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Question 1
Correct
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A man had an injury to his right brachial plexus. After examination by the doctor they found that the diaphragm and the scapula were unaffected however the patient could not abduct his arm. When helped with abducting his arm to 45 degrees he was able to continue the movement. This means that he was unable to initiate abduction. Where is the likely site of injury?
Your Answer: Suprascapular nerve
Explanation:The loss of ability to initiate abduction means paralysis of the supraspinatus muscle. This muscle is supplied by the supraclavicular nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 2
Correct
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What's the nodal stage of a testicular seminoma if several lymph nodes between 2cm and 5cm are found?
Your Answer: N2
Explanation:According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 2002 guidelines, the nodal staging of testicular seminoma is the following:
N0: no regional lymph node metastases
N1: metastasis with lymph nodes 2 cm or less in their greatest dimension or multiple lymph nodes, none more than 2 cm
N2: metastasis with lymph nodes greater than 2 cm but not greater than 5 cm in their greatest dimension, or multiple lymph nodes, any one mass greater than 2 cm, but not more than 5 cm
N3: metastasis with lymph nodes greater than 5 cm in their greatest dimension.
The patient in this case has N2 testicular seminoma. This TNM staging is extremely important because treatment options are decided depending on this classification.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 3
Correct
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Which of the following structures is not easily palpable?
Your Answer: Styloid process of the temporal bone
Explanation:The styloid process is a thin, pointed process that projects antero-inferiorly from the base of the petrous temporal bone. It can vary in length from a short, stubby process to a slender, four to five centimetre rod. It forms from the cranial elements of the second pharyngeal arch. The tympanic plate of the temporal bone ensheathes the base of this process. The pointed, projecting portion of the process provides attachment to the stylohyoid and stylomandibular ligaments, and to three muscles – the styloglossus, stylohyoid, and stylopharyngeus. As the styloid process is covered by the various muscles, it is not easily palpable in live subjects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 4
Correct
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During a laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon visualizes the medical umbilical folds on the deep surface of the anterior abdominal wall. What causes the medial umbilical folds?
Your Answer: Obliterated umbilical arteries
Explanation:The medial umbilical ligament is a structure found on the deep surface of the anterior abdominal wall and is covered by the medial umbilical folds. It is a paired structure that represents the remnants of the fetal umbilical artery. They have no role in humans after birth other than to be used as a landmark for exploring the medial inguinal fossa during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 5
Incorrect
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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: Right superior intercostal vein
Correct 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 6
Incorrect
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Which tumour site is more commonly involved in adults than in children?
Your Answer: Bone
Correct Answer: Lung
Explanation:In adults, the most common primary site of tumour is in the lungs, compared to children wherein the most common primary site is the blood.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A surgeon performing a Whipple's procedure, that involves mobilizing the head of the pancreases, accidentally injured a structure immediately posterior to the neck of the pancrease which bled out. Which structure is most likely to have been injured?
Your Answer: Hepatic artery
Correct Answer: Superior mesenteric artery
Explanation:The structure immediately posterior to the neck of the pancreas is the superior mesenteric vein. The neck of the pancreas lies anterior to the superior mesenteric vein, which joins with the splenic vein to form the portal vein.
The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is also located in proximity to the neck of the pancreas. Specifically, the SMA emerges from the abdominal aorta just below the level of the pancreas and passes posterior to the neck of the pancreas before it descends into the mesentery to supply the intestines. Thus, both the superior mesenteric vein and the superior mesenteric artery are key vascular structures related to the posterior aspect of the neck of the pancreas.
Bleeding out would suggest an arterial injury.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 8
Correct
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A 16 year-old boy was stabbed in the right supraclavicular fossa. The sharp object punctured the portion of the parietal pleura that extends above the first rib. What is the name of this portion of the parietal pleura?
Your Answer: Cupola
Explanation:Endothoracic fascia: the connective tissue (fascia) that is between the costal parietal pleura and the inner wall of the chest wall.
Costomediastinal recess: the point where the costal pleura becomes mediastinal pleura.
Costodiaphragmatic recess: is the lowest point of the pleural sac where the costal pleura becomes diaphragmatic pleura.
Cupola: the part of the parietal pleura that extends above the first rib level into the root of the neck.
Costocervical recess: this is a made-up term.
Peritracheal fascia: a layer of connective tissue that invests the trachea.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 40-year old lady with a flail chest due to trauma was breathing with the help of a mechanical ventilator in the ICU, and was heavily sedated on muscle relaxants. Due to sudden power failure, a nurse began to hand-ventilate the patient with a Ambu bag. What change will occur in the following parameters: (Arterial p(CO2), pH) in the intervening period between power failure and hand ventilation?
Your Answer: Decrease, Increase
Correct Answer: Increase, Decrease
Explanation:Respiratory acidosis occurs due to alveolar hypoventilation which leads to increased arterial carbon dioxide concentration (p(CO2)). This in turn decreases the HCO3 –/p(CO2) and decreases pH. Respiratory acidosis can be acute or chronic. In acute respiratory acidosis, the p(CO2) is raised above the upper limit of normal (over 45 mm Hg) with low pH. However, in chronic cases, the raised p(CO2) is accompanied with a normal or near-normal pH due to renal compensation and an increased serum bicarbonate (HCO3 – > 30 mmHg). The given problem represents acute respiratory acidosis and thus, will show a increase in arterial p(CO2) and decrease in pH.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Which of the following physiological changes will you see in a young man who has been trekking in the Himalayas for 3 years?
Your Answer: Decreased production of erythropoietin
Correct Answer: Increased renal excretion of HCO3 –
Explanation:The atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes as compared with sea level. This leads to a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. Once 2100 m (7000 feet) of altitude is reached, there is a drop in saturation of oxyhaemoglobin. The oxygen saturation of haemoglobin determines the oxygen content in the blood. The body physiological tries to adapt to high altitude by acclimatization. Immediate effects include hyperventilation, fluid loss (due to a decreased thirst drive), increase in heart rate and slightly lowered stroke volume. Long term effects include lower lactate production, compensatory alkali loss in urine, decrease in plasma volume, increased erythropoietin release and red cell mass, increased haematocrit, higher concentration of capillaries in striated muscle tissue, increase in myoglobin, increase in mitochondria, increase in aerobic enzyme concentration such as 2,3-DPG and pulmonary vasoconstriction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 11
Correct
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The periphery of a haematoma is infiltrated by fibroblasts, collagen and new vasculature. This process is best described as?
Your Answer: Organisation of the haematoma
Explanation:Formation of granulation tissue at the periphery of the hematoma is a normal process leading to resolution. This granulation tissue is composed of new capillaries, fibroblasts and collagen. Lysis of a blood clot can occur, but the actual process of this response is known as organization, wherein the scar tissue will become part of the vessels. This is followed by recanalization and embolization which can lead to eventual complications. Proliferation of a clot will occur due to an imbalance in the clotting and lysing systems. Thrombosis has nothing to do with the process described above.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 30 year old female suffered from mismatched transfusion induced haemolysis. Which substance will be raised in the plasma of this patient?
Your Answer: Ferritin
Correct Answer: Bilirubin
Explanation:Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed due to the break down of RBCs. Haemolysis results in haemoglobin that is broken down into a haem portion and globin which is converted into amino acids and used again. Haem is converted into unconjugated bilirubin in the macrophages and shunted to the liver. In the liver it is conjugated with glucuronic acid making it water soluble and thus excreted in the urine. Its normal levels are from 0.2-1 mg/dl. Increased bilirubin causes jaundice and yellowish discoloration of the skin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 13
Correct
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A 66-year-old man complains of constant headaches. On physical examination, the only relevant sign is a dark brown mole located on left his arm which has grown in size over the years and is itchy and painful. A MRI of the brain revealed a solitary lesion at the grey-white junction in the right frontal lobe, without ring enhancement. This lesion is most likely to be:
Your Answer: Metastatic carcinoma
Explanation:The location of the mass at the grey–white junction is typical of a metastasis. The most frequent types of metastatic brain tumours originate in the lung, skin, kidney, breast and colon. These tumour cells reach the brain via the bloodstream. This patient is likely to have skin cancer, which caused the metastatic brain tumour.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Loperamide is a drug used to treat diarrhoea. What is the mechanism of action of loperamide?
Your Answer: Competitively inhibits H2 receptors
Correct Answer: Opiate agonist
Explanation:Loperamide is an opioid-receptor agonist and acts on the mu opioid receptors in the myenteric plexus of large intestine. It works by decreasing the motility of the circular and longitudinal smooth muscles of the intestinal wall. It is often used for this purpose in gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and short bowel syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 15
Correct
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Which foramen contains the vertebral artery?
Your Answer: Foramen magnum
Explanation:The foramen magnum is found in the most inferior part of the posterior cranial fossa. It is traversed by vital structures including the medulla oblongata. Its contents include the following: medulla oblongata, meninges, spinal root of the accessory nerve, vertebral arteries, anterior and posterior spinal arteries, tectorial membrane and alar ligaments.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Injury to this nerve will affect the function of the palatoglossus and levator veli palatini muscles:
Your Answer: Cranial nerve IX
Correct Answer: Cranial nerve X
Explanation:The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) innervates both the palatoglossus and levator veli palatini muscles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following will be a seen in a patient with a plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 14 mU/l (normal < 5 mU/l) and a low T3 resin uptake of 19% (normal 25–35%)?
Your Answer: Palpitations
Correct Answer: Periorbital swelling and lethargy
Explanation:Low T3 resin uptake combined with raised TSH is indicative of hypothyroidism. Signs and symptoms include dull expression, facial puffiness, lethargy, periorbital swelling due to infiltration with mucopolysaccharides, bradycardia and cold intolerance. Anxiety, palpitations, tachycardia, raised body temperature, heat intolerance and weight loss are all seen in hyperthyroidism.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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The nasolacrimal duct is a membranous canal. It extends from the lower part of the lacrimal sac and drains into which structure?
Your Answer: Frontal sinus
Correct Answer: Inferior meatus
Explanation:The nasolacrimal duct carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones, from where it passes downwards and backwards. The opening of the nasolacrimal duct into the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal cavity is partially covered by a mucosal fold (valve of Hasner or plica lacrimalis). Excess tears flow through the nasolacrimal duct which drains into the inferior nasal meatus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 19
Incorrect
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In order to arrest sudden bleeding during pericardiectomy that started after accidental injury to a major vasculature in the pericardium; the surgeon inserted his left index finger through the transverse pericardial sinus, pulled forward on the two large vessels lying ventral to his finger, and compressed these vessels with his thumb to control the bleeding. Which vessels were these?
Your Answer: Superior vena cava and aorta
Correct Answer: Pulmonary trunk and aorta
Explanation:Transverse pericardial sinus: located behind two great vessels (aorta and pulmonary trunk) and in front of the superior vena cava and is accessed from above as in this case. The brachiocephalic trunk is located above the pericardium and the right pulmonary artery is above the pericardial reflections.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 20
Correct
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An electronic manufacturing engineer had abdominal distension and underwent a CT scan of the abdomen. Thereafter he was diagnosed with hepatic angiosarcoma. Exposure to what agent is responsible for the development of this neoplasm?
Your Answer: Arsenic
Explanation:Hepatic angiosarcomas are associated with particular carcinogens which includes: arsenic , thorotrast, and polyvinyl chloride. With exposure to this three agents, there is a very long latent period of many years between exposure and the development of tumours.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 21
Correct
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Etoposide is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of different types of cancer. Which of the following is the correct indication for this drug?
Your Answer: Lung cancer
Explanation:Etoposide phosphate is an inhibitor of the enzyme topoisomerase II. It is used as a form of chemotherapy for malignancies such as lung cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma, non-lymphocytic leukaemia and glioblastoma multiforme. Side effects are very common and can include low blood cell counts, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, hair loss, and fever.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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During a car accident, the side mirror shattered and a broken piece of glass severed the posterolateral aspect of the driver's neck. A physical examination reveals that the driver is unable to elevate the tip of his shoulder on the side that was injured. Which nerve was injured?
Your Answer: Thoracodorsal
Correct Answer: Accessory
Explanation:The tip of the shoulder is formed by the acromion of the scapula. This part is moved by the trapezius muscle which is innervated by the accessory nerve. Damage to this nerve therefore will prevent the patient from lifting the tip of the shoulder.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A CT-scan of the lung shows a tumour crossing the minor (horizontal) fissure. This fissure separates:
Your Answer: The lower lobe from the middle lobe
Correct Answer: The middle lobe from the upper lobe
Explanation:The horizontal fissure separates the upper lobe from the middle lobe. The oblique fissure on the other hand separates the lower lobe from both the middle and upper lobes. The lingula is found only on the left lung.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Which of the following is the most likely cause of prolonged thrombin clotting time?
Your Answer: Warfarin therapy
Correct Answer: Hypofibrinogenemia
Explanation:Thrombin clotting time, also called thrombin time (TT), is test used for the investigation of possible bleeding or clotting disorders. TT reflects the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and it’s also very sensitive to the presence of the anticoagulant heparin. A prolonged thrombin time may indicate the presence of hypofibrinogenemia (decreased fibrinogen level ), dysfibrinogenaemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), end stage liver disease or malnutrition.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 25
Correct
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A 15-year-old girl was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Gram staining of the spinal fluid shows numerous polymorphonuclear neutrophils and Gram-positive cocci. Which is the empiric drug of choice to be given to the patient until the antibiotic sensitivity report is available?
Your Answer: Ceftriaxone
Explanation:Acute meningitis is a medical emergency. All suspects should receive their first dose of antibiotics immediately and be transferred to hospital as soon as possible. If facilities for blood culture and/or lumbar puncture (LP) are immediately available, they should be performed before administration
of the first dose of antibiotics (see contraindications to LP below). Neither procedure should lead to a significant delay in antibiotic administration.
Administer ceftriaxone 80-100 mg/kg (maximum 2 g, 12 hourly) intravenously. The intramuscular or intraosseous route can be used if there is no vascular access. Penicillin allergy is not a contraindication to ceftriaxone in acute meningitis (C-1). Omit ceftriaxone only if there has been documented ceftriaxone anaphylaxis. Give chloramphenicol 25 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) intravenously instead, if available. Administer adequate analgesia and transfer the patient immediately to hospital, detailing all administered
medication in the referral letter. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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A 7-year old child from a rural setting complains of recurrent abdominal pain. The child is found to have a heavy parasitic infestation and anaemia. Which type of anaemia is most likely seen in this patient?
Your Answer: Haemolytic anaemia
Correct Answer: Iron deficiency anaemia
Explanation:The most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia in children in developing countries is parasitic infection (hookworm, amoebiasis, schistosomiasis and whipworm).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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What is the normal duration of the ST segment?
Your Answer: 0.2 s
Correct Answer: 0.08 s
Explanation:The ST segment lies between the QRS complex and the T-wave. The normal duration of the ST segment is 0.08 s. ST-segment elevation or depression may indicate myocardial ischaemia or infarction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A 45 year old lady has been diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia that has affected her medial group of nuclei in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Which of the following structures will have their muscles affected?
Your Answer: Forearm
Correct Answer: Axial muscles
Explanation:The cells in the anterior horn can be arranged in the following three main groups: medial, lateral and central. The medial group of nuclei in the anterior horn of the spinal cord are located along the entire length of the spinal cord and are responsible for the innervation of the axial muscles of the body ( muscles of the head and neck region). Thus this disease will most likely affect the functioning of the muscles of the head and neck.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Neurology
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Question 29
Correct
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After having donated a unit of blood. The blood bank will prefer to use which of the following anticoagulants to store the blood?
Your Answer: Citrate
Explanation:Calcium is necessary for coagulation to occur. Citrate being a chelator and combining with calcium ions to form un-ionised compound will prevent coagulation. Following transfusion the citrate is removed by the liver with in a few minutes. Oxalate also works on the same principle but it is toxic to the body.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 30
Correct
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A previously healthy 40-year-old housewife suddenly complains of a headache and loses consciousness. A CT scan reveals subarachnoid haemorrhage. Which of the following is the most probable cause?
Your Answer: Ruptured berry aneurysm
Explanation:Saccular aneurysms, also known as berry aneurysms, appear as a round outpouching and are the most common form of cerebral aneurysm. They are a congenital intracranial defect, and haemorrhage can occur at any age, but is most common between the ages of 40-65 years. A second rupture (rebleeding) sometimes occurs, most often within about 7 days of the first bleed.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
