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Question 1
Correct
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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: 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 2
Correct
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The orbicularis oculi us a muscle that closes the eyelids. What is the motor innervation of this muscle?
Your Answer: A branch of a nerve that exits through the stylomastoid foramen
Explanation:The orbicularis oculi is a muscle in the face that closes the eyelids. It is supplied by zygomatic branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which exits through the stylomastoid foramen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 3
Correct
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Which of the cranial nerves is responsible for touch sensation on the skin over the maxilla region and the mandible?
Your Answer: Trigeminal
Explanation:The sensation of the face is provided by the trigeminal nerve which is cranial nerve V. It is also responsible for other motor functions such as biting and chewing. The trigeminal nerve has three branches; the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve((V2) and the mandibular nerve (V3). These three branches exit the skull through separate foramina, namely; the superior orbital fissure, the foramen rotundum and the foramen ovale respectively. The mnemonic for this is ‘Standing room only’. The sensory fibres of the maxillary nerve are distributed to the lower eyelid and cheek, the nares and upper lip, the upper teeth and gums, the nasal mucosa, the palate and roof of the pharynx, the maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, and parts of the meninges. The sensory fibres of the mandibular nerve are distributed to the lower lip, the lower teeth and gums, the floor of the mouth, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the chin and jaw (except the angle of the jaw, which is supplied by C2–C3), parts of the external ear, and parts of the meninges. The mandibular nerve carries touch/ position and pain/temperature sensation from the mouth. The sensory fibres of the ophthalmic nerve are distributed to the scalp and forehead, the upper eyelid, the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, the nose (including the tip of the nose), the nasal mucosa, the frontal sinuses and parts of the meninges (the dura and blood vessels). The sensory fibres of the maxillary nerve are distributed to the lower eyelid and cheek, the nares and upper lip, the upper teeth and gums, the nasal mucosa, the palate and roof of the pharynx, the maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, and parts of the meninges.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 4
Incorrect
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In an anatomy demonstration, the instructor asked one of the medical students to pass his index finger inferior to the root of the left lung. The student notices that his finger is blocked by a structure. Which structure do you think is responsible for this?
Your Answer: Cupola
Correct Answer: Pulmonary ligament
Explanation:The pulmonary ligament is dual layer of pleura stretching from the inferior part of the hilar reflection toward the diaphragm.
The costodiaphragmatic recess is the cavity at the inferior border of the lung where the costal pleura becomes the diaphragmatic pleura.
The cupola: is part of the pleura that extends superiorly above the first rib and has no association with the root of the lung.
Inferior vena cava is located in the mediastinum, not near the root of the lung.
Left pulmonary veins being part of the root of the lung, would not block access to behind the lung. Costomediastinal recess is the part of the pleura where the costal pleura become the mediastinal pleura.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 5
Incorrect
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A 13-year-old girl has complained of pain in her left arm for 4 months. An X-ray reveals a mass along with erosion of the affected humerus. Histologically, the tumour is found to be formed by small, round, blue cells. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Osteoid osteoma
Correct Answer: Ewing’s sarcoma
Explanation:Ewing’s sarcoma is formed by small, round, blue cells, and is common in children. The usually develop in limbs, and clinical findings include pain and inflammation, with lytic destruction showing up on X-rays.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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What is the nerve supply to the muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg ?
Your Answer: Deep peroneal nerve
Correct Answer: Superficial peroneal nerve
Explanation:The peroneus longus and peroneus brevis in the lateral compartment of the leg take nerve supply from the superficial peroneal nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 7
Correct
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The dilator pupillae muscle is innervated by postganglionic sympathetic fibres. Where do the postganglionic sympathetic fibres originate?
Your Answer: Superior cervical ganglion
Explanation:The postganglionic sympathetic axons are derived from the superior cervical ganglion and innervate the eye and lacrimal gland allowing for vasoconstriction of the iris and sclera, pupillary dilation, widening of the palpebral fissure, and a reduction in tear production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 8
Correct
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A 7-year-old boy is diagnosed with metabolic acidosis as a result of severe dehydration. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause severe dehydration and metabolic acidosis?
Your Answer: Severe diarrhoea
Explanation:Diarrhoea is defined as having three or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person. Severe diarrhoea, causing fluid loss and loss of bicarbonate, will result in marked dehydration and metabolic acidosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 34-year-old woman with pelvic inflammatory disease is administered ceftriaxone. The subclass of antibiotics that ceftriaxone belongs to is:
Your Answer: Fourth-generation cephalosporins
Correct Answer: Third-generation cephalosporins
Explanation:Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Its indications include middle ear infections, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, bone and joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, gonorrhoea, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 10
Correct
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Which of the following is true regarding factor XI?
Your Answer: Deficiency causes haemophilia C
Explanation:Factor XI is also known as plasma thromboplastin and is one of the enzymes of the coagulation cascade. It is produced in the liver and is a serine protease. It is activated by factor XIIa, thrombin and by itself. Deficiency of factor XI causes the rare type of haemophilia C. Low levels of factor XI also occur in other disease states, including Noonan syndrome. High levels of factor XI have been seen in thrombosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 11
Correct
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The wound healing process is documented in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. The port incisions are sutured closed and the wounds observed every few weeks for re-epithelialisation and tensile strength. Which substance is mostly likely to be found at a cellular level involved in wound healing?
Your Answer: Tyrosine kinase
Explanation:Cell surface growth factor receptors require intercellular proteins such as tyrosine kinase which are necessary to initiate a series of events that eventually lead to cell division and growth. Tyrosine kinase is an enzyme that transfers a phosphate group to the tyrosine residue in a protein. This phosphorylation will lead to an up regulation of the enzyme activity.
Fibronectin acts in the extracellular matrix to bind macromolecules (such as proteoglycans) via integrin receptors to aid attachment and migration of cells.
Laminin is an extracellular matrix component that is abundant in basement membranes.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix.
Collagen fibres are part of the extracellular matrix that gives strength and stability to connective tissues.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 12
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 13
Correct
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The thyroid gland is a large ductless gland located in which part of the neck?
Your Answer: Visceral space
Explanation:The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in the neck, consisting of two lobes connected by an isthmus. It is situated at the front and sides of the neck in the visceral space.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 14
Correct
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During pregnancy the uterus enlarges however after delivery it regresses to its original size. Which of the following organelles is responsible for this regression?
Your Answer: Lysosomes
Explanation:Lysosomes are formed by budding of the Golgi apparatus and contain enzymes which digest macromolecules. They are found in both plants and animals and are active in autophagic cell death, digestion after phagocytosis and for the cells own recycling process. They fuse with the molecules and release their content resulting in digestion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 15
Correct
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What occurs during cellular atrophy?
Your Answer: Cell size decreases
Explanation:Atrophy is the decrease in the size of cells, tissues, or organs. There are several causes including inadequate nutrition, poor circulation, loss of hormonal support or nerve supply, disuse, lack of exercise, or disease. An increase in cell size is termed hypertrophy which is distinguished from hyperplasia, in which the cells remain approximately the same size but increase in number.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Urology
- Pathology
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Question 16
Correct
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A 6 year-old boy is brought to you coughing. He is suspected to have aspirated a Lego piece which he was seen playing with. Where would you expect the piece to be?
Your Answer: Right main bronchus
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 terminal bronchiole is a very small space and impossible for the seed to lodge here.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 17
Correct
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A 53 year old women with a history of atrial fibrillation developed an acute abdomen. On laparoscopic examination her bowels appeared to be dusky to red-purple in colour and her mesenteric veins appeared to be patent. Which of the following is most likely to occur in this situation?
Your Answer: Wet gangrene
Explanation:Infarction of the small bowel following a sudden and complete occlusion of the mesenteric artery can involve any portion of the bowel, whether small or a large. The splenic flexure is at most risk for infarction as it is the watershed area between the superior and inferior mesenteric vessels. Regardless of whether the arterial or the venous blood vessels are occluded, because of the blood reflow into the damaged portion, it will appear haemorrhagic. The bowel appearing congested at first and then becoming oedematous. If the artery is occluded then there will be a clear cut demarcation and in venous occlusion the dusky colour fades with the rest of the normal bowel. Wet gangrene is characteristic of ischaemic injury to the gut.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Gastrointestinal
- Pathology
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Question 18
Correct
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A patient who complained of pain on the lower left side of the back had an x-ray done which confirmed a hernia passing posterolaterally, just superior to the iliac crest. Where is this hernia passing through?
Your Answer: Lumbar triangle
Explanation:The lumber triangle is bound medially by the border of the latissimus dorsi, laterally by the external abdominal oblique and by the iliac crest inferiorly. This is exactly where the hernia that is described is located.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax spores have been used as a biological warfare weapon. What is the drug of choice in treating anthrax infection?
Your Answer: Tetracycline
Correct Answer: Ciprofloxacin
Explanation:Early antibiotic treatment of anthrax is essential. A delay may significantly lessen the chances for survival of the patient. Treatment for anthrax infection include large doses of intravenous and oral antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin), doxycycline, erythromycin, vancomycin, or penicillin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 20
Correct
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Skin infiltration by neoplastic T lymphocytes is seen in:
Your Answer: Mycosis fungoides
Explanation:Mycosis fungoides is a chronic T-cell lymphoma that involves the skin and less commonly, the internal organs such as nodes, liver, spleen and lungs. It is usually diagnosed in patients above 50 years and the average life expectancy is 7-10 years. It is insidious in onset and presents as a chronic, itchy rash, eventually spreading to involve most of the skin. Lesions are commonly plaque-like, but can be nodular or ulcerated. Symptoms include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Skin biopsy is diagnostic. However, early cases may pose a challenge due to fewer lymphoma cells. The malignant cells are mature T cells (T4+, T11+, T12+). The epidermis shows presence of characteristic Pautrier’s micro abscesses are present in the epidermis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Regarding abduction of the digits of the hand, which of the following is correct?
Your Answer: There are two muscles that produce adduction of the thumb
Correct Answer: All of the adductors of the digits take at least part of their attachments from metacarpal bones
Explanation:Lying on the palmer surfaces of the metacarpal bones are four palmar interossei which are smaller than the dorsal interossei. Arising from the entire length of the metacarpal bone of one finger, is a palmar interosseous, which is inserted into the side of the base of the first phalanx and the aponeurotic expansion of the extensor digitorum communis tendon to the same finger. All the interossei are innervated by the eighth cervical nerve, through the deep palmar branch of the ulnar nerve. The palmar interossei adducts the fingers to an imaginary line drawn longitudinally through the centre of the middle finger.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 22
Correct
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A victim of mob justice was brought to the A & E with a stab wound in the anterior chest 2 cm lateral to the left sternal border. He underwent an emergency thoracotomy that revealed clots in the pericardium, with a puncture wound in the right ventricle. To evacuate the clots from the pericardial cavity the surgeon slipped his hand behind the heart at its apex. He extended his finger upwards until its tip was stopped by a line of pericardial reflection which forms the:
Your Answer: Oblique pericardial sinus
Explanation:Transverse sinus: part of pericardial cavity that is behind the aorta and pulmonary trunk and in front of the superior vena cava separating the outflow vessels from the inflow vessels.
Oblique pericardial sinus: is behind the left atrium where the visceral pericardium reflects onto the pulmonary veins and the inferior vena cava. Sliding a finger under the heart will take you to this space.
Cardiac notch: indentation of the ‘of the heart’ on the superior lobe of the left lung.
Hilar reflection: the reflection of the pleura onto the root of the lung to continue as mediastinal pleura.
Costomediastinal recess: part of the pleural sac where the costal pleura transitions to become the mediastinal pleura.
Sulcus terminalis: a groove between the right atrium and the vena cava
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 23
Correct
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A 55-year-old woman died 3 years after a cardiac transplant due to worsening congestive heart failure. Autopsy revealed diffuse hyperplasia of the vascular intima involving the entire length of the coronary arteries. The most probable cause of deterioration of the cardiac function is:
Your Answer: Coronary atherosclerosis
Explanation:Allograft coronary artery disease (CAD) can begin right after the transplant and is the major cause of later death in cardiac transplant recipients. This form of atherosclerosis progresses quickly resulting in allograft failure. Due to lack of premonitory symptoms CAD may lead to sudden death.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pathology
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Question 24
Correct
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A 65-year-old female is taking different medications for various medical conditions. Which medication would most likely predispose the patient to develop hyperkalaemia?
Your Answer: Spironolactone
Explanation:The most important potential side effect of spironolactone is hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels), which, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Hyperkalaemia in these patients can present as a non anion-gap metabolic acidosis.Â
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 25
Correct
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The thoracic duct :
Your Answer: varies in length from 38 to 45 cm
Explanation:The thoracic duct is the main drainage of lymph in the body. It varies in length from 38 to 45 cm and extends from the second lumbar vertebra to the root of the neck.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 26
Correct
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Which of the following muscles is innervated by the inferior branch of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve?
Your Answer: Posterior cricoarytenoid
Explanation:The posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, which is the sole abductor of the vocal folds, receives its innervation from the inferior laryngeal nerve which is a continuation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 27
Correct
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What is the correct order of structures a needle must pass before it enters the pleural cavity?
Your Answer: External intercostals – internal intercostals – innermost intercostals – parietal pleura
Explanation:The correct order of structures from superficial to deep are: the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the external intercostals followed by internal intercostals, innermost intercostals and finally parietal pleura.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 28
Correct
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An excised lesion is found to be a premalignant during examination by the pathologist. What is the most likely histopathology report of this lesion?
Your Answer: Solar keratosis
Explanation:Premalignant condition is a state of disordered morphology of cells that is associated with an increased risk of cancer. If this condition is left untreated, it may lead to the development of cancer. The following are examples of pre-malignant lesions: actinic keratosis, Barret’s oesophagitis, atrophic gastritis, ductal carcinoma in situ, dyskeratosis congenita, sideropenic dysphagia, lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, solar elastosis, cervical dysplasia, leucoplakia and erythroplakia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 29
Correct
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Which of the following clinical signs will be demonstrated in a case of Brown-Séquard syndrome due to hemisection of the spinal cord at mid-thoracic level?
Your Answer: Ipsilateral spastic paralysis, ipsilateral loss of vibration and proprioception (position sense) and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation beginning one or two segments below the lesion
Explanation:Brown–Séquard syndrome results due to lateral hemisection of the spinal cord and results in a loss of motricity (paralysis and ataxia) and sensation. The hemisection of the cord results in a lesion of each of the three main neural systems: the principal upper motor neurone pathway of the corticospinal tract, one or both dorsal columns and the spinothalamic tract. As a result of the injury to these three main brain pathways the patient will present with three lesions. The corticospinal lesion produces spastic paralysis on the same side of the body (the loss of moderation by the upper motor neurons). The lesion to fasciculus gracilis or fasciculus cuneatus results in ipsilateral loss of vibration and proprioception (position sense). The loss of the spinothalamic tract leads to pain and temperature sensation being lost from the contralateral side beginning one or two segments below the lesion. At the lesion site, all sensory modalities are lost on the same side, and an ipsilateral flaccid paralysis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 30
Correct
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Which condition presents with a positive urine dipstick test for blood, but no blood cells on urine microscopy?
Your Answer: Myoglobinuria
Explanation:Myoglobinuria, or presence of myoglobulin in the urine is seen due to rhabdomyolysis (muscle destruction). Common causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, electrical injuries, burns, venom and drugs. Damaged muscle leads to release of myoglobin in the blood. Ideally, the released myoglobin gets filtered and excreted by the kidneys. However, excess myoglobin can occlude the renal filtration system leading to acute tubular necrosis and acute renal dysfunction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Renal
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Question 31
Correct
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A 45-year-old pregnant woman develops high blood pressure at 20 weeks. She complains of headaches and swollen feet, and a test reveals proteinuria (350 mg/day). Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Pre-eclampsia
Explanation:Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by the onset of high blood pressure (two separate readings taken at least 6 h apart of 140/90 or more) and often a significant amount of protein in the urine (>300 mg of protein in a 24-h urine sample). While blood pressure elevation is the most visible sign of the disease, it involves generalised damage to the maternal endothelium of the kidneys and liver, with the release of vasopressive factors only secondary to the original damage. Pre-eclampsia may develop at varying times within pregnancy and its progress differs among patients; most cases present pre-term. It has no known cure apart from ending the pregnancy (induction of labour or abortion). It may also present up to 6 weeks post partum. Risk factors for pre-eclampsia include obesity, prior hypertension, older age, and diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 32
Correct
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A 58-year-old woman has had a headache, fever, lethargy and nausea for the last 10 days. He undergoes a CT scan which reveals a lesion in his frontal lobe, which, after a biopsy, is found to be formed by granulation tissue with collagenisation, gliosis and oedema. What's the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Chronic brain abscess
Explanation:A cerebral abscess can result from direct extension of cranial infections, penetrating head trauma, haematogenous spread, or for unknown causes. An abscess forms when an area of cerebral inflammation becomes necrotic and encapsulated by glial cells and fibroblasts. Oedema around the abscess can increase the intracranial pressure. Symptoms result from increased intracranial pressure and mass effects. In a CT scan, an abscess appears as an oedematous mass with ring enhancement.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 33
Correct
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A 45 year-old female presents with a drooping eyelid. During examination, the same pupil of the patient is found to be dilated. Which nerve could be involve in this case?
Your Answer: Oculomotor nerve
Explanation:The oculomotor nerve controls most of the eye muscles. It also controls the constriction of the pupils and thickening of the lens of the eye. This can be tested in two main ways. By moving a finger toward a person’s face to induce accommodation, their pupils should constrict or shining a light into one eye should result in equal constriction of the other eye. The neurons in the optic nerve decussate in the optic chiasm with some crossing to the contralateral optic nerve tract. This is the basis of the swinging-flashlight test. Loss of accommodation and continued pupillary dilation can indicate the presence of a lesion of the oculomotor nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 34
Correct
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A patient is diagnosed with a tumour of the parotid gland. During surgical removal of the gland, which artery is vulnerable to injury?
Your Answer: External carotid artery
Explanation:The external carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck. It arises from the common carotid artery when it splits into the external and internal carotid artery. It supplies blood to the face and neck. The external carotid artery begins opposite the upper border of the thyroid cartilage and, taking a slightly curved course, passes upward and forward and then inclines backward to the space behind the neck of the mandible, where it divides into the superficial temporal and internal maxillary arteries. It rapidly diminishes in size in its course up the neck, owing to the number and large size of the branches given off from it. At its origin, this artery is more superficial and placed nearer the midline than the internal carotid and is contained within the carotid triangle. The external carotid artery is covered by the skin, superficial fascia, platysma, deep fascia and anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid. It is crossed by the hypoglossal nerve, by the lingual, ranine, common facial and superior thyroid veins; and by the digastric and stylohyoid; higher up it passes deeply into the substance of the parotid gland, where it lies deep to the facial nerve and the junction of the temporal and internal maxillary veins. It is here that it is in danger during surgery of the parotid gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 35
Correct
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A 39-year old female patient was diagnosed with a tumour of the left adrenal gland. The tumour, which is metastasizing to the adjacent tissues, has already extended to the left suprarenal vein. If the tumour is still spreading, which of the following veins will most likely be affected after the involvement of the left suprarenal vein?
Your Answer: Left renal vein
Explanation:The suprarenal veins or also known as the veins of Warshaw, are the veins that receive blood from the suprarenal glands. These veins receive blood from the medullary venous plexus and the cortex of the adrenal glands (suprarenal glands). They are two in number – the left and the right suprarenal veins. The right suprarenal vein drains into the inferior vena cava while the left suprarenal vein drains into the left renal vein. This therefore means that in the case of a metastasizing tumour involving the left suprarenal vein, the tumour will most likely extend from the left suprarenal vein to the left renal vein into which it drains.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 36
Correct
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A 35-year-old woman is in a comatose state following a traumatic head injury, and is receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics and IV fluids containing saline and 5% dextrose. A serum biochemistry analysis is performed five days later which shows a low serum potassium level. This is most likely to be due to:
Your Answer: Nothing per oral regimen
Explanation:In this patient the cause for hypokalaemia is insufficient consumption of potassium as she is nil-per mouth with no intravenous supplementation. Parenteral nutrition has been used for comatose patients, although enteral feeding is usually preferable, and less prone to complications.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 37
Correct
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A 23 year old woman is Rh -ve and she delivered a baby with a Rh+ blood group. What measure can be performed to prevent Rh incompatibility in the next pregnancy?
Your Answer: Immunoglobulin D
Explanation:Rh disease is also known as erythroblastosis fetalis and is a disease of the new-born. In mild states it can cause anaemia with reticulocytosis and in severe forms causes severe anaemia, morbus hemolytcus new-born and hydrops fetalis. RBCs of the Rh+ baby can cross the placenta and enter into the maternal blood. As she is Rh- her body will form antibodies against the D antigen which will pass through the placenta in subsequent pregnancies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 38
Correct
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A 41 year old women presents with a history of carcinoma involving the right breast with enlarged axillary nodes on the same side. She underwent mastectomy and axillary node clearance. These were sent for histopathological examination. They showed no signs of metastasis. What could be cause of this enlargement in the lymph nodes?
Your Answer: Sinus histiocytosis
Explanation:Sinus histiocytosis also referred to as reticular hyperplasia, refers to the enlargement, distention and prominence of the sinusoids of the lymph nodes. This is a non-specific form of hyperplasia characteristically seen in lymph nodes that drain tumours. The endothelial lining of the lymph node becomes markedly hypertrophied, along with an increase in the number of macrophages which results in the distortion, distention and enlargement of the sinus. In this scenario there is no evidence that an infection or another malignancy could account for the enlargement. Paracortical lymphoid hyperplasia is caused by an immune response.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Female Health
- Pathology
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Question 39
Incorrect
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Post-total gastrectomy, there will be a decreased production of which of the following enzymes?
Your Answer: Chymotrypsin
Correct Answer: Pepsin
Explanation:Pepsin is a protease that is released from the gastric chief cells and acts to degrade proteins into peptides. Released as pepsinogen, it is activated by hydrochloric acid and into pepsin itself. Gastrin and the vagus nerve trigger the release of pepsinogen and HCl when a meal is ingested. Pepsin functions optimally in an acidic environment, especially at a pH of 2.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 40
Incorrect
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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: Alcoholism
Correct 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 41
Correct
-
Thalamic syndrome will most likely result in:
Your Answer: Hyperaesthesia
Explanation:Signs and symptoms of thalamic syndrome include contralateral hemi anaesthesia, burning or aching sensation in one half of a body (hyperaesthesia), often accompanied by mood swings.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 42
Correct
-
Which of the following arteries, that runs on the superior aspect of the first part of the duodenum, forms the lower boundary of the epiploic foramen (also known as the foramen of Winslow)?
Your Answer: Hepatic
Explanation:The epiploic foramen is an important anatomical opening that allows for the communication between the greater peritoneal sac and the lesser peritoneal sac. Its boundaries are formed; superiorly by the caudate lobe of the liver, anteriorly by the hepatoduodenal ligament (containing the components of the portal triad), inferiorly by the first part of the duodenum and posteriorly by the peritoneum covering the inferior vena cava. The superior aspect of the first part of the duodenum, which forms the inferior boundary of the foramen of Winslow, forms the course of the hepatic artery before it ascends to the porta hepatis where it divides into its right and left branches.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 43
Correct
-
In relation to the muscles of facial expression, It is true to say:
Your Answer: They are in the same subcutaneous plane as the platysma muscle
Explanation:The facial muscles generally originate from the facial bones and attach to the skin, in the same plane as the platysma muscle. They are all innervated by cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve). The occipitofrontalis muscle consists of two parts: The occipital belly, near the occipital bone, and the frontal belly, near the frontal bone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 44
Incorrect
-
A nerve is injured during a surgical operation to repair an inguinal hernia. It passes through the superficial inguinal ring. Which nerve is it most likely to be?
Your Answer: Obturator
Correct Answer: Ilioinguinal
Explanation:The ilioinguinal nerve doesn’t pass through the deep inguinal ring but enters the inguinal canal from the side and leaves by passing through the superficial ring thus it is at risk of injury during inguinal hernia repair.
The femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve travels lateral to the superficial inguinal ring.
The iliohypogastric nerve and the subcostal nerve travel superior to the inguinal canal and superficial inguinal ring.
The obturator nerve is a branch of the lumbar plexus that innervates the muscles of the thigh.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 45
Incorrect
-
A 45 year old man who complains of chronic post prandial, burning epigastric pain undergoes a gastrointestinal endoscopy. There is no apparent mass or haemorrhage and a biopsy is taken from the lower oesophageal mucosa just above the gastro-oesophageal junction. The results reveal the presence of columnar cells interspersed with goblet cells. Which change best explains the above mentioned histology?
Your Answer: Dysplasia
Correct Answer: Metaplasia
Explanation:Metaplasia is the transformation of one type of epithelium into another as a means to better cope with external stress on that epithelium. In this case metaplasia occurs due to the inflammation resulting from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Dysplasia is disordered cellular growth. Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number but not cell type i.e. transformation. Carcinoma is characterized by cellular atypia. Ischaemia would result in necrosis with ulceration. Carcinoma insitu involves dysplastic atypical cells with the basement membrane intact and atrophy would mean a decrease in number of cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Gastrointestinal
- Pathology
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Question 46
Correct
-
A 16-year old boy was brought in an unconscious state to the emergency department. Clinical evaluation pointed in favour of acute adrenal insufficiency. On enquiry, it was revealed that he was suffering from a high grade fever 24 hours prior. On examination, extensive purpura were noted on his skin. The likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Meningococcaemia
Explanation:Findings described are suggestive of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome which develops secondary to meningococcaemia. The reported incidence of Addison’s disease is 4 in 100,000. It affects both sexes equally and is seen in all age groups. It tends to show clinical symptoms at the time of metabolic stress or trauma. The symptoms are precipitated by acute infections, trauma, surgery or sodium loss due to excessive perspiration.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 47
Incorrect
-
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: Styloglossus
Correct 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 48
Incorrect
-
A patient presents with loss of fine touch and sense of proprioception in the lower part of the body (below T6). He is likely to have a lesion involving:
Your Answer: Cuneate nucleus
Correct Answer: Gracile nucleus
Explanation:The gracile nucleus is located in the medulla oblongata and is one of the dorsal column nuclei involved in the sensation of fine touch and proprioception. It contains second-order neurons of the dorsal column–medial lemniscus system, that receive inputs from sensory neurones of the dorsal root ganglia and send axons that synapse in the thalamus.
The gracile nucleus and fasciculus carry epicritic, kinaesthetic and conscious proprioceptive information from the lower part of the body (below the level of T6 in the spinal cord). Similar information from the upper part of body (above T6, except for face and ear) is carried by the cuneate nucleus and fasciculus. The information from face and ear is carried by the primary sensory trigeminal nucleus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 49
Incorrect
-
A patient who following 20 years of working in the asbestos industry develops malignant mesothelioma and is scheduled for pleuropneumonectomy to remove the entire pleura and lung on the affected side. Which layer would provide a natural cleavage plane for surgical separation of the costal pleura from the thoracic wall?
Your Answer: Transversus thoracis muscle fascia
Correct Answer: Endothoracic fascia
Explanation:The endothoracic fascia is connective tissue that is between the costal parietal pleura and the inner aspect of the chest wall. Removing this layer of connective tissue would make it easy to separate the costal pleura from the thoracic wall.
Deep fascia: is not found around the lungs. It is a layer of connective tissue that invests a muscle or a group of muscles.
Parietal pleura: part of the pleura that lines the inner surface of the chest/thoracic cavity.
Visceral pleura: is the serous membrane that lines the surface of the lungs.
Transversus thoracis muscle fascia is associated only with the muscle transversus thoracis.
Peritracheal fascia: a layer of connective tissue that invests the trachea. It is not associated with the thoracic wall or the costal pleura.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 50
Incorrect
-
What is the normal amount of oxygen that is carried in the blood?
Your Answer: 40 ml oxygen/100 ml blood
Correct Answer: 20 ml oxygen/100 ml blood
Explanation:Normally, 100 ml of blood contains 15g haemoglobin and a single gram of haemoglobin can bind to 1.34 ml oxygen when 100% saturated. Thus, 15 × 1.34 = 20 ml O2/100 ml blood. The haemoglobin in venous blood that is leaving the tissues is about 75% saturated with oxygen, and hence it carries about 15 ml O2/100 ml venous blood. This implies that for each 10 ml of blood, 5 ml oxygen is transported to the tissues. With a p(O2) > 100 mm Hg, only 3 ml of oxygen is dissolved in every one litre of plasma. By increasing the pA(O2) by breathing 100% oxygen, one can add an extra amount of oxygen in the plasma, but the amount of oxygen carried by haemoglobin will not increase significantly as it is already > 95% saturated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 51
Correct
-
At which cervical level does the common carotid artery bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries?
Your Answer: C4
Explanation:The common carotid arteries are present on the left and right sides of the body. These arteries originate from different sources, but follow symmetrical courses. The right common carotid originates in the neck from the brachiocephalic trunk; the left from the aortic arch in the thorax. These split into the external and internal carotid arteries at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, at around the level of the fourth cervical vertebra.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 52
Correct
-
A 56-year-old woman weighs 75 kg. In this patient, total body water, intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid are respectively:
Your Answer: 45 l, 30 l, 15 l
Explanation:The percentages of body water contained in various fluid compartments add up to total body water (TBW). This water makes up a significant fraction of the human body, both by weight and by volume. The total body water (TBW) content of humans is approximately 60% of body weight. Two-thirds is located in the intracellular and one-third in the extracellular compartment. So, in a 75-kg individual, TBW = 60 × 75/100 = 45 l. Intracellular content = 2/3 × 45 = 30 l and extracellular content = 1/3 × 45 = 15 l.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 53
Correct
-
The pterygoid plexus receives tributaries from which of the following veins?
Your Answer: Maxillary vein
Explanation:The pterygoid plexus of veins is the main venous component associated with the infratemporal fossa. It receives tributaries corresponding to the branches of the internal maxillary artery. This plexus communicates freely with the anterior facial vein; it also communicates with the cavernous sinus, by branches through the foramen of Vesalius, foramen ovale and foramen lacerum. The (internal) maxillary vein is a short trunk which accompanies the first part of the (internal) maxillary artery. It is formed by a confluence of the veins of the pterygoid plexus and passes backward between the sphenomandibular ligament and the neck of the mandible and unites with the temporal vein to form the posterior facial vein. It carries blood away from the infratemporal fossa.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 54
Correct
-
A 54-year-old woman is re-admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath and sharp chest pain 2 weeks after surgical cholecystectomy. The most probable cause of these clinical findings is:
Your Answer: Pulmonary embolus
Explanation:Pulmonary embolism is caused by the sudden blockage of a major lung blood vessel, usually by a blood clot. Symptoms include sudden sharp chest pain, cough, dyspnoea, palpitations, tachycardia or loss of consciousness. Risk factors for developing pulmonary embolism include long periods of inactivity, recent surgery, trauma, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, oestrogen replacement, malignancies and venous stasis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 55
Correct
-
A 31-year-old woman is diagnosed with adrenal hyperplasia, and laboratory samples are taken to measure serum aldosterone and another substance. Which is most likely to be the other test that was prescribed to this patient?
Your Answer: Plasma renin
Explanation:The evaluation of a patient in whom hyperaldosteronism is first to determine that hyperaldosteronism is present (serum aldosterone) and, if it is present, to differentiate primary from secondary causes of hyperaldosteronism. The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is the most sensitive means of differentiating primary from secondary causes of hyperaldosteronism as it is abnormally increased in primary hyperaldosteronism, and decreased or normal but with high renin levels in secondary hyperaldosteronism.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 56
Correct
-
A 76-year-old woman is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus after a urine test revealed she has glucosuria. Glucosuria may occur due to inadequate glucose reabsorption at:
Your Answer: Proximal convoluted tubule
Explanation:Glucose is reabsorbed almost 100% via sodium–glucose transport proteins (apical) and GLUT (basolateral) in the proximal convoluted tubule. Glycosuria or glucosuria is a condition of osmotic diuresis typical in those suffering from diabetes mellitus. Due to a lack of insulin, plasma glucose levels are above normal. This leads to saturation of receptors in the kidneys and glycosuria usually at plasma glucose levels above 11 mmol/l. Rarely, glycosuria is due to an intrinsic problem with glucose reabsorption within the kidneys (such as Fanconi syndrome), producing a condition termed renal glycosuria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 57
Correct
-
Inside the palatoglossal arch is a muscle. Which nerve innervates this muscle?
Your Answer: X
Explanation:The palatoglossal arch contains the palatoglossal muscle which is innervated by the vagus nerve which is the tenth cranial nerve. So the correct answer is X
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 58
Correct
-
A 72 year old man suffered a MI. What is the approximate time needed by the scar tissue of the MI to recover and attain full strength?
Your Answer: Several months
Explanation:A week following a MI attack, a little collagen starts to form and deposit. By the end of the 2nd week, neovascularisation of the scar occurs, with some collagen being laid down in a haphazard fashion. By this time the scar attains some strength. During the next 6 months, collagen is constantly being laid down and is rearranged in order to shrink the scar. Most of the blood vessels by this time have regenerated, decreasing vascularity of the scar reaching full maturity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Cardiovascular
- Pathology
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Question 59
Correct
-
An operation to resect a tumour of the right lung was stopped as the chest surgeon said that the tumour was crossing the oblique fissure. Which structures are separated by the oblique fissure of the right lung?
Your Answer: Lower lobe from both upper and middle lobes
Explanation:The oblique fissure on the right lung separates the lower lobe from both the middle and upper lobe. The lingual is only found on the left lung and is part of the upper lobe.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 60
Incorrect
-
A chest X-ray in a healthy, non-smoker, asymptomatic 48-year-old woman reveals a 2cm left lower lobe well-defined round opacity. Which of the following conditions is most probably responsible for this finding?
Your Answer: Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma
Correct Answer: Pulmonary hamartoma
Explanation:An asymptomatic healthy patient with no history of smoking and a lesion of small size most probably has a benign lung lesion. Hamartomas are one of the most common benign tumours of the lung that accounts for approximately 6% of all solitary pulmonary nodules. Pulmonary hamartomas are usually asymptomatic and therefore are found incidentally when performing an imaging test for other reasons.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 61
Correct
-
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 62
Correct
-
What is the most likely cause of bilateral gynaecomastia in a 55-year old male?
Your Answer: Hepatic failure
Explanation:Hypertrophy of breast tissue in males is known as gynaecomastia. It is normally due to proliferation of stroma and not of mammary ducts. Physiological gynaecomastia can occur during puberty and is often transient, bilateral, symmetrical and possibly tender. Gynaecomastia can occur during old age too, but is usually unilateral. Other causes include hepatic or renal failure, endocrinological disorders, drugs (anabolic steroids, antineoplastic drugs, calcium channel blockers, cimetidine, digitalis, oestrogens, isoniazid, ketoconazole, methadone, metronidazole, reserpine, spironolactone, theophylline), and marijuana. It should not be confused with malignancy which is often hard, asymmetric and fixed to the dermis or fascia. Treatment if indicated, includes withdrawal of the causative factor or treatment of the underlying disorder.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Women's Health
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Question 63
Incorrect
-
Which of the following key features will be seen in an organ undergoing atrophy?
Your Answer: A greater number of myofilaments
Correct Answer: A greater number of autophagic vacuoles
Explanation:Atrophy is characterised by the breakdown of intracellular components along with organelles and packing them into vacuoles known as autophagic vacuoles. This is an adaptive response that separates the damaged cellular structures from the rest of the cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 64
Correct
-
The nasolacrimal duct is a membranous canal. It extends from the lower part of the lacrimal sac and drains into which structure?
Your 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 65
Correct
-
A 14 year-old girl is found to have haemophilia B. What pathological problem does she have?
Your Answer: Deficiency of factor IX
Explanation:Haemophilia B (also known as Christmas disease) is due to a deficiency in factor IX. Haemophilia A is due to a deficiency in factor VIII.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 66
Incorrect
-
Paracentesis of ascetic fluid in a 45-year old woman revealed the following : clear, yellow fluid with protein 2.0 g/dl and a few mesothelial and mononuclear cells seen. No malignant cells seen. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Crohn’s disease
Correct Answer: Cirrhosis
Explanation:Ascites develops either from:
-
- Increased  accumulation
- Increased capillary permeability
- Increased venous pressure
- Decreased protein (oncotic pressure)
- Decreased clearance
- Increased lymphatic obstruction
- Increased  accumulation
Cause
- Transudate (<30g/L protein) (Systemic disease)
- Liver (Cirrhosis)
- Cardiac e.g. RHF, CCF, SBE right heart valve disease and constrictive Pericarditis
- Renal failure
- Hypoalbuminaemia (nephrosis)
- Exudate (>30g/L protein) (Local disease)
- Malignancy
- Venous obstruction e.g. Budd-Chiari, Schistosomiasis
- Pancreatitis
- Lymphatic obstruction
- Infection (especially TB)
Cirrhosis is disease of the liver that is characterized by fibrosis leading to disorganization of the hepatic architecture. It shows the development of regenerative nodules surrounded by dense fibrotic tissue. Cirrhosis shows non-specific symptoms initially, which include fatigue, anorexia and weight loss. It can later progress to portal hypertension, ascites and liver failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 67
Correct
-
A 50-year old, obese gentleman with a compression fracture of T11 vertebra was admitted in the hospital. Examination revealed a raised blood pressure 165/112 mmHg and blood glucose 8.5 mmol/l. His abdomen had the presence of purplish striae. What condition is he likely to be suffering from?
Your Answer: Adrenal cortical carcinoma
Explanation:Adrenocortical carcinomas are rare tumours with reported incidence being only two in a million. However, they have a poor prognosis. These are large tumours and range from 4-10 cm in diameter. They arise from the adrenal cortex and 10% cases are bilateral. 50-80% are known to be functional, leading to Cushing syndrome. Even though the tumour affects both sexes equally, functional tumours are slightly commoner in women and non-functional tumours are commoner in men. As compared to women, men also develop this tumour at an older age and seem to have a poorer prognosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 68
Incorrect
-
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: Breast cancer
Correct 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 69
Correct
-
The mechanism of action of streptokinase involves:
Your Answer: Direct conversion of plasminogen to plasmin
Explanation:Streptokinase is an enzyme that is produced by group A beta haemolytic streptococcus and is an effective and cost efficient method for the dissolution of a clot used in cases of MI and pulmonary embolism. It works by directly converting plasminogen to plasmin which breaks down the blood components in the clot and fibrin, dissolving the clot. Streptokinase is a bacterial product and thus the body will develop immunity against it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 70
Correct
-
A 29-year-old woman presents to the doctor complaining of cough, shortness of breath, fever and weight loss. Chest X-ray revealed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement and bilateral pulmonary opacities. Non-caseating granulomas were found on histological examination. The most likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Sarcoidosis
Explanation:Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology that affects multiple organs but predominantly the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes. Systemic and pulmonary symptoms may both be present. Pulmonary involvement is confirmed by a chest X-ray and other imaging studies. The main histological finding is the presence of non-caseating granulomas.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 71
Correct
-
A sudden loud sound is more likely to result in cochlear damage than a slowly developing loud sound. This is because:
Your Answer: There is a latent period before the attenuation reflex can occur
Explanation:On transmission of a loud sound into the central nervous system, an attenuation reflex occurs after a latent period of 40-80 ms. This reflex contracts the two muscles that pull malleus and stapes closer, developing a high degree of rigidity in the entire ossicular chain. This reduces the ossicular conduction of low frequency sounds to the cochlea by 30-40 decibels. In this way, the cochlea is protected from damage due to loud sounds (these are low frequency sounds) when they develop slowly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 72
Incorrect
-
A 35-year old lady presents to her GP with vague abdominal symptoms. Examination reveals a normal size spleen. Which of the following is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Myelofibrosis
Correct Answer: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Explanation:Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disease caused due to development of an antibody against a platelet antigen (autoantibody). In childhood disease, the autoantibody gets triggered by binding of viral antigen to the megakaryocytes. Presentation includes unexplained thrombocytopenia, petechiae and bleeding from mucosal surfaces. The spleen usually does not enlarge in size. However, splenomegaly can occur due to coexisting viral infection. Marrow examination reveals normal or increased number of megakaryocytes. Diagnosis is by exclusion of other thrombocytopenic disorders.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 73
Correct
-
A 65-year-old smoker presents with painless haematuria, urinary frequency and urgency. He is diagnosed with bladder cancer. Which is the most likely type?
Your Answer: Transitional cell carcinoma
Explanation:90% of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas derived from the bladder urothelium. Risk factors include industrial chemicals, smoking and infection. Schistosomiasis and bladder stones predispose to the squamous cell variety.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 74
Incorrect
-
A 13-year-old boy's mother notices he has a lump in his arm, near his right shoulder. An X-ray reveals a lateral projection in the metaphyseal region of his humerus. The lesion is removed and it is found to be composed of bony cortex, capped by cartilage. What's the most likely diagnosis in this case?
Your Answer: Osteoid osteoma
Correct Answer: Osteochondroma
Explanation:Osteochondromas, or osteocartilaginous exostoses, are the most common benign bone tumours, and tend to appear near the ends of long bones. The overgrowth can occur in any bone where cartilage forms bone, and they are capped by cartilage. They are most common in people between the ages of 10-20 years old.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 75
Incorrect
-
The tensor villi palatini muscle is a broad thin, ribbon-like muscle in the head that tenses the soft palate. Which of the following structures is associated with the tensor villi palatini muscle?
Your Answer: The hamulus of the lateral pterygoid plate
Correct Answer: The hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate
Explanation:The pterygoid hamulus is a hook-like process at the lower extremity of the medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone around which the tendon of the tensor veli palatini passes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 76
Correct
-
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 77
Correct
-
A victim of road traffic accident presented to the emergency department with a blood pressure of 120/90 mm Hg, with a drop in systolic pressure to 100 mm Hg on inhalation. This is known as:
Your Answer: Pulsus paradoxus
Explanation:Weakening of pulse with inhalation and strengthening with exhalation is known as pulsus paradoxus. This represents an exaggeration of the normal variation of the pulse in relation to respiration. It indicates conditions such as cardiac tamponade and lung disease. The paradox refers to the auscultation of extra cardiac beats on inspiration, as compared to the pulse. Due to a decrease in blood pressure, the radial pulse becomes impalpable along with an increase in jugular venous pressure height (Kussmaul sign). Normal systolic blood pressure variation (with respiration) is considered to be >10 mmHg. It is >100 mmHg in Pulsus paradoxus. It is also predictive of the severity of cardiac tamponade.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 78
Correct
-
A neurotransmitter of the nigrostriatal pathway is:
Your Answer: Dopamine
Explanation:Dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, activating dopamine receptors. It is also a neurohormone released from the hypothalamus. It plays an important role in the reward system. It is believed that dopamine provides a teaching signal to parts of the brain responsible for acquiring new motor sequences (behaviours), by activation of dopamine neurons when an unexpected reward is presented. Loss of dopamine neurones in the nigrostriatal pathway causes Parkinson’s disease. In the frontal lobes, dopamine controls the flow of information from other areas of the brain, and thus, dopamine disorders in this region can cause a decline in neurocognitive functions, especially memory, attention and problem solving. Reduced dopamine concentrations in the prefrontal cortex are thought to contribute to attention-deficit disorder and some symptoms of schizophrenia. Dopamine is also the primary neuroendocrine regulator of the secretion of prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland. Dopamine is also commonly associated with the pleasure system of the brain. This plays a key role in understanding the mechanism of action of drugs (such as cocaine and the amphetamines), which seem to be directly or indirectly related to the increase of dopamine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 79
Correct
-
A medical officer was shown an X ray with barium contrast and was asked to distinguish the small from the large bowel. Which of the following features listed is CORRECT?
Your Answer: Circular folds of the mucosa
Explanation:Distinguishing features include:
1. Three strips of longitudinal muscle-taenia coli- on the wall instead of a continuous surrounding longitudinal muscle that is seen in the small intestine
2. The colon has bulges called haustra that are not on the small bowel.
3. The surface of the colon is covered with fatty omental appendages. Both the colon and the small intestine have similar circular smooth muscle layer, serosa. Peyer’s patches are lymphoid tissues that are not visible on X ray with barium contrast.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 80
Incorrect
-
The passage of leukocytes through the wall of the blood vessels is best described by which of the following terms?
Your Answer: Chemotaxis
Correct Answer: Diapedesis
Explanation:The steps involved in leukocyte arrival and function are:
1. margination: cells migrate from the centre to the periphery of the vessel
2. rolling: selectins are upregulated on the vessel walls
3. adhesion: upregulation of the adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM on the endothelium interact with integrins on the leukocytes, interaction of these results in adhesion
4. diapedesis and chemotaxis: diapedesis is the transmigration of the leukocyte across the endothelium of the capillary and towards a chemotactic product
5. phagocytosis: engulfing the offending substance/cell.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 81
Incorrect
-
A tumour on the floor of the fourth ventricle is most likely to compress which of the following cranial nerve nuclei?
Your Answer: Trigeminal
Correct Answer: Abducent
Explanation:The fourth ventricle, is a cavity of the brains ventricular system in which the cerebrospinal fluid is formed. This cavity is located behind the pons and upper half of the medulla oblongata. It extends from the cerebral aqueduct, to its connection to the third ventricle, and to the obex- which is the caudal tip of the fourth ventricle. The floor of the fourth ventricle consists of three parts – superior, intermediate and inferior. This inferior aspect of the floor of the fourth ventricle has the nucleus of the abducens nerve, CN VI which is looped over by the facial nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 82
Correct
-
The histological exam of a tuberculous granuloma shows a periphery of multinuclear giant cells, with a central area of:
Your Answer: Caseous necrosis
Explanation:Granulomas with necrosis tend to have an infectious cause. The chronic infective lesion in this case typically presents with a central area of caseous (cheese-like) necrosis. Foam cells are the fat-laden M2 macrophages seen in atherosclerosis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Dermatology
- Pathology
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Question 83
Correct
-
The following joint has an anastomotic circulation that is provided by branches of the brachial artery:
Your Answer: Elbow joint
Explanation:The arterial anastomoses of the elbow joint is contributed by branches of the brachial artery and the Profunda brachii artery. The brachial artery gives off the superior ulnar collateral artery and the inferior collateral artery. On the other hand, the Profunda brachii gives off the radial and medial recurrent arteries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 84
Incorrect
-
What is the normal duration of the ST segment?
Your Answer: 0.04 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 85
Correct
-
What is the basic chemical reaction that takes place in the breakdown of complex foodstuffs?
Your Answer: Hydrolysis
Explanation:Breakdown of complex food into simpler compounds is achieved by hydrolysis, with the help of different enzymes specific for different compounds.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 86
Correct
-
Which of the following muscles are involved in abduction of the wrist?
Your Answer: Extensor carpi radialis brevis and flexor carpi radialis
Explanation:The muscle of the wrist that cause abduction of the wrist otherwise also know as radial flexion of the wrist are the following:
-Abductor Pollicis Longus
-Flexor Carpi Radialis
-Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
-Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 87
Incorrect
-
Regarding the posterior compartment of the leg, which is correct?
Your Answer: The muscles dorsiflex the foot and are innervated by the common fibular nerve
Correct Answer: The muscles plantarflex the foot and are innervated by the tibial nerve
Explanation:The muscles of the back of the leg are subdivided into two groups: superficial and deep. Superficial muscles include gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris. Deep muscles include tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus and popliteus. The superficial ( calf muscles) which are responsible for plantarflexion of the foot are supplied by the tibial nerve as follows: the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are supplied by the first and second sacral nerves and the plantaris by the fourth and fifth lumbar and first sacral nerve (the tibial nerve).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 88
Incorrect
-
A 45-year-old man complains of shortness of breath, cough and chest pain. Chest X ray revealed a perihilar mass with bronchiectasis in the left mid-lung. Which of the following is most probably associated with these findings?
Your Answer: Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma
Correct Answer: Bronchial carcinoid
Explanation:Bronchial carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumours that arise from Kulchitsky’s cells of the bronchial epithelium. Kulchitsky’s cells belong to the diffuse endocrine system. Patients affected by this tumour may be asymptomatic or may present with symptoms of airway obstruction, like dyspnoea, wheezing, and cough. Other common findings are recurrent pneumonia, haemoptysis, chest pain and paraneoplastic syndromes. Chest radiographs are abnormal in the majority of cases. Peripheral carcinoids usually present as a solitary pulmonary nodule. For central lesions common findings include hilar or perihilar masses with or without atelectasis, bronchiectasis, or consolidation. Bronchial carcinoids most commonly arise in the large bronchi causing obstruction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 89
Incorrect
-
A 45 year-old male, with behavioural changes developed euvolemic hyponatraemia. Which of the following conditions most likely predisposed the patient to develop euvolemic hyponatraemia?
Your Answer: Protracted vomiting
Correct Answer: Psychosis
Explanation:In euvolemic hyponatraemia, there is volume expansion in the body, there is no oedema, but hyponatremia occurs. Causes include: state of severe pain or nausea, psychosis, brain trauma, SIADH, hypothyroidism and glucocorticoid deficiency.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 90
Incorrect
-
Which of the following morphological characteristic is a salient feature of a pure apoptotic cell?
Your Answer: Phagocytosby neutrophils
Correct Answer: Chromatin condensation
Explanation:Apoptosis is the programmed death of cells which occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development. The changes which occur in this process include blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, chromosomal DNA fragmentation, and global mRNA decay. The cell membrane however remains intact and the dead cells are phagocytosed prior to any content leakage and thus inflammatory response.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 91
Correct
-
Following a bee sting, a women develops a 2cm red, raised, swollen lesion at the site of the sting . Which of the following findings is likely to be seen in this lesion?
Your Answer: Vasodilation
Explanation:Inflammation is the immediate response of the body towards infections or irritations. The cardinal signs of inflammation are 1. redness/rubor, 2. tumour/swelling, 3.dolar/pain, 4.calor/heat and organ dysfunction (function laesa). Inflammation has 2 components; vascular and cellular. Blood vessels dilate upstream of the inflamed area leading to the rubor and calor and constrict downstream, increasing pressure and causing fluid to leak out of the capillary, resulting in swelling. The cellular component includes infiltration by neutrophils. Leukocyte arrival and functions include; 1. margination: cells marginated from the centre to the periphery of the vessel, 2. rolling: selectins are upregulated on the vessel walls, 3. adhesion: upregulation of the adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM on the endothelium interact with integrins on the leukocytes resulting in adhesion, 4. diapedesis and chemotaxis: diapedesis is the transmigration of the leukocyte across the endothelium of the capillary and towards a chemotactic product and 5. phagocytosis: engulfing the offending substance/cell.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 92
Correct
-
What is the action of the muscle of the orbit that originates on the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just above the optic foramen?
Your Answer: Elevation of the upper eyelid
Explanation:The levator palpebrae superioris is the muscle in the orbit that elevates the superior (upper) eyelid. The levator palpebrae superioris originates on the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just above the optic foramen and receives somatic motor input from the ipsilateral superior division of the oculomotor nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 93
Correct
-
A 60-year-old woman has had persistent diarrhoea for a week. A stool test reveals an infection by Clostridium difficile. Which of the following antibiotics could be used to treat the infection?
Your Answer: Oral vancomycin
Explanation:Three antibiotics are effective against Clostridium difficile:
Metronidazole 500 mg orally three times daily is the drug of choice, because of superior tolerability, lower price and comparable efficacy.
Oral vancomycin 125 mg four times daily is second-line therapy in particular cases of relapse or where the infection is unresponsive to metronidazole treatment.
Thirdly, the use of linezolid might also be considered.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 94
Correct
-
A 65-year old man, known with Type 2 diabetes and chronic renal failure, is likely to eventually present with which of the following conditions?
Your Answer: Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Explanation:When the parathyroid glands secrete excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) in response to hypocalcaemia, it is known as Secondary hyperparathyroidism and is often seen in patients with renal failure. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys fail to excrete adequate phosphorus and also fail to convert enough vitamin D to its active form. This leads to formation of insoluble calcium phosphate in the body which ultimately causes hypocalcaemia. The glands then undergo hyperplasia and hypertrophy leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Symptoms include bone and joint pains, along with limb deformities. The raised PTH also results in pleiotropic effects on blood, the immune system and nervous system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 95
Correct
-
A 30-year-old woman is diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Which of the following chemotherapy regimens would be used in this case?
Your Answer: ABVD
Explanation:ABVD is a chemotherapy regimen used in the first-line treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It consists of concurrent treatment with the chemotherapy drugs, adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine. It supplanted the older MOPP protocol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 96
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is an anion?
Your Answer: Potassium
Correct Answer: Phosphate
Explanation:Cations: sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium
Anions: chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate, lactate, sulphate and albumin
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 97
Correct
-
Bloody discharge from the nipple of a 40-year old woman with no obvious lump or abnormality on mammography is suggestive of:
Your Answer: Intraductal papilloma
Explanation:A small benign tumour, namely intraductal papilloma is most common in women between 35-55 years of age. It is also the commonest cause of spontaneous discharge from a single duct. A lump below the nipple may be sometimes palpable. Ultrasound and ductography are useful investigations., along with cytology of discharge to assess the presence of malignant cells. Confirmation is by breast biopsy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Women's Health
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Question 98
Correct
-
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 99
Correct
-
A 25 year-old female medical student presents with fever, lack of appetite, rashes, sore throat and lymphadenopathy. Peripheral smear shows atypical lymphocytes. Which is the most likely organism responsible for this patient's condition?
Your Answer: Epstein–Barr virus
Explanation:Epstein-Barr virus is in the herpes family of viruses and most people will become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. EBV commonly causes infectious mononucleosis, or mono, a contagious viral illness that initially attacks the lymph nodes in the neck and throat. When these tissues become less effective in fighting infection, sore throats, swelling of the nodes and fever may result.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 100
Incorrect
-
Gram positive bacteria differ from gram negative bacteria due to the presence of which of the following structures?
Your Answer: Cytoplasmic membrane
Correct Answer: Outer membrane
Explanation:The reason bacteria are either Gram-positive or Gram-negative is due to the structure of their cell envelope (the cell envelope is defined as the cell membrane and cell wall plus an outer membrane, if one is present.) Gram-positive bacteria, for example, retain the crystal violet due to the amount of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. It can be said therefore that the Gram-stain procedure separates bacteria into two broad categories based on structural differences in the cell envelope.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 101
Incorrect
-
Regarding innervation to the peroneus brevis muscle:
Your Answer: Is by a nerve that is accompanied by an artery in the same compartment
Correct Answer: Could be damaged by a fracture of the neck of the fibula
Explanation:The peroneus brevis is supplied by the fourth and fifth lumbar and first sacral nerves through the superficial peroneal nerve which is one of the two terminal branches of the common peroneal nerve. The common peroneal nerve winds around the neck of the fibula and can be injured in cases of fractured neck of fibula.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 102
Correct
-
A 60 year old patient with a history of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas, and obstructive jaundice presents with a spontaneous nose bleed and easy bruising. What is the most likely reason for this?
Your Answer: Vitamin-K-dependent clotting factors deficiency
Explanation:Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin requiring fat metabolism to function properly to allow for its absorption. People with obstructive jaundice develop vitamin k deficiency as fat digestion is impaired. Vit K causes carboxylation of glutamate residue and hence regulates blood coagulation including: prothrombin (factor II), factors VII, IX, X, protein C, protein S and protein Z.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 103
Incorrect
-
During an exploratory laparotomy in a 22 year-old man shot in the abdomen, the operating doctor discovers the large bowel is perforated. Which of the following characteristics of the bowel enabled the surgeon to identify it as the large bowel?
Your Answer: Continuous longitudinal muscle layer
Correct Answer: Epiploic appendages
Explanation:The large intestine doesn’t have a continuous layer of longitudinal muscle. Instead, it has three strips of longitudinal muscle called taenia coli. The large intestine is covered with omental appendages that are fat filled. It is also folded into sacculations called haustrations. Serosa is a general term for the outermost coat or serous layer of a visceral structure that lies in the body cavities of the abdomen or thorax.
Complete circular folds are only found in the small intestine.
Valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring are the circular folds which are large valvular flaps projecting into the lumen of the small bowel.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 104
Correct
-
What Is the mechanism behind rhesus incompatibility in a new born baby?
Your Answer: Type II hypersensitivity
Explanation:In type II hypersensitivity the antibodies that are produced by the immune response bind to the patients own cell surface antigens. These antigens can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Destruction occurs due to antibody dependent cell mediated antibodies. Antibodies bind to the cell and opsonise the cell, activating phagocytes to destroy that cell e.g. autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, Goodpasture syndrome, erythroblastosis fetalis, pernicious anaemia, Graves’ disease, Myasthenia gravis and haemolytic disease of the new-born.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 105
Correct
-
Causes of metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap include:
Your Answer: Diarrhoea
Explanation:Excess acid intake and excess bicarbonate loss as in diarrhoea, are causes of metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap. The other conditions all result in an increased anion gap.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 106
Incorrect
-
Which of the following proteins acts as cofactor in the thrombin-induced activation of anticoagulant protein C?
Your Answer: Prekallikrein
Correct Answer: Thrombomodulin
Explanation:Thrombomodulin is a protein cofactor expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. Thrombomodulin binds with thrombin forming a complex which activates protein C, initiating the anticoagulant pathway.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 107
Incorrect
-
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: Anaemia of chronic disease
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 108
Incorrect
-
A young boy fell from a tree, sustaining an injury to the elbow area and damaging the nerve behind the medial epicondyle of the humerus. What is the most likely result from that injury?
Your Answer: Abduction of the thumb
Correct Answer: Flexion in the distal interphalangeal joint of digit 5
Explanation:The nerve injured in this situation is the ulnar nerve. It passes posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus before going between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. This nerve supplies the muscles and skin of forearm and hand. At the level of medial epicondyle, the injury will led to paralysis in flexor carpi ulnaris and the ulnar half of the flexor digitorum profundus as well as the palmar interossei and hypothenar muscles in the hand. The correct answer will be that the boy will suffer from inability to flex the distal interphalangeal joint of digit 5
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 109
Correct
-
A 40-year old lady presented to the hospital with fever and mental confusion for 1 week. On examination, she was found to have multiple petechiae all over her skin and mucosal surfaces. Blood investigations revealed low platelet count and raised urea and creatinine. A platelet transfusion was carried out, following which she succumbed to death. Autopsy revealed pink hyaline thrombi in myocardial arteries. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Explanation:Hyaline thrombi are typically associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which is caused by non-immunological destruction of platelets. Platelet transfusion is contraindicated in TTP. Platelets and red blood cells also get damaged by loose strands of fibrin deposited in small vessels. Multiple organs start developing platelet-fibrin thrombi (bland thrombi with no vasculitis) typically at arteriocapillary junctions. This is known as ‘thrombotic microangiopathy’. Treatment consists of plasma exchange.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 110
Incorrect
-
A surgeon performing a laparoscopic repair of an inguinal hernia visualizes a loop of bowel protruding through the abdominal wall to form a direct inguinal hernia. When this is viewed from the side of the abdomen with a laparoscope, in which region would the hernial sac be?
Your Answer: Superficial inguinal ring
Correct Answer: Medial inguinal fossa
Explanation:In a direct inguinal hernia, visceral contents exit the abdomen through a weak point in the fascia in the medial inguinal fossa i.e. the area between the medial and lateral umbilical folds. Such a hernia doesn’t pass through the deep inguinal ring or the lateral inguinal fossa. Note that direct hernias can go through the superficial inguinal ring, although rarely. The supravesical fossa, between the median and medial umbilical folds, is formed by a peritoneal reflection from the anterior abdominal wall onto the bladder and the retrovesical fossa is the region behind the urinary bladder.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 111
Correct
-
Which tumour site is more commonly involved in adults than in children?
Your 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 112
Correct
-
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 113
Incorrect
-
A 75-year old patient is in atrial fibrallation but has never been on anticoagulation therapy. To reduce the risk of future emboli, she would benefit from starting on long-term warfarin. Arterial emboli leading to acute limb ischaemia most commonly lodge at which one of the following sites?
Your Answer: Popliteal artery
Correct Answer: Common femoral artery
Explanation:The common femoral artery is the commonest site of arterial emboli causing acute limb ischemia. The treatment of choice is urgent femoral embolectomy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pathology
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Question 114
Correct
-
Different substances have different renal clearance rates. Which of the following substances should have the lowest renal clearance rate in a healthy patient?
Your Answer: Glucose
Explanation:Under normal conditions the renal clearance of glucose is zero, since glucose is completely reabsorbed in the renal tubules and not excreted. Glycosuria – the excretion of glucose into the urine- is nearly always caused by elevated blood glucose levels, most commonly due to untreated diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 115
Correct
-
Which of the following is a fact worth noting about the development of the spleen?
Your Answer: It develops in the dorsal mesogastrium
Explanation:The spleen in the human embryo arises in week 5 of intrauterine life. It appears as a proliferating mesenchyme above the pancreas. The spleen is one the organs that develops in the dorsal mesogastrium. When the stomach changes its position during development, the spleen is made to move behind the stomach and stays in contact with the left kidney. The spleen is found within the peritoneum of the abdominal cavity thus it is an intraperitoneal organ.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 116
Correct
-
A 24 year old mother is breastfeeding her first child. Which of the following cellular adaptations occurred in her breast tissue to allow her to do this?
Your Answer: Lobular hyperplasia
Explanation:Under the influence of oestrogen in pregnancy, there is an increase in the number of lobules which will facilitate lactation.
Steatocytes occur due to loss of weight and nutritional deficit.
Metaplasia is a normal physiological process which is due to a change in normal epithelium with another type.
Lobular atrophy will result in a decreased capacity to provide milk.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Female Health
- Pathology
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Question 117
Correct
-
Which of the following conditions is characterized by generalised oedema due to effusion of fluid into the extracellular space?
Your Answer: Anasarca
Explanation:Anasarca (or ‘generalised oedema’) is a condition characterised by widespread swelling of the skin due to effusion of fluid into the extracellular space. It is usually caused by liver failure (cirrhosis of the liver), renal failure/disease, right-sided heart failure, as well as severe malnutrition/protein deficiency.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 118
Incorrect
-
An anatomy instructor is giving a demonstration of the right lung. Which of the statements about the right lung made by the demonstrator is correct?
Your Answer: It is slightly smaller than the left lung
Correct Answer: Its upper lobar bronchus lies behind and above the right pulmonary artery
Explanation:The root of the lungs on both sides are similar in that the pulmonary veins are anterior and inferior while the bronchus is posterior. However, on the right side, the pulmonary arteries are anterior to the bronchus while on the left side the pulmonary arteries are superior to the bronchus. The lingual is only found on the left lung. The mediastinum is the space in the thorax between the two pleural sacs and does not contain any lung. The right lung, having three lobes, is slightly larger than the left lung. On both sides, the phrenic nerves passes in front of the root of the lung.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 119
Correct
-
During an exploratory laparotomy of an acute abdomen, the surgeon identified an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum. This is:
Your Answer: Is a site of ectopic pancreatic tissue
Explanation:Meckel’s diverticulum is an outpouching of the small intestine. It usually occurs about 0.6 m (2 feet) before the junction with the caecum. It can be lined with the mucosa of the stomach and may ulcerate. It may also be lined by ectopic pancreatic tissue. It represents the remains of the vitelline duct in early fetal life.
An abnormal persistence of the urachus is called a urachal fistula.
Failure of the midgut loop to return to the abdominal cavity is called an omphalocele.
Polyhydramnios is often caused by anencephaly or oesophageal fistula.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 120
Correct
-
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: 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 121
Correct
-
A 70-year-old male who has smoked since his teens complains of progressive shortness of breath and a persistent cough. He is diagnosed with COPD. Which of the following abnormalities is most likely to be present in his pulmonary function tests?
Your Answer: Increased residual volume
Explanation:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term poor airflow. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. The best diagnostic test for evaluating patients with suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is lung function measured with spirometry. Key spirometrical measures may be obtained with a portable office spirometer and should include forced vital capacity (FVC) and the normal forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1). The ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) normally exceeds 0.75. Patients with COPD typically present with obstructive airflow. Complete pulmonary function testing may show increased total lung capacity, functional residual capacity and residual volume. A substantial loss of lung surface area available for effective oxygen exchange causes diminished carbon monoxide diffusion in the lung (DLco) in patients with emphysema. Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 122
Correct
-
A 60-year old patient having a history of cholelithiasis that led to recurrent pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, was scheduled for surgery to have the gallbladder removed. During the cholecystectomy, the registrar conducting the procedure accidentally punctured a blood vessel that lies immediately posterior to the omental foramen and blood filled the operating field. Which of the following blood vessels was likely punctured?
Your Answer: Inferior vena cava
Explanation:The omental foramen is the pathway that connects the greater peritoneal sac and the lesser peritoneal sac. The omental foramen is bordered posteriorly by the inferior vena cava. This is the blood vessel that would most likely be punctured.
The aorta and its branch, the renal artery, lie postero-lateral to the omental foramen and are deeper than the inferior vena cava hence making them less likely to be injured.
The hepatic portal vein, the hepatic artery and the superior mesenteric vein borders the omental foramen anteriorly and would not be injured by a jab on the posterior border of the omental foramen.
Finally, the splenic artery is found in the splenorenal ligament that borders the omental foramen laterally to the left.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 123
Correct
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A 70-year old man had had a large indirect inguinal hernia for 3 years. He presents at the out patient clinic complaining of pain in the scrotum. There is, however, no evidence of obstruction or inflammation. You conclude that the hernial sac is most probably compressing the:
Your Answer: Ilioinguinal nerve
Explanation:The ilioinguinal nerve arises together with the iliohypogastric nerve from the first lumbar nerve to emerge from the lateral border of the psoas major muscle just below the iliohypogastric and passing obliquely across the quadratus lumborum and iliacus muscles. It perforates the transversus abdominis, near the anterior part of the iliac crest and communicates with the iliohypogastric nerve between the internal oblique and the transversus. It then pierces the internal oblique to distribute filaments to it and accompanying the spermatic cord through the subcutaneous inguinal ring, is distributed to the skin of the upper and medial parts of the thigh, the skin over the root of the penis and the upper part of the scrotum in man and to the skin covering the mons pubis and labium majus in the woman. As the ilioinguinal nerve runs through the inguinal canal, it could easily be compressed by a hernial sac.
The femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve provides sensory innervation of the upper medial thigh.
The femoral nerve innervates the compartment of the thigh and also has some cutaneous sensory branches to the thigh.
The iliohypogastric nerve innervates the skin of the lower abdominal wall, upper hip and upper thigh. The subcostal nerve innervates the skin of the anterolateral abdominal wall and the anterior scrotal nerve is a terminal branch of the ilioinguinal nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 124
Incorrect
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A histology report of a cervical biopsy taken from a patient with tuberculosis revealed the presence of epithelioid cells. What are these cells formed from?
Your Answer: Basophils
Correct Answer: Macrophages
Explanation:Granulomas formed in tuberculosis are called tubercles and are made up polynuclear phagocytes, Langhans cells and epithelioid cells. Macrophages when enlarged, consist of abundant cytoplasm and have a tendency of arranging themselves very closely to each other representing epithelial cells. These enlarged macrophages are therefore termed as epithelioid cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 125
Incorrect
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Which of the following structures is not easily palpable?
Your Answer: Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Correct 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 126
Incorrect
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A 27-year-old woman, who had been taking a combined oral contraceptive for 6 months, presented with inguinal pain and oedema of the left leg. Which of the following investigations would you recommend to help confirm the diagnosis?
Your Answer: Venography
Correct Answer: Duplex scan
Explanation:Oral combined contraceptive pill (OCCP) is a drug used for birth control and treating a number of other conditions. Women who take the OCP have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually in the legs. Duplex ultrasonography is a safe and non-invasive technique which is used for diagnosing the presence of lower extremity thrombi.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pathology
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Question 127
Incorrect
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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: ST depression
Correct 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 128
Correct
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A 58-year-old woman diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis had been using warfarin for 10 days. When she presented to the doctor she had haemorrhagic bullae and necrotic lesions in her lower limbs and buttocks. Deficiency of which of the following proteins may have caused the necrotic skin lesions?
Your Answer: Protein C
Explanation:Warfarin-induced skin necrosis is a rare complication of anticoagulant therapy that requires immediate drug cessation. The most common cutaneous findings include petechiae that progress to ecchymoses and haemorrhagic bullae. Warfarin inactivates vitamin K-dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X and vitamin K-dependent proteins C and S. The concentration of protein C falls more rapidly than other vitamin K-dependent factors because they have a shorter half-lives. Skin necrosis is seen mainly in patients with prior protein C deficiency.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 129
Incorrect
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When at rest, which of the following will be higher in a marathon runner compared to an untrained individual?
Your Answer: Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: Cardiac stroke volume
Explanation:Cardiac muscle hypertrophy is seen in trained athletes as compared to the normal population. This hypertrophy results in higher stroke volume at rest and increased cardiac reserve (maximum cardiac output during exercise). However, the cardiac output at rest is almost the same in both trained and untrained people. This is because in trained athletes, the heart rate is slower, even up to 40-50 beats/min. There is minimal affect of athletic training on oxygen consumption and respiratory rate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 130
Incorrect
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In a cardiac cycle, what event does the opening of the atrioventricular (AV) valves coincide with?
Your Answer: Beginning of systole
Correct Answer: Beginning of diastole
Explanation:Cardiac diastole refers to the time period when the heart is relaxed after contraction and is preparing to refill with blood. Both ventricular and atrial diastole are together known as complete cardiac diastole. At its beginning, the ventricles relax, causing a drop in the ventricular pressure. As soon as the left ventricular pressure drops below that in left atrium, the mitral valve opens and there is ventricular filling of blood. Similarly, the tricuspid valve opens filling the right atrium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 131
Incorrect
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A specialist registrar was performing the bi-lateral surgical removal of the adrenal glands. He first removed the left adrenal gland before moving on to the right one. However, the registrar noticed that the removal of the right adrenal gland would be a challenge because of an overlying structure. What was this structure that overlies the right suprarenal glad?
Your Answer: Right crus of the diaphragm
Correct Answer: Inferior vena cava
Explanation:The adrenal glands or the suprarenal glands are small glands that are found on top of each of the kidneys. They are retroperitoneal glands. The right adrenal gland is found on top of the right kidney and is closely associated with the inferior vena cava as it directly drains into this large vein. In the case where the right adrenal gland is to be surgically removed, the inferior vena cava might prove a problem to manoeuvre as it overlies the right suprarenal gland. The other blood vessels such as the aorta, right renal, superior mesenteric, splenic artery and the hepatic vein as well as the right crus are not closely associated with either of the suprarenal glands.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 132
Incorrect
-
The cranial nerves of the brain provide motor and sensory innervation to the structures of the head and neck. Which of the following cranial nerves provide only motor innervation?
Your Answer: Optic
Correct Answer: Abducens
Explanation:The cranial nerves emerge directly from the brain and the brain stem. They provide sensory, motor or both motor and sensory innervation. Here is a summary of the cranial nerves and their function:
Olfactory – Purely sensory
Optic – Sensory
Oculomotor – Mainly motor
Trochlear – Motor
Trigeminal – Both sensory and motor
Abducens – Mainly motor
Facial – Both sensory and motor
Vestibulocochlear – Mostly sensory
Glossopharyngeal – Both sensory and motor
Vagus – Both sensory and motor
Accessory – Mainly motor
Hypoglossal – Mainly motor
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 133
Incorrect
-
During routine laboratory tests, a 66-year-old man is found to be suffering from hypercholesterolaemia and is prescribed atorvastatin. What is the mechanism of action of atorvastatin?
Your Answer: Inhibits apoprotein synthesis
Correct Answer: Inhibits cholesterol synthesis
Explanation:Atorvastatin is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering cholesterol. The mode of action of statins is inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme is needed by the body to make cholesterol. The primary uses of atorvastatin is for the treatment of dyslipidaemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 134
Incorrect
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Intracellular shifting of hydrogen ions can generate a metabolic alkalosis. In which of the following conditions is metabolic alkalosis caused by this mechanism ?
Your Answer: Vomiting
Correct Answer: Hypokalaemia
Explanation:Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a primary increase in the concentration of serum bicarbonate ions. This may occur as a consequence of a loss of hydrogen ions or a gain in bicarbonate. Hydrogen ions may be lost through the kidneys or the GI tract, as for example during vomiting, nasogastric suction or use of diuretics. Intracellular shifting of hydrogen ions develops mainly during hypokalaemia to maintain neutrality. Gain in bicarbonate ions may develop during administration of sodium bicarbonate in high amounts or in amounts that exceed the capacity of excretion of the kidneys, as seen in renal failure. Fluid losses may be another cause of metabolic alkalosis, causing the reduction of extracellular fluid volume.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Pathology
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Question 135
Incorrect
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The accumulation of eosinophils within tissues is mostly regulated by which of the following cytokines?
Your Answer: Interleukin-1
Correct Answer: Interleukin-5
Explanation:IL-5 is produced by TH2 helper cells and by mast cells. They stimulate increased secretion of immunoglobulins and stimulate B cell growth. They are the major regulators in eosinophil activation and control. They are also released from eosinophils and mast cells in asthmatic patients and are associate with a many other allergic conditions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 136
Incorrect
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A 20-year old cyclist falls off a speeding bike and fractures a structure that articulates with the tubercle of the 7th rib. Which structure is fractured?
Your Answer: Body of vertebra T8
Correct Answer: Transverse process of vertebra T7
Explanation:A rib tubercle is a projection that is postero-inferior and lateral to the neck of a rib which articulates with the transverse process of the corresponding vertebra i.e. of the same number. Therefore, the tubercle of rib 7 articulates with the transverse process of T7 vertebra. The head of the rib 7, on the other hand, articulates with the 6th vertebra superiorly and the 7th vertebra inferiorly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 137
Incorrect
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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: Medulloblastoma
Correct 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 138
Incorrect
-
A 45 -year-old female is recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a 8-cm-diameter mass in her left breast, with enlarged left axillary node. What is the most likely stage of her disease?
Your Answer: IIB
Correct Answer: IIIA
Explanation:Stage IIIA breast cancer is T0–2 N2 M0 or T3 N1-2 M0 disease. It describes invasive breast cancer in which either: the tumour is smaller than 5 cm in diameter and has spread to 4 to 9 axillary lymph nodes; or it is found through imaging studies or clinical exam to have spread to internal mammary nodes (near the breastbone found during imaging tests or a physical exam); or the tumour is larger than 5 cm and has spread to 1 to 9 axillary nodes, or to internal mammary nodes. In this stage, the cancer has not metastasized (spread to distant sites).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 139
Incorrect
-
Which of the following organelles have the capacity to regenerate and spontaneously replicate?
Your Answer: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: Mitochondrion
Explanation:A mitochondria is a membrane bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells. They are called the powerhouse of the cell and are the place where ATP is formed from energy generated through metabolism. They are capable of replication as well as repair and regeneration.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 140
Incorrect
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Which of these conditions causes haematuria, hypertension and proteinuria in children, usually after a streptococcal infection?
Your Answer: Drug reaction
Correct Answer: Acute nephritic syndrome
Explanation:Nephritic syndrome (or acute nephritic syndrome) is a syndrome comprising of signs of nephritis. Children between 2 and 12 are most commonly affected, but it may occur at any age. Predisposing factors/causes include:
Infections with group A streptococcal bacteria (acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis).
Primary renal diseases: immunoglobulin A nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, idiopathic rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis.
Secondary renal diseases: subacute bacterial endocarditis, infected ventriculo–peritoneal shunt, glomerulonephritis with visceral abscess, glomerulonephritis with bacterial, viral or parasitic infections.
Multisystem diseases.
By contrast, nephrotic syndrome is characterized by only proteins moving into the urine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 141
Incorrect
-
An episiotomy is indicated for a woman during a difficult vaginal delivery. Whilst the registrar was performing this procedure she made a median cut too far through the perineal body cutting the structure immediately posterior. Which structure is this?
Your Answer: Ischiocavernosus muscle
Correct Answer: External anal sphincter
Explanation:An episiotomy is an incision that is made whenever there is a risk of a tear during vaginal deliver. A posterolateral incision, as opposed to a median incision is preferred. Of the options given, the external anal sphincter lies right posterior to the perineal body. The sacrospinous and the sacrotuberous ligaments are deep in the perineum that they should not be involved in this.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 142
Incorrect
-
The bronchial circulation is a part of the circulatory system that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the pulmonary parenchyma. What percentage of cardiac output is received by bronchial circulation?
Your Answer: 7%
Correct Answer: 2%
Explanation:The bronchial circulation is part of the systemic circulation and receives about 2% of the cardiac output from the left heart. Bronchial arteries arise from branches of the aorta, intercostal, subclavian or internal mammary arteries. The bronchial arteries supply the tracheobronchial tree with both nutrients and O2. It is complementary to the pulmonary circulation that brings deoxygenated blood to the lungs and carries oxygenated blood away from them in order to oxygenate the rest of the body.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 143
Incorrect
-
After a car accident, a 30-year-old woman is alert and only has minor, superficial injuries. 2 hours later, she becomes unconscious and a CT scan reveals a convex, lens-shaped haemorrhage over the right parietal region. The most likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Brain concussion
Correct Answer: Epidural haematoma
Explanation:Epidural haematomas are usually caused by arterial bleeding, classically due to damage to the middle meningeal artery by a temporal bone fracture. Symptoms develop within minutes to several hours after the injury and consist of increasing headache, decreased level of consciousness, hemiparesis and pupillary dilation with loss of light reactivity. Around 15–20% of epidural hematomas are fatal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 144
Correct
-
A 20-year old boy presented with low grade fever, night sweats and weakness over two months. On examination, he had multiple, non-tender, cervical, supraclavicular and axillary adenopathy. Microscopy of lymph node biopsy showed the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. He is likely suffering from:
Your Answer: Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Explanation:Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a disease characterized by malignant proliferation of cells of the lymphoreticular system. It can be localized or disseminated, and can involve the nodes, spleen, liver and marrow. Symptoms of the disease include non-tender lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching and hepatosplenomegaly. Histologically, the involved nodes show the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, binucleated cells, in a heterogenous cellular infiltrate of histiocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 145
Correct
-
The chest X-ray of an 10-year-old boy, that presented with low-grade fever and cough, revealed hilar enlargement and parenchymal consolidation in the middle lobes. These X-ray findings are more typical for which of the following diagnoses?
Your Answer: Pulmonary tuberculosis
Explanation:Primary pulmonary tuberculosis is seen in patients exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis for the firs time. The main radiographic findings in primary pulmonary tuberculosis include homogeneous parenchymal consolidation typically in the lower and middle lobes, lymphadenopathy, miliary opacities and pleural effusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Respiratory
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Question 146
Incorrect
-
Which of the following accumulates within a cell due to the aging process?
Your Answer: Melanin
Correct Answer: Lipofuscin
Explanation:Lipofuscin , also known as lipochrome, is a wear and tear pigment or an aging pigment. It represents free radical injury or lipid peroxidation. On microscopic examination is appears as a yellowish brown pigment around the nucleus (perinuclear pigment). It is often seen in cells which are undergoing regressive changes, commonly in the liver and heart of old patients or patients with cancer, cachexia or severe malnutrition.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 147
Incorrect
-
A 69 Year old lady presented to the emergency department following a massive myocardial infarction. She was found to be in hypotensive shock with focal neurological signs. Unfortunately the patient demised. What would be the expected findings on the brain biopsy?
Your Answer: Granulomatous change
Correct Answer: Liquefactive necrosis
Explanation:Liquefactive necrosis is often associated with bacterial or fungal infections. However, hypoxic death of cells within the central nervous system can also result in liquefactive necrosis. The focal area is soft with a liquefied centre containing necrotic debris and dead white cells. This may later be enclosed by a cystic wall
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 148
Correct
-
Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen on ingestion of a fatty meal is seen in a condition which involves which of the following substances?
Your Answer: Cholecystokinin
Explanation:The clinical scenario described here favours the presence of gallstones. During food ingestion, vagal discharges stimulate gallbladder contraction. Moreover, presence of fat and amino acids in the intestinal lumen stimulates the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the duodenum. This causes sustained gallbladder contraction and relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi. If gallstones are present, there will be inflammation in the gallbladder and CCK will aggravate it due to contractions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 149
Incorrect
-
Intravenous diazepam was administered to a man who was brought to the emergency department with status epilepticus. He was administered 15 l/min oxygen via a reservoir bag mask. Blood investigations showed sodium = 140 mmol/l, potassium = 4 mmol/l and chloride = 98 mmol/l. His arterial blood gas analysis revealed pH 7.08, p(CO2)= 61.5 mmHg, p(O2) = 111 mmHg and standard bicarbonate = 17 mmol/l. This patient had:
Your Answer: Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: Mixed acidosis
Explanation:Acidosis with high p(CO2) and low standard bicarbonate indicates mixed acidosis. Lower p(O2) is due to breathing of 70% oxygen. The prolonged seizures lead to lactic acidosis and the intravenous diazepam is responsible for the respiratory acidosis. Treatment includes airway manoeuvres and oxygen, assisted ventilation if needed, and treatment with fluids.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 150
Correct
-
A 54 year old man fell off his bicycle. He felt a severe pain in his hand and wasn't able to move it. It was found that a carpal bone in the distal row was fractured. Which is the most likely bone?
Your Answer: Trapezium
Explanation:There are eight carpal bones which are arranged in two rows, proximal and distal; scaphoid, lunate, triquetral and pisiform are of proximal row. Trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate are of the distal row.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
