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Question 1
Correct
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Which of the following conditions is least likely to exhibit the Koebner phenomenon?
Your Answer: Lupus vulgaris
Explanation:The Koebner phenomenon refers to skin lesions appearing on lines of trauma, exposure to a causative agents including: molluscum contagiosum, warts and toxicodendron dermatitis or secondary to scratching rather than an infective or chemical cause include vitiligo, psoriasis, lichen planus, lichen nitidus, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and keratosis follicularis (Darier disease).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old male who has smoked 20 cigarettes per day was referred to the National Chest Hospital because he has had a nine month history of shortness of breath which is getting worse. Tests revealed that he had moderate emphysema. His family history showed that his father died from COPD at the age of 52. Genetic testing found the PiSZ genotype following the diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency. What levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin would be expected if they were to be measured?
Your Answer: 20% of normal
Correct Answer: 40% of normal
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 3
Correct
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A 68-year-old male patient presents with central chest pain and associated flushing. He claims the pain is crushing in character. ECG reveals T wave inversion in II, III and AVF. Blood exams are as follows: Troponin T = 0.9 ng/ml. Which substance does troponin bind to?
Your Answer: Tropomyosin
Explanation:Troponin T is a 37 ku protein that binds to tropomyosin, thereby attaching the troponin complex to the thin filament.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 4
Incorrect
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A 18-year-old gentleman is referred to dermatology. He has around 10 hyperpigmented macules on his torso which vary in size from 1.5-5 cm in size. His GP also noted some freckles in the groin region. He is also currently under orthopaedic review due to a worsening scoliosis of the spine. His father suffered from similar problems before having a fatal myocardial infarction two years ago. Which chromosome is most likely to have a gene defect?
Your Answer: Chromosome 22
Correct Answer: Chromosome 17
Explanation:The patient’s history and presentation and familial history, meets the diagnostic criteria for Neurofibromatosis type I, presenting with neurofibromas noted in this patient as hyperpigmented macules and freckles, musculoskeletal disorders like the scoliosis in this case, and a familial history. Neurofibromatosis type I is caused by a mutation on Chromosome 17.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nervous System
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Question 5
Correct
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A 45-year-old man with diabetes comes to the clinic for his annual review.
He has had diabetes for eight years and he is also being treated for hypertension. He is on the following medications: metformin 500 mg tds, gliclazide 80 mg daily, atorvastatin 10 mg/d, Ramipril 10 mg/d and Bendroflumethiazide 2.5 mg/d.
He is noted to be obese (130kg). Physical examination is otherwise unremarkable.
Investigations reveal:
HbA1c 8.1% (3.8-6.4)
Fasting glucose 9 mmol/L (3.0-6.0)
24 hr Urine free cortisol 354 mmol/d (<250)
9am Plasma ACTH 4 ng/dL (10-50)
CT abdomen 3 cm right adrenal mass
Which of the following is most likely to be the adrenal mass?Your Answer: Cortisol secreting adenoma
Explanation:The patient has Cushing syndrome suggested by the elevated 24hr urine free cortisol. Hence, the mass is most probably a cortisol secreting adenoma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 6
Correct
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A 55-year-old man presents to the ED complaining of extreme fatigue. He has a history of Graves disease. On examination, his blood pressure is 103/58 mmHg, pulse 64/min and temperature 36.3ºC.
The following results are obtained:
Na+ 135 mmol/l
K+ 5.4 mmol/l
Urea 5.2 mmol/l
Creatinine 42 umol/l
TSH 3.5 mu/l
Free thyroxine (T4) 12 pmol/l
You arrange for a random cortisol test, however, whilst awaiting the result he becomes unresponsive. In addition to giving intravenous steroids and fluid, what test is urgent to check first given the likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Glucose
Explanation:The patient is most likely to have Addison’s disease as he has a history of autoimmune disease, hyperkalaemia and hypotension.
It is important to keep an Addisonian crisis on the differential in cases of shock, especially since adrenal crisis can be the patient’s first presentation of adrenal insufficiency.
Patients with Addison’s disease are prone to developing hypoglycaemia due to loss of the glucogenic effect of glucocorticoids. Given the sudden deterioration, a glucose level must be checked. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 7
Correct
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A 55-year-old woman presents with drooping on the left side of her mouth, hearing defect, and partial in-coordination of movements and loss of sensation over her entire face. She is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. What is the most likely anatomical site affected?
Your Answer: Brain stem
Explanation:Cranial nerve 5, 7, and 8 involvement suggest a lesion in the brainstem.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal System
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Question 8
Correct
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Which of the given adverse effects should be anticipated following the administration of an anticholinesterase?
Your Answer: Bradycardia and miosis
Explanation:Bradycardia and miosis should be anticipated following the administration of anticholinesterases.
Anticholinesterase agents include the following medications:
– Pyridostigmine, neostigmine, and edrophonium which play a significant role in the diagnosis and the management of myasthenia gravis.
– Rivastigmine, galantamine and donepezil are cholinesterase inhibitors found to be significantly useful in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.Mechanism of action and pharmacological effects:
Inhibition of cholinesterase increases the level and the duration of action of acetylcholine within the synaptic cleft.Thus, cholinergic effects such as a reduction in heart rate (bradycardia), miosis (pupillary constriction), increased secretions, increased gastrointestinal motility and reduction in BP may occur with anticholinesterases.
Toxins such as organophosphates and carbamates also are primarily anticholinergic and cause the following typical SLUDGE symptoms:
– Salivation
– Lacrimation
– Urination
– Diaphoresis
– Gastrointestinal upset
– Emesis -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Correct
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A 35-year-old lady presented with a hyperkeratotic, scaly rash over the palmar aspect of her hands and interdigital spaces. The most likely diagnosis would be?
Your Answer: Tinea manum
Explanation:Tinea manum is a superficial fungal infection of the hands characterised by dry scaly rash and also involves the interdigital spaces of the hands. Tinea pedis is a fungal infection of feet, whereas onychomycosis represents a fungal infection of the nails, characterised by nail dystrophy, hyperkeratosis. Kerion is the name given to secondarily infected tinea capitis leading to a soft boggy swelling over the scalp. Psoriasis presents as silvery scales over the extensors of the body and it may involve the nails, scalp and joints.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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Question 10
Correct
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What is the site of action of antidiuretic hormone?
Your Answer: Collecting ducts
Explanation:Vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH), regulates the tonicity of body fluids. It is released from the posterior pituitary in response to hypertonicity and promotes water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidneys by the insertion of aquaporin-2 channels.. An incidental consequence of this renal reabsorption of water is concentrated urine and reduced urine volume. In high concentrations may also raise blood pressure by inducing moderate vasoconstriction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 11
Incorrect
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An elderly woman is referred with worsening chronic pulmonary disease (COPD). She smokes seven cigarettes per day. Her exercise tolerance is only a few yards around the house now. Her FEV1 is 37% of predicted.
What is the most appropriate intervention for this patient?Your Answer: Give regular Ventolin
Correct Answer: Give regular high-dose inhaled fluticasone and inhaled long-acting β-agonist
Explanation: -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 73-year-old woman presents with severe emphysema. She is on maximal therapy including high dose Seretide and tiotropium. She tells you that she is so unwell that she can barely manage the walk the 160 metres to the bus stop.
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On examination she looks short of breath at rest. Her BP is 158/74 mmHg, pulse is 76 and regular. There are quiet breath sounds, occasional coarse crackles and wheeze on auscultation of the chest.
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Investigations show:
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Haemoglobin 14.2 g/dl (13.5-17.7)
White cell count 8.4 x 109/l (4-11)
Platelets 300 x 109/l (150-400)
Sodium 137 mmol/l (135-146)
Potassium 4.1 mmol/l (3.5-5)
Creatinine 127 micromol/l (79-118)
pH 7.4 (7.35-7.45)
pCO2 7.5 kPa (4.8-6.1)
pO2 9.7 kPa (10-13.3)
Chest x-ray - Prominent upper lobe emphysema.
FEV1 - 30% of predicted.
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Which of the features of her history, examination or investigations would preclude referral for lung reduction surgery?Your Answer: Severe limitation of exercise capacity
Correct Answer: pCO2 7.4
Explanation:Nice guidelines for lung reduction surgery:
FEV1 > 20% predicted
PaCO2 < 7.3 kPa
TLco > 20% predicted
Upper lobe predominant emphysemaThis patient has pCO2 of 7.4 so she is unsuitable for referral for lung reduction surgery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory System
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Question 13
Correct
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A 15-year-old girl presents with vomiting and her investigations show:
Sodium 115 mmol/L (137-144)
Potassium 3.0 mmol/L (3.5-4.9)
Urea 2.1 mmol/L (2.5-7.5)
Urine sodium 2 mmol/L
Urine osmolality 750 mosmol/kg (350-1000)
What is the most likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Bulimia nervosa
Explanation:The patient is most likely to have Bulimia nervosa. A young girl with a low body mass contributes to the low urea. Hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia are due to vomiting. Her urine sodium is also low.
– In Addison’s diseases, there are low levels of sodium and high levels of potassium in the blood. In acute adrenal crisis: The most consistent finding is elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Urinary and sweat sodium also may be elevated.
– In Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) there is hyponatremia with corresponding hypo-osmolality, continued renal excretion of sodium, urine less than maximally dilute and absence of clinical evidence of volume depletion. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 14
Correct
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A 50-year-old male was under treatment for bipolar disease. He was brought to the emergency department as he had become increasingly confused over the past two days. He had vomiting and diarrhoea. He was also consuming and passing a lot of water.
On examination, he was disoriented. He had vertical nystagmus and was ataxic.
What two investigations are likely to lead to the correct diagnosis?Your Answer: Desmopressin test and serum lithium level
Explanation:Desmopressin test (done to differentiate nephrogenic diabetes insipidus from central diabetes insipidus), and serum lithium levels can together confirm a diagnosis of lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Bipolar disease is most often managed with mood stabilizers like lithium. This patient develops gastrointestinal symptoms followed by an acute confusional state associated with polyuria and polydipsia. These symptoms are suggestive of diabetes insipidus.
In a case where these symptoms occur in a bipolar patient under treatment, lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus should be considered as the most probable cause.
Lithium intoxication can present with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, mental dullness, action tremor, weakness, ataxia, slurred speech, blurred vision, dizziness, especially vertical nystagmus and stupor or coma. Diffuse myoclonic twitching and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can also occur. Such a clinical syndrome occurs above the serum level of lithium of 1.5-2.0 mEq/L.
Management:
– Correcting electrolyte abnormalities in patients with acute disease is critical and often life-saving.
– Treatment should be initiated with parenteral fluids to replete hypovolemia (normal saline at 200-250 mL/h), followed by administration of hypotonic fluid (0.5% normal saline).
– On the restoration of the volume status of the patient forced diuresis should be initiated by the administration of parenteral furosemide or bumetanide accompanied by continued intravenous hypotonic fluid administration to maintain volume status.
– Polyuria is managed with hydrochlorothiazide combined with amiloride, acetazolamide. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency & Critical Care
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Question 15
Correct
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According to the Vaughan Williams classification of antiarrhythmic agents, lidocaine is a:
Your Answer: Class Ib agent
Explanation:Lidocaine is an example of class IB antiarrhythmics.
The Vaughan-Williams classification of antiarrhythmics
I: Membrane stabilizing agents
IA: Quinidine, Procainamide, Disopyramide
IB: Lidocaine, Mexiletine
IC: Propafenone, Flecainide
II: β blockers – Propranolol, Esmolol
III: Agents widening AP – Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Dofetilide, Ibutilide, Sotalol
IV: Calcium channel blockers – Verapamil, Diltiazem
V: Miscellaneous – Digoxin, adenosine, magnesium -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 16
Correct
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An 18-year-old boy with a history of bloody diarrhoea and fever, presents with a skin rash and low urine output. Blood tests and urinalysis reveal increased levels of urea and creatinine and haematuria. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome
Explanation:Signs and symptoms of haemolytic uremic syndrome can include bloody diarrhoea, low urine output, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and general fatigue. Increased values of urea and creatinine are also typical.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology & Oncology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old lawyer presents with non-specific symptoms of tiredness.
Blood tests reveal normal thyroid function, cortisol, growth hormone and gonadotropins. Pituitary MRI reveals a 0.8cm microadenoma.
Which of the following represents the most appropriate course of action?Your Answer: Treatment with dopamine agonist therapy
Correct Answer: Observation and reassurance
Explanation:The patient has a non-functioning pituitary tumour as her hormone profile is normal.
Non-functioning pituitary tumours are relatively common. A large number of these tumours are incidentally found pituitary microadenomas (<1 cm) and are usually of no clinical importance. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine System & Metabolism
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Question 18
Correct
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A 35-year-old gentleman is investigated for recurrent renal stones. He has been hospitalised on multiple occasions and has required lithotripsy three times. Investigations show the following:
Calcium 2.08 mmol/l
Phosphate 0.85 mmol/l
Parathyroid hormone 4.1 pmol/L (normal range = 0.8 - 8.5)
24 hour urinary calcium 521 mg/24 hours (normal range < 300)
Which one of the following treatments will most likely reduce the incidence of renal stones?Your Answer: Indapamide
Explanation:Indapamide is a mild thiazide-like diuretic with hypotensive effect, and compared to other thiazides, it is reported to also have less metabolic derangements. However, it may have beneficial hypo-calciuric effects that are often associated with thiazides, thus, in this case, we would recommend prescribing this to the patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Renal System
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Question 19
Correct
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Which of the following statements regarding psoriasis is incorrect?
Your Answer: Mediated by type 2 helper T cells
Explanation:Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease characterized by patches of skin typically red, dry, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis can affect the nails and produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails including pitting and onycholysis. Nail psoriasis occurs in 40-45% of people with psoriasis affecting the skin and has a lifetime incidence of 80-90% in those with psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is mediated by type 1 helper T cells which are involved in the cell mediated response.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- The Skin
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Question 20
Correct
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Which one of the following statements regarding interleukin 1 (IL-1) is true?
Your Answer: It is released mainly by macrophages/monocytes
Explanation:Interleukin 1 alpha and interleukin 1 beta (IL1 alpha and IL1 beta) are cytokines that participate in the regulation of immune responses, inflammatory reactions, and hematopoiesis. It is secreted mainly by macrophages and monocytes and acts as a costimulator of T cell and B cell proliferation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune System
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
