-
Question 1
Correct
-
A 25-year-old male presents to the emergency department with fever, sweating, hyperventilation and breathing difficulty. He also complains of a continuous ringing sensation in both his ears for the past couple of days. He admits to consuming a lot of over the counter painkillers for the past few days. Which of the following drugs is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Your Answer: Aspirin
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
-
-
Question 2
Incorrect
-
A 19-year-old girl suffers from a hereditary disease and presents at her GP with a renal colic. She claims that her mother had this problem too. What type of renal calculus is most likely responsible for the renal colic?
Your Answer: Calcium oxylate
Correct Answer: Cystine
Explanation:The patient seems to have inherited cystinuria which is an autosomal recessive disease. Typical for the disease is the abnormally high concentration of cysteine in the urine, finally causing cystinuria. In a person with cystinuria, the high concentrations of cysteine in the kidney results in the formation of stones with frequent colic pains and complications. If the genotype is partially expressed, then the phenotype might be even asymptomatic, thus the disease has a high variability.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
A 27-year-old woman presents with a history of weight loss and palpitations. Examination reveals unilateral proptosis. She also admits that despite having a healthy appetite she has difficulty putting on weight. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Explanation:The patient’s age and symptoms suggest Grave’s disease with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. In Grave’s disease, weight loss is noticed regardless of normal eating habits of the patient. Palpitations are also typical and may be confused with a panic attack. Proptosis is usually bilateral, but unilateral is also possible.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
-
-
Question 4
Incorrect
-
A 62-year-old male patient with long standing COPD presented with reduced vision of his right eye. He had been on multiple medications. Which of the following drugs is responsible for his visual deterioration?
Your Answer: Theophylline
Correct Answer: Corticosteroid
Explanation:Prolonged use of corticosteroids causes cataracts and this would be the reason for his presentation. B2 agonists, diuretics and Theophylline can cause blurred vision.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 5
Correct
-
A cohort study is being designed to look at the relationship between smoking and prostate cancer. What is the usual outcome measure in a cohort study?
Your Answer: Relative risk
Explanation:A cohort study is a particular form of longitudinal study that samples a cohort (a group of people who share a defining characteristic, typically those who experienced a common event in a selected period, such as birth or graduation), performing a cross-section at intervals through time.
The relative risk (RR) or risk ratio is the ratio of the probability of an outcome in an exposed group to the probability of an outcome in an unexposed group. Relative risk is used in the statistical analysis of the data of experimental, cohort and cross-sectional studies, to estimate the strength of the association between treatments or risk factors, and outcomes. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
-
-
Question 6
Incorrect
-
A 42-year-old female presents with a funny bone sensation in her right elbow that is accompanied by numbness and tingling in the 4th and 5th digits. The symptoms are aggravated when the elbow is bent for a prolonged period. Which of the following explains the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cubital tunnel syndrome
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
-
-
Question 7
Incorrect
-
Which of the following features of the jugular venous waveform indicates the closure of the tricuspid valve?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: c wave
Explanation:The a wave indicates atrial contraction. The c wave indicates ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of the tricuspid valve into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole. The v wave indicates venous filling. The x descent indicates the atrium relaxation and the movement of tricuspid valve downward. The y descent indicates the filling of the ventricle after the opening of the tricuspid valve.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
-
-
Question 8
Incorrect
-
A 50-year-old male with a history of type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with exertional dyspnoea and chest pain for 2 weeks. On examination his blood pressure was 145/80 mmHg. On auscultation reversed splitting of the second heart sound and bibasal crepitations were detected. What would be the most likely finding on his ECG?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Left bundle branch block
Explanation:When closure of the pulmonary valve occurs before the aortic valve, reversed splitting occurs. The causes of reversed splitting are aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch block (LBBB), and a ventricular pacemaker.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
-
-
Question 9
Incorrect
-
The phonocardiogram of a 40-year-old male patient showed a normal S1 but an abnormal S2. S2 was fixed and widely split. Out of the following, which condition do you think this patient most likely suffering from?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Secundum atrial septal defect
Explanation:The second heart sound (S2) corresponds to the closing of the semilunar valves, first the aortic and then the pulmonary valve. The gap between the closure of these two valves is normally insignificant and is heard as a single heart sound. In certain pathological conditions, this gap increases when there is a delay in right ventricular emptying, but in cases other than an atrial septal defect, the sound is not fixed. In an atrial septal defect, the right ventricle continuously receives blood, causing a delay and a fixed and split S2.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
-
-
Question 10
Incorrect
-
From the following drugs, which is an inhaled glucocorticoid that is used for maintenance therapy, but not important in mild asthmatic attacks?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Fluticasone propionate
Explanation:From the given answers Fluticasone propionate is the inhaled glucocorticoid. It is not important as a reliever medication but important in maintenance therapy.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
-
-
Question 11
Incorrect
-
What is the mechanism of action of sumatriptan?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 5-HT1 agonist
Explanation:Triptans are specific 5-HT1 agonists used in the acute treatment of migraine. They are generally used as first-line therapy in combination with an NSAID or paracetamol.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 12
Incorrect
-
A 22 year-old university graduate presented with progressive unsteadiness during walking over the last year. She had been otherwise healthy apart from recent difficulty hearing her lecturer in classes. She took no prescription medication but had occasionally taken cocaine during her first year of college. She also admits to drinking up to 30 units of alcohol per week and smoked 10 cigarettes per day. Her parents were both well, but her father's sister had problems with walking before she died. Examination reveals normal tone and power throughout all four limbs. Reflexes were normal in the upper limbs but decreased at the knees and absent at the ankles. Coordination was normal in all four limbs but her gait was ataxic. Sensation in the upper limbs was normal but decreased vibratory sensation and proprioception was noted to the ankles bilaterally. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Friedreich's ataxia
Explanation:Friedreich’s ataxia is an autosomal recessive disorder that usually begins before the end of the teens. It has an estimated prevalence in Europe of 1 in 50,000 and life expectancy is around 40-50 years. Neurological features include a progressive ataxia, cerebellar dysarthria, lower limb areflexia, decreased vibratory sensation and proprioception, and pyramidal weakness. Pes cavus and scoliosis are also both seen. Cardiomyopathy occurs in over 70% of cases. Less common features include optic atrophic, diabetes mellitus, and deafness.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
-
-
Question 13
Incorrect
-
Which features may suggest malignant changes in a melanocytic naevi?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Decrease in size
Explanation:Melanocytic naevi are skin tumours produced by melanocytes. They usually present in childhood but increase during puberty. The mnemonic A-B-C-D, is used by institutions to assess for suspicion of malignancy. The letters stand for asymmetry, border, colour, and diameter. If a mole starts changing in size, colour, shape or, especially, if the border of a mole develops ragged edges or becomes larger than a pencil eraser, it would be an appropriate time to consult with a physician. Other warning signs include if it begins to crust over, bleed, itch, or become inflamed.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
-
-
Question 14
Incorrect
-
A 28-year-old female with a history of psoriatic arthritis would most likely have which of the following hand conditions?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Nail dystrophy
Explanation:Nail dystrophy (pitting of nails, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis), dactylitis, sausage shaped fingers are most commonly seen with psoriatic arthropathy. There is asymmetric joint involvement most commonly distal interphalangeal joints. Uveitis and sacroiliitis may also occur. Arthritis mutilans may occur but is very rare. Cutaneous lesions may or may not develop. When they do, its usually much after the symptoms of arthritis.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
-
-
Question 15
Incorrect
-
A COPD patient presented with shortness of breath, a cough and wheezing. He didn't respond to salbutamol, IV hydrocortisone or oxygen therapy. Following this initial treatment, he was given IV aminophylline and atem+ventolin nebulization. ABGs showed an acidotic pH. The next step in management would be?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation
Explanation:Nasal IPPV is given to the patients when all other techniques have failed. It is a non invasive procedure to improve the oxygenation of the patients suffering from lung disease.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
-
-
Question 16
Incorrect
-
Which of the following features is characteristic of acute intermittent porphyria?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Increased urinary porphobilinogen between acute attacks
Explanation:Urinary porphobilinogen is increased between attacks of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) and even more so, between acute attacks.
AIP is a rare autosomal dominant condition caused by a defect in porphobilinogen deaminase, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of haem. This results in the toxic accumulation of delta-aminolaevulinic acid and porphobilinogen.
Abdominal and neuropsychiatric symptoms are characteristic of AIP especially in people between the ages of 20-40 years. The disease is more common in females than in males (5:1). Major signs and symptoms of AIP include abdominal pain, vomiting, motor neuropathy, hypertension, tachycardia, and depression.
Diagnosis:
1. Urine turns deep red on standing (classical picture of AIP)
2. Raised urinary porphobilinogen (elevated between attacks and to a greater extent, between acute attacks)
3. Raised serum levels of delta-aminolaevulinic acid and porphobilinogen
4. Assay of red blood cells for porphobilinogen deaminase -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
-
-
Question 17
Incorrect
-
A 45-year-old male complains of angina pain. Which of the following features on exercise testing would have the strongest predictive value for ischaemic heart disease?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Decline in systolic BP by 20 mmHg in stage 1 of the Bruce protocol
Explanation:The classic criteria for visual interpretation of positive stress test findings include the following:J point (the junction of the point of onset of the ST-T wave; it is normally at or near the isoelectric baseline of the ECG), ST80 (the point that is 80 msec from the J point), depression of 0.1 mV (1 mm) or more and ST-segment slope within the range of ± 1 mV/sec in 3 consecutive beats
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
A 65-year-old gentleman gives a two week history of progressive lethargy and weakness. Eight weeks previously, he was treated for hypertensive heart failure with 120 mg furosemide and 5 mg enalapril daily. His haemoglobin at the time was 12.0, urea 14.2 mmol/l and creatinine 298 μmol/l. His blood pressure in clinic was 148/85 mmHg.
His blood results are shown below:
Hb 10.2g/dl
MCV 89.2 fl
WCC 4.9 x 109/l
Plats 175 x 109/l
Na+ 135
K+ 5.2 mmol/l
Urea 25.2 mmol/l
Creat 600 μmol/l
Assuming that he is not volume overloaded, what would be the most appropriate action?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: stop the enalapril and furosemide
Explanation:The patient presents with worsened renal condition from the last consultation when he was started on enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) so this medication should be stopped. Because there is also no fluid overload; furosemide, a diuretic, should also be stopped.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
-
-
Question 19
Incorrect
-
A 37-year old female nurse presents with severe generalized itching, claiming that she had previously applied cream to the body of a patient with similar symptoms. What is the mechanism that produces her itch?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Allergic reaction
Explanation:Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. The entry of allergen into the epidermis or dermis causes a localized allergic reaction. Local mast-cell activation in the skin leads immediately to a local increase in vascular permeability, which causes extravasation of fluid and swelling. Histamine released by mast cells activated by allergen in the skin causes large, itchy, red swellings of the skin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
-
-
Question 20
Incorrect
-
A 73-year-old woman attends COPD clinic for review. Her blood gases were checked on her last visit two months back. The test was repeated again today.
The paO2 on both occasions was 6.8 kPa. There is no CO2 retention on 28% O2. She stopped smoking around 6 months ago and is maintained on combination inhaled steroids and long acting b2-agonist therapy.
What is the next best step in management?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Suggest she uses an oxygen concentrator for at least 19 h per day
Explanation:Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) > 15 h/day improves survival in hypoxemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It significantly helps in reducing pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD and treating underlying pathology of future heart failure. There is little to no benefit of oxygen therapy for less than 15 hours.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
A 62-year-old male has woken up to find his speech is altered. He recently suffered from a flu-like illness. The movement of his eyelids and lips are weak on the right-hand side. Which anatomical site is most likely to be affected in this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Facial nerve
Explanation:Viral infection is a very common cause of facial nerve palsy, which is consistent with the symptoms described.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
-
-
Question 22
Incorrect
-
A 74-year-old female complains of coarse tremors. Which of the following drugs may be the cause?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Lithium
Explanation:The most common adverse effect of lithium is fine hand tremors. It is also an early sign of toxicity.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 23
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is the most common route of hepatitis B transmission worldwide?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Perinatal transmission
Explanation:Perinatal transmission is the most common cause of Hepatitis B infection worldwide. Post-exposure prophylaxis should be provided, which consists of hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. Without this, about 40% will develop chronic infection.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
A 27-year-old male is admitted after drinking engine coolant in an apparent suicide attempt.
Lab investigations reveal:
pH 7.1 (7.36-7.44)
pO2 15.3 kPa (11.3-12.6)
pCO2 3.2 kPa (4.7-6.0)
Standard bicarbonate 2.2 mmol/L (20-28)
Serum calcium 1.82 mmol/L (2.2-2.6)
After replacing calcium, which of the following is the most urgent treatment for this man?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 8.4% bicarbonate infusion
Explanation:Carbon monoxide has high affinity for haemoglobin and myoglobin resulting in a left-shift of the oxygen dissociation curve and tissue hypoxia. There are approximately 50 deaths per year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK. In these circumstances, antidotal therapy to block alcohol dehydrogenase with ethanol or 4-MP alone is insufficient to treat the poisoning. Data suggest that a severe lactic acidosis needs initial correction and in this patient the most appropriate treatment would be IV fluids with bicarbonate to correct the metabolic acidosis. Haemodialysis may be required thereafter.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
-
-
Question 25
Incorrect
-
A 57-year-old female presented to the cardiology centre with a history of chest tightness for a few hours, accompanied by pain radiating to the left side of the shoulder and neck. ECG was normal. What is the next best investigation for this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cardiac enzymes
Explanation:This patient’s symptoms of angina radiating to the neck and shoulders gives a strong suspicion of MI. Cardiac enzymes such as troponins are highly specific and sensitive for a heart attack.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular System
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
A patient was admitted due to vomiting for further investigations. He noticed blood in his vomit and the physicians decided to perform an esophagogastroduodenoscopy which revealed haemorrhage in the lesser curvature of the stomach. Which artery is responsible for the bleeding?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Right gastric artery
Explanation:The right gastric artery arises from the hepatic artery or the left hepatic artery and supplies the pylorus, traveling along the lesser curvature of the stomach anastomosing with the left gastric artery.
The pancreaticoduodenal artery supplies mainly the upper and lower duodenum and the head of the pancreas.
The gastro-omental arteries supply the greater curvature of the stomach. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
A 32-year-old woman was referred for endoscopy and found to have a duodenal ulcer and a positive urease test. She was given lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 7 days.
Which of the following is the most appropriate way of determining the successful eradication of H. pylori?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Urea breath test
Explanation:Urea breath test is the most sensitive test to determine if there has been RESOLUTION/ERADICATION of the infection with H. pylori. The best test for initial diagnosis would be EGD with biopsy.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal System
-
-
Question 28
Incorrect
-
Which of the following conditions is not linked to hyperuricemia?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Osteoarthritis
Explanation:Hyperuricemia is an elevated uric acid level in the blood. The normal upper limit is 6.8mg/dL, and anything over 7 mg/dL is considered saturated, and symptoms can occur. Causes of hyperuricemia can be classified into three functional types:
1. Increased production of uric acid – Purine rich diet, Tumour lysis syndrome, HGPRT deficiency (Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndromes), Increased PRPP synthetase activity and Polycythaemia
2. Decreased excretion of uric acid – Renal impairment, Metabolic syndrome, Drugs (diuretics, low-dose aspirin, cyclosporin, tacrolimus, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, levodopa, nicotinic acid), Acidosis, Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, Hypothyroidism and hyperparathyroidism, Sarcoidosis, Familial juvenile gouty nephropathy, Chronic lead intoxication, Trisomy 21
3. Idiopathic and mixed type – Alcohol, Exercise, Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency, Aldolase B deficiency -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
-
-
Question 29
Incorrect
-
Fabry's disease is a rare genetic disorder that leads to excessive deposition of neutral glycosphingolipids in the vascular endothelium of several organs and in epithelial and smooth muscle cells. Which of the following is least likely to be associated with Fabry's disease?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion
Explanation:Fabry disease (Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum) is an X-linked lysosomal disorder which occurs due to deficiency or absence of alpha-galactosidase A (?-GAL A) activity as a result of a genetic mutation in the GLA gene. As Fabry’s disease follows X-linked genetics it manifestis predominantly in men. Ongoing burning, tingling pain and discomfort, known as acroparesthesia, mainly affecting the hands and feet is the most debilitating symptom in childhood.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
A 60-year-old female underwent a surgery involving the posterior triangle of the neck. After the surgery, she had difficulty when moving her right shoulder joint. Which of the following nerves is most probably involved?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Accessory nerve
Explanation:The accessory nerve innervates the trapezius muscle which is involved in shoulder movements. Any injury to this nerve will result in the difficulty of movements around the shoulder.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
