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Question 1
Incorrect
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A patient is diagnosed with lung cancer. His physician told him that his lung cancer type is aggressive. It can grow rapidly and may undergo early metastasis, however it is very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Which lung cancer type is most likely present
Your Answer: Squamous cell carcinoma
Correct Answer: Small-cell carcinoma
Explanation:Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a type of highly malignant cancer that most commonly arises within the lung. SCLC usually metastasizes widely very early on in the natural history of the tumour, and in nearly all cases responds dramatically to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Surgery has no role in the treatment of this disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 35 year old patient presenting with haematemesis, heart burn and bloody stool was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer that had eroded the gastroduodenal artery. The patient was then rushed into theatre for an emergency procedure to control the haemorrhage. If the surgeon decided to ligate the gastroduodenal artery at its origin, which of the following arteries would most likely experience retrograde blood flow from collateral sources as a result of the ligation?
Your Answer: Short gastric
Correct Answer: Right gastroepiploic
Explanation:In the stomach and around the duodenum, there are many arterial anastomoses. Ligation of the gastroduodenal artery would result in the retrograde flow of blood from the left gastroepiploic artery to the right gastroepiploic artery. The blood flows into the right gastroepiploic artery, a branch of the gastroduodenal artery from the left gastroepiploic artery that branches from the splenic artery. This retrograde blood flow is aimed at providing alternate blood flow to the greater curvature of the stomach.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 3
Correct
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Medulloblastoma usually occurs in children between 5 to 9 years old. Where does medulloblastoma commonly originate from?
Your Answer: Cerebellar vermis
Explanation:Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumour in children, accounting for 10-20% of primary CNS neoplasms. Most of the tumours originate in the cerebellar vermis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 4
Correct
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Which name is given to the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm?
Your Answer: Perineal membrane
Explanation:The urogenital fascia is mostly commonly referred to as the perineal membrane. This term refers to an anatomical fibrous membrane in the perineum. It is triangular in shape, and thus at times referred to as the triangular ligament. It is about 4 cm in depth. Its The perineal membrane’s apex is anterior and is separated from the arcuate pubic ligament by an oval opening for the passage of the deep dorsal vein of the penis. The lateral marginas of this triangular ligament are attached on either side to the inferior rami of the pubis and ischium, above the crus penis. Its base faces the rectum, and connects to the central tendinous point of the perineum. The pelvic fascia and Colle’s fascia is fused to the base of this triangle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 5
Incorrect
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Structures passing through the foramen magnum do NOT include the:
Your Answer: Accessory nerve
Correct Answer: Vagus nerve
Explanation:Structures passing through the foramen magnum include the medulla, meninges, tectorial membrane, anterior spinal artery, vertebral artery and spinal branches of the accessory nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 6
Correct
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A 20-year-old woman had profuse watery diarrhoea for 2 days. She felt dizzy and weak, and thus decided to seek medical attention. At the emergency room her BP was 80/60 mmHg with a pulse of 118/min. What is the most appropriate intravenous treatment that should be given?
Your Answer: Isotonic saline
Explanation:Normal saline is typically the first fluid used when hypovolemia is severe enough to threaten the adequacy of blood circulation. It is isotonic and has long been believed to be the safest fluid to give quickly in large volumes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Action potentials are used extensively by the nervous system to communicate between neurones and muscles or glands. What happens during the activation of a nerve cell membrane?
Your Answer: Potassium ions flow inward
Correct Answer: Sodium ions flow inward
Explanation:During the generation of an action potential, the membrane gets depolarized which cause the voltage gated sodium channels to open and sodium diffuses inside the neuron, resulting in the membrane potential moving towards a positive value. This positive potential will then open the voltage gated potassium channels and cause more K+ to move out decreasing the membrane potential and restoring the membrane potential to its resting value.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 8
Correct
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What is the likely diagnosis in a 55-year old man presenting with jaundice, weight loss, pale coloured stools and elevated alkaline phosphatase?
Your Answer: Pancreatic carcinoma
Explanation:Increased alkaline phosphatase is indicative of cholestasis, with a 4x or greater increase seen 1-2 days after biliary obstruction. Its level can remain elevated several days after the obstruction is resolved due to the long half life (7 days). Increase up to three times the normal level can be seen in hepatitis, cirrhosis, space-occupying lesions and infiltrative disorders. Raised alkaline phosphatase with other liver function tests being normal can occur in focal hepatic lesions like abscesses or tumours, or in partial/intermittent biliary obstruction. However, alkaline phosphatase has several isoenzymes, which originate in different organs, particularly bone. An isolated rise can also be seen in malignancies (bronchogenic carcinoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma), post-fatty meals (from the small intestine), in pregnancy (from the placenta), in growing children (from bone growth) and in chronic renal failure (from intestine and bone). One can differentiate between hepatic and non-hepatic cause by measurement of enzymes specific to the liver e.g. gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
In an elderly, asymptomatic patient, isolated rise of alkaline phosphatase usually points to bone disease (like Paget’s disease). Presence of other symptoms such as jaundice, pale stools, weight loss suggests obstructive jaundice, most probably due to pancreatic carcinoma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 9
Correct
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The LEAST mobile structure in the peritoneal cavity is the:
Your Answer: Pancreas
Explanation:The presence or absence of the mesentery determines mobility of abdominal contents. Structures like the stomach, transverse colon and appendix have mesenteries and thus are relatively mobile. In contrast, the pancreas is a retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum) structure and therefore is fixed. The greater omentum is a large mobile fold of omentum that hangs down from the stomach .
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 10
Correct
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The circle of Willis is an arterial anastomosis in the base of the brain and is one of the cerebrovascular safeguards in the brain. Where is the circle of Willis contained?
Your Answer: Cisterna basalis
Explanation:Cisterns refers to a system of intercommunicating pools formed by the subarachnoid space at the base of the brain and around the brainstem. Cisterna basalis/basal cistern (interpeduncular cistern) is found at the base of the brain between the two temporal lobes and it contains the arterial circle of Willis. The lumbar cistern is contained in the spinal canal while the foramen magna refers to the opening at the base of the skull though which the spinal cord enters into the skull.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which of the following diseases can cause paraesthesia along the distribution of the median nerve of the hand, especially after activities which require flexion and extension of the wrist?
Your Answer: Dupuytren’s contracture
Correct Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Explanation:Carpal tunnel syndrome tends to occur in women between the ages of 30-50. There are many risk factors, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, pregnancy, and repetitive wrist work. Symptoms include pain in the hand and wrist, tingling, and numbness distributed along the median nerve (the palmar side of the thumb, the index and middle fingers, and the radial half of the ring finger), which worsens at night.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 12
Correct
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Which of the deep fasciae located in the anterolateral abdominal wall form the inguinal ligament?
Your Answer: External abdominal oblique aponeurosis
Explanation:The inguinal ligament is the inferior border of the aponeurosis of the external oblique abdominis and extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle from whence it is reflected backward and laterally to attach to the pectineal line and form the lacunar ligament.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 13
Correct
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After a total colectomy and ileotomy, a 50-year old diabetic man who was a known case of diabetic nephropathy had persistent metabolic acidosis. The patient appeared well perfused, with normal vital signs and normal fluid balance. Investigations revealed:
Sodium = 132 mmol/l
Potassium = 6.6 mmol/l
Creatinine = 185 μmol/l (2.16 mg/dl)
Chloride = 109 μmol/l
8am cortisol = 500 nmol/l (18 μg/dl)
pH = 7.29, p(CO2) = 27 mmHg
p(O2) = 107 mmHg
standard bicarbonate = 12 mmol/l.
What is the likely causes of his acidosis?Your Answer: Renal tubular acidosis
Explanation:Acidosis here is due to low bicarbonate. The low p(CO2) is seen in compensation. The anion gap is normal, ruling out intra-abdominal ischaemia (which leads to metabolic acidosis). If it was a gastrointestinal aetiology, low potassium would be seen. The history of diabetic nephropathy predisposes to renal tubular acidosis. Type 4 (hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism) is associated with high potassium and is found in diabetic and hypertensive renal disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 14
Correct
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A 58-year-old woman presents with signs of inflammation in the first metatarsophalangeal joint: redness, swelling and pain. The analysis of synovial fluid reveals needle-shaped, strongly negatively birefringent crystals. What's the most likely diagnosis in this case?
Your Answer: Gout
Explanation:Gout is a rheumatic disease caused by the precipitation of monosodium urate crystals into tissues, usually joints. This causes acute or chronic pain; the acute illness initially affects only one joint, often the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The diagnosis of the disease requires the identification of crystal in the synovial fluid. These crystals are needle-shaped and strongly negatively birefringent.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 15
Correct
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What is the primary function of the Kupffer cells found in the liver?
Your Answer: Recycling of old red blood cells
Explanation:Kupffer cells found in the liver are part of the monocyte-reticular system. They are specialised macrophages and primarily function to recycle old and damaged RBCs. The RBCs are phagocytosed and the haemoglobin is broken down into haem and globin. The haem is further broken down into iron that is recycled and bilirubin that is conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted in the bile.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 16
Correct
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An explorative laparotomy is done on a 23 year old following a gunshot abdominal injury through the right iliac fossa. It is found that the ileocolic artery is severed and the bullet had perforated the caecum. From which branch does the ileocolic artery originate?
Your Answer: Superior mesenteric artery
Explanation:Ileocolic artery branches off from the superior mesenteric artery. It then divides to give a superior and inferior branch.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 17
Correct
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Linezolid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Which of the following organisms is most likely to be effectively treated by linezolid?
Your Answer: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Explanation:Linezolid is a synthetic antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant bacteria, including streptococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Linezolid is effective against Gram-positive pathogens, notably Enterococcus faecium, S. aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. It has almost no effect on Gram-negative bacteria and is only bacteriostatic against most enterococci.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old male chronic smoker is diagnosed with non-small-cell cancer. His right lung underwent complete atelectasis and he has a 7cm tumour involving the chest wall. What is the stage of the lung cancer of this patient?
Your Answer: T4
Correct Answer: T3
Explanation:Non-small-cell lung cancer is staged through TNM classification. The stage of this patient is T3 because based on the TNM classification the tumour is staged T3 if > 7 cm or one that directly invades any of the following: Chest wall (including superior sulcus tumours), diaphragm, phrenic nerve, mediastinal pleura, or parietal pericardium; or the tumour is in the main bronchus < 2 cm distal to the carina but without involvement of the carina, Or it is associated with atelectasis/obstructive pneumonitis of the entire lung or separate tumour nodule(s) in the same lobe.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 19
Correct
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Which of the following brings about a reduction in gastric blood flow?
Your Answer: Vasopressin
Explanation:Gastric blood flow is increased by vagal stimulation, gastrin, histamine and acetylcholine as they stimulate gastric section and the production of vasodilator metabolites. Acetylcholine and histamine also have a direct action on the gastric arterioles. Similarly, gastric blood flow is reduced by inhibitors of secretion – catecholamines, secretin and vasopressin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 20
Correct
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The operating surgeon notices a structure lying alongside a herniated mass whilst repairing an indirect inguinal hernia in a female patient. Which structure could this be?
Your Answer: Round ligament of the uterus
Explanation:The main structure traversing the inguinal canal in women is the round ligament. In men, it is the spermatic cord.
The iliohypogastric nerve innervates the abdominal wall and runs between the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles before piercing the internal oblique at the anterior superior iliac spine to run between the internal and external obliques.
The inferior epigastric artery is between the peritoneum and the transversus abdominis creating the lateral umbilical fold.
The ovarian artery and the ovarian vein are branches from the descending aorta and inferior vena cava that supply the ovary in the pelvic cavity.
The pectineal ligament is a thick fascial layer over the pectineal line of the pubis. It doesn’t traverse the canal.
The broad ligament if found on the lateral sides of the uterus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 21
Correct
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All the following statements are FALSE regarding the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, except:
Your Answer: The ophthalmic nerve is the smallest branch of the trigeminal nerve
Explanation:The ophthalmic nerve is the smallest of the three trigeminal divisions. The cutaneous branches of the ophthalmic nerve supply the conjunctiva, the skin over the forehead, the upper eyelid, and much of the external surface of the nose.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 22
Correct
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Which of the following morphological features is most characteristic of hyaline degeneration?
Your Answer: Homogeneous, ground-glass, pink-staining appearance of cells
Explanation:The characteristic morphological features of hyaline degeneration is ground-glass, pinking staining cytoplasm with an intact cell membrane. The accumulation of lipids, calcium salts, lipofuscin and an amorphous cytoplasm with an intact cell membrane are all characteristically found in different situations.
Pyknotic nucleus and orphan Annie eye nucleus are not seen in hyaline degeneration.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 23
Correct
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Which is the most common benign germ-cell tumour that could occur in a premenopausal woman?
Your Answer: Dermoid cyst
Explanation:A dermoid cyst is a teratoma of a cystic nature that contains an array of developmentally mature and solid tissues. Dermoid cysts grow slowly and this type of cystic teratoma is nearly always benign.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 24
Correct
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A 50-year-old man is diagnosed with emphysema and cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following condition may be the cause of both cirrhosis and emphysema in this patient?
Your Answer: Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
Explanation:Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a condition characterised by the lack of a protein that protects the lungs and liver from damage, called alpha1-antytripsin. The main complications of this condition are liver diseases such as cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, due to accumulation of abnormal alpha 1-antytripsin and emphysema due to loss of the proteolytic protection of the lungs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 25
Incorrect
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A 45 year old women has a 4 cm non tender mass in her right breast which is fixed to the chest wall. Another 2cm non-tender mass is palpable in the left axilla. Chest x ray reveals multiple nodules ranging from 0.5 - 0.2 cm in both the lungs. What is the stage of her disease?
Your Answer: T3 N0 M0
Correct Answer: T4 N1 M1
Explanation:This woman has an invasive primary tumour mass with axillary node and lung metastases, making this stage T4 N1 M1. Looking at the other stems, T1 N1 M0 signifies a small primary cancer with nodal metastases but no distant metastases; T1 N0 M1 signifies a small primary cancer with no lymph node metastases but with distant metastases; T2 N1 M0 signifies a larger primary cancer with nodal metastases but no distant metastases; and T3 N0 M0 indicates a larger primary cancer with no metastases to either lymph nodes or to distant sites.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia; Female Health
- Pathology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Vincristine is a chemotherapy agent used to treat a number of types of cancer. Which of the following is a recognised major side-effect of vincristine?
Your Answer: Respiratory suppression
Correct Answer: Peripheral neuropathy
Explanation:Vincristine is an alkaloid chemotherapeutic agent. It is used to treat a number of types of cancer including acute lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease, neuroblastoma, and small cell lung cancer among others. The main side-effects of vincristine are peripheral neuropathy and constipation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Correct
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A patient gives a history of dull discomfort in her abdomen associated with pain that she points to be on her right shoulder and right scapula. The following organs are most likely to be source of her pain:
Your Answer: Liver, duodenum and gallbladder
Explanation:Referred pain is felt at a point away from the source of the pain or the unpleasant sensation. It arises when a nerve is damaged or compressed at a point but the pain is felt at another site that is the territory of that nerve. Common abdominal causes of referred pain to the shoulder and the shoulder blade are the liver, duodenum and gall bladder.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 28
Correct
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The third branch of the maxillary artery lies in which fossa?
Your Answer: Pterygopalatine fossa
Explanation:The maxillary artery supplies deep structures of the face. It branches from the external carotid artery just deep to the neck of the mandible. It is divided into three portions:
– The first or mandibular portion (or bony portion) passes horizontally forward, between the neck of the mandible and the sphenomandibular ligament.
– The second or pterygoid portion (or muscular portion) runs obliquely forward and upward under cover of the ramus of the mandible, on the surface of the lateral pterygoid muscle; it then passes between the two heads of origin of this muscle and enters the fossa.
– The third portion lies in the pterygopalatine fossa in relation to the pterygopalatine ganglion. This is considered the terminal branch of the maxillary artery. Branches from the third portion includes: the sphenopalatine artery, descending palatine artery, infraorbital artery, posterior superior alveolar artery, artery of pterygoid canal, pharyngeal artery, middle superior alveolar artery and anterior superior alveolar artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 29
Correct
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What is the chief ligament preventing posterior sliding of the tibia on the femur ?
Your Answer: Posterior cruciate
Explanation:The posterior cruciate ligament is attached to the posterior intercondyloid fossa of the tibia and the lateral and front part of the medial condyle of the femur. It resists sliding of the tibia posteriorly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which Statement is true of the brachial plexus?
Your Answer: The lateral cord continues as the axillary nerve
Correct Answer: The posterior cord continues as the axillary nerve
Explanation:The lateral cord continues as the musculocutaeous nerve.
The medial cord continues as the ulnar nerve.
The posterior cord continues as the radial nerve and the axillary nerve.
The nerve to subclavius muscle is a branch of the C6 root.
The suprascapular nerve is a branch from the upper trunk.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 31
Incorrect
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Calculate the stroke volume in a patient admitted for coronary bypass surgery, with the following parameters pre-operatively:
Oxygen consumption = 300 ml/min
Arterial oxygen content = 20 ml/100 ml blood
Pulmonary arterial oxygen content = 15 ml/100 ml blood and Heart rate = 100 beats/min.Your Answer: 40 ml
Correct Answer: 60 ml
Explanation:By Fick’s principle, cardiac output can be calculated as follows: VO2 = CO × (CAO2– CVO2) where VO2= oxygen consumption, CO = cardiac output, CAO2 = arterial oxygen content and CvO2 = mixed venous oxygen content. Thus, in the given problem, 300 ml/min = CO × (20 – 15) ml/100 ml CO = 300 × 100/5 ml/min CO = 6000 ml/min. Also, cardiac output = stroke volume × heart rate. Thus, 6000 ml/min = stroke volume × 100 beats/min. Hence, stroke volume = 6000/100 ml/min which is 60 ml/min.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 32
Correct
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A cancer patient was found to have a radio resistant tumour. Which tumour does the patient most likely have?
Your Answer: Liposarcoma
Explanation:Liposarcoma is a cancer that arises in fat cells in deep soft tissue. Commonly it occurs inside the thigh or retroperitoneum. It usually affects middle-aged and older adults, over 40 years. Liposarcoma is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma. It is very radio resistant. Five-year survival rates vary from 100% to 56% based on histological subtype.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 33
Correct
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Skeletal muscle fibres are divided into two basic types, type I (slow-twitch fibres) and type II (fast-twitch fibres). Fast muscle fibres do which of the following:
Your Answer: Use anaerobic metabolism
Explanation:Skeletal muscles are divided into two types:
1) type I also known as the slow twitch fibres. They use oxygen for their metabolism and as a result they have a high endurance potential. To support this they have abundant mitochondria and myoglobin, so they appear red/dark.
2) type II fibres also called fast twitch fibres, are low endurance fibres used during anaerobic metabolism. They are required for short bursts of strength and cannot sustain contractions for long periods of time.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 34
Correct
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Which of the following tumours is very radiosensitive?
Your Answer: Seminoma
Explanation:Seminoma is the most radiosensitive tumour and responds well to radiation therapy after unilateral orchidectomy. The ipsilateral inguinal areas are routinely not treated however, depending on the stage, the mediastinum and the left supraclavicular regions may also be irradiated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia; Urology
- Pathology
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Question 35
Correct
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The rotator cuff surrounds the shoulder joint and consists of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and which one other muscle?
Your Answer: Teres minor
Explanation:The correct answer is the teres minor muscle. These group of muscles play an important role in protecting the shoulder joint and keeping the head of the humerus in the glenoid fossa of the scapula. This fossa is somehow shallow and needs support to allow for the full mobility that the shoulder joint has.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 36
Correct
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Injury to which of the following arteries is likely to affect the blood supply to the seminal vesicles?
Your Answer: Middle rectal
Explanation:Ligation of middle rectal artery is most likely to affect the blood supply of seminal vesicles since arteries supplying the seminal vesicles are derived from the middle and inferior vesical and middle rectal arteries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 37
Correct
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A biopsy is performed on a 67-year-old-man with testicular seminoma; it reveals that the tumour affects the tunica vaginalis. The tumour stage in this case is:
Your Answer: T2
Explanation:The primary tumour staging for testicular seminoma is as follows, according to AJCC guidelines:
Tis: intratubular germ cell neoplasia (carcinoma in situ)
T1: tumour limited to testis/epididymis without vascular or lymphatic invasion; the tumour can invade into the tunica albuginea but not the tunica vaginalis
T2: tumour limited to testis/epididymis with vascular or lymphatic invasion or tumour extending through the tunica albuginea with involvement of the tunica vaginalis
T3: tumour invading the spermatic cord, with or without vascular/lymphatic invasion
T4: tumour invading the scrotum, with or without vascular/lymphatic invasion.
According to these guidelines, the tumour in this case has a T2 stage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 38
Correct
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A 50-year old gentleman who suffered a stroke was brought to the emergency department by his relatives. The patient however denied the presence of paralysis of his left upper and lower limbs. What is the most likely site of the lesion in this patient?
Your Answer: Right posterior parietal cortex
Explanation:A large injury to the non-dominant parietal cortex can make the patient neglect or refuse to acknowledge the presence of paralysis on the contralateral side. This can also involve the perception of the external world. Smaller injuries in this area which involve the precentral gyrus (primary motor cortex) or postcentral gyrus (primary sensory cortex) cause contralateral spastic paralysis or contralateral loss of tactile sensation respectively. A lesion in posterior inferior gyrus of the dominant frontal lobe results in motor aphasia. Involvement of the posterior superior gyrus of the dominant frontal lobe produces sensory aphasia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 39
Correct
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Which of the following cytokines produced by the T cell induce MHC-II proteins?
Your Answer: γ-Interferon
Explanation:Interferons elicit a non-specific antiviral activity by inducing specific RNA synthesis and expression of proteins in neighbouring cells. Common interferon inducers are viruses, double-stranded RNA and micro-organisms. INF-γ is produced mainly by CD4+, CD8+ T cells and less commonly by B cells and natural killer cells. INF-γ has antiviral and antiparasitic activity but its main biological activity appears to be immunomodulatory. Among its many functions are activation of macrophages and enhanced expression of MHC-II proteins or macrophages.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 40
Correct
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The annular ligament in the forearm:
Your Answer: Encircles the head of the radius
Explanation:The annular ligament forms about four-fifths of the osseofibrous ring and is attached to the anterior and posterior margins of the radial notch. It is a strong band of fibres which encircles the head of the radius retaining it in contact with the radial notch of the ulna. When it comes to its upper border, it blends with the anterior and posterior ligament of the elbow.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 41
Correct
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A 42 year old women presents with end stage renal failure and is prepared to receive a kidney from her husband. HLA testing showed that they are not a 100% match and she is given immunosuppressant therapy for this. Three months later when her renal function tests were performed she showed signs of deteriorating renal function, with decreased renal output, proteinuria of +++ and RBCs in the urine. She was given antilymphocyte globulins and her condition reversed. What type of graft did this patient receive?
Your Answer: Allograft
Explanation:Allograft describes a graft between two of the same species. As the donor and the recipients are history-incompatible, rejection of the graft is common and is controlled by immunosuppressive drug therapy. Isograft and syngraft are synonymous and referred to a graft transferred between genetically identical individuals e.g. identical twins. In this case rejection is rare as they are history-compatible.
Autograft refers to transfer of one part of the body to another location.
Xenograft is transfer of tissue from another species e.g. pig to human in valve replacement surgeries and rejection is very high.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Renal
- Pathology
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Question 42
Correct
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Which of these substances is secreted by pericytes in the juxtaglomerular cells?
Your Answer: Renin
Explanation:The juxtaglomerular cells synthesise, store and secrete the enzyme renin in the kidney. They are specialised smooth muscle cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole that delivers blood to the glomerulus and thus play a critical role in the renin– angiotensin system and so in renal autoregulation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 43
Incorrect
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A 30 year old gym coach presented to the surgical out patient clinic with a lump in the inguinal region. He was booked for surgery, during which, the surgeon opened the inguinal region and found a hernial sac with a small segment of intestine projecting through the abdominal wall. It was located just above the inguinal ligament and lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. What type of hernia was this?
Your Answer: A direct inguinal hernia
Correct Answer: An indirect inguinal hernia
Explanation:An indirect inguinal hernia exits the abdominal cavity lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels and enters the inguinal canal through the deep inguinal ring. These are the most common types of hernias often caused by heavy weigh lifting. Direct inguinal hernias exit the abdominal cavity medial to the inferior epigastric vessels through weak fascia.
Congenital inguinal hernias are indirect hernias that occur due to persistence of the processus vaginalis.
Femoral hernias occur when abdominal viscera push through the femoral ring in the femoral canal.
Incisional hernia occurs after surgery when the omentum or organ protrudes through a previous site of incision.
Obturator hernia are a very rare type of hernia where the pelvic or abdominal contents protrude through the obturator foramen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 44
Correct
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Decreased velocity of impulse conduction through the atrioventricular node (AV node) in the heart will lead to:
Your Answer: Increased PR interval
Explanation:AV node damage may lead to an increase in the PR interval to as high as 0.25 – 0.40 s (normal = 0.12 – 0.20 s). In the case of severe impairment, there might be a complete failure of passage of impulses leading to complete block. In this case, the atria and ventricles will beat independently of each other.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 45
Correct
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Streptokinase is used to break down clots in some cases of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thromboembolism; however, it is not recommended to use it again after 4 days from the first administration. Which complication could arise from repeated use?
Your Answer: Allergic reaction
Explanation:Streptokinase belongs to a group of medications known as ‘fibrinolytics’ and is an extracellular metallo-enzyme produced by beta-haemolytic streptococci, used as an effective clot-dissolving medication in patients with myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. As Streptokinase is a bacterial product, the body has the ability to build up an immunity to it. Therefore, it is recommended that this medication should not be used again after four days from the first administration, as it may not be as effective and may also cause an allergic reaction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 46
Correct
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Which of the following causes the maximum increase in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Your Answer: Increased plasma osmolarity
Explanation:The most potent stimulus for ADH release is increased plasma osmolarity. Decreased plasma volume is a less potent stimulus in comparison. However, decrease blood volume and arterial pressure due to severe haemorrhage does lead to ADH secretion. Hypothalamic releasing factors do not control the release of posterior pituitary hormones ADH and oxytocin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
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Question 47
Correct
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Which nerve lies immediately medial to the psoas major muscle?
Your Answer: Obturator
Explanation:The obturator nerve is formed from the ventral divisions of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lumbar nerves. It courses through the fibres of the psoas major and emerges from the medial border near the pelvic brim.
The iliohypogastric nerve comes from the first lumbar nerve and emerges from the upper part of the lateral border of psoas major.
The ilioinguinal nerve arises with the iliohypogastric nerve from the first lumbar nerve and also emerges from the lateral border of the psoas major muscle.
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve comes from the posterior division of the 2nd and 3rd lumbar nerves to emerge from the lateral border of the psoas major muscle near its middle.
The femoral nerve also arises from the dorsal divisions, but of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lumbar nerves and courses through the muscle fibres to emerge at the lower part of the lateral border.
The coccygeal nerve doesn’t arise from the lumbar plexus but from the sacral plexus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 48
Correct
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Work of breathing (WOB) is the energy expended to inhale and exhale a breathing gas. Normally, maximal amount of work of breathing is required to overcome:
Your Answer: Elastic lung compliance
Explanation:The forces of elastance (compliance), frictional resistance and inertia have been identified as the forces that oppose lung inflation and deflation. The normal relaxed state of the lung and chest is partially empty. Further exhalation requires muscular work. Inhalation is an active process requiring work. About 60–66% of the total work performed by the respiratory muscles is used to overcome the elastic or compliance characteristics of the lung–chest cage, 30–35% is used to overcome frictional resistance and only 2–5% of the work is used for inertia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 49
Correct
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A elderly patient with bulbar palsy is bed ridden. While swallowing he aspirates one of his tablets into his lungs. In which bronchopulmonary segments is it most likely to end up?
Your Answer: Superior segmental bronchus of the right inferior lobe
Explanation:Inhaled objects are more likely to enter the right lung for several reasons. First the right bronchus is shorter, wider and more vertical than the left bronchus. Also, the carina (a ridge-like structure at the point of tracheal bifurcation) is set a little towards the left. The superior segmental bronchus branches posteriorly off the intermediate bronchus or the inferior lobe bronchus and is thus more likely to receive the foreign body that enters the right main bronchus. The lingula is only found on the left lung. The terminal bronchiole is a very small space almost impossible for the tablet to lodge here.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 50
Correct
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Leakage from a silicone breast implant can lead to:
Your Answer: Pain and contracture
Explanation:Breast implants are mainly: saline-filled and silicone gel-filled. Complications include haematoma, fluid collections, infection at the surgical site, pain, wrinkling, asymmetric appearance, wound dehiscence and thinning of the breast tissue.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Women's Health
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Question 51
Incorrect
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Which of the following is a true statement regarding the pupil?
Your Answer: Pupil diameter is determined by the balance between parasympathetic tone to the radial fibres of the iris and sympathetic tone to the pupillary sphincter muscle.
Correct Answer: Phentolamine causes pupil constriction
Explanation:A balance between the sympathetic tone to the radial fibres of the iris and parasympathetic tone to the pupillary sphincter muscle determines the pupil size. Phentolamine (α-adrenergic receptor blocker) causes pupillary constriction. Dilatation of the pupil occurs with increased sympathetic activity, decreased parasympathetic activity during darkness or block of muscarinic receptors by atropine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 52
Incorrect
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Which of these foramen is located at the base of the skull and transmits the accessory meningeal artery?
Your Answer: Jugular foramen
Correct Answer: Foramen ovale
Explanation:At the base of the skull the foramen ovale is one of the larger of the several holes that transmit nerves through the skull. The following structures pass through foramen ovale: mandibular nerve, motor root of the trigeminal nerve, accessory meningeal artery, lesser petrosal nerve, a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, emissary vein connecting the cavernous sinus with the pterygoid plexus of veins and occasionally the anterior trunk of the middle meningeal vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 53
Correct
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A patient with chronic renal disease, missed a day of his dialysis schedule., His serum potassium was 7.6 mmol/L when his electrolytes were checked. What is the ECG finding expected in this patient?
Your Answer: Tented T waves
Explanation:ECG characteristics of hyperkalaemia may show the following changes: P-waves are widened and of low amplitude due to slowing of conduction, widened QRS complex, QRS-T fusion, loss of ST segment and tall tented T waves.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 54
Correct
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A medical intern wanting to perform her first thoracentesis (remove fluid from the pleural cavity) wishes to be reminded where to insert the needle to aspirate in order to avoid injuring the lung or neurovascular elements. Where is this place?
Your Answer: The bottom of interspace 9 in the midaxillary line
Explanation:Thoracentesis is performed in the costodiaphragmatic recess. The needle needs to be inserted below the level of the lungs to avoid injury to the lungs. At the paravertebral line, is between ribs 10 and 12, at the midaxillary line between ribs 8 and 10 and at the midclavicular line between interspaces 6 and 8. The needle should be inserted at the top of the rib (or the bottom of the interspace) to avoid damage to the neurovascular structures found below the rib running in the costal groove.
The recommended location for the needle insertion varies depending upon the source. It is critical that the patient hold his or her breath to avoid piercing of the lung.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 55
Correct
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A 60-year old woman who has a left sided post-pneumonic effusion, was to have some pleural fluid aspirated for culture and sensitivity. If the medical intern in charge of the procedure decided to aspirate while the patient is sitting up on her bed, where in the pleural cavity would the fluid tend to accumulate?
Your Answer: Costodiaphragmatic recess
Explanation:The lowest part of the pleural cavity is the costodiaphragmatic recess and it the space in which the pleural fluid will accumulate when the patient sits up.
The cupola is part of the pleural cavity that extends into the root of the neck above the first rib.
The costomediastinal recess is the junction at which the costal pleura becomes the mediastinal pleura.
The middle mediastinum is the part of the mediastinum that is occupied by the heart.
The hilar reflection is the point where the mediastinal pleura is reflected to continue on as the visceral pleura.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 56
Correct
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Hormones of the anterior pituitary include which of the following?
Your Answer: Prolactin
Explanation:The anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis or pars distalis) synthesizes and secretes:
1. FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
2. LH (luteinizing hormone)
3. Growth hormone
4. Prolactin
5. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
6. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
The posterior pituitary gland (neurohypophysis) stores and secretes 2 hormones produced by the hypothalamus:
1. ADH (antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin)
2. Oxytocin
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 57
Correct
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In a splenectomy procedure, special care is emphasized on the preservation of the tail of the pancreas that is closely associated with the spleen to avoid post operative pancreatic fistula. As a general surgeon conducting a splenectomy where are you most likely to find the tail of the pancreas in the abdominal cavity?
Your Answer: Splenorenal ligament
Explanation:The tail of the pancreas is the only intraperitoneal part of the pancreas and is found contained in the splenorenal ligament of the peritoneal cavity. The splenorenal ligament is derived from the peritoneum where the wall of the general peritoneal cavity connects to the omental bursa between the spleen and the left kidney. This ligament contains the splenic vessels and the tail of the pancreas.
The gastrocolic ligament stretches from the greater curvature of the stomach to the transverse colon, connecting the two.
The gastrosplenic ligament is derived from the greater omentum and is the structure that connects the stomach to the hilum of the spleen. The gastrosplenic ligament continues from the splenic flexure of the colon to the diaphragm and acts as a support to the spleen.
The transverse colon is connected to the abdominal wall by the mesocolon ligament.
The falciform ligament on the other hand, attaches the liver to the ventral wall of the abdomen.
The hepatoduodenal ligament connects the porta hepatis of the liver to the superior part of the duodenum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 58
Incorrect
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Coagulation in the body (in vivo) is a process in which several proteins known as coagulation factors are activated in a cascade effect to stop bleeding. Which of the following initiates this cascade effect?
Your Answer: Factor VII
Correct Answer: Tissue factor
Explanation:Tissue factor (TF), also known as ‘factor III’ or ‘thromboplastin’, is an anti-coagulation protein that initiates the extrinsic coagulation. TF acts as a transmembrane receptor for Factor VII/VIIa . It is expressed by endothelial cells but also certain tissues, such as the heart and brain.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 59
Correct
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A TRUE statement regarding abolition of the cephalic phase of pancreatic secretion is that it:
Your Answer: Will result after vagotomy
Explanation:Recognition and integration of the sight, smell and taste of food triggers the cephalic phase of pancreatic secretion, causing an increase in pancreatic HCO3- and enzyme secretion. The degree of enzyme secretion in this phase is about 50% of the maximal response seen with exogenous CCK and secretin. The vagus nerve regulates the secretion through the cholinergic fibres innervating the acinar cells of the pancreas, and through peptidergic nerve fibres, which innervate ductal cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 60
Correct
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A surgeon ligates the left middle suprarenal artery while carrying out a left adrenalectomy. Where does the left middle suprarenal artery originate?
Your Answer: Abdominal aorta
Explanation:Middle suprarenal arteries arise from either side of the abdominal aorta, opposite the superior mesenteric artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 61
Correct
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Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic; the subclass that dicloxacillin belongs to is:
Your Answer: Penicillin
Explanation:Dicloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic. It is used to treat infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria and most effective against beta-lactamase-producing organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus. To decrease the development of resistance, dicloxacillin is recommended to treat infections that are suspected or proven to be caused by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 62
Correct
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Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. Which of these changes will decrease the rate of diffusion of a substance?
Your Answer: An increase in the molecular weight of the substance
Explanation:Unless given IV, a drug must cross several semipermeable cell membranes before it reaches the systemic circulation. Drugs may cross cell membranes by diffusion, amongst other mechanisms. The rate of diffusion of a substance is proportional to the difference in the concentration of the diffusing substance between the two sides of the membrane, the temperature of the solution, the permeability of the membrane and, in the case of ions, the electrical potential difference between the two sides of the membrane.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 63
Correct
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A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation in the left leg. He is likely to have a lesion involving:
Your Answer: Right lateral spinothalamic tract
Explanation:The spinothalamic tract is a sensory pathway originating in the spinal cord that transmits information to the thalamus. There are two main parts of the spinothalamic tract: the lateral spinothalamic tract transmits pain and temperature and the anterior spinothalamic tract transmits touch (crude touch). The decussation of this pathway occurs at the level of the spinal cord. Hence, a unilateral lesion of the lateral spinothalamic tract causes contralateral loss of pain and temperature.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 64
Correct
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Blood supply to the posterior compartment of the thigh is supplied by which artery?
Your Answer: Perforating
Explanation:There are usually 3 perforating arteries:
The first gives branches to the adductor brevis and magnus, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus and anastomoses with the inferior gluteal, medial and lateral femoral circumflex.
The second artery supplies the posterior femoral muscles and anastomose with the first and third perforating vessels.
The third supplies the posterior femoral muscles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 65
Correct
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An old man presented with atrophy of the thenar eminence despite the sensation over it still being intact. What is the injured nerve in this case?
Your Answer: Median nerve
Explanation:Atrophy of the thenar muscles means injury to the motor supply of these muscles. The nerve that sends innervation to it is the median nerve. But the median nerve does not provide sensory innervation to the overlying skin so sensation is spared.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 66
Correct
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A 40-year old woman presents with tightening of the skin over her fingers which makes movement of her fingers difficult.. She also gives a history of her fingers turning blue on exposure to low temperatures. She admits to gradual weight loss. Investigations reveal negative rheumatoid factor, negative antinuclear antibody and a positive anticentromere body. Which of the following conditions is she likely to have?
Your Answer: Oesophageal stricture
Explanation:Scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder that ranges in severity and progression. The disease could show generalised skin thickening with rapid, fatal, visceral involvement; or only cutaneous involvement (typically fingers and face). The slow progressive form is also known as ‘limited cutaneous scleroderma’ or CREST syndrome (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, (o)oesophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 67
Correct
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A 15 month old boy has a history of repeated bacterial pneumonia, failure to thrive and a sputum culture positive for H.influenzea and S.pneumoniae. There is no history of congenital anomalies. He is most likely suffering from?
Your Answer: X-linked agammaglobulinemia
Explanation:Recurrent bacterial infections may be due to lack of B-cell function, consequently resulting in a lack of gamma globulins production. Once the maternal antibodies have depleted, the disease manifests with greater severity and is called x-linked agammaglobulinemia also known as ‘X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia’, ‘XLA’ or ‘Bruton-type agammaglobulinemia. it is a rare x linked genetic disorder that compromises the bodies ability to fight infections.
Acute leukaemia causes immunodeficiency but not so specific.
DiGeorge syndrome is due to lack of T cell function.
Aplastic anaemia and EBV infection does not cause immunodeficiency.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Respiratory
- Pathology
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Question 68
Correct
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During thymectomy the surgeon accidentally nicks a vein that lies just posterior to the thymus. Which of the following vessels is likely to be injured?
Your Answer: Left brachiocephalic vein
Explanation:The thymus is located superficially in the anterior mediastinum. The left brachiocephalic vein courses through the mediastinum to join the right brachiocephalic vein and form the superior vena cava on the right side of the thorax. The left brachiocephalic vein, being superficial, courses just deep to the thymus so that it may be susceptible to compression by an adjacent tumour. The left pulmonary vein, left bronchial vein and right pulmonary artery are deep, and enter and exit the lung at its root, thus are not near the thymus. The right superior intercostal vein drains the 2nd to the 4th intercostal spaces and drains into the arch of the azygos vein. It is not, therefore, closely related with the thymus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 69
Correct
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Which of the following factors will not affect the wound healing process in a young women who suffered serious burns to her chest and hands?
Your Answer: Vitamin A deficiency
Explanation:Healing can be sped-up or slowed down due to various reasons: 1. blood supply, 2. infection, 3. denervation, 4. collection of blood/hematoma, 5. mechanical stress, 6. foreign body, 7. techniques used during surgery and 8. dressing of the wound. Other systemic factors include 1. nutrition e.g. deficiency of zinc, vitamin C, protein deficiency, 2. metabolic status, 3. circulatory status and 4. hormonal influence
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 70
Correct
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After total thyroidectomy, which of the following investigations is recommended in the immediate post-operative period?
Your Answer: Serum calcium
Explanation:Total thyroidectomy might sometimes result in inadvertent excision or damage of parathyroid glands, leading to hypoparathyroidism. Monitoring serum calcium levels in the post-operative period to detect hypocalcaemia is essential to diagnose and prevent this condition.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 71
Correct
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A patient under went repair of a lingual artery aneurysm in the floor of the mouth. During surgical dissection from the inside of the mouth which muscle would you have to pass through to reach the main portion of the lingual artery?
Your Answer: Hyoglossus
Explanation:The lingual artery first runs obliquely upward and medialward to the greater horns of the hyoid bone. It then curves downward and forward, forming a loop which is crossed by the hypoglossal nerve, and passing beneath the digastric muscle and stylohyoid muscle it runs horizontally forward, beneath the hyoglossus, and finally, ascending almost perpendicularly to the tongue, turns forward on its lower surface as far as the tip, to become the deep lingual artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 72
Correct
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A 72-year-old male presents with dysuria and chronic haematuria. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer and tumour invasion of the perivesical fat. What is the stage of the patient's bladder cancer?
Your Answer: T3
Explanation:Bladder cancer is the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells on the inner lining of the bladder wall. The staging is as follows; stage 0is (Tis, N0, M0): Cancerous cells in the inner lining tissue of the bladder only, stage I (T1, N0, M0): tumour has spread onto the bladder wall, stage II (T2, N0, M0): tumour has penetrated the inner wall and is present in muscle of the bladder wall, stage III (T3, N0, M0): tumour has spread through the bladder to fat around the bladder and stage IV: (T4, N0, M0): tumour has grown through the bladder wall and into the pelvic or abdominal wall. The stage of cancer in the case presented is T3 because of the invasion of perivesical fat.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 73
Correct
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A 40 year old man from Japan was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus. He is to undergo esophagectomy. While mobilizing the oesophagus in the neck, for resection and anastomosis with the stomach tube on the left side, the surgeon must be cautious not to injure a vital structure. Which of the following is it?
Your Answer: Thoracic duct
Explanation:The oesophagus is divided into 3 portions: cervical (part that is in the neck), thoracic portion and the abdominal portion. The cervical part is bordered by the trachea anteriorly and the prevertebral fascia covering the bodies of the 6,7 and 8th vertebra posteriorly. The thoracic duct lies on the left side at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. The carotid sheath with its contents and lower poles of the lateral lobes of thyroid gland are lateral. The thoracic duct is the structure most likely to be injured.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 74
Correct
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Which of the following statements regarding the arteries in the neck are TRUE?
Your Answer: The thyrocervical trunk typically gives rise to the inferior thyroid artery, transverse cervical artery and suprascapular artery
Explanation:The thyrocervical trunk is one of the three branches of the first part of the subclavian artery and gives numerous branches which supply viscera of the neck, the brachial plexus, neck muscles and scapular anastomoses. The vertebral arteries are major arteries of the neck. They arise as branches from the subclavian arteries and merge to form the single midline basilar artery. The carotid sinus is a dilated area at the base of the internal carotid artery just superior to the bifurcation of the internal carotid and external carotid at the level of the superior border of thyroid cartilage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 75
Correct
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The specialist registrar, while performing the repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, decides not to re-implant the inferior mesenteric artery into the repaired abdominal aorta. She says that an anastomotic artery running along the border of the large intestine is good enough to supply blood to the territory of the inferior mesenteric artery. Which vessel is she referring to?
Your Answer: Marginal
Explanation:The marginal artery is a key anastomosis for the large intestine that runs around the border of the large intestine and is formed by the anastomosis of the branches of the ileocolic artery, right colic artery, middle colic artery, left colic artery and sigmoid artery. If a small artery is occluded, these branches allow blood to reach all segments of the colon.
The arcades are anastomotic loops between the arteries that provide alternative pathways for blood flow. They are more prominent in the small intestine than the large intestine.
Arteriae rectae are small branches that run from the marginal artery to reach the colon.
The ileocolic artery is the branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies the caecum, appendix and terminal part of the ileum.
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 76
Incorrect
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The thyrocervical trunk branches into which artery that passes upward and in front of the vertebral artery and longus colli muscle:
Your Answer: Transverse cervical
Correct Answer: Inferior thyroid
Explanation:The inferior thyroid artery is an artery in the neck. It arises from the thyrocervical trunk and passes upward, in front of the vertebral artery and longus colli muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 77
Correct
-
What forms the pelvic diaphragm?
Your Answer: Levator ani and coccygeus muscles
Explanation:The pelvic diaphragm is formed by the levator ani and the coccygeus muscles. The levator ani forms the greater part of the pelvic floor supporting the viscera in the pelvic cavity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 78
Incorrect
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QT interval in the electrocardiogram of a healthy individual is normally:
Your Answer: 0.20 s
Correct Answer: 0.40 s
Explanation:QT interval extends from beginning of the QRS complex till the end of he T-wave and normally lasts for 0.40 s. It is important in the diagnosis of long-QT and short-QT syndrome. The QT interval varies on the basis of heart rate and may need to be corrected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 79
Incorrect
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An ultrasound report of a 35-year old female patient revealed that she had cancer of the pancreas and presented with subsequent severe obstructive jaundice. In which part of this was woman's pancreas was the tumour most likely located?
Your Answer: Neck
Correct Answer: Head
Explanation:The pancreas is divided into five parts; the head, body, neck, tail, and the uncinate process. Of the five parts, tumours located at the head of the pancreas in most instances cause obstruction of the common bile duct more often than tumours in the other parts of the pancreas. This is because the common bile duct passes through the head of the pancreas from the gallbladder and the liver (it is formed where the cystic and the hepatic bile duct join) to empty bile into the duodenum. This biliary obstruction leads to accumulation of bile in the liver and a consequent bilirubinaemia (raised levels of blood bilirubin). This results in jaundice. The pancreas is not divided into lobes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 80
Correct
-
The likely cause of a tender and swollen breast in a lactating mother is:
Your Answer: Acute mastitis
Explanation:Acute mastitis results due to bacterial infection of the breast and results in signs of inflammation. It commonly occurs 2-3 weeks postpartum and common causative microorganisms are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and Escherichia coli. Complications like an abscess can be avoided by prompt treatment, which includes antibiotics and rest along with continued lactation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Women's Health
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Question 81
Incorrect
-
Which of the following conditions may cause hypervolaemic hyponatraemia?
Your Answer: Protracted vomiting
Correct Answer: Cirrhosis
Explanation:Hypovolaemic hyponatraemia: reduced extracellular fluid
Renal loss of sodium and water; urine Na >20 mmol/day
Causes:
Diuretic use
Salt wasting nephropathy
Cerebral salt wasting
Mineralocorticoid deficiency/adrenal insufficiency
Renal tubular acidosis
Extrarenal loss of sodium and water with renal conservation; urine Na <20 mmol/day
Causes:
Burns
Gastrointestinal loss
Pancreatitis
Blood loss
3rd space loss (bowel obstruction, peritonitis)Hypervolaemic hyponatraemia: expanded intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid but reduced effective arterial blood volume
Causes:
Congestive cardiac failure
Cirrhosis
Nephrotic syndromeEuvolaemic hyponatraemia: expanded intracellular and extracellular fluid but oedema absent
Causes:
Thiazide diuretics (can be euvolaemic or hypovolaemic)
Hypothyroidism
Adrenal insufficiency (can be euvolaemic or hypovolaemic)
SIADH (cancer, central nervous system disorders, drugs, pulmonary disease, nausea, postoperative pain, HIV, infection, Guillain‐Barre syndrome, acute intermittent porphyria)
Decreased solute ingestion (beer potomania/tea and toast diet) -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 82
Correct
-
The primary motor cortex is located in the:
Your Answer: Precentral gyrus
Explanation:The primary motor cortex is located in the dorsal part of the precentral gyrus and the anterior bank of the central sulcus. The precentral gyrus lies anterior to the postcentral gyrus and is separated from it by a central sulcus. Its anterior border is the precentral sulcus, while inferiorly it borders to the lateral fissure (Sylvian fissure).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 83
Correct
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What causes a reduction in pulmonary functional residual capacity?
Your Answer: Pulmonary fibrosis
Explanation:Pulmonary functional residual capacity (FRC) is = volume of air present in the lungs at the end of passive expiration.
Obstructive diseases (e.g. emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma) = an increase in FRC due to an increase in lung compliance and air trapping.
Restrictive diseases (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis) result in stiffer, less compliant lungs and a reduction in FRC.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 84
Correct
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Which of the following structures carry part of the right bundle branch of the AV bundle?
Your Answer: Moderator band (septomarginal trabecula)
Explanation:The moderator band extends from the base of the anterior papillary muscle to the ventricular septum. It is the structure which carries part of the right AV bundle. Its role it to prevent overdistention of the ventricle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 85
Correct
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A chef, whilst preparing food, cut her thumb with a knife. She transected the arteria princeps pollicis. This artery is a branch of the?
Your Answer: Radial artery
Explanation:The radial artery branches into the arteria princeps pollicis as it turns medially into the deep part of the hand. The arteria princeps pollicis is distributed to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the thumb.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 86
Correct
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What is correct regarding the obturator artery?
Your Answer: It is found in the medial compartment of the thigh
Explanation:The obturator artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery, which passes antero-inferiorly on the lateral wall of the pelvis, to the upper part of the obturator foramen. The posterior branch follows the posterior margin of the foramen and turns forward on the inferior ramus of the ischium. It also supplies an articular branch, which enters the hip joint through the acetabular notch, sending a branch along the ligamentum teres to the head of the femur. It is the main source of arterial supply to the medial compartment of the thigh
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 87
Correct
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The ability of the bacteria to cause disease or its virulence is related to :
Your Answer: Toxin and enzyme production
Explanation:The pathogenicity of an organism or its ability to cause disease is determined by its virulence factors. Many bacteria produce virulence factors that inhibit the host’s immune system. The virulence factors of bacteria are typically proteins or other molecules that are synthesized by enzymes. These proteins are coded for by genes in chromosomal DNA, bacteriophage DNA or plasmids. The proteins made by the bacteria can poison the host cells and cause tissue damage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 88
Correct
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After a prolonged coronary artery bypass surgery, a 60-year old gentleman was transfused 3 units of fresh-frozen plasma and 2 units of packed red cells. Two days later, the nurse noticed that he was tachypnoeic and chest X-ray showed signs consistent with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following variables will be low in this patient?
Your Answer: Compliance of the lung
Explanation:Acute or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a reaction to several forms of lung injuries and is commonly associated with sepsis and SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome), severe traumatic injury, severe head injury, narcotics overdose, drowning, pulmonary contusion, and multiple blood transfusions. There is an increase in risk due to pre-existing liver disease or coagulation abnormalities. It results due to indirect toxic effects of neutrophil-derived inflammatory mediators in the lungs. ARDS is defined by the 1994 American–European Consensus Committee as the acute onset of bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray, a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (pa(O2)) to fraction of inspired oxygen Fi(O2) ratio of less than 200 mmHg and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of less than 18 or the absence of clinical evidence of left arterial hypertension. ARDS is basically pulmonary oedema in the absence of volume overload or poor left ventricular function. This is different from acute lung injury, which shows a pa(O2)/Fi(O2) ratio of less than 300 mmHg. Pathogenesis of ARDS starts from damage to alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, causing increased permeability. Damage to surfactant-producing type II cells disrupts the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, causing micro atelectasis and poor gas exchange. There is a decrease in lung compliance and increase in work of breathing. Eventually, there is resorption of alveolar oedema, regeneration of epithelial cells, proliferation and differentiation of type II alveolar cells and alveolar remodelling. Some show resolution and some progress to fibrosing alveolitis, which involves the deposition of collagen in alveolar, vascular and interstitial spaces.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 89
Correct
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition that occurs in critically ill patients, and can be triggered by events such as trauma and sepsis. Which of the following variables is most likely to be lower than normal in a patient with ARDS?
Your Answer: Lung compliance
Explanation:Acute (or Adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition occurring in critically ill patients characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) starts with damage to the alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, resulting in increased permeability to plasma and inflammatory cells. These cells pass into the interstitium and alveolar space, resulting in pulmonary oedema. Damage to the surfactant-producing type II cells and the presence of protein-rich fluid in the alveolar space disrupt the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, leading to micro atelectasis and impaired gas exchange. The pathophysiological consequences of lung oedema in ARDS include a decrease in lung volumes, compliance and large intrapulmonary shunts. ARDS may be seen in the setting of pneumonia, sepsis, following trauma, multiple blood transfusions, severe burns, severe pancreatitis, near-drowning, drug reactions, or inhalation injuries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 90
Correct
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An old woman complains of a lack of sensation halfway down the anterior surface of the thigh. The cause of this:
Your Answer: Would result from damage to the nerve that innervates the pectineus muscle
Explanation:The pectineus is supplied by the second, third and fourth lumbar nerves through the femoral nerve and by the third lumbar through the accessory obturator when it exists. The anterior surface of the thigh receives its innervation from the femoral nerve as well, thus this is the nerve most likely to be injured
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 91
Correct
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A 4-year-old child was brought to a paediatrician for consult due to a palpable mass in his abdomen. The child has poor appetite and regularly complains of abdominal pain. The child was worked up and diagnosed with a tumour. What is the most likely diagnosis ?
Your Answer: Nephroblastoma
Explanation:Nephroblastoma is also known as Wilms’ tumour. It is a cancer of the kidneys that typically occurs in children. The median age of diagnose is approximately 3.5 years. With the current treatment, approximately 80-90% of children with Wilms’ tumour survive.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 92
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT a Gram-negative rod?
Your Answer: Clostridium tetani
Explanation:Gram-positive rods include Clostridia, Listeria and diphtheroids.
Gram-negative rods include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Yersinia, Haemohilus, Pseudomonas, Shigella, Legionella, proteus and Salmonella
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 93
Correct
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Which of the following malignancies is likely to have the best prognosis?
Your Answer: Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
Explanation:Papillary carcinoma accounts for 70-80% of all thyroid cancers and is seen commonly in people aged 30-60 years. It is more aggressive in elderly patients. 10-20% cases may have recurrence or persistent disease. More common in females with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Papillary carcinomas can also contain follicular carcinomas. The common route of spread is through lymphatics to regional nodes in one-third cases and pulmonary metastasis can also occur. Papillary carcinomas of the thyroid have the best prognosis, especially in patients less than 45 years of age with small tumours confined to the thyroid gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 94
Correct
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The left lateral pterygoid muscle is one of the muscles of mastication. When acting alone, it will shift the mandible towards which direction?
Your Answer: Laterally, to the right
Explanation:The lateral pterygoid or external pterygoid is a muscle of mastication with two heads. It lies superiorly to the medial pterygoid. When acting alone, it will shift the mandible laterally and to the right.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 95
Correct
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Which of the following changes in the histology of the cell is most likely to be accompanied by disruption of the cell membrane following an injury?
Your Answer: Coagulative necrosis
Explanation:The process of necrosis ends with the rupture of the cell membrane and the consequent release of the cellular components into the surrounding tissue. Apoptosis, pyknosis and karyorrhexis are not reversible events but the cell membrane remains intact. Cloudy swelling and hydropic changes are also reversible but again the cell membrane remains intact and they are therefore different and distinct from necrosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 96
Correct
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A patient sustained an injury to the facial nerve after it emerges from the stylomastoid foramen. What is the clinical impact of this injury?
Your Answer: Facial expression
Explanation:The facial nerve is the seventh of the twelve paired cranial nerves. It emerges from the brainstem between the pons and the medulla. It controls the muscles of facial expression and supplies taste fibres to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. It also supplies preganglionic parasympathetic fibres to several head and neck ganglia. Its branches and distribution are as follows:
Inside the facial canal (proximal to the stylomastoid foramen):
– Greater petrosal nerve – provides parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland, as well as special taste sensory fibres to the palate via the nerve of pterygoid canal
– Nerve to stapedius – provides motor innervation for the stapedius muscle in the middle ear
– Chord tympani – provides parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands and special sensory taste fibres for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue
Outside the skull (distal to the stylomastoid foramen):
– Posterior auricular nerve – controls the movements of some of the scalp muscles around the ear
– Five major facial branches (in the parotid gland), from top to bottom: temporal branch, zygomatic branch, buccal branch, marginal mandibular branch and cervical branch. From the description given above it is obvious that injury to the facial nerve distal to the stylomastoid foramen will affect facial expression.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 97
Correct
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A 70-year-old female who underwent coronary artery bypass graft developed post-operative acute renal failure. Her urinary catheter was left in place to monitor urine output. 6 days later she developed fever and chills. She also complained of suprapubic and left flank pain. She is found to have developed acute ascending pyelonephritis. Which of the following organism was most likely isolated during urine culture?
Your Answer: Escherichia coli with pili
Explanation:The most common cause of urinary tract infection is Escherichia coli. Pilated strains of E. coli ascend the urethra to infect the kidney and the bladder. Catheters have been associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 98
Correct
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Which of the following veins empties into the left renal vein?
Your Answer: Left suprarenal
Explanation:The left suprarenal vein empties into the left renal vein which crosses the vertebral column to reach the inferior vena cava. The left renal vein also receives the left gonadal vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 99
Correct
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A teacher had varicosities in the region of the small saphenous vein. Which of the following is true about that vein?
Your Answer: Has nine to twelve valves
Explanation:It is known that the small saphenous vein has nine to twelve valves along its course. This vein begins as a direct continuation of the lateral marginal vein posterior to the lateral malleolus. It is superficially situated but closer to its termination, perforates the deep fascia in the lower part of the popliteal fossa to end in the popliteal vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 100
Incorrect
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Which lymph nodes are most likely to enlarge due to the spread of infection through the lymphatic channels in a patient with a boil on his scrotum?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Superficial inguinal nodes
Explanation:The superficial inguinal nodes drain the perineum and the external genitalia which include the scrotum and the labia majora. The testes, however, drain to the lumbar nodes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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