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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 28 year old male arrives at the clinic complaining of fever, arthralgia and urethritis. On examination, the ankle is swollen and there is a pustular rash on the dorsal foot. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Reactive arthritis
Correct Answer: Disseminated gonorrhoea
Explanation:DGI presents as two syndromes: 1) a bacteremic form that includes a triad of tenosynovitis, dermatitis, and polyarthralgias without purulent arthritis and 2) a septic arthritis form characterized as a purulent arthritis without associated skin lesions. Many patients will have overlapping features of both syndromes. Time from infection to clinical manifestations may range from 1 day to 3 months. There is no travel history and the rash of Lyme disease is not purulent. Reactive arthritis presents with conjunctivitis, urethritis and arthritis usually with a red hot tender and swollen joint.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 2
Incorrect
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The process whereby bacterial products interact with plasma factors and cells to produce agents that attract neutrophils to an infected area is called:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Chemotaxis
Explanation:During an inflammatory process many cytokines are produced that act as chemokines to attract neutrophils to the site of inflammation. These include bacterial products, IL-8, C5a and LTB4.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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The lamina propria contains all of the following except:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:The connective tissue of the lamina propria is very loose, allowing it to be very cell rich. The cell population of the lamina propria is variable and can include, for example, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, eosinophilic leukocytes, and mast cells. It provides support and nutrition to the epithelium, as well as the means to bind to the underlying tissue.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 4
Incorrect
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Which is true of the citric acid cycle?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Involves a series of reactions where oxaloacetate is regenerated
Explanation:The cycle consumes acetate (in the form of acetyl-CoA) and water, reduces NAD+ to NADH, and produces carbon dioxide as a waste by-product. The NADH generated by the citric acid cycle is fed into the oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport) pathway. At the end of each cycle, the four-carbon oxaloacetate has been regenerated, and the cycle continues. The net result of these two closely linked pathways is the oxidation of nutrients to produce usable chemical energy in the form of ATP. Acetyl-CoA, is the starting point for the citric acid cycle and in eukaryotic cells, the citric acid cycle occurs in the matrix of the mitochondrion. Though the Krebs cycle does not directly require oxygen, it can only take place when oxygen is present because it relies on by-products and is therefore an aerobic process.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 5
Incorrect
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A sarcomere is the area between:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Two adjacent z lines
Explanation:The area that lies between the two adjacent Z lines is known as a sarcomere and is the contractile unit of the muscle. The line passing in the middle of the myosin filaments is the M line. It also passes through the middle of the sarcomere.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 6
Incorrect
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The coronary arteries fill during?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Diastole
Explanation:During systole the coronary arteries collapse as a result of the pressure due to contraction that is exerted on them. During diastole the heart muscle relaxes and the pressure on the coronary vessels is relieved allowing blood to flow through them to the subendocardium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements correctly describes a function of the parasympathetic innervation of the GI tract.
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Parasympathetic cholinergic activity increases the activity of intestinal smooth muscle
Explanation:The parasympathetic nerves stimulate peristalsis and relax the sphincters; they also stimulate secretion. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Which of the following factors is directly responsible for the breakdown of fibrinogen to fibrin?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Thrombin
Explanation:Prothrombin (coagulation factor II) is proteolytically cleaved to form thrombin in the coagulation cascade, the clotting process. Thrombin in turn acts as a serine protease that converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble strands of fibrin, as well as catalysing many other coagulation-related reactions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 9
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A 74-year-old man who has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and heart failure is being started on digoxin. What is the mechanism of action of digoxin?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer:
Explanation:Digoxin works by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in cardiac myocytes. Here’s how it works:
- Inhibition of Na+/K+ ATPase: Digoxin binds to and inhibits the Na+/K+ ATPase pump, which is responsible for pumping sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.
- Increased intracellular sodium: Inhibition of this pump leads to an increase in intracellular sodium levels.
- Decreased activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger: The increased intracellular sodium reduces the activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger, which normally pumps calcium out of the cell in exchange for sodium.
- Increased intracellular calcium: As a result, intracellular calcium levels rise because less calcium is being extruded from the cell. The increased calcium is then stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
- Enhanced contractility: During each action potential, more calcium is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm, which enhances the contractility of the heart muscle (positive inotropic effect).
By increasing the force of contraction, digoxin helps improve cardiac output in patients with heart failure. Additionally, digoxin has vagomimetic effects, which can help control the heart rate in atrial fibrillation by increasing vagal tone and thereby reducing the conduction velocity through the atrioventricular node.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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What is the most common cardiac defect seen in patients with Down’s syndrome?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Atrioventricular septal defect
Explanation:The rate of congenital heart disease in new-borns with Down syndrome is around 40%. Of those with heart disease, about 80% have an atrioventricular septal defect or ventricular septal defect with the former being more common. Mitral valve problems become common as people age, even in those without heart problems at birth.[3] Other problems that may occur include tetralogy of Fallot and patent ductus arteriosus.[38] People with Down syndrome have a lower risk of hardening of the arteries
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Xanthines (for example Caffeine), exhibit their positive inotropic effect by:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inhibiting the breakdown cAMP
Explanation:Xanthines exert their positive inotropic effect by inhibiting the breakdown of the cAMP resulting in stronger and sustained contraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 23 year old male presents with a history of lower back pain for the last one year. Presence of which of the following features most likely points towards ankylosing spondylitis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Bilateral erosion of sacroiliac joints on X-ray
Explanation:Bilateral erosions of the sacroiliac joints on pelvic radiographs of patients with ankylosing spondylitis are an important feature of the modified New York classification criteria. Although HLA-B27 is commonly associated with AS, it can also be found in normal individuals. Back stiffness is worse in the morning and gets better as the day progresses. Tenderness and limited lumbar motion can be associated with other spine problems as well and is not characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Around 30 patients have been admitted to the hospital following a suspected chemical attack in the city. The patients are extremely unwell, with symptoms of excessive salivation, lacrimation, diarrhoea, and emesis. Sarin gas was suspected as the most likely agent used in the attack. What is the mechanism of action of this chemical agent?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
Explanation:Sarin acts by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.Sarin gas is a highly toxic synthetic organophosphorus compound which causes inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesteraseSarin gas is a highly toxic synthetic organophosphorus compound which causes inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This results in high levels of acetylcholine (ACh).The effects of excessive ACh can be remembered by the mnemonic DUMBELLS:DiarrhoeaUrinationMiosis/muscle weaknessBronchorrhea/BradycardiaEmesisLacrimationSalivation/sweatingOrganophosphate insecticide poisoning:One of the effects of organophosphate poisoning is inhibition of acetylcholinesteraseFeatures can be predicted by the accumulation of acetylcholine (mnemonic = SLUD)SalivationLacrimationUrinationDefecation/diarrhoeacardiovascular: hypotension, bradycardiamiosis, muscle fasciculation.Organophosphate poisoning is treated with the anti-muscarinic atropine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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In adults, the major site of haematopoiesis is?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: The axial skeleton
Explanation:Bone marrow is the flexible tissue in the interior of bones. In humans, red blood cells are produced by cores of bone marrow in the heads of long bones.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Hydroxyl radicals are broken down by which of the following substance?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Antioxidants
Explanation:Unlike superoxide, which can be detoxified by superoxide dismutase, the hydroxyl radical cannot be eliminated by an enzymatic reaction but it is believed can be counteracted by antioxidants.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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The process where by DNA fragments are separated by size and charge is called:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gel electrophoresis
Explanation:Fragments of DNA of varying length can be separated on the basis of their charge and their size by a process called gel electrophoresis. Because DNA contains negatively charged phosphate groups, it will migrate in an electric field toward the positive electrode. Shorter chains migrate more rapidly through the pores of the gel, and thus separation depends on length. DNA bands in the gel can be visualized by various techniques including staining with dyes and autoradiography.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A 27-year-old man presents with a regular tachycardia of 190 bpm. He is healthy and has no past medical history. Blood pressure and blood tests are all within normal parameters however the ECG confirms a narrow complex tachycardia. The tachycardia persists after giving IV adenosine 6mg. What should be the next step in management of this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: IV 12mg adenosine
Explanation:For narrow complex tachycardias with no compromise then vagal manoeuvres should be trialled first. The Valsalva manoeuvre should be the first vagal manoeuvre tried and works by increasing intra-thoracic pressure and affecting baroreceptors (pressure sensors) within the arch of the aorta. It is carried out by asking the patient to hold his/her breath while trying to exhale forcibly as if straining during a bowel movement. Adenosine, an ultra-short-acting AV nodal blocking agent, is indicated if vagal manoeuvres are not effective. Adenosine may be safely used during pregnancy. In adults the recommended first dose of intravenous adenosine is 6 mg. The dose is administered rapidly and then followed by a saline flush. Adenosine is only present in the circulation for about 5 seconds, so it is an excellent drug for diagnosis and treatment. If there was a response to adenosine but it was not long lasting, an additional dose of 12 mg of adenosine intravenously can be attempted. Doses greater than 12 mg are not recommended. If adenosine fails then Verapamil or a beta blocker can be used as alternatives. If the patient is hemodynamically unstable or other treatments have not been effective, synchronized electrical cardioversion may be used.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Which of the following forms an important constituent of the brush border on the microvilli of the intestinal epithelium?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hydrolases
Explanation:There are certain enzymes which are part of the brush border cells including hydrolases also known as the brush border hydrolases. They perform the final step in digestion of certain nutrients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 20
Incorrect
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The axons of the POST ganglionic neurons are mostly?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: C fibers
Explanation:According to Erlanger- Grasser classification preganglionic fibers are B fibers whereas post ganglionic fibers are C fibers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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What is the protective hexametric sequence at the ends of chromosomes called?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Telomere
Explanation:Telomeres are non coding DNA plus proteins that are found at the end of the linear chromosomes. They maintain the integrity of the chromosomes and prevent their shortening.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following substances inhibits pancreatic secretion?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Pancreatic polypeptide
Explanation:Number of hormones and neurotransmitters can stimulate and inhibit pancreatic exocrine secretion. Cholecystokinin, secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P stimulate pancreatic secretion. Pancreatic polypeptide, somatostatin inhibit pancreatic secretion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Where in the course of the gastrointestinal tract does the first significant digestion of fat begin in a normal human being?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Duodenum
Explanation:The enzyme lipase which is responsible for digestion of fat is secreted by the exocrine pancreas in the 2nd part of the duodenum at the point where the pancreatic duct opens. It opens together with the common bile duct which contains bile that emulsify fat aiding in digestion. The oesophagus, stomach and mouth do not contain enzymes related to fat digestion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a cause of onycholysis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Mycoplasma pneumonia
Explanation:Onycholysis is the separation of the distal edge of the nail from the vascular nailbed causing whiteness of the free edge. Causes include:- Idiopathic- Trauma, excessive manicuring- Infection: especially fungal- Skin disease: psoriasis, dermatitis- Impaired peripheral circulation e.g. Raynaud’s- Systemic disease: hyper/hypothyroidism, reactive arthritis, porphyria cutanea tarda- Sometimes a reaction to detergents (e.g. washing dishes with bare hands, using detergent-based shampoos or soaps).- Patients with hepatocellular dysfunction may develop hair-thinning or hair loss and nail changes such as clubbing, leukonychia (whitening), or onycholysis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Neutrophils are attracted to an infected area by:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Chemokines
Explanation:The major role of chemokines is to act as a chemoattractant to guide the migration of cells like neutrophils to the site of infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 27
Incorrect
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A 47-year-old woman diagnosed with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer three months ago was started on treatment with tamoxifen. Which of the following is most likely a complaint of this patient during her review today?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hot flushes
Explanation:The most likely complaint of this patient would be hot flushes.
Alopecia and cataracts are listed as possible side-effects, however they are not as prevalent as hot flushes, which are very common in pre-menopausal women.
Tamoxifen is a Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) which acts as an oestrogen receptor antagonist and partial agonist. It is used in the management of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Adverse effects:
- Menstrual disturbance: vaginal bleeding, amenorrhoea
- Hot flushes – 3% of patients stop taking tamoxifen due to climacteric side-effects.
- Venous thromboembolism.
- Endometrial cancer (although antagonistic with respects to breast tissue, tamoxifen may serve as an agonist at other sites. Therefore the risk of endometrial cancer is increased). Raloxifene is a pure oestrogen receptor antagonist and carries a lower risk of endometrial cancer.
Tamoxifen is typically used for 5 years following the removal of the tumour.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old woman under treatment for long-term epilepsy with valproate presented with complaints of excessive weight gain. She is consuming oral contraceptive pills.Which among the following is the best alternative to valproate for treating long-term epilepsy?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Lamotrigine
Explanation:Among the given anti-epileptics the best drug that can be given in this patient is lamotrigine.Topiramate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital are all hepatic enzyme inducers and are associated with decreased effectiveness of the oral contraceptive (OCP) due to acceleration of the metabolism of oestrogens and progestogens.If she is planning on pregnancy then registry studies suggest that lamotrigine would also be the best choice.Other hepatic enzyme inducers include rifampicin, spironolactone, griseofulvin, etc.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Anti-gastroesophageal reflux mechanisms include the following except:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Peristaltic movements of the oesophagus
Explanation:The lower oesophageal sphincter contracts preventing reflux of acid into the oesophagus. The sling muscles of the stomach, the crura of the diaphragm and the phreno-oesophageal ligament all play an important role in constricting the lower portion of the oesophagus and preventing reflux. Peristaltic movements do not stop the acid reflux.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
