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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 40-year-old male presents to your clinic complaining of a cough with bloody sputum for the past three months. He has also had fever, night sweats, and has noticed some weight loss over the past three months.
Which ONE of the following statements regarding this disease is correct?Your Answer: Miliary tuberculosis refers to tuberculosis that affects the spine
Correct Answer: It can be diagnosed using the Ziehl-Neelson stain
Explanation:Tuberculosis is an infection caused by the microorganism Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB can affect any organ system in the body, but it most commonly affects the lungs, followed by the lymph nodes.
Option Tuberculosis is spread by the faecal-oral route: It is spread by inhalation of droplet nuclei.
There are different methods to diagnose a tuberculosis infection.
1) Direct Microscopy: The organisms are visualised using Ziehl-Neelsen or Auramine staining. This is the quickest method to establish a diagnosis and start treatment.
2) Culture: M. tuberculosis can be grown on Lowenstein-Jensen or Ogawa mediums, but it can take up to 8 weeks; therefore, ZN staining is also performed to start treatment immediately.Option There are several types of vaccine currently available: The BCG vaccine is the only vaccine approved to prevent TB and is administered at birth.
Option Miliary tuberculosis refers to tuberculosis that affects the spine: Miliary tuberculosis refers to a tuberculosis infection disseminated throughout the body’s organ systems via the blood or lymphatics. Pott’s disease is extrapulmonary TB that affects the spine. It usually affects the lower thoracic and upper lumbar regions.
Option A Ghon focus typically appears at the apex of a lung: The Ghon focus is a primary sign of TB that forms in the lung of previously unaffected patients. It typically occurs in the mid or lower zones of the lung.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 2
Correct
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Which of the following nerves has been damaged when a patient presents with a foot drop?
Your Answer: Common peroneal nerve
Explanation:The common peroneal nerve often referred to as the common fibular nerve, is a major nerve that innervates the lower extremity. It is one of the two major branches off the sciatic nerve and receives fibres from the posterior divisions of L4 through S2 nerve roots. The common peroneal nerve separates from the sciatic nerve in the distal posterior thigh proximal to the popliteal fossa. After branching off of the sciatic nerve, it continues down the thigh, running posteroinferior to the biceps femoris muscle, and crosses laterally to the head of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle through the posterior intermuscular septum. The nerve then curves around the fibular neck before dividing into two branches, the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) and the deep peroneal nerve (DPN). The common peroneal nerve does not have any motor innervation before dividing; however, it provides sensory innervation to the lateral leg via the lateral sural nerve.
The superficial peroneal nerve innervates the lateral compartment of the leg, and the deep peroneal nerve innervates the anterior compartment of the leg and the dorsum of the foot. These two nerves are essential in the eversion of the foot and dorsiflexion of the foot, respectively. The superficial and deep peroneal nerves provide both motor and sensory innervation.
The most common presentation with common peroneal nerve injury or palsy is acute foot drop, although symptoms may be progressive and can include sensory loss or pain. Weakness in foot eversion may occur if the superficial peroneal nerve component is involved.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 3
Correct
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A patient presents to your clinic with fever of unknown origin. His blood results shows a markedly elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level.
Which of these is responsible for mediating the release of CRP?
Your Answer: IL-6
Explanation:C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein produced by the liver hepatocytes. Its production is regulated by cytokines, particularly interleukin 6 (IL-6) and it can be measured in the serum as a nonspecific marker of inflammation.
Although a high CRP suggest an acute infection or inflammation, it does not identify the cause or location of infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
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Question 4
Correct
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On which of the following types of receptors does loperamide act?
Your Answer: Opioid receptors
Explanation:Loperamide inhibits acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus acts by action on opioid mu-receptors, and this then reduces bowel motility. The intestinal transit time is increased, thereby facilitating water reabsorption.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a function of antibodies:
Your Answer: Activate the complement cascade
Correct Answer: Act as antigen receptors on T lymphocytes
Explanation:Antibodies:
Neutralise toxins and prevent attachment of pathogens
Target, opsonise or agglutinate (clump together) antigens for phagocytosis
Activate the complement cascade (leading to lysis or opsonisation of the pathogen)
Act as antigen receptors on B lymphocytes
Activate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by natural killer (NK) cells or T cytotoxic cells
Provide mucosal immunity (IgA-mediated)
Stimulate degranulation of mast cells (IgE and IgG mediated)
Provide passive immunity to the newborn (through transplacental passage of IgG and secretion of IgA in breast milk) -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune Responses
- Pathology
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Question 6
Correct
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You're called to a cardiac arrest in your Emergency Department resuscitation area. The rhythm strip is shown in the diagram below. Defibrillation has already been attempted three times on the patient. You intended to administer amiodarone, but your department has informed you that it is not available. In these circumstances, if amiodarone is not available, which of the following drugs is recommended by the ALS guidelines?
Your Answer: Lidocaine
Explanation:If amiodarone is unavailable in VF/pVT arrests, lidocaine at a dose of 1 mg/kg can be used instead, according to the latest ALS guidelines. If amiodarone has already been given, no lidocaine should be given.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 7
Correct
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What type of visual field defect are you most likely to see in a lesion of the parietal optic radiation:
Your Answer: Contralateral homonymous inferior quadrantanopia
Explanation:A lesion of the parietal optic radiation will result in a contralateral homonymous inferior quadrantanopia.
A lesion of the temporal optic radiation will result in a contralateral homonymous superior quadrantanopia. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 8
Correct
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Regarding the penis, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: The corpus spongiosum is ventral in the erect penis.
Explanation:Because the anatomical position of the penis is erect, the paired corpora cavernosa are defined as dorsal in the body of the penis and the single corpus spongiosum as ventral. The nerves and vessels lie superficial to the corpus cavernosum. The urethra lies within the corpus spongiosum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 9
Correct
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During bedside rounds, an 82-year old female in the Medicine Ward complains of pain and tingling of all fingers of the right hand. The attending physician is considering carpal tunnel syndrome.
Which of the following is expected to undergo atrophy in carpal tunnel syndrome?
Your Answer: The thenar eminence
Explanation:Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist’s carpal tunnel. It is the most common nerve entrapment neuropathy, accounting for 90% of all neuropathies. Early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, numbness, and paraesthesia’s. These symptoms typically present, with some variability, in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half (thumb side) of the ring finger. Pain also can radiate up the affected arm. With further progression, hand weakness, decreased fine motor coordination, clumsiness, and thenar atrophy can occur.
The muscles innervated by the median nerve can be remembered using the mnemonic ‘LOAF’:
L– lateral two lumbricals
O– Opponens pollicis
A– Abductor pollicis
F– Flexor pollicis brevisIn the early presentation of the disease, symptoms most often present at night when lying down and are relieved during the day. With further progression of the disease, symptoms will also be present during the day, especially with certain repetitive activities, such as when drawing, typing, or playing video games. In more advanced disease, symptoms can be constant.
Typical occupations of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome include those who use computers for extended periods of time, those who use equipment that has vibration such as construction workers, and any other occupation requiring frequent, repetitive movement.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 10
Correct
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Regarding aciclovir, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Aciclovir eradicates herpes simplex virus from the body.
Explanation:Aciclovir is active against herpesviruses but does not eradicate latent virus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 11
Correct
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Insulin binds to the insulin receptor (IR) on cell surfaces to exert its action. The IR is a very specific transmembrane receptor belonging to the tyrosine kinase receptor class.
One of these also activates the IR:
Your Answer: IGF-I
Explanation:Insulin receptor (IR), in addition to being activated by insulin, is also activated by IGF-I and IGF-II.
The IR is a dimer with two identical subunits spanning the cell membrane and are connected by a single disulphide bond. The two sub-units include: The alpha chain situated on the exterior of the cell membrane and the beta chain spanning the cell membrane in a single segment.
When insulin is detected, the alpha chains move together folding around the insulin making the beta chains move together, converting them into an active tyrosine kinase. This initiates a phosphorylation cascade increasing the expression of GLUT4 and allowing uptake of glucose by cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 12
Correct
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A patient complains of stomach ache. You see a midline scar in the epigastric area when you examine the abdomen. Upon further interrogation, the patient reveals that she had a subtotal gastrectomy for recurring stomach ulcers several years ago. The stomach mucosa secretes a variety of vital compounds, and her ability to secrete some of these molecules has been harmed as a result of his surgery.
The stomach G-cells are responsible for which of the following?Your Answer: Secretion of gastrin
Explanation:G-cells are a type of cell found in the stomach’s pyloric antrum, duodenum, and pancreas. The secretion of the peptide hormone gastrin is their major function.
The table below summarizes the many cell types found in the stomach, as well as the substances secreted by each cell type and the function of the secretion:
Cell type/ Substance secreted/ Function of secretion
Parietal cells/ Hydrochloric acid/ Kills microbes and activates pepsinogen
Parietal cells/ Intrinsic factor/Binds to vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption
Chief cells/ Pepsinogen/ Protein digestion
Chief cells/ Gastric lipase/ Fat digestion
G-cells/ Gastrin/ Stimulates gastric acid secretion
Enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cells) /Histamine/ Stimulates gastric acid secretion
Mucous-neck cells/ Mucous and bicarbonate/ Protects stomach epithelium from acid
D-cells/ Somatostatin/ Inhibits gastric acid secretion -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 13
Correct
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Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels are found to be increased in a young lady with unexplained hyponatraemia.
Which of the following is a result of the release of ADH?Your Answer: Small volumes of concentrated urine
Explanation:ADH, or antidiuretic hormone, is a hormone that regulates water and electrolyte balance. It is released in response to a variety of events, the most important of which are higher plasma osmolality or lower blood pressure. ADH increases plasma volume and blood pressure via acting on the kidneys and peripheral vasculature.
ADH causes extensive vasoconstriction by acting on peripheral V1 Receptors.ADH binds to B2 Receptors in the terminal distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct of the kidney, increasing transcription and aquaporin insertion in the cells that line the lumen. Aquaporins are water channels that allow water to pass through the tubule and into the interstitial fluid via osmosis, lowering urine losses.
The permeability of the distal collecting duct (the section within the inner medulla) to urea is likewise increased by ADH. More urea travels out of the tubule and into the peritubular fluid, contributing to the counter current multiplier, which improves the Loop of Henle’s concentrating power.Overall, there is enhanced urea and water reabsorption in the presence of ADH, resulting in modest amounts of concentrated urine. There is minimal urea and water reabsorption in the absence of ADH, resulting in huge amounts of dilute urine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal Physiology
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Question 14
Correct
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Which of the following anatomical structures is most likely the cause of oedema and erythema of the arm in a patient who underwent modified radical mastectomy and radiotherapy?
Your Answer: Axillary lymph nodes
Explanation:Arm oedema is one of the sequelae after breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. Arm oedema in the breast cancer patient is caused by interruption of the axillary lymphatic system by surgery or radiation therapy, which results in the accumulation of fluid in subcutaneous tissue in the arm, with decreased distensibility of tissue around the joints and increased weight of the extremity. Chronic inflammatory changes result in both subcutaneous and lymph vessel fibrosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 15
Correct
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A 32-old woman comes for a follow-up visit after being discharged on medications for her newly diagnosed epilepsy. She now complains of a tremor in her arm when she holds a tray in her hand. You examine the patient and notice she has developed postural tremors.
Which of the following medications for epilepsy is most likely responsible for this tremor?Your Answer: Sodium valproate
Explanation:A postural tumour is observed when a person maintains a position against gravity, such as holding the arms outstretched. (The patient holding her tray against gravity)
Sodium valproate is the most commonly prescribed medication for epilepsy. It is commonly associated with tremors as valproate-induced tremors occur in around 6-45% of patients. The tremors are commonly postural, but a resting tremor may also occur.
Approximately 25% of patients taking sodium valproate are found to develop a tremor within 3-12 months of initiating therapy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A patient with a recent diagnosis of Hepatitis B would like to find out further information regarding his diagnosis and prognosis.
Which among the following statements is considered true regarding Hepatitis B?Your Answer: Approximately 50% of patients that contract hepatitis B develop acute hepatitis
Correct Answer: 60-65% of patients that contract hepatitis B show subclinical disease
Explanation:As the immune response is activated, the virus is slowly cleared from the system, and most patients become non-infectious. In adults, about 50% of infections are asymptomatic; 20% to 30% of patients exhibit clinical jaundice but have a benign resolution of the infection. Therefore, about 80% of infections do not cause serious sequelae. The risk for chronic infection is inversely proportional to age at time of infection, with approximately 90% of infants and only 3% of adults developing a chronic infection.
Individuals with a chronic infection have a higher risk of liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatic carcinoma. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following antibiotics is the first line of treatment for a patient who has been diagnosed with chlamydia infection?
Your Answer: Metronidazole
Correct Answer: Azithromycin
Explanation:The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends azithromycin, a single 1 g dose, and doxycycline, 100 mg bd for 7 days, as first-line medications for chlamydial infection treatment.
Second-line medications (such as erythromycin, penicillins, and sulfamethoxazole) are less effective and have more side effects
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 18
Correct
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In the emergency room, a 28-year-old woman complains of wobbly and slurred speech, is unable to do the heel-shin test, and has nystagmus. The following signs are most likely related to damage to which of the following areas:
Your Answer: Cerebellum
Explanation:Cerebellar injury causes delayed and disorganized motions. When walking, people with cerebellar abnormalities sway and stagger.
Damage to the cerebellum can cause asynergia, the inability to judge distance and when to stop, dysmetria, the inability to perform rapid alternating movements or adiadochokinesia, movement tremors, staggering, wide-based walking or ataxic gait, a proclivity to fall, weak muscles or hypotonia, slurred speech or ataxic dysarthria, and abnormal eye movements or nystagmus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 19
Correct
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A 18 year old student presents to ED with a headache, fever and photophobia. You suspect meningitis and agree to observe your junior performing a lumbar puncture. What is the highest safest vertebral level to perform lumbar puncture in adults:
Your Answer: L3/L4
Explanation:In adults, the spinal cord typically ends between L1/L2 whereas the subarachnoid space extends to approximately the lower border of vertebra S2. Lumbar puncture is performed in the intervertebral space L4/L5 or L3/L4.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head And Neck
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Question 20
Correct
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Which of the following drugs is first line treatment for a stable regular broad-complex tachycardia:
Your Answer: Amiodarone
Explanation:A regular broad-complex tachycardia is likely to be ventricular tachycardia or a regular supraventricular rhythm with bundle branch block. A ventricular tachycardia (or broad-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin) should be treated with amiodarone 300 mg IV over 10 – 60 min, followed by an infusion of 900 mg over the next 24 hours. If previously confirmed as SVT with bundle branch block, the patient should be treated as for narrow-complex tachycardia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 21
Correct
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Carbon dioxide is transported in the blood approximately:
Your Answer: 60% as bicarbonate ions, 30% as carbamino compounds and 10% dissolved in plasma.
Explanation:Carbon dioxide is transported in the blood from tissues to the lungs in three ways as bicarbonate ions (60%), as carbamino compounds with proteins (30%) or simply dissolved in plasma (10%).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 22
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical feature of sickle cell disease:
Your Answer: Neutropaenia
Explanation:Features of sickle cell disease include:
Anaemia (symptoms are usually mild because the O2 dissociation curve of Hb S is shifted to the right)
Vaso-occlusive crisis
Visceral sequestration crisis
Aplastic crisisIncreased susceptibility to infection
Other clinical features: Pigment gallstones with cholecystitis
Chronic leg ulcers
Avascular necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads or other bones
Cardiomyopathy
Pulmonary hypertension
Proliferative retinopathy
Priapism
Renal papillary necrosis
Stroke -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 23
Correct
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You are giving a teaching session to a group of final year medical students regarding lower limb neurology. Which of the following clinical features would be expected in an obturator nerve palsy:
Your Answer: Weakness of hip adduction
Explanation:Damage to the obturator nerve results in weak adduction of the hip with lateral swinging of the limb during walking due to unopposed abduction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Which of the following is considered an example of an observational study?
Your Answer: Double-blind trial
Correct Answer: Cohort study
Explanation:The two most common types of observational studies are cohort studies and case-control studies; a third type is cross-sectional studies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 25
Incorrect
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When a child has mumps, how long should he or she be off from school?
Your Answer: 4 days from onset of rash
Correct Answer: 5 days from onset of swelling
Explanation:To avoid the spread of infection, infected patients should be isolated. Patients should avoid going to school, childcare, or job for five days after the swelling has occurred.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 26
Correct
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A 29-year-old female with chronic anaemia secondary to sickle cell disease is being transfused. A few minutes after starting the blood transfusion, she develops widespread itching with urticarial rash, wheezing, nausea and chest pain. Her BP reduces to 60/40 mmHg.
What is the most appropriate treatment?Your Answer: Stop the transfusion and administer adrenaline
Explanation:Anaphylaxis transfusion reaction occurs when an individual has previously been sensitized to an allergen present in the blood and, on re-exposure, releases IgE or IgG antibodies. Patients with anaphylaxis usually develop laryngospasm, bronchospasm, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, shock, and loss of consciousness. The transfusion should be stopped immediately and the patient should be treated with adrenaline, oxygen, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 27
Correct
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An 8-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with complaints of a rash and fever that have been present for the past 3 days. Upon history taking and observation, it was noted that the rash started behind the ears and then spread to the face and body. The presence of coryzal symptoms, dry cough, and conjunctivitis was also observed.
What is most likely the diagnosis of the case presented above?Your Answer: Measles
Explanation:The measles virus is an enveloped virus classified in the genus
Morbillivirus.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads by aerosol. Initial replication takes place in the mucosal cells of the respiratory tract; measles virus then replicates in the local lymph nodes and spreads systemically. The virus circulates in the T and B cells and monocytes, until eventually the lungs, gut, bile duct, bladder, skin, and lymphatic organs are involved. After an incubation period of 7 to 10 days, there is an abrupt onset, with symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and cough, red eyes, and rapidly rising fever. About 2 to 3 days later, a maculopapular rash appears on the head and trunk. Koplik spots, lesions on the oral mucosa consisting of irregular red spots, with a bluish white speck in the centre, generally appear 2 to 3 days before the rash and are diagnostic.Measles is easily diagnosed clinically, so few requests for laboratory identification are made. The virus is fragile and must be handled carefully. The specimens of choice are from the nasopharynx and urine, but the virus can only be recovered from these sources in the early stages of infection. The virus grows on PMK cells, causing the formation of distinctive spindle-shaped or multinucleated cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 28
Correct
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A 22-year-old man comes to the emergency department with a human bite injury to his hand received from a punch during a fight 3 hours earlier outside a bar. On closer inspection, you discover bite marks on his first and second knuckles. Which of the following is the best treatment option for this patient:
Your Answer: Oral co-amoxiclav for 7 days
Explanation:Even if there is no evidence of infection, prophylactic antibiotics should be administered for all human bite wounds that are less than 72 hours old. The first-line therapy is 7 days of co-amoxiclav. In penicillin-allergic people, metronidazole + doxycycline is an option. Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus spp., Eikenella corrodens, Bacteroides spp., and other anaerobes are the most prevalent organisms found in human bites.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Microbiology
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Question 29
Correct
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Regarding protein digestion, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Oligopeptides are broken down into small peptides and amino acids by pancreatic carboxypeptidases and aminopeptidases located on the brush border.
Explanation:Digestion of dietary protein begins in the stomach where pepsin hydrolyses protein to polypeptides, and continues in the duodenum where pancreatic proteases (trypsin and chymotrypsin) continue the process of hydrolysis forming oligopeptides. These are further broken down into small peptides and amino acids by pancreatic carboxypeptidases and aminopeptidases located on luminal membrane epithelial cells. Free amino acids are absorbed across the apical membrane by secondary active transport coupled with Na+transport into the cell. Amino acids cross the basal membrane into the capillaries by facilitated diffusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
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Question 30
Correct
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Which of the following clinical features would you least expect to see in a lesion of the frontal lobe:
Your Answer: Contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing
Explanation:Contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing results from damage to the primary visual cortex of the occipital lobe. Incontinence may occur due to damage of the cortical micturition centre in the prefrontal cortex. Primitive reflexes and inability to problem solve may occur due to damage to the prefrontal cortex. Motor weakness of the contralateral limb with UMN signs may occur due to damage of the primary motor cortex.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
