-
Question 1
Correct
-
The effects of β1 stimulation include the following
Your Answer: Increased strength of contraction
Explanation:β1 stimulation include the phosphorylation of L type Ca++ channels and phospholamban and increased Ca++ influx from myocytes.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
Platelets are stored in this body organ.
Your Answer: Spleen
Explanation:Megakaryocyte and platelet production is regulated by thrombopoietin. Each megakaryocyte produces between 1,000 and 3,000 platelets during its lifetime. An average of 1011 platelets are produced daily in a healthy adult. Reserve platelets are stored in the spleen, and are released when needed by splenic contraction induced by the sympathetic nervous system.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 3
Incorrect
-
Periodic fevers occur in humans with mutations in the gene for pyrin. Pyrin is a protein found in which one of the following cells?
Your Answer: T lymphocytes
Correct Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:Pyrin, also known as marenostrin or TRIM20, is a protein encoded by the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene, causing the autoinflammatory disease familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Pyrin produces an increased sensitivity to intracellular signals. It is produced mainly in neutrophils, which display an increased ratio of cells entering apoptosis when exposed to pyrin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 4
Correct
-
In a newly diagnosed acromegaly patient, which of the following would you not expect to find?
Your Answer: Hypohidrosis
Explanation:Features of acromegaly may include:
- Soft tissue swelling visibly resulting in enlargement of the hands, feet, nose, lips and ears, and a general thickening of the skin
- Soft tissue swelling of internal organs, notably the heart with associated weakening of its muscularity, and the kidneys, vocal cords (resulting in a characteristic thick, deep voice and slowing of speech)
- Generalized expansion of the skull at the fontanelle, frontal bossing, prognathism with associated macroglossia (enlargement of the tongue) and teeth spacing.
- Hypertrichosis, hyperpigmentation and hyperhidrosis (not hypohidrosis) may occur in these patients as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and impotence.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 5
Correct
-
A 33 year old female presents with dyspnoea, myalgia, arthralgia and a skin rash. The presence of which of the following antibodies would be the most specific for SLE?
Your Answer: Anti-Sm
Explanation:Anti-Sm antibodies are essential for diagnosis of SLE, especially in anti-dsDNA-negative patients. ANA are also found in 95% of the patients with SLE but they may also occur with other conditions like Juvenile inflammatory arthritis, chronic activity hepatitis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Anti-Ro, although also found with SLE are more characteristic of Sjogren Syndrome. RF is usually associated with rheumatoid arthritis and cANCA with Wegener’s granulomatosis, Churg Strauss, and microscopic polyangiitis.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 6
Correct
-
ANP and BNP in the circulation act on the kidney to?
Your Answer: Increase sodium excretion
Explanation:The physiologic actions of BNP are similar to those of ANP and include decrease in systemic vascular resistance and central venous pressure as well as an increase in natriuresis (sodium excretion). The net effect of these peptides is a decrease in blood pressure due to the decrease in systemic vascular resistance and, thus, afterload.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
-
-
Question 7
Correct
-
Café-au-lait spots are seen in each of the following, except:
Your Answer: Friedreich's ataxia
Explanation:Café-au-lait spots are hyperpigmented lesions that vary in colour from light brown to dark brown, with borders that may be smooth or irregular.
Causes include:
- Neurofibromatosis type I
- McCune–Albright syndrome
- Legius syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Fanconi anaemia
- Idiopathic
- Ataxia-telangiectasia
- Basal cell nevus syndrome
- Benign congenital skin lesion
- Bloom syndrome
- Chediak-Higashi syndrome
- Congenital nevus
- Gaucher disease
- Hunter syndrome
- Maffucci syndrome
- Multiple mucosal neuroma syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
- Pulmonary Stenosis
- Silver–Russell syndrome
- Watson syndrome
- Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
When during the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
Your Answer: S phase
Explanation:The S phase is known as the synthesis phase. During this phase DNA will begin to replicated, as well as the synthesis of the centrosomes and associated proteins.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 9
Correct
-
Which enzyme hydrolyses triglycerides in lipoproteins into free fatty acids for storage in fat cells?
Your Answer: Lipoprotein lipase
Explanation:Lipoprotein lipase is a water-soluble enzyme that hydrolyses triglycerides in lipoproteins, such as those found in chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), into two free fatty acids and one monoacylglycerol molecule.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
-
-
Question 10
Incorrect
-
Which of the following features do mast cells and basophils have in common:
Your Answer: Both degranulate in response to histamine release
Correct Answer: Are essential for immediate type-hypersensitivity reactions
Explanation:Anaphylaxis is a severe immediate allergic reaction of rapid onset affecting many body systems. It is due to the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines from mast cells and basophils. Basophils are the least common of the granulocytes, representing about 0.5 to 1% of circulating white blood cells. However, they are the largest type of granulocyte. They are responsible for inflammatory reactions during immune response, as well as in the formation of acute and chronic allergic diseases, including anaphylaxis, asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever. They can perform phagocytosis (cell eating), produce histamine and serotonin that induce inflammation, and heparin that prevents blood clotting. Mast cells are similar in appearance and function. Both cell types store histamine, a chemical that is secreted by the cells when stimulated.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 11
Correct
-
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: 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 12
Correct
-
The bradycardia that occurs in patients with raised intracranial pressure is a result of the?
Your Answer: Cushing reflex
Explanation:When intracranial pressure is increased, the blood supply to RVLM neurons is compromised. This results in an increase in their discharge as a result of hypoxia and hypercapnia. The resultant rise in systemic arterial pressure (Cushing reflex) tends to restore the blood flow to the medulla.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 13
Incorrect
-
With regard to the cell membrane:
Your Answer: The cell membrane proteins make up 50% of the mass of the membrane
Correct Answer: It consists of an outer hydrophilic & an inner hydrophobic layer
Explanation:The cell membrane consists primarily of a thin layer of amphipathic phospholipids that spontaneously arrange with the hydrophobic tail regions on the inside and the hydrophilic head regions outside. Membranes typically have a large content of proteins, around 50% of membrane volume.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 14
Correct
-
Question 15
Correct
-
Which one of the following neurotransmitters is considered a monoamine?
Your Answer: Dopamine
Explanation:Monoamines are a class of neurotransmitters that include:
- Dopamine: A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.
- Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter involved in arousal, attention, and stress responses.
- Serotonin: Although not listed in the options, it is another key monoamine involved in mood regulation.
The other neurotransmitters listed are not monoamines:
- Acetylcholine: This is a different type of neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and various brain functions.
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): This is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- Glutamate: This is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- Glycine: An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 16
Incorrect
-
Regarding integrins, which option is false?
Your Answer: All of the options are true
Correct Answer: Play no role in cell signalling.
Explanation:Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion. Upon ligand binding, integrins activate signal transduction pathways that mediate cellular signals such as regulation of the cell cycle, organization of the intracellular cytoskeleton, and movement of new receptors to the cell membrane. Integrins are obligate heterodimers, meaning that they have two subunits: α (alpha) and β (beta). Integrins play an important role in cell signalling by modulating the cell signalling pathways of transmembrane protein kinases such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 17
Incorrect
-
Which of the following causes the closure of the ductus arteriosus during birth?
Your Answer: Increased levels of prostaglandins
Correct Answer: Reduced levels of prostaglandins
Explanation:Ductus arteriosus is kept open by the prostaglandin E2 which is a vasodilator. At birth the high levels of cyclooxygenase blocks the production of prostaglandins which results in the closure of the ductus arteriosus.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
The cells that secrete HCL are found in which part of the stomach?
Your Answer: Fundus
Correct Answer: Body
Explanation:The stomach can be divided in to different regions. Cardia, fundus, body, antrum and pylorus from proximal end to distal end respectively. Different cell types are distributed accordingly among the regions of the stomach. Cells that secret HCl in the gastric mucosa are known as parietal cells and are abundant in the gastric body region. They have receptors for acetylcholine stimulated via the vagus nerve, histamine receptors and gastrin receptors which stimulate gastric acid secretion. G cells that secret gastrin are abundant in the antrum.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
Which cell type functions as the critical bridge between innate and adaptive immune systems, by activating naïve T lymphocytes?
Your Answer: Dendritic cells
Explanation:Dendritic cells are antigen presenting cells. They express class II MHC and T cell co-stimulatory molecules. They bind antigens and present them to native T cells and in the process activate the specific T cell against that antigen.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 20
Correct
-
The oligosaccharidases responsible for further digestion of starch after breakdown by the above mentioned enzymes is located where?
Your Answer: Brush border of small intestine
Explanation:The final step in digestion of carbohydrates, which is conversion of disaccharides to absorbable monosaccharides occurs on the small intestinal epithelial cells. The enzymes responsible for this final stage of digestion are not freely found in the intestinal lumen, but they are found as integral membrane proteins in the plasma membrane of the epithelial cell. The apical plasma membrane of the intestinal epithelial cell has numerous microvilli known as the brush border. Thus, the enzymes embedded in those microvilli are referred to as brush border enzymes.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
Increase Gamma motor neuron activity produces what effect on the muscle spindle sensitivity?
Your Answer: Significant decrease
Correct Answer: Increase
Explanation:The muscle spindle is supplied by both sensory and motor nerves. Sensory supply is Type Ia fibers whereas motor supply is via gamma motor neurons. These neurons also play a role in adjusting the sensitivity of muscle spindles. Increased neuron activity increases the muscle spindle sensitivity.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 22
Correct
-
What is the isolated effect of B2 stimulation on the coronaries?
Your Answer: Vasodilatation
Explanation:Norepinephrine and epinephrine are agonists for all adrenergic receptor subtypes, although with varying affinities. Based on their physiology and pharmacology, adrenergic receptors have been divided into two principal types: alpha and beta. These types have been further differentiated into alpha-1, alpha-2, b1, and b2 receptors.
Alpha-1 Receptors are located on postsynaptic cells in smooth muscle and elicit vasoconstriction.
Alpha-2 receptors are localized on presynaptic membranes of postganglionic nerve terminals that synthesize norepinephrine. When activated by catecholamines, alpha-2 receptors act as negative feedback controllers, inhibiting further norepinephrine release.
Activation of myocardial b1 receptors stimulates the rate and strength of cardiac contraction, and consequently increases cardiac output. b1 Receptor activation also stimulates renin release from the kidney. Another class of antihypertensive agents acts by inhibiting b1 receptors.
Activation of b2 receptors by epinephrine relaxes vascular smooth muscle and results in vasodilation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 23
Correct
-
A 14-year-old girl presents with short stature, webbed neck and primary amenorrhoea.Given the likely clinical diagnosis, which hormone replacement is most crucial over the longer term?
Your Answer: Oestrogen
Explanation:This girl most likely has Turner syndrome (TS) also known as 45,X, a condition in which a female is partly or completely missing an X chromosome. Signs and symptoms vary among those affected. Often, a short and webbed neck, low-set ears, low hairline at the back of the neck, short stature, and swollen hands and feet are seen at birth. Typically, they are without menstrual periods, do not develop breasts, and are unable to have children. Heart defects, diabetes, and low thyroid hormone occur more frequently. Most people with TS have normal intelligence. Many, however, have troubles with spatial visualization such as that needed for mathematics. Vision and hearing problems occur more often. Turner syndrome is not usually inherited from a person’s parents. No environmental risks are known and the mother’s age does not play a role. As a chromosomal condition, there is no cure for Turner syndrome. However, much can be done to minimize the symptoms including prescribing growth hormone, either alone or with a low dose of androgen, and oestrogen replacement therapy which is crucial long term for maintaining good bone integrity, cardiovascular health and tissue health
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
Regarding cardiac output, an increased ejection fraction results from increases in which of the following?
Your Answer: Strength of contraction with increase in muscle fiber length
Correct Answer: Strength of contraction without increase in muscle fiber length
Explanation:When the strength of contraction increases without an increase in fiber length, the EF increases.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 25
Correct
-
A 50-year-old farmer, under treatment for depression, presents to the emergency department following an intentional overdose of an unidentified substance. On examination, he was found to be bradycardic, hypotensive, hyper-salivating, and disoriented. On ocular examination, his pupils were found to be miotic. What is the most likely substance he ingested?
Your Answer: An organophosphate insecticide
Explanation:The farmer has most likely ingested an organophosphate insecticide.Organophosphorus compounds are used widely as:• Insecticides – Malathion, parathion, diazinon, dichlorvos• Nerve gases – Soman, sarin, tabun, VX• Ophthalmic agents – Echothiophate• Antihelmintics – Trichlorfon• Herbicides – merphos• Industrial chemical (plasticizer) – Tricresyl phosphateSigns and symptoms of Organophosphorus Poisoning (OPP) can be classified as:• Muscarinic effects:o Cardiovascular – Bradycardia, hypotensiono Respiratory – Rhinorrhoea, bronchorrhea, bronchospasm, cough, severe respiratory distresso Gastrointestinal – Hypersalivation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, faecal incontinenceo Genitourinary – Incontinenceo Ocular – Blurred vision, miosiso Glands – Increased lacrimation, diaphoresis• Nicotinic effects:o Muscle fasciculation, weakness, cramping, diaphragmatic failure, and autonomic side effects include: hypertension, tachycardia, and mydriasis.• Central nervous system (CNS) effects:o Anxiety, emotional lability, restlessness, confusion, ataxia, tremors, seizures, coma, apnoeaMainstay Treatment:• Decontamination• Securing Airway, Breathing and Circulation• Atropine• Pralidoxime• Benzodiazepines
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
The immunoglobulin found in the highest concentration in humans is
Your Answer: IgA
Correct Answer: IgG
Explanation:Representing approximately 75% of serum antibodies in humans, IgG is the most common type of antibody found in the circulation. IgG molecules are created and released by plasma B cells.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
The ability of the SA node cells to allow ionic flow through channels activated in a hyperpolarized state is known as:
Your Answer: Pace maker current
Correct Answer: Pace maker potential
Explanation:Rhythmically discharging cells have a membrane potential that, after each impulse, declines to the firing level. Thus this prepotential or Pacemaker potential triggers the next impulse. The inherent leakiness of the sinus nodal fibers to Na+ and Ca2+ causes their self excitation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 28
Correct
-
The proportion of individuals within a population affected by disease at a specific time point, based on positive testing for serum antibodies is known as:
Your Answer: Sero-Prevalence
Explanation:In immunology, seroconversion is the time period during which a specific antibody develops and becomes detectable in the blood. After seroconversion has occurred, the disease can be detected in blood tests for the antibody. Sero-prevalence includes individuals who are antibody positive for a specific infection at a specific point in time.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
-
-
Question 29
Correct
-
Where in the gastrointestinal tract are Brunner glands?
Your Answer: Duodenum
Explanation:Brunner’s glands (or duodenal glands) are compound tubular submucosal glands found in that portion of the duodenum which is above the hepatopancreatic sphincter (aka sphincter of Oddi). The main function of these glands is to produce a mucus-rich alkaline secretion (containing bicarbonate) in order to:- protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (which is introduced into the duodenum from the stomach);- provide an alkaline condition for the intestinal enzymes to be active, thus enabling absorption to take place; lubricate the intestinal walls.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
Which of the following best describe Clostridium infection?
Your Answer: Gram positive bacilli
Correct Answer: Anaerobe
Explanation:Clostridium is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria, which includes several significant human pathogens, including the causative agent of botulism and an important cause of diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile. They are obligate anaerobes capable of producing endospores. The normal, reproducing cells of Clostridium, called the vegetative form, are rod-shaped, which gives them their name, from the Greek κλωστήρ or spindle.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
-
-
Question 31
Correct
-
In the Fick‘s method of measuring cardiac output, the arterial oxygen content can be measured in a sample obtained from
Your 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 32
Incorrect
-
Somatostatin is responsible for?
Your Answer: Increased pancreatic secretions
Correct Answer: Decreased gastrin release
Explanation:Somatostatin is an inhibitory hormone secreted from the D cells of the Pancreatic Islets. It causes the inhibition of gastrin (decreasing stomach acid production), CCK (decreasing gallbladder motility), gastrin inhibitory peptide and secretin. Gastrin production is also inhibited by secretin, GIP, VIP, glucagon and calcitonin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 33
Incorrect
-
A 50-year-old woman under treatment for manic-depressive psychosis presents in an unconscious state after an episode of seizure on the street. Her husband who accompanied her into the ER reported that they argued about 6-7 hours ago. On examination, she is found to be hypertonic with a GCS of 8, BP: 90/60 mmHg and a pulse of 105 bpm. Blood investigations revealed a lithium level of 3.2 mmol/L. She was intubated and ventilated. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management in this case?
Your Answer: Dialysis is not normally required unless levels are above 5 mmol/l
Correct Answer: N saline should be started iv
Explanation:- Normal saline (N saline) should be started IV: Intravenous normal saline is recommended to enhance renal excretion of lithium. Adequate hydration is crucial because lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and maintaining good urine output can help reduce lithium levels.
- Dialysis: This is considered the most effective treatment for severe lithium toxicity, especially when serum levels are significantly elevated (typically >2.5 mmol/L) and the patient presents with severe symptoms such as seizures, altered mental status, or renal impairment. Given the patient’s lithium level of 3.2 mmol/L and her critical condition, dialysis is necessary to rapidly reduce lithium levels.
The other options are less appropriate or ineffective in this context:
- Gastric lavage should be considered: This is not typically recommended for lithium poisoning because lithium is rapidly absorbed and lavage is unlikely to be effective several hours post-ingestion.
- Activated charcoal is likely to be effective: Activated charcoal does not effectively bind lithium and is not recommended for lithium poisoning.
- 5% dextrose should be started IV: While maintaining hydration is important, normal saline is preferred over dextrose solutions in this context to promote renal excretion of lithium.
- Dialysis is not normally required unless levels are above 5 mmol/L: This statement is incorrect. Dialysis is often required at lower levels, particularly in cases of severe toxicity or if the patient is symptomatic, as seen in this case.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 34
Correct
-
A 50-year-old man is admitted with nausea and excessive drowsiness after taking an antihistamine tablet with grapefruit juice. Which of the following liver enzyme systems is affected by grapefruit juice causing the given side effect?
Your Answer: Cytochrome p450 3A4
Explanation:The cytochrome p450 3A4 enzyme system in the liver is affected by grapefruit juice. Patients taking antihistamines should be advised to avoid drinking grapefruit juice. This is because constituents of grapefruit juice such as naringin and bergamottin inhibit CYP3A4 in the liver, particularly at high doses, leading to decreased drug elimination via hepatic metabolism and can increase potential drug toxicities. Inhibition of this enzyme system leads to reduced metabolism of antihistamines leading to an increased incidence of side effects like excessive drowsiness and nausea as in this patient.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 35
Incorrect
-
Within the hypothalamus, the dopamine-secreting neurones of the intrahypothalamic system have their cell bodies in which nuclei?
Your Answer: Supraoptic
Correct Answer: Arcuate
Explanation:Arcuate nucleus dopaminergic neurons consist of a single group of neurons that project to the median eminence where they release dopamine into the hypophyseal portal circulation to inhibit pituitary prolactin secretion.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 36
Correct
-
Select the correct statement regarding portal hypertension.
Your Answer: The total vascular resistance of the hepatic sinusoids is increased.
Explanation:Portal hypertension is increased blood pressure within the portal venous system. This happens mainly due to liver damage which increases the vascular resistance of hepatic sinusoids by interfering with the normal blood flow. Portal blood pressure increases and flow through the liver decreases. Normal portal venous pressure is between 5-10 mmHg and in portal hypertension it’s usually more than 10 mmHg. This high pressure can cause accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity known as ascites. To overcome the pressure, the portal vein starts to drain blood to systemic circulation via porto-systemic shunts. The connection between the portal vein and inferior vena cava is known as the porto caval shunt. Due to damaged hepatocytes, detoxification of substances absorbed in the intestine is impaired and the former shunt mixes non-detoxified blood with the systemic circulation. These toxic substances may affect neurons causing hepatic encephalopathy which is a major complication of portal hypertension.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
-
-
Question 37
Correct
-
The primary auditory cortex is:
Your Answer: Brodmann area 41
Explanation:A Brodmann area in the brain is defined by cytoarchitecture, histology and organization of cells:Primary Sensory 3,1,2Primary Motor 4Premotor 6Primary Visual 17Primary Auditory 41Brocas 44
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 38
Incorrect
-
A 25-year-old female presents to the emergency department with severe breathlessness and tinnitus. She is under treatment for asthma and depression with albuterol and amitriptyline respectively.On examination, she seems agitated with a BP of 100/44, a pulse rate of 112 bpm, a respiratory rate of 30 cycles/min, and a temperature of 37.8'C.An arterial blood gas performed reveals:pH: 7.48 (7.36 – 7.44)pO2: 11.2 kPa (11.3 – 12.6 kPa)pCO2: 1.9 kPa (4.7 – 6.0 kPa)Bicarbonate: 13 mmol/l (20 – 28 mmol/L)What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Panic attack
Correct Answer: Salicylate poisoning
Explanation:The blood gas analysis provided above is suggestive of a mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis characteristic of salicylate overdose.Pathophysiology:The direct stimulation of the cerebral medulla causes hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis.As it is metabolized, it causes an uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria. Lactate levels then increase due to the increase in anaerobic metabolism. This, along with a slight contribution from the salicylate metabolites result in metabolic acidosis.Tinnitus is characteristic and salicylate ototoxicity may produce deafness. Other neurological sequelae include encephalopathy and agitation, seizures and CNS depression and coma. Cardiovascular complications include tachycardia, hypotension, and dysrhythmias (VT, VF, and asystole).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 39
Incorrect
-
A 39 year old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis has recently been switched from methotrexate to leflunomide. Monitoring of full blood count and LFTs has been carried out. Which of the following parameters should also be monitored in this case?
Your Answer: QT interval on ECG
Correct Answer: Blood pressure
Explanation:Blood pressure should be routinely measured as leflunomide may cause hypertension and thus an increase in BP. It doesn’t cause changes in blood sugar levels, peak expiratory flow rate or haematuria.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 40
Correct
-
The heart rate can be accelerated by:
Your Answer: Exercise and thyroid hormones
Explanation:The firing of the SA node will increase due to exercises and as the thyroid hormone has a chronotropic effect on the heart, it too will result in an increase in the heart rate via stimulation of the adrenergic receptors of the heart. As during exercise the sympathetic nervous system is activated, it will directly have an positive chronotropic effect on the heart.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
