonia. Which of these organisms is most probably causing these findings?
Your Answer: Klebsiella pneumoniae
Correct Answer: Nocardia asteroides
Explanation:Nocardia is a Gram-positive aerobic actinomycete. Several species have been identified but the most common human pathogen is Nocardia asteroides. The predominant clinical finding in the majority of patients affected by nocardiosis is pulmonary disease. Predisposing factors for pulmonary nocardiosis include leukaemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, organ transplantation, diabetes and receiving prolonged corticosteroids.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 163
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is responsible for the maximum increase in total peripheral resistance on sympathetic stimulation?
Your Answer: Veins
Correct Answer: Arterioles
Explanation:Arterioles are also known as the resistance vessels as they are responsible for approximately half the resistance of the entire systemic circulation. They are richly innervated by the autonomic nervous system and hence, will bring about the maximum increase in peripheral resistance on sympathetic stimulation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 164
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is responsible for the activation of pepsinogen released in the stomach?
Your Answer: Gastrin and pepsin
Correct Answer: Acid pH and pepsin
Explanation:Pepsinogen is the inactive precursor of pepsin. Once secreted, it comes in contact with hydrochloric acid and pepsin, previously formed, and undergoes cleavage to form active pepsin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 165
Incorrect
-
On exploration of an axillary wound, a branch from the third part of the axillary artery was found to be transected. Which of the following arteries would have been likely injured?
Your Answer: Thoracoacromial
Correct Answer: Anterior circumflex humeral
Explanation:The axillary artery gives off many branches from the first, second, or third parts along its course. The third part of the axillary artery gives off 3 branches: the subscapular, anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 166
Incorrect
-
Which muscles are attached to the tibial tuberosity?
Your Answer: Tensor fascia lata
Correct 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 167
Incorrect
-
Which of the following arteries, that runs on the superior aspect of the first part of the duodenum, forms the lower boundary of the epiploic foramen (also known as the foramen of Winslow)?
Your Answer: Superior pancreaticoduodenal
Correct Answer: Hepatic
Explanation:The epiploic foramen is an important anatomical opening that allows for the communication between the greater peritoneal sac and the lesser peritoneal sac. Its boundaries are formed; superiorly by the caudate lobe of the liver, anteriorly by the hepatoduodenal ligament (containing the components of the portal triad), inferiorly by the first part of the duodenum and posteriorly by the peritoneum covering the inferior vena cava. The superior aspect of the first part of the duodenum, which forms the inferior boundary of the foramen of Winslow, forms the course of the hepatic artery before it ascends to the porta hepatis where it divides into its right and left branches.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 168
Incorrect
-
Where would you insert the needle when drawing blood from a patient's median cubital vein?
Your Answer: Dorsal surface of the hand
Correct 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 169
Incorrect
-
Different substances have different renal clearance rates. Which of the following substances should have the lowest renal clearance rate in a healthy patient?
Your Answer: Water
Correct Answer: Glucose
Explanation:Under normal conditions the renal clearance of glucose is zero, since glucose is completely reabsorbed in the renal tubules and not excreted. Glycosuria – the excretion of glucose into the urine- is nearly always caused by elevated blood glucose levels, most commonly due to untreated diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 170
Incorrect
-
The thoracic duct :
Your Answer: Enters the thorax through the vena caval hiatus of the thoracoabdominal diaphragm
Correct Answer: varies in length from 38 to 45 cm
Explanation:The thoracic duct is the main drainage of lymph in the body. It varies in length from 38 to 45 cm and extends from the second lumbar vertebra to the root of the neck.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 171
Correct
-
Which of the following will be a likely sequelae of complete ileal resection?
Your Answer: Vitamin B12 deficiency
Explanation:The ileum is a part of the small intestine and has a pH of around 7-8 (neutral or slightly alkaline). Its main function is absorption of products of digestion. The ileal wall has multiple villi, which in turn have numerous microvilli. This increases the surface area available for absorption significantly. The cells lining the ileum contain multiple enzymes such as protease and carbohydrase, which aid in the final stages of digestion. Villi contain lacteals which absorb the products of fat digestion, fatty acids and glycerol. Thus, ileal resection will lead to their decreased absorption and increased fat content in the stool. The ileum is also responsible for absorption of vitamin B12.
Maximum water absorption occurs in the colon followed by the jejunum. Hence, ileal resection is less likely to lead to fluid volume deficiency. Also, most minerals (like calcium, iron etc.) are absorbed in the duodenum, and thus will not be affected by ileal resection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 172
Correct
-
A young 16 year old boy presented to the ENT clinic with a history of sore throat for the past 1 day. On examination there was a pharyngeal purulent discharge. Which of the following types of inflammation is seen in this boy?
Your Answer: Acute inflammation
Explanation:A 1 day history suggests the purulent discharge is due to acute inflammation. Acute inflammation has 3 features:
1) the affected area is occupied by a purulent discharge composed of proteins, fluids and cells from local blood vessels
2) the infective agent i.e. bacteria is present in the affected area
3) the damaged tissue can be liquified and the debris removed from the site.
If the inflammation lasts over weeks or months, then it is termed as chronic inflammation.
Granulomatous inflammation is characterised by the presence and formation of granulomas.
Exudate is not a feature of resolution or a complication of inflammation.
Abscess formation takes more than 1 day to form and is usually within a capsule/cavity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Respiratory
- Pathology
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Question 173
Correct
-
The renal cortex and medulla, if seen under the microscope, is lacking one of the following:
Your Answer: Squamous epithelium
Explanation:Capillaries, Henle’s loop, collecting ducts, Bertin columns and type IV collagen in glomerular basement membrane are all structures present in the renal cortex or medulla. The squamous epithelium is the only one that is lacking in both the renal cortex and medulla, because normally it is not found above the outer urethra.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Renal
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Question 174
Incorrect
-
Investigations in a 40-year old gentleman with splenomegaly reveal the following: haemoglobin 21.5 g/dl, haematocrit 66%, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 86 fl, mean cell haemoglobin concentration 34 g/dl, mean corpuscular haemoglobin 34.5 pg, platelet count 450 × 109/l, and white blood cell count 12 × 109/l, with 81% polymorphonuclear leukocytes, 4% bands, 3% monocytes, and 7% lymphocytes.
What is the likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Dehydration
Correct Answer: Polycythaemia vera
Explanation:The markedly increased haematocrit, along with thrombocytosis and the leucocytosis suggest a myeloproliferative disorder.
Polycythaemia vera is the commonest myeloproliferative disorders occurring more often in males (about 1.4 to 1). The mean age at diagnosis is 60 years (range 15–90 years) with 5% of patients below 40 years at onset. It involves increased production of all cell lines, including red blood cells (independent of erythropoietin), white blood cells and platelets. If confined only to red blood cells, it is known as ‘primary erythrocytosis’. There is an increase in blood volume and hyperviscosity occurs, predisposing to thrombosis. Increased bleeding occurs due to abnormal functioning of platelets. Patients become hypermetabolic, and increased cell turnover leads to hyperuricaemia.
Usually asymptomatic, occasionally symptoms include weakness, pruritus, headache, light-headedness, visual disturbances, fatigue and dyspnoea. Face appears red with engorged retinal veins. Lower extremities appear red and painful, along with digital ischaemia (erythromelalgia). Hepatomegaly is common and massive splenomegaly is seen in 75% patients. Thrombosis can lead to stroke, deep venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction, retinal artery or vein occlusion, splenic infarction (often with a friction rub) or Budd–Chiari syndrome. Gastrointestinal bleeding is seen in 10-20% patients. Hypermetabolism can lead to low-grade fevers and weight loss. Late features include complications of hyperuricaemia (e.g. gout, renal calculi). 1.5% to 10% cases transform to acute leukaemia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 175
Incorrect
-
An old woman complains of a lack of sensation halfway down the anterior surface of the thigh. The cause of this:
Your Answer: Is due to damage to the sciatic nerve
Correct Answer: Would result from damage to the nerve that innervates the pectineus muscle
Explanation:The pectineus is supplied by the second, third and fourth lumbar nerves through the femoral nerve and by the third lumbar through the accessory obturator when it exists. The anterior surface of the thigh receives its innervation from the femoral nerve as well, thus this is the nerve most likely to be injured
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 176
Incorrect
-
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 urachus
Correct 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 177
Incorrect
-
A middle aged man presented in OPD with a low grade fever and a persistent cough. His blood smear showed an increase in cells with large bi-lobed nuclei. Which of these cells represent the one seen on the smear?
Your Answer: Lymphocytes
Correct Answer: Monocytes
Explanation:Monocytes are white cells that protect the body against harmful pathogens. They are mobile and are produced in the bone marrow, mature there and circulate in the blood for about 1-3 days, where they enter the tissues and transform into macrophages. They are characteristically identified by their large bi-lobed nuclei.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 178
Correct
-
Which of the following foramen provides passage of the facial nerve?
Your Answer: Internal acoustic meatus
Explanation:The internal auditory meatus provides a passage through which the vestibulocochlear nerve, the facial nerve, and the labyrinthine artery (an internal auditory branch of the basilar artery) can pass from inside the skull to structures of the inner ear and face.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 179
Incorrect
-
Which one of the following muscles is innervated by the facial nerve?
Your Answer: Anterior belly of digastric
Correct Answer: Buccinator
Explanation:Buccinator is a muscle of facial expression and is therefore innervated by the facial nerve. The lateral pterygoid, masseter, anterior belly of digastric and temporalis are all muscles of mastication and therefore innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck; Neurology
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Question 180
Incorrect
-
After finding elevated PSA levels, a 69-year-old man undergoes a needle biopsy and is diagnosed with prostatic cancer. What is the stage of this primary tumour?
Your Answer: T2b
Correct Answer: T1c
Explanation:The AJCC uses a TNM system to stage prostatic cancer, with categories for the primary tumour, regional lymph nodes and distant metastases:
TX: cannot evaluate the primary tumour T0: no evidence of tumour
T1: tumour present, but not detectable clinically or with imaging T1a: tumour was incidentally found in less than 5% of prostate tissue resected (for other reasons)
T1b: tumour was incidentally found in more than 5% of prostate tissue resected
T1c: tumour was found in a needle biopsy performed due to an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen
T2: the tumour can be felt (palpated) on examination, but has not spread outside the prostate
T2a: the tumour is in half or less than half of one of the prostate gland’s two lobes
T2b: the tumour is in more than half of one lobe, but not both
T2c: the tumour is in both lobes
T3: the tumour has spread through the prostatic capsule (if it is only part-way through, it is still T2)
T3a: the tumour has spread through the capsule on one or both sides
T3b: the tumour has invaded one or both seminal vesicles
T4: the tumour has invaded other nearby structures.
In this case, the tumour has a T1c stage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 181
Incorrect
-
The following structures DO NOT lie between the layers of the mesosalpinx except for the?
Your Answer: Ovary
Correct Answer: Fallopian tube
Explanation:Mesosalpinx is the portion of the broad ligament that stretches from the fallopian tube to the ovary and contains the uterine tubes between it’s layers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 182
Incorrect
-
Which of the given options best describes the metabolic changes which occur following a severe soft tissue injury sustained after a PVA?
Your Answer: Decreased aldosterone secretion
Correct Answer: Mobilisation of fat stores
Explanation:The following metabolic responses occur following trauma as part of a coping mechanism for the additional stress. These include acid base changes (metabolic acidosis or alkalosis), decrease urine output and osmolality, reduced basal metabolic rate (BMR), gluconeogenesis with amino acid breakdown and shunting, hyponatraemia as a result of impaired functioning of sodium pumps, hypoxic injury, coagulopathies, decreased immunity, increase extracellular fluid and hypovolemic shock, increase permeability leading to oedema, break down and mobilization of fat reserves, pyrexia and reduced circulating levels of albumin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 183
Incorrect
-
During a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, the surgeon finds an artery in the extraperitoneal connective tissue (preperitoneal fat) that courses vertically and just medial to the bowel as the bowel passes through the abdominal wall. Which artery is this?
Your Answer: Superficial circumflex iliac
Correct Answer: Inferior epigastric
Explanation:The inferior epigastric artery comes from the external iliac artery just above the inguinal ligament to curve forward in the subperitoneal tissue and then ascend obliquely along the medial margin of the deep inguinal ring. It continues to ascend between the rectus abdominis and the posterior lamella of its sheath after piercing the fascia transversalis and passing anterior to the linea semicircularis. Finally it gives off numerous branches that anastomose above the umbilicus with the superior epigastric branch of the internal mammary artery and with the lower intercostal arteries. As this artery ascends obliquely upwards from its origin it lies along the lower medial margins of the deep inguinal ring and posterior to the start of the spermatic cord. It is found in the preperitoneal fat of the abdomen lying just superficial to the peritoneum and forms the lateral umbilical fold. Hernias that pass lateral to this are indirect and medial to this, direct hernias.
The deep circumflex artery travels along the iliac crest on the inner surface of the abdominal wall. It is very lateral to the abdominal wall and hernias would pass medial to it.
The superficial circumflex iliac, superficial epigastric, superficial external pudendal arteries are all superficial arteries found in the superficial fascia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 184
Incorrect
-
A 60-year old man with a left-sided indirect inguinal hernia underwent emergency surgery to relieve large bowel obstruction resulting from a segment of the bowel being strangulated in the hernial sac. The most likely intestinal segment involved is:
Your Answer: Ascending colon
Correct Answer: Sigmoid colon
Explanation:The sigmoid colon is the most likely segment involved as it is mobile due to the presence of the sigmoid mesocolon. The descending colon, although on the left side, is a bit superior and is also retroperitoneal. The ascending colon and caecum are on the right side of the abdomen. The rectum is too inferior to enter the deep inguinal ring and the transverse colon is too superior to be involved.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 185
Incorrect
-
A 42 year old women presents with end stage renal failure and is prepared to receive a kidney from her husband. HLA testing showed that they are not a 100% match and she is given immunosuppressant therapy for this. Three months later when her renal function tests were performed she showed signs of deteriorating renal function, with decreased renal output, proteinuria of +++ and RBCs in the urine. She was given antilymphocyte globulins and her condition reversed. What type of graft did this patient receive?
Your Answer: Autograft
Correct Answer: Allograft
Explanation:Allograft describes a graft between two of the same species. As the donor and the recipients are history-incompatible, rejection of the graft is common and is controlled by immunosuppressive drug therapy. Isograft and syngraft are synonymous and referred to a graft transferred between genetically identical individuals e.g. identical twins. In this case rejection is rare as they are history-compatible.
Autograft refers to transfer of one part of the body to another location.
Xenograft is transfer of tissue from another species e.g. pig to human in valve replacement surgeries and rejection is very high.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Renal
- Pathology
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Question 186
Incorrect
-
A 27-yeaar-old woman is diagnosed with candidiasis and prescribed fluconazole. What is the mechanism of action of fluconazole?
Your Answer: Inhibits lipoprotein lipase
Correct Answer: Inhibits cytochrome P450
Explanation:Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal drug used in the treatment and prevention of superficial and systemic fungal infections. Like other imidazole- and triazole-class antifungals, fluconazole inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme, 14-demethylase. It is used to treat candidiasis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, dermatophytosis, and pityriasis versicolor.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 187
Incorrect
-
Where is factor VIII predominantly synthesised?
Your Answer: Kupffer cells
Correct Answer: Vascular endothelium
Explanation:Factor VIII is an important part of the coagulation cascade. Deficiency causes haemophilia A. It is synthesised predominantly by the vascular endothelium and is not affected by liver disease. In the circulation it is bound to von Willebrand factor and it forms a stable complex with it. It is activated by thrombin or factor Xa and acts as a co factor to factor IXa to activate factor X which is a co factor to factor Va. Thrombin cleaves fibrinogen in fibrin and forms a meshwork to trap RBC and platelets to form a clot.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 188
Incorrect
-
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: Metastatic carcinoma
Correct 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 189
Incorrect
-
A 48-year-old man smoker presented to the doctor complaining of a persistent cough and shortness of breath. A chest X-ray indicated the presence of a right upper lung mass. Biopsy of the mass revealed the presence of pink cells with large, irregular nuclei. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Squamous cell carcinoma
Explanation:Squamous cell carcinoma, is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that accounts for approximately 30% of all lung cancers. The presence of squamous cell carcinoma is often related with a long history of smoking and the presence of persistent respiratory symptoms. Chest radiography usually shows the presence of a proximal airway lesion. Histological findings include keratinisation that takes the form of keratin pearls with pink cytoplasm and cells with large, irregular nuclei.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 190
Incorrect
-
Which of the following malignancies is likely to have the best prognosis?
Your Answer:
Correct 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 191
Incorrect
-
During an anatomy revision session, medical students are told that the posterior wall of the rectus sheath ends in a thin curved margin whose concavity is directed downwards. What is the name of this inferior border of the rectus sheath?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Arcuate line
Explanation:The rectus sheath is a tendinous sheath that encloses the rectus abdominis muscle. It covers the entire anterior surface however on the posterior surface of the muscle the sheath is incomplete ending inferiorly at the arcuate line. Below the arcuate line, the rectus abdominis is covered by the transversalis fascia. The linea alba is a band of aponeurosis on the midline of the anterior abdominal wall, which extends from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis. It is formed by the combined abdominal muscle aponeuroses. This is a useful site for midline incision during abdominal surgery because it does not carry many blood vessels. All of the other answer choices are related to the inguinal canal.
The falx inguinalis (sometimes called the inguinal falx or conjoint tendon), is the inferomedial attachment of the transversus abdominis with some fibres of the internal abdominal oblique – it contributes to the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.
The inguinal ligament is the ligament that connects the anterior superior iliac spine with the pubic tubercle – it makes the floor of the inguinal canal.
The internal (deep) inguinal ring is the entrance to the inguinal canal, where the transversalis fascia pouches out and creates an opening through which structures can leave the abdominal cavity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 192
Incorrect
-
A diabetic 58-year-old man, after the injection of radiographic contrast, has a decreased urine output and decreased level of consciousness. Which of the following conditions has he most likely developed
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Acute tubular necrosis
Explanation:Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) involves damage to the tubule cells of the kidneys and is the most common cause of acute kidney injury. ATN in the majority of the cases is caused by ischaemia of the kidneys due to lack of perfusion and oxygenation but it may also occur due to poison or harmful substance. Contrast used for radiology may cause ATN in patients with several risk factors e.g. diabetic nephropathy. Symptoms may include oliguria, nausea, fluid retention, fatigue and decreased consciousness.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Renal
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Question 193
Incorrect
-
A surgeon trainee is assisting in an operation to ligate the ductus arteriosus. The consultant supervising explains that caution is required when placing a clamp on the ductus to avoid injury to an important structure immediately dorsal to it. To which structure is the consultant referring?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
Explanation:The left recurrent laryngeal nerve branches off the vagus and wraps around the aorta, posterior to the ductus arteriosus/ligamentum arteriosum from whence it courses superiorly to innervate the laryngeal muscles.
Accessory Hemiazygous vein is on the left side of the body draining the posterolateral chest wall and emptying blood into the azygos vein.
The left internal thoracic artery is branch of the left subclavian artery supplying blood to the anterior wall of the thorax.
Left phrenic nerve is lateral to the vagus nerve.
Thoracic duct: is behind the oesophagus, coursing between the aorta and the azygos vein in the posterior chest.
Right recurrent laryngeal nerve: loops around the right subclavian artery and is not in danger in this procedure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 194
Incorrect
-
Which of the following veins empties into the left renal vein?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Left suprarenal
Explanation:The left suprarenal vein empties into the left renal vein which crosses the vertebral column to reach the inferior vena cava. The left renal vein also receives the left gonadal vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 195
Incorrect
-
Out of the following options, which malignancy has the highest potential for multicentricity?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Transitional cell carcinoma
Explanation:Transitional cell carcinomas can arise anywhere in the urothelium lining the urinary tract; and hence are known to be multicentric and recur commonly. Prostatic adenocarcinoma most commonly involves the posterior lobe of the prostate gland. Although renal cell carcinomas occasionally show multicentricity, it is not common. Penile carcinomas are usually locally infiltrative lesions. Wilm’s tumours are usually solitary, but can be bilateral or multicentric in 10% cases. Small cell carcinoma of lung and teratomas are usually solitary.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Renal
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Question 196
Incorrect
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Which of the following causes the maximum increase in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Increased plasma osmolarity
Explanation:The most potent stimulus for ADH release is increased plasma osmolarity. Decreased plasma volume is a less potent stimulus in comparison. However, decrease blood volume and arterial pressure due to severe haemorrhage does lead to ADH secretion. Hypothalamic releasing factors do not control the release of posterior pituitary hormones ADH and oxytocin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
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Question 197
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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 198
Incorrect
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Purkinje fibres in the heart conduct action potentials at the rate of:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 1.5–4.0 m/s
Explanation:Purkinje fibres control the heart rate along with the sinoatrial node (SA node) and the atrioventricular node (AV node). The QRS complex is associated with the impulse passing through the Purkinje fibres. These fibres conduct action potential about six times faster than the velocity in normal cardiac muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 199
Incorrect
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A 45 years old women was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a radical mastectomy to remove all axillary lymph nodes from her right breast, it was noticed that she had a winged scapula. Which nerve injury would explain this?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Long thoracic nerve
Explanation:The long thoracic nerve supplies the serratus anterior muscle. When this nerve is injured the muscle undergoes paralysis, which is seen clinically as winging of the scapula most apparent when the arm is lifted forward. The long thoracic nerve is greatly susceptible to injury during breast surgery because of its long and superficial course along the thorax from its origin, the brachial plexus, to the lower border of the serratus anterior muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Breast
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Question 200
Incorrect
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In which of the following compartments of the femoral sheath is the femoral artery located?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Lateral compartment
Explanation:The femoral sheath also known as the crural sheath is made up of three compartments; lateral, intermediate and the medial. The femoral artery is contained in the lateral compartment of the femoral sheath while the femoral vein is in the intermediate compartment.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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