-
Question 1
Correct
-
The muscles of the soft palate (other than the tensor veli palatini) are innervated by which of the following nerves:
Your Answer: Vagus nerve
Explanation:All of the muscles of the soft palate are innervated by the vagus nerve (from the pharyngeal plexus), except for the tensor veli palatini, which is innervated by a branch of the mandibular nerve.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head And Neck
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
You review a 34-year-old man with lower back pain and plan to prescribe him ibuprofen and codeine phosphate. His only past medical history of note is depression, for which he takes fluoxetine.
Which of the following scenarios would prompt you to consider the co-prescription of a PPI for gastro-protection? Select ONE answer only.Your Answer: Co-prescription of fluoxetine
Explanation:Patients at risk of gastro-intestinal ulceration (including the elderly) who need NSAID treatment should receive gastroprotective treatment. The current recommendations by NICE suggest that gastro-protection should be considered if patients have ≥1 of the following:
Using maximum recommended dose of an NSAID
Aged 65 or older
History of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
Concomitant use of medications that increase risk:
Low dose aspirin
Anticoagulants
Corticosteroids
Anti-depressants including SSRIs and SNRIs
Requirements for prolonged NSAID usage:
Patients with OA or RA at any age
Long-term back pain if older than 45
It is suggested that if required, either omeprazole 20 mg daily or lansoprazole 15-30 mg daily should be the PPIs of choice.
This patient is on 400 mg of ibuprofen TDS, but the maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen is 2.4 g daily. Co-prescription of codeine, raised BMI, and a family history of peptic ulceration would also not prompt gastro-protection. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
Which of the following is NOT a heritable risk factor for venous thrombosis:
Your Answer: Von Willebrand disease
Explanation:Approximately one-third of patients who suffer DVT or PE have an identifiable heritable risk factor, although additional risk factors are usually present when they develop the thrombosis. The history of a spontaneous DVT in a close relative increases an individual’s risk of DVT even if no known genetic predisposition can be identified.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 4
Correct
-
An ambulance transports a 23-year-old woman who has taken a witnessed overdose of her mother's diazepam tablets. She has no significant medical history and does not take any medications on a regular basis.
In this case, what is the SINGLE MOST APPROPRIATE FIRST DRUG TREATMENT?Your Answer: Flumazenil IV 200 μg
Explanation:Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that can be helpful in some overdose situations. It works quickly (in less than a minute), but the effects are fleeting, lasting less than an hour. The dose is 200 micrograms every 1-2 minutes with a maximum dose of 3 milligrams per hour.
Flumazenil should be avoided by patients who are addicted to benzodiazepines or who take tricyclic antidepressants because it can cause withdrawal symptoms. It can cause seizures or cardiac arrest in these situations.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 5
Correct
-
Which of the following statements accurately describes the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle?
Your Answer: It flexes the middle phalanges of the medial four fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints
Explanation:Flexor digitorum superficialis is the largest muscle of the anterior compartment of the forearm. It belongs to the superficial flexors of the forearm, together with pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus. Some sources alternatively classify this muscle as an independent middle/intermediate layer of the anterior forearm, found between the superficial and deep groups.
Flexor digitorum superficialis is innervated by muscular branches of the median nerve, derived from roots C8 and T1 that arises from the medial and lateral cords of the brachial plexus. The skin that overlies the muscle is supplied by roots C6-8 and T1.
The primary arterial blood supply to the flexor digitorum superficialis is derived from the ulnar artery and its anterior recurrent branch. In addition to branches of the ulnar artery, the anterior and lateral surfaces of the muscle are supplied by branches of the radial artery; and its posterior surface also receives branches from the median artery.
The main function of flexor digitorum superficialis is flexion of the digits 2-5 at the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. Unlike the flexor digitorum profundus, flexor digitorum superficialis has independent muscle slips for all four digits. This allows it to flex the digits individually at their proximal interphalangeal joints. In addition, flexor digitorum superficialis aids the aids flexion of the wrist.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
-
-
Question 6
Correct
-
Regarding forest plots, which of the following is the purpose of this graph?
Your Answer: To graphically display the relative strength of multiple studies attempting to answer the same question
Explanation:The results of meta-analysis are often displayed graphically in a forest plot. A properly constructed forest plot is the most effective way to graphically display the relative strength of multiple studies attempting to answer the same question. A typical meta-analysis consists of three main objectives that include estimation of effect sizes from individual studies and a pooled summary estimate with their confidence intervals (CIs), heterogeneity among the studies, and any publication bias. The forest plot illustrates the first two of these objectives. Forest plots visualize the effect measure and CI of individual studies, which provide the raw data for the meta-analysis, as well the pooled-effect measure and CI. The individual studies also can be grouped in the forest plot by some of their characteristics for ease of interpretation such as by study size or year of publication. When comparing the outcomes between an intervention and a control group, dichotomous outcome variables are expressed as ratios (i.e. odds ratios, ORs or risk ratios, RRs), while for continuous outcomes, a weighted mean difference is reported.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
-
-
Question 7
Correct
-
A patient suffers a lower limb fracture that causes damage to the nerve that innervates peroneus longus.
Peroneus longus receives its innervation from which of the following nerves? Select ONE answer only.Your Answer: Superficial peroneal nerve
Explanation:Peroneus brevis is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve.
Peroneus longus is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve.
Peroneus tertius is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
Which of the following statements accurately describes the extensor indicis muscle?
Your Answer: It lacks the juncturae tendinum
Explanation:Extensor indicis is a narrow, elongated muscle found in the posterior compartment of the forearm. It belongs to the deep extensors of the forearm, together with supinator, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis longus, and extensor pollicis brevis muscles. It lacks the juncturae tendinum, which connects the extensor digitorum on the dorsal aspect of the hand.
Extensor indicis can be palpated by applying deep pressure over the lower part of the ulna while the index finger is extended. The main function of extensor indicis involves the extension of the index finger at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. As the index finger is one of the few fingers that have their own separate extensor muscle, it is able to extend independently from other fingers. Additionally, extensor indicis muscle produces a weak extension of the wrist.
Extensor indicis receives its nervous supply from posterior interosseous nerve, a branch of the radial nerve derived from spinal roots C7 and C8. The skin overlying the muscle is supplied by the same nerve, with fibres that stem from the spinal roots C6 and C7.
The superficial surface of the extensor indicis receives arterial blood supply from posterior interosseous branch of the ulnar artery, whereas its deep surface receives blood from perforating branches of the anterior interosseous artery.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
-
-
Question 9
Incorrect
-
The functional residual capacity (FRC) will be decreased in which of the following:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Pulmonary fibrosis
Explanation:Factors decreasing FRC:
Restrictive ventilatory defects e.g. pulmonary fibrosis
Posture – lying supine
Increased intra-abdominal pressure (e.g. obesity, pregnancy, ascites)
Reduced muscle tone of diaphragm e.g. muscle relaxants in anaesthesia, neuromuscular disease -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
-
-
Question 10
Incorrect
-
What type of visual field defect are you likely to see in a lesion of the visual cortex:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing
Explanation:A lesion of the visual cortex will result in a contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
-
-
Question 11
Incorrect
-
What is the effect of a positive inotrope on the Starling curve:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Shifts the curve upwards
Explanation:Contractility (inotropy) is the intrinsic ability of cardiac muscle to develop force at a given muscle length. It is determined by the intracellular [Ca2+] and can be estimated by the ejection fraction. Increases in contractility cause an increase in stroke volume/cardiac output for any level of right atrial pressure or end-diastolic volume, and hence shift the Starling curve upwards. Decreases in contractility cause a decrease in stroke volume/cardiac output for any level of right atrial pressure or end-diastolic volume and hence shift the Starling curve downwards.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
-
-
Question 12
Incorrect
-
Common causes of exudates are infection, pericarditis, and malignancy.
Which one statement about exudates is true?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: LDH levels are usually high
Explanation:An exudate is an inflammatory fluid emanating from the intravascular space due to changes in the permeability of the surrounding microcirculation.
Exudates are cloudy. It has high LDH levels, serum protein ratio >0.5, protein content >2.9g/dl, specific gravity of >1.020 and a serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) of <1.2g/dl.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 13
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is NOT a typical side effect of thiopental sodium:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Seizures
Explanation:Extravasation of thiopental during injection can lead to tissue damage. Accidental intra-arterial injection causes vasospasm and may lead to thrombosis and tissue necrosis. Other side effects include involuntary muscle movements on induction, cough and laryngospasm, arrhythmias, hypotension, headache and hypersensitivity reactions. Thiopental sodium has anticonvulsant properties and does not cause seizures.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 14
Incorrect
-
Regarding haemophilia A, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: In haemophilia both the APTT and PT are prolonged.
Explanation:Haemophilia A is the most common of the hereditary clotting factor deficiencies. The inheritance is sex-linked but up to one-third of patients have no family history and these cases result from recent mutation. The vast majority of cases are inherited in an X-linked recessive fashion, affecting males born to carrier mothers. Females born to affected fathers can also, rarely, be affected due to homozygosity for the gene, where there is marriage to close relatives.
The defect is an absence or low level of plasma factor VIII. The APTT is prolonged but the PT is normal. Recurrent painful haemarthroses and muscle haematomas dominate the clinical course of severely affected patients and if inadequately treated, lead to progressive joint deformity and disability. Local pressure can cause entrapment neuropathy or ischaemic necrosis. Prolonged bleeding occurs after dental extractions or post-trauma. Spontaneous haematuria and gastrointestinal haemorrhage may occur. The clinical severity of the disease correlates inversely with the factor VIII level. Operative and post-traumatic haemorrhage are life-threatening both in severely and mildly affected patients.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 15
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is NOT a typical cerebellar sign:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Resting tremor
Explanation:An intention tremor is characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction. Resting tremor may be seen in Parkinsonism.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
-
-
Question 16
Incorrect
-
Superficial fibular nerve palsy results in which of the following clinical features:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Loss of eversion of the foot
Explanation:Damage to the superficial fibular nerve results in loss of eversion of the foot and loss of sensation over the lower anterolateral leg and the dorsum of the foot.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
-
-
Question 17
Incorrect
-
A patient presents with a necrolytic migratory rash. Her blood serum glucagon concentration is 1246 pg/mL. Following further investigations, she is diagnosed with glucagonoma.
Which SINGLE statement regarding glucagon is true?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: It makes fatty acids available for oxidation
Explanation:Glucagon is a peptide hormone that is produced and secreted by alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans, which are located in the endocrine portion of the pancreas. The main physiological role of glucagon is to stimulate hepatic glucose output, thereby leading to increases in glycaemia. It provides the major counter-regulatory mechanism to insulin in maintaining glucose homeostasis.
Hypoglycaemia is the principal stimulus for the secretion of glucagon but may also be used as an antidote in beta-blocker overdose and in anaphylaxis in patients on beta-blockers that fail to respond to adrenaline.
Glucagon then causes:
Glycogenolysis
Gluconeogenesis
Lipolysis in adipose tissue
The secretion of glucagon is also stimulated by:
Adrenaline
Cholecystokinin
Arginine
Alanine
Acetylcholine
The secretion of glucagon is inhibited by:
Insulin
Somatostatin
Increased free fatty acids
Increased urea productionGlycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. The free energy released by this process is used to form ATP and NADH. Glycolysis is inhibited by glucagon, and glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are reciprocally regulated so that when one cell pathway is activated, the other is inactive and vice versa.
Glucagon has a minor effect of enhancing lipolysis in adipose tissue. Lipolysis is the breakdown of lipids and involves the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. It makes fatty acids available for oxidation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the neuronal action potential?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Initial depolarisation occurs as a result of a Na + influx.
Explanation:The resting potential in most neurons has a value of approximately -70 mV.
The threshold potential is generally around -55 mV.
Initial depolarisation when there is Na+influx through ligand-gated Na+channels.
Action potential is an all or nothing response. The size of the action potential is constant and so, the intensity of the stimulus is coded by the frequency of firing of a neuron.
K+efflux is responsible for repolarisation. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Cellular
- Physiology
-
-
Question 19
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is the most likely causative organism of acute epiglottitis in a 6 year old?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Explanation:Since the introduction of the HIB vaccine, most cases of acute epiglottitis are now caused by Streptococcus spp. The condition is now rare in children.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
-
-
Question 20
Incorrect
-
A 40-year-old woman was rushed to the Emergency Department due to an anaphylactic reaction after being stung by a bee. She responded well to initial treatment but developed anaphylactic symptoms after 6 hours. Her symptoms were resolved after a further dose of adrenaline. Her family threatened legal action as they thought she had not received adequate treatment but withdrew their accusation after the attending physician explained that the woman had suffered a biphasic reaction.
What is the approximate percentage of people who suffer this type of reaction?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 20%
Explanation:Anaphylactic reactions are Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions IgE-mediated and can be potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. There are four well-recognized patterns of anaphylaxis:
1) Uniphasic
2) Biphasic
3) Protracted
4) RefractoryBiphasic reactions occur in 20% of the population, although their mechanism is poorly understood. The symptoms of anaphylaxis recur within 4-6 hours, although they may also recur up to 72 hours later. All patients discharged from the hospital after an anaphylactic shock must:
1) Be warned to return to the hospital immediately if symptoms recur
2) Have a treatment plan in place
3) Have a follow-up appointment
4) Be considered for an adrenaline auto-injector
5) Referred to an allergy clinic -
This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
You are prescribing ipratropium bromide for a patient who has presented with an exacerbation of her COPD. What is the mechanism of action of ipratropium bromide:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Muscarinic antagonist
Explanation:Ipratropium bromide is an antimuscarinic drug used in the management of acute asthma and COPD. It can provide short-term relief in chronic asthma, but short-acting β2agonists act more quickly and are preferred.
The BTS guidelines recommend that nebulised ipratropium bromide (0.5 mg 4-6 hourly) can be added to β2agonist treatment for patients with acute severe or life-threatening asthma or those with a poor initial response to β2 agonist therapy.
The aerosol inhalation of ipratropium can be used for short-term relief in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients who are not already using a long-acting antimuscarinic drug (e.g. tiotropium).Its maximum effect occurs 30-60 minutes after use; its duration of action is 3-6 hours, and bronchodilation can usually be maintained with treatment three times per day.
The commonest side effect of ipratropium bromide is dry mouth. It can also trigger acute closed-angle glaucoma in susceptible patients. Tremor is commonly seen with β2agonists but not with antimuscarinics. Ipratropium bromide should be used with caution in: Men with prostatic hyperplasia and bladder-outflow obstruction (worsened urinary retention has been reported in elderly men), People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and above (because of the risk of drug toxicity), People with angle-closure glaucoma (nebulised mist of antimuscarinic drugs can precipitate or worsen acute angle-closure glaucoma) -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
-
-
Question 22
Incorrect
-
A patient is sent in by her GP with suspected ectopic pregnancy. Tubal ectopic pregnancies occur most commonly in which part of the uterine tube:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Ampulla
Explanation:Ectopic pregnancy most commonly occurs in the ampulla (70% of cases).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 23
Incorrect
-
What is the partial pressure of oxygen if it makes up 20.9 percent of the ambient air composition and the atmospheric pressure of ambient air is 760 mmHg?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 159 mmHg
Explanation:Ambient air is atmospheric air in its natural state. Ambient air is typically 78.6% nitrogen and 20.9% oxygen. The extra 1% is made up of carbon, helium, methane, argon and hydrogen.
The partial pressure of any gas can be calculated using this formula: P = atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg) x percent content in the mixture.
Atmospheric pressure is the sum of all of the partial pressures of the atmospheric gases added together: The formula for atmospheric pressure is: Patm = PN2 + PO2 + PH2O + PCO2. The atmospheric pressure is known to be 760 mmHg.
The partial pressures of the various gases can be estimated to have partial pressures of approximately 597.4 mmHg for nitrogen, 158.8 mm Hg for oxygen, and 7.6 mmHg for argon.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is a primary action of calcitonin:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Decreased bone resorption through inhibition of osteoclast activity
Explanation:Calcitonin is a 32 amino acid polypeptide that is primarily synthesised and released by the parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid gland in response to rising or high levels of plasma Ca2+ions. Its primary role is to reduce the plasma calcium concentration, therefore opposing the effects of parathyroid hormone.
Secretion of calcitonin is stimulated by:
– Increased plasma calcium concentration
– Gastrin
– Pentagastrin
– The main actions of calcitonin are:
– Inhibition of osteoclastic activity (decreasing calcium and phosphate resorption from bone)
– Stimulation of osteoblastic activity
– Decreases renal calcium reabsorption
– Decreases renal phosphate reabsorption -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
-
-
Question 25
Incorrect
-
Which of the following best describes the main sites of constriction of the ureters:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: At the ureteropelvic junction, at the pelvic brim and where the ureters enter the bladder
Explanation:At three points along their course, the ureters are constricted denoting the most likely areas for renal calculi to lodge:the first point is at the ureteropelvic junction (where the renal pelvis becomes continuous with the ureter)the second point is where the ureter crosses the common iliac vessels at the pelvic brimthe third point is at the vesicoureteric junction (where the ureter enters the wall of the bladder)
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
A well recognised adverse effect of metoclopramide is which of the following?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Acute dystonic reaction
Explanation:Side effects of metoclopramide are commonly associated with extrapyramidal effects and hyperprolactinemia. Therefore its use must be limited to short-term use. Metoclopramide can induce acute dystonic reactions which involve facial and skeletal muscle spasms and oculogyric crises. These dystonic effects are more common in the young girls and young women, and in the very old. These symptoms usually occur shortly after starting treatment with this drug and subside within 24 hours of stopping it. Abortion of dystonic attacks can be carried out by injection of an antiparkinsonian drug like procyclidine.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
What is the correct adrenaline dose for a patient with pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 10 ml of 1 in 10,000 adrenaline solution
Explanation:Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) are referred to as shockable rhythm.
IV adrenaline 1 mg (10 mL of 1:10,000 solution) should be administered after 3 shocks and every 3 – 5 minutes/after alternate shocks thereafter for a shockable rhythm.
For a non-shockable rhythm, 1 mg IV adrenaline should be administered as soon as IV access is obtained, and then every 3 – 5 minutes/after alternate shocks thereafter.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 28
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is the most potent stimulus of fibrinolysis:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Tissue plasminogen activator
Explanation:Fibrinolysis is a normal haemostatic response to vascular injury. Plasminogen, a proenzyme in blood and tissue fluid, is converted to plasmin by activators either from the vessel wall (intrinsic activation) or from the tissues (extrinsic activation). The most important route follows the release of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) from endothelial cells.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Cellular
- Physiology
-
-
Question 29
Incorrect
-
Which of the following laboratory findings is NOT typical of von Willebrand disease (VWD):
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Thrombocytopaenia
Explanation:Laboratory findings typically show (although this varies depending on VWD type):
Abnormal PFA-100 test
Low factor VIII levels (if low a factor VIII/VWF binding assay is performed)
Prolonged APTT (or normal)
Normal PT
Low VWF levels
Defective platelet aggregation
Normal platelet count -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
A 53 year old male is found to have megaloblastic anaemia secondary to folate deficiency. He has a known history of alcohol abuse. Which of the following is characteristic of this condition?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
Explanation:Megaloblastic anaemia occurs when there is inhibition of DNA synthesis as red blood cells are produced. Impairment of DNA synthesis causes the cell cycle to be unable to progress from the growth stage to the mitosis stage. As a result, there is continuous cell growth without division, with an increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which presents as macrocytosis. The most common cause of this defect in red cell DNA synthesis is hypovitaminosis, in particular, vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency.
Folate is an essential vitamin that can be found in most foods, and is highest in liver, green vegetables and yeast. 200 – 250 μg is found in the normal daily diet, and about 50% is absorbed. The daily adult requirement is about 100 μg and its absorption is principally from the duodenum and jejunum. Folate stores are normally only adequate for 4 months and so clinical features of folate deficiency usually become evident after this time. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
