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Question 1
Correct
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A 34 year old female presents to the clinic with skin tightness. On examination she has sclerodactyly, thickened skin of the shoulders and bi-basal crepitations. Her HRCT chest shows ground glass changes. Raynaud phenomenon is suspected and she is started on a monthly dose of IV cyclophosphamide (1 gm/month) for 6 months and a daily dose of 10 mg of oral prednisolone. However, she returned over a period of few weeks after developing exertional dyspnoea, pedal oedema and feeling unwell. On examination, JVP is raised, there is marked pedal oedema and bi basal crepitations on chest auscultation. Urine dipstick shows haematuria (++) and proteinuria (++). What in your opinion is the most likely cause of her deteriorating renal function?
Your Answer: Scleroderma renal crisis
Explanation:Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a rare but severe complication in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is characterized by malignant hypertension, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia with schistocytes and oligo/anuric acute renal failure. SRC occurs in 5% of patients with systemic scleroderma, particularly in the first years of disease evolution and in the diffuse form. Patients may develop symptoms of fluid overload.
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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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Depolarization of the T tubule membrane activates the sarcoplasmic reticulum via which receptors?
Your Answer: M 2 receptors
Correct Answer: Dihydropyridine receptors
Explanation:Action potentials are transmitted to the fibrils of a fiber through the T tubule system. It triggers the release of Ca 2+ form the terminal cisterns. Depolarization of the T tubules activates the sarcoplasmic reticulum through the dihydropyridine receptors.
Dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs), are voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, and ryanodine receptors (RyRs), which are intracellular Ca2+ release channels, are expressed in diverse cell types, including skeletal and cardiac muscle.
Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are located in the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum membrane and are responsible for the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores during excitation-contraction coupling in both cardiac and skeletal muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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Regarding oxidative deamination of amino acids, which of the following is true?
Your Answer: Leads to the formation of ribose
Correct Answer: Occurs in the kidney & liver
Explanation:Oxidative deamination is a form of deamination that generates α-keto acids and other oxidized products from amine-containing compounds, and occurs largely in the liver and kidney. Oxidative deamination is an important step in the catabolism of amino acids, generating a more metabolizable form of the amino acid, and also generating ammonia as a toxic by-product. The addition of ubiquitin to a substrate protein is called ubiquitination.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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Absorption of protein antigens i.e. bacterial and viral proteins takes place in the:
Your Answer: Microfold cells (m cells) of the intestine
Explanation:M cells are specialized epithelial cells. They have a high capacity of transcytosis of microorganisms and macromolecules. They rapidly uptake antigens and present them to immune cells associated with the gut. In contrast to absorptive enterocytes, M cells do not exert direct defence mechanisms to antigens and pathogens in the intestinal cavity. Crypts of Lieberkühn are located mainly in the small intestine and large intestine and the main function is to replenish epithelial cells and to secrete intestinal enzymatic juice as well as mucous. Brunner’s glands empty into intestinal glands and their main function is to secrete mucin and to form a protective mucus layer on the duodenal epithelial cells to protect it from acidic chyme coming from the stomach. Islets of Langerhans are located in the pancreas and secrets insulin mainly. Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue plays a role in inducing immune response after presentation of antigens.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 5
Incorrect
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Question 6
Correct
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Regarding Southern Blotting and DNA probes, which answer is FALSE
Your Answer: RNA fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis and transferred onto membrane sheets in southern blotting
Explanation:Restriction enzymes always cut at different positions. There are different restriction endonucleases for different nucleotide sequences.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 7
Correct
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During which phase of the cardiac cycle does most of the ventricular filling occur?
Your Answer: Ventricular diastole
Explanation:During the phase of ventricular diastole when the heart muscle relaxes and all the valves are open, blood flows easily into the heart. This is the phase of rapid ventricular filling. During isovolumetric contraction and relaxation the volume of blood in the heart does not change. During ventricular ejection blood enters into the aorta and pulmonary vessels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 18-year-old girl is brought to A&E having ingested at least 16 tablets of paracetamol 8 hours earlier. What should her immediate management consist of?
Your Answer: Plasma paracetamol concentration estimation
Correct Answer: Intravenous N-acetylcysteine
Explanation:Activated charcoal is useful if given within one hour of the paracetamol overdose. Liver function tests, INR and prothrombin time will be normal, as liver damage may not manifest until 24 hours or more after ingestion.The antidote of choice is intravenous N-acetylcysteine, which provides complete protection against toxicity if given within 10 hours of the overdose.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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An obstruction in a pulmonary artery causes impaired perfusion to an area in the lung. The gas values in the unperfused alveoli at sea level will be:
Your Answer: PO2 = 149 CO2 =47
Correct Answer: PO2 = 149 C02 =0
Explanation:Partial pressure of oxygen at sea level is approximately 160 mmHg. Partial pressure of oxygen in alveoli is around 150 mmHg and in an arteriole is around 80-100 mmHg. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide is around 35 mmHg in alveolar air and around 40 mmHg in the arteriole.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
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Question 10
Correct
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Among the following which is the beneficial effect of nitro-glycerine?
Your Answer: Dilation of systemic veins
Explanation:Dilation of systemic veins is a beneficial effect of nitro-glycerine.Administration of nitro-glycerine results in the dilation of systemic veins and decrease of myocardial wall tension and oxygen demand. Dilatation of systemic veins can cause reduced systemic vascular resistance leading to reduced cardiac workload thus reducing anginal symptoms secondary to demand ischemia.This is accompanied by vasodilation of large and medium-sized coronary arteries with increased coronary blood flow to the sub endocardium.
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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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Which of the following provides the sympathetic nervous supply to the stomach?
Your Answer: Vagus nerve
Correct Answer: Coeliac plexus
Explanation:Parasympathetic innervation to the stomach is from the vagus nerve and the sympathetic innervation is from the coeliac plexus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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In the urea cycle, which substance is formed in the mitochondria?
Your Answer: Ornithine
Correct Answer: Carbamoyl phosphate
Explanation:Before the urea cycle begins ammonia is converted to carbamoyl phosphate in the mitochondria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 13
Incorrect
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The lamina propria contains all of the following except:
Your Answer: Plasma cells
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 14
Incorrect
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A 75 year old man was brought to the clinic by his wife because lately he has lost interest in activities he previously enjoyed. His wife is worried and claims he's generally withdrawn. What would exclude depression in favour of dementia?
Your Answer: Poor short term memory
Correct Answer: Urinary incontinence
Explanation:Urinary incontinence is not a usual symptom of depression. A depressed patient is usually capable of maintaining control of his body sphincters. In dementia, however, urinary incontinence is an important and late symptom of the disease, non-related to any urinary tract pathology. It is rather related to the cognitive impairment caused by dementia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
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Question 15
Correct
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Which one of the following skin disorders is least commonly associated with hypothyroidism?
Your Answer: Pretibial myxoedema
Explanation:Pretibial myxoedema is an infiltrative dermopathy, resulting as a rare complication of Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) and very occasionally occurs in non-thyrotoxic Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hypothyroidism typically presents with symptoms such as dry skin, brittle hair, and thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows. While skin conditions like dryness and hair changes are common in hypothyroidism due to reduced metabolic activity, acne is also not typically associated with it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 16
Correct
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How does pregnancy affect the cardiac output of a patient?
Your Answer: Increased cardiac output due to increase in heart rate and stroke volume
Explanation:Cardiac Output increases to a similar degree as the blood volume. During the first trimester cardiac output is 30-40% higher than in the non-pregnant state. Steady rises are shown on Doppler echocardiography, from an average of 6.7 litres/minute at 8-11 weeks to about 8.7 litres/minute flow at 36-39 weeks; they are due, primarily, to an increase in stroke volume (35%) and, to a lesser extent, to a more rapid heart rate (15%). There is a steady reduction in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) which contributes towards the hyperdynamic circulation observed in pregnancy
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Why is tissue plasminogen activator (tPa) a valuable treatment used in myocardial infarction and stroke?
Your Answer: It directly lyses fibrin
Correct Answer: It forms plasmin from its inactive precursor
Explanation:tPA is a serine protease involved in the breakdown of blood clots. It functions by converting plasminogen, an inactive precursor, into plasmin, an active enzyme. Plasmin then degrades fibrin, the main protein component of blood clots, leading to clot dissolution. This mechanism is particularly valuable in the treatment of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and ischemic stroke, where timely dissolution of the clot can restore blood flow to affected tissues and reduce damage.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
- It forms plasmin from its inactive precursor
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 18
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: Inhibits the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
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 19
Incorrect
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In which stage of mitosis are the chromosomes most obvious or prominent?
Your Answer: Prophase
Correct Answer: Metaphase
Explanation:Prophase begins when the nucleus envelope disintegrates and the chromosomes start to condense. The chromosomes consist of two sister chromatids that are joined at a constriction known as centromere. When the cell reaches the metaphase the chromosomes are completely condensed and ready to align on the equatorial plate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Bronchial smooth muscle:
Your Answer: Does not aid respiration
Correct Answer: Tone is increased by cholinergic discharge
Explanation:The lungs are supplied by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The parasympathetic innervation is supplied by the vagus nerve. The parasympathetic nervous system is the dominant neuronal pathway in the control of airway smooth muscle tone. Stimulation of cholinergic nerves causes bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and bronchial vasodilation. Sympathetic innervation is supplied by the T1 to T5 of the spinal cord and act mainly via beta adrenergic receptors. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system causes vasoconstriction and bronchodilation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
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Question 21
Incorrect
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If UA = concentration of A in urine, V = urine flow per unit time, and PA = arterial plasma level of A, renal clearance of A is equal to?
Your Answer: (UA/PA) x V
Correct Answer: (UA x V)/PA
Explanation:Renal clearance = [Urine concentration (UA) x Urine flow (V)]/[Plasma concentration (PA)]
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 22
Correct
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Which one of these features is typical of dermatomyositis?
Your Answer: Gottron's papules over knuckles of fingers
Explanation:Dermatomyositis is a long-term inflammatory disorder which affects muscles. Its symptoms are generally a skin rash and worsening muscle weakness in the proximal muscles (for example, the shoulders and thighs) over time. These may occur suddenly or develop over months. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fever, lung inflammation, or light sensitivity. Complications may include calcium deposits in muscles or skin.The skin rash may manifest as aheliotrope (a purplish color) or lilac, but may also be red. It can occur around the eyes along with swelling, as well as the upper chest or back ( shawl sign) or V-sign above the breasts and may also occur on the face, upper arms, thighs, or hands. Another form the rash takes is called Gottron’s sign which are red or violet, sometimes scaly, slightly raised papules that erupt on any of the finger joints (the metacarpophalangeal joints or the interphalangeal joints)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 23
Correct
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A 78-year-old male with long-standing Alzheimer's disease is being reviewed in your clinic. Which among the following is true regarding memantine, a drug which has been approved for the management of dementia?
Your Answer: It is an NMDA-receptor antagonist
Explanation:Memantine is an antagonist of the NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate)-receptor subtype of glutamate receptor. It is used to slow the neurotoxicity thought to be involved in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Drug interactions:
- When given concomitantly with other NMDA-receptor antagonists (e.g., ketamine, amantadine) there is increased risk of psychosis.
- Dopamine agonists, L-dopa, and anticholinergics enhance effects of memantine.
- Antispasmodics (e.g., baclofen) enhance effects, as memantine has some antispasmodic effects.
- Drugs excreted by cationic transporters in the kidney (e.g. quinine, cimetidine, ranitidine) reduce excretion.
- Common adverse effects include dizziness, headache, confusion, diarrhoea, and constipation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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An effect of aging on the kidney includes?
Your Answer: Increased renal blood flow
Correct Answer: Decreased GFR
Explanation:The normal range of GFR, adjusted for body surface area, is 100 to 130 mL/min/1.73m2 in men and 90 to 120 ml/min/1.73m2 in women younger than the age of 40. After age 40, GFR decreases progressively with age, by about 0.4 mL/min to 1.2 mL/min per year.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Where is the myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s plexus) located in the GIT?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Between the outer longitudinal and middle circular muscle layers.
Explanation:A part of the enteric nervous system, the myenteric plexus exists between the longitudinal and circular layers of muscularis externa in the gastrointestinal tract. It is found in the muscles of the oesophagus, stomach, and intestine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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A 56 year old obese female presents due to moderate pain in her finger joints which occurs mostly at the end of the day which gets better with rest. There is also some associated swelling. On examination, there is enlargement of her distal interphalangeal joints and tenderness to palpation. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Osteoarthritis
Explanation:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disease characterized by a noninflammatory degeneration of the joint complex (articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium) that occurs with old age or from overuse. It mainly affects the weight-bearing and high-use joints, such as the hip, knee, hands, and vertebrae. Despite the widespread view that OA is a condition caused exclusively by degenerative “wear and tear” of the joints, newer research indicates a significant heterogeneity of causation, including pre-existing peculiarities of joint anatomy, genetics, local inflammation, mechanical forces, and biochemical processes that are affected by proinflammatory mediators and proteases. Major risk factors include advanced age, obesity, previous injuries, and asymmetrically stressed joints. In early-stage osteoarthritis, patients may complain of reduced range of motion, joint-stiffness, and pain that is aggravated with heavy use. As the disease advances, nagging pain may also occur during the night or at rest. Diagnosis is predominantly based on clinical and radiological findings. Classic radiographic features of OA do not necessarily correlate with clinical symptoms and appearance. RA involves proximal interphalangeal joints not distal. Gout occurs as a result of overproduction or underexcretion of uric acid and frequently involves first toe. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 27
Incorrect
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The hepatic portal vein:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Carries mainly nutrients from the GIT.
Explanation:The portal vein contains oxygen as any other vein in the body does. The hepatic veins are responsible for venous drainage of the liver. The main function of the portal vein is to carry absorbed nutrients in the gut for metabolism and detoxification.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a component of bile?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Unconjugated bilirubin
Explanation:The composition of gallbladder bile is 97% water, 0.7% bile salts, 0.2% bilirubin, 0.51% fats (cholesterol, fatty acids and lecithin), and 200 meq/l inorganic salts (electrolytes).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Amongst the following cells, which is responsible for the secretion of defensins?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:Eosinophils are phagocytic and they are directed against helminths. Basophils are involved in allergic reactions and contain histamine and vasoactive granules in their cytoplasm. Mast cells are similar to basophils. Monocytes differentiate into macrophages in the tissue, secret interleukins and are phagocytic. Neutrophils are phagocytic but are also responsible for secreting defensins.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A 35 year old female, known case of anti phospholipid syndrome, arrives at the clinic due to a swollen and painful left leg. Doppler ultrasonography confirms the diagnosis of a deep vein thrombosis. She was previously diagnosed with DVT 4 months back and was on warfarin therapy (target INR 2-3) when it occurred. How should her anticoagulation be managed?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Life-long warfarin, increase target INR to 3 - 4
Explanation:If the INR in the range of 2-3 has still resulted in thrombosis, the target INR is increased to 3-4. However, because the risk of bleeding increases as the INR rises, the INR is closely monitored and adjustments are made as needed to maintain the INR within the target range.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
