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Question 1
Correct
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Which mechanism of action does Trimethoprim use?
Your Answer: Inhibit Folic Acid metabolism
Explanation:Trimethoprim binds to dihydrofolate reductase and inhibits the reduction of dihydrofolic acid (DHF) to tetrahydrofolic acid (THF). THF is an essential precursor in the thymidine synthesis pathway and interference with this pathway inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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Concerning the sleep-wake cycle, Melatonin is secreted by which structure in the brain following which environmental conditions?
Your Answer: Pineal gland, darkness
Explanation:Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland located in the midline attached to the posterior roof of the third ventricle in the brain. Melatonin affects circadian rhythm in the body or the sleep wake cycle. The precursor to melatonin is serotonin and the rate limiting enzyme that converts serotonin to melatonin is low during the day time and reaches its peak during the night.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 3
Incorrect
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Which of the following intercellular connections is important in endothelial barrier function?
Your Answer: Gap junctions
Correct Answer: Tight junctions
Explanation:Tight junctions surround the apical margins of the epithelial cells such as in the intestinal mucosa and the choroid plexus. They are also important to the endothelial barrier function. They are made up of ridges that adhere to each other strongly at the cell junction, obliterating the space completely between the cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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A 39-year-old accountant with long-standing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is reviewed in clinic. He has recently switched from ranitidine to omeprazole. What is the main benefit of omeprazole compared to ranitidine?
Your Answer: Irreversible blockade of H+/K+ ATPase
Explanation:Proton pump inhibitors can reduce gastric acid secretion by up to 99%. Acid production resumes following the normal renewal of gastric parietal cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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The largest energy reserves among both lean and obese subjects are from?
Your Answer: Carbohydrates
Correct Answer: Fatty acids
Explanation:The energy required for sustained exercise is provided by the oxidation of two fuels, glucose stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle, and long-chain fatty acids, stored as adipose tissue triglycerides. The latter provides the largest energy reserve in the body.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Choose the correct answer: The interposed nuclei…
Your Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer: Are the emboliform and globose nuclei in the paravermis
Explanation:The interposed nuclei are a part of deep cerebellar complex and are composed of the globose nucleus and the emboliform nucleus. It receives afferent fibers from the anterior lobe of the cerebellum and sends output via the superior cerebellar peduncle to the red nucleus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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In the Fick‘s method of measuring cardiac output, the arterial oxygen content can be measured in a sample obtained from
Your Answer: The aorta
Correct Answer: The pulmonary vein
Explanation:In Fick’s original method, the following variables are measured:VO2, oxygen consumption in ml of pure gaseous oxygen per minute. This may be measured using a spirometer within a closed rebreathing circuit incorporating a CO2 absorberCa, the oxygen concentration of blood taken from the pulmonary vein (representing oxygenated blood)Cv, the oxygen concentration of blood from an intravenous cannula (representing deoxygenated blood)From these values, we know that:VO2 = (CO x Ca) – (CO x Cv)where CO = Cardiac Output, Ca = Oxygen concentration of arterial blood and Cv = Oxygen concentration of mixed venous blood.This allows us to sayCO = VO2/{Ca – Cv}and hence calculate cardiac output.Note that (Ca – Cv) is also known as the arteriovenous oxygen difference.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 8
Correct
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An 80-year-old woman with advanced COPD has been admitted to the medicine ward in an unconscious state. She appears to have an acute lower respiratory tract infection. After consulting with an anaesthesiologist it was concluded that she was not a candidate for intensive care unit admission and thus, a decision was made to start the patient on doxapram therapy. Which of the following best fits the characteristics of doxapram?
Your Answer: It is contraindicated in hyperthyroidism
Explanation:The two statements that fit the characteristics of doxapram are, epilepsy is a contraindication for doxapram use and concurrent use with theophylline may increase agitation.Doxapram is a central respiratory stimulant. In clinical practice, doxapram is usually used for patients who have an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are unsuitable for admission to the intensive therapy unit for ventilatory support. Doxapram infusion may buy an extra 24 h to allow for recovery.Contraindications include: ischaemic heart disease, epilepsy, cerebral oedema, acute stroke, asthma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and pheochromocytoma. The infusion may worsen agitation and dyspnoea and lead to hypertension, nausea, vomiting and urinary retention.Drug interactions:Concomitant administration of doxapram and aminophylline (theophylline) can cause increased skeletal muscle activity, agitation, and hyperactivity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Correct
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Which one of the following leads to decreased prolactin levels?
Your Answer: Dopamine
Explanation:Dopamine has an important effect on the regulation of prolactin secretion. Dopamine binds to type-2 dopamine receptors of the lactotroph cells that are functionally linked to membrane channels and G proteins and suppresses the high secretory activity of the pituitary lactotrophs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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The small opening in the cochlea through which the upper scala vestibuli and lower scala tympani communicates is called the:
Your Answer: Helicotrema
Explanation:The helicotrema is the part of cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 11
Correct
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One of the functions of the spleen with regards to red blood cells is:
Your Answer: To filter and remove aged and abnormal red blood cells
Explanation:The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells (also referred to as erythrocytes) and the immune system. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood, which can be valuable in case of haemorrhagic shock, and also recycles iron. As a part of the mononuclear phagocyte system, it metabolizes haemoglobin removed from senescent erythrocytes. The globin portion of haemoglobin is degraded to its constitutive amino acids, and the haem portion is metabolized to bilirubin, which is removed in the liver.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Chief cells secrete:
Your Answer: Pepsinogen and mucus
Correct Answer: Pepsinogen and gastric lipase
Explanation:A gastric chief cell (or peptic cell, or gastric zymogenic cell) is a type of cell in the stomach that releases pepsinogen and gastric lipase.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Functions of the glossopharyngeal nerve include the following except:
Your Answer: Transmission of afferent impulses from the carotid baro- and chemoreceptors to the nucleus tractus solitarius in the medulla
Correct Answer: Proprioceptive input from muscles of the tongue and larynx
Explanation:The glossopharyngeal nerve is a mixed nerve consisting of both sensory and motor fibers. It has several branches and five distinct general functions:Branchial motor- Special visceral efferent- supplies the Stylopharyngeus muscle and superior constrictor muscle.Visceral motor- general visceral efferent- provides parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland.Visceral sensory- general visceral afferent- carries visceral sensory information from the carotid sinus and carotid body.General sensory- general somatic afferent- provides general sensory information from the inner surface of the tympanic membrane, upper pharynx and posterior one third of the tongue.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:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 14
Correct
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Renin is secreted by which of the following cells?
Your Answer: Juxtaglomerular cells
Explanation:The juxtaglomerular cells are cells in the kidney that synthesize, store, and secrete the enzyme renin. They are specialized smooth muscle cells mainly in the walls of the afferent arterioles, and some in the efferent arterioles, that deliver blood to the glomerulus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 15
Correct
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The TSH receptor produces its effects in the thyrocyte via:
Your Answer: G-protein coupled activation of adenylyl cyclise and phospholipase c
Explanation:The thyrotropin receptor, also known as TSH receptor, responds to the thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrotropin to stimulate production of T3 and T4. It is a G protein-coupled receptor which leads to stimulation of phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase, mediated by Gq/11 and Gs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Calcium needed for cardiac muscle contraction is made available during which phase of the action potential?
Your Answer: 1
Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:It is made available during the plateau phase of the action potential i.e. phase 2. During the plateau phase of the action potential, Calcium from the extracellular fluid enters through the L type of calcium channels. This entry triggers the release of more calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via the ryanodine receptors.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 17
Correct
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Xanthines such as caffeine and theophylline are positively inotropic due to:
Your Answer: Inhibition of cAMP breakdown
Explanation:Xanthines exert their positive inotropic effect by inhibiting the breakdown of the cAMP resulting in stronger and sustained contractions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 18
Correct
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The oesophagus is lined by
Your Answer: Stratified squamous epithelium
Explanation:The wall of the oesophagus from the lumen outwards consists of mucosa, submucosa (connective tissue), layers of muscle fibers between layers of fibrous tissue, and an outer layer of connective tissue. The mucosa is a stratified squamous epithelium of around three layers of squamous cells, which contrasts to the single layer of columnar cells of the stomach. The transition between these two types of epithelium is visible as a zig-zag line. Most of the muscle is smooth muscle although striated muscle predominates in its upper two thirds.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 19
Correct
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A 48-year-old male with a history of bipolar disorder presents with acute confusion. In-transit to hospital he had a generalized seizure which terminated spontaneously after around 30 seconds. On arrival to the emergency department, his GCS is 14/15 and he is noted to have a coarse tremor. Suspecting a diagnosis of lithium toxicity, intravenous access is obtained, a blood sample was drawn for investigations and a saline infusion is started. The blood investigations revealed:Lithium level: 4.2 mmol/lNa+: 136 mmol/lK+: 4.6 mmol/lUrea: 8.1 mmol/lCreatinine: 99 µmol/lBicarbonate: 18 mmol/lWhat is the most appropriate management for the patient?
Your Answer: Arrange haemodialysis
Explanation:The presentation of the patient is typical of chronic lithium toxicity (due to the presence of mainly neurological manifestations). Additional to the blood investigations mentioned, urine analysis, electrolyte levels, and renal function should also be performed. A low urine Anion gap and a low urine specific gravity are highly suggestive of lithium toxicity.ECG obtained in this patient is likely to show: nonspecific, diffuse ST segment depression with T wave inversion.Acute lithium toxicity presents with more GI manifestations while, the clinical features of chronic lithium toxicity are mainly neurological and can include:Coarse tremors (fine tremors are seen in therapeutic levels), hyperreflexia, acute confusion, seizures, and coma.The management of lithium toxicity is as follows:Immediate GI decontamination with gastric lavage (in case of acute intoxication)Saline Administrations: the goal of saline administration is to restore GFR, normalize urine output and enhance lithium clearance.Haemodialysis remains the mainstay treatment for lithium toxicity as lithium is readily dialyzed because of water solubility, low volume of distribution, and lack of protein binding.The Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning Workgroup (EXTRIP Workgroup) recommendations for dialysis (extracorporeal treatment) in lithium toxicity include:• Impaired kidney function and lithium levels > 4.0 mEq/L• Decreased consciousness, seizures, or life-threatening dysrhythmias, regardless of lithium levels• Levels are > 5.0 mEq/L, significant confusion is noted, or the expected time to reduce levels to < 1.0 mEq/L is more than 36 hoursAs post-dialysis rebound elevations in lithium levels have been documented, continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) has been advocated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Which of the following runs in the upper part of the falx cerebri?
Your Answer: Tentorium cerebella
Correct Answer: Superior sagittal sinus
Explanation:Falx cerebri is a sickle cell fold of dura between the two hemispheres. Its posterior part blends with the superior part of the tentorium cerebelli. The superior sagittal sinus runs in its upper fixed margin, the inferior sagittal sinus in the free concave margin and the straight sinus along its attachment to the tentorium cerebelli.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 21
Correct
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A 40-year-old man is admitted to the Emergency Department in a confused state. He tells you that he consumed two bottles of antifreeze. On examination, his pulse is 120 bpm and blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg. An arterial blood gas analysis shows uncompensated metabolic acidosis. He is transferred to the high dependency unit and ethanol is given via a nasogastric tube. How does ethanol help this patient?
Your Answer: Competes with ethylene glycol for alcohol dehydrogenase
Explanation:Ethanol competes with ethylene glycol for alcohol dehydrogenase and thus, helps manage a patient with ethylene glycol toxicity.Ethylene glycol is a type of alcohol used as a coolant or antifreezeFeatures of toxicity are divided into 3 stages:Stage 1: (30 min to 12 hours after exposure) Symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication: confusion, slurred speech, dizziness (CNS depression)Stage 2: (12 – 48 hours after exposure) Metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap and high osmolar gap. Also tachycardia, hypertensionStage 3: (24 – 72 hours after exposure) Acute renal failureManagement has changed in recent times:Fomepizole, an inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, is now used first-line in preference to ethanol.Ethanol has been used for many years works by competing with ethylene glycol for the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase this limits the formation of toxic metabolites (e.g. glycolaldehyde and glycolic acid) which are responsible for the hemodynamic/metabolic features of poisoning.Haemodialysis has a role in refractory cases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Correct
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Regarding Polymerase Chain Reaction, all are true except:
Your Answer: There is a linear rise of DNA copies during amplification.
Explanation:All are true except there is a linear rise of DNA copies during amplification. There is an exponential rise in amplification of DNA.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Embryologically the anterior pituitary is formed from?
Your Answer: Neural crest cells
Correct Answer: Rathkes pouch
Explanation:The ectoderm, located in the roof of the pharynx, forms Rathke’s pouch, which comes into contact with the ectoderm of the developing brain. The pouch eventually separates from the pharynx, becoming the anterior pituitary.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Which of the following would provide relief from nausea and vomiting?
Your Answer: Bromocriptine
Correct Answer: Cannabinoids
Explanation:Ondansetron, chlorpromazine and haloperidol are effective antiemetic agents. Corticosteroids, cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines, alone or in combination with 5-HT3 and D2 antagonists, are also useful in the treatment of vomiting produced by chemotherapy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 26
Correct
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A 50-year-old hypertensive male on phenytoin and clobazam for partial seizures is also taking lisinopril, cimetidine, sucralfate, and allopurinol. The last few drugs were added recently. He now presents with ataxia, slurred speech, and blurred vision.Which recently added drug is most likely to be the cause of his latest symptoms?
Your Answer: Cimetidine
Explanation:The symptoms of ataxia, slurred speech and blurred vision are all suggestive of phenytoin toxicity. Cimetidine increases the efficacy of phenytoin by reducing its hepatic metabolism.Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index (10-20 mg/L) and its levels are monitored by measuring the total phenytoin concentration.Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. It acts by decreasing gastric acid secretion.Cimetidine also has an inhibitory effect on several isoforms of the cytochrome enzyme system including the CYP450 enzymatic pathway. Phenytoin is metabolized by the same cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. Thus, the simultaneous administration of both these medications leads to an inhibition of phenytoin metabolism and thus increases its circulating levels leading to phenytoin toxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Correct
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Which one of the following interventions has the least role in management of acne rosacea?
Your Answer: Low-dose topical corticosteroids
Explanation:Mild cases are often not treated at all, or are simply covered up with normal cosmetics and avoiding sun exposure. Therapy for the treatment of rosacea is not curative, and is best measured in terms of reduction in the amount of facial redness and inflammatory lesions. The two primary modalities of rosacea treatment are topical and oral antibiotic agents (including metronidazole and tetracyclines). Laser therapy may be appropriate for patients with prominent telangiectasia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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A study is developed to look at the potential of hip protectors to reduce femoral neck fractures in elderly nursing home patients. The study included 800 patients randomly selected with an average age of 82 years of age. The data was collected over a two year period and the patients were randomly put in the standard care group or the hip protector group. From the 400 patients assigned to the hip protector group, 10 had a femoral neck fracture over the two year period. From the 400 patients assigned to the standard care group, 20 had a femoral neck fracture over the two year period. What is the correct value regarding the absolute risk reduction?
Your Answer: 0.025
Explanation:Absolute risk reduction (ARR) – also called risk difference (RD) – is the most useful way of presenting research results to help your decision-making. In this example, the ARR is 8 per cent (20 per cent – 12 per cent = 8 per cent). This means that, if 100 children were treated, 8 would be prevented from developing bad outcomes. Another way of expressing this is the number needed to treat (NNT). If 8 children out of 100 benefit from treatment, the NNT for one child to benefit is about 13 (100 ÷ 8 = 12.5). CER = 20 / 400 = 1 / 20 = 0.05, EER = 10 / 400 = 0.025, ARR =CER – EER = 0.025
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
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Question 29
Correct
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Where do the spinothalamic axons decussate?
Your Answer: Spinal cord
Explanation:The second order neurons from the spinothalamic tract cross obliquely to the opposite side in the anterior grey and white commissure within one segment of the spinal cord.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which vagus nerve mainly supplies the AV node?
Your Answer: Both left and right vagus
Correct Answer: Left vagus
Explanation:As the AV node develops from the left side of the embryo It is supplied by the left vagus nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
