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Question 1
Incorrect
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During a radical mastectomy for advanced breast cancer, the surgeon injured the long thoracic nerve. Which among the following muscles is likely to be affected?
Your Answer: Middle scalene
Correct Answer: Serratus anterior
Explanation:The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle which holds the scapula forward and balances the rhomboids and the trapezius muscles which retract the scapula. Injury to this nerve results in a ‘winged scapula’ with a posterior protrusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 2
Incorrect
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Which of the following is a likely cause of jaundice?
Your Answer: Hepatic disease if plasma acid phosphatase level is raised
Correct Answer: Hepatic disease if plasma albumin is low and serum aminotransferase elevations > 500 units
Explanation:Jaundice can occur due to any of the possible causes and treatment depends upon diagnosing the correct condition. Mild hyperbilirubinemia with normal levels of aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase is often unconjugated (e.g., due to haemolysis or Gilbert’s syndrome rather than hepatobiliary disease). Moderate or severe hyperbilirubinemia along with increased urinary bilirubin (bilirubinuria), high alkaline phosphatase or aminotransferase levels suggest hepatobiliary disease. Hyperbilirubinemia produced by any hepatobiliary disease is largely conjugated. In this case, other blood tests include hepatitis serology for suspected hepatitis, prothrombin time (PT) or international normalised ratio (INR), albumin and globulin levels, and antimitochondrial antibody levels (suspected primary biliary cirrhosis). Low albumin and high globulin levels suggest chronic rather than acute liver disease. In cases where there is only a an elevation of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels should be checked – the levels of which will be found high in hepatobiliary disease, but not in bone disorder which can also lead to elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. In diseases of hepatobiliary origin, aminotransferase elevations > 500 units suggest a hepatocellular cause, whereas disproportionate increases of alkaline phosphatase (e.g., alkaline phosphatase > 3 times normal and aminotransferase < 200 units) suggest cholestasis. Because hepatobiliary disease alone rarely causes bilirubin levels > 30 mg/dl, higher levels are suggestive of a combination of severe hepatobiliary disease and haemolysis or renal dysfunction. Imaging is best for diagnosing infiltrative and cholestatic causes of jaundice. Liver biopsy is rarely needed, but can be of use in intrahepatic cholestasis and in some types of hepatitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 3
Incorrect
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Which of these is secreted by both macrophages and muscle cells?
Your Answer: Interleukin-9
Correct Answer: Interleukin-6
Explanation:IL-6 is secreted by the T cells and macrophages and is a pro inflammatory cytokine. It is secreted in response to trauma e.g. burns and tissue damage that leads to inflammation. Apart from this its is also a myokine and is elevated due to muscle contraction. Other functions include: stimulate osteoclast formation when secreted by osteoblasts, mediate fever in acute phase response and are responsible for energy metabolism in muscle and fatty tissues. Inhibitors of IL-6 e.g. oestrogen are used as a treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 4
Correct
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Which of the following will increase blood pressure and cause hypokalaemia?
Your Answer: Angiotensin II
Explanation:Angiotensin is a peptide that is released in response to a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure. It has multiple functions but mainly acts to cause vasoconstriction, increase BP and release aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. It is a powerful vasoconstrictor and release of aldosterone causes increased retention of sodium and excretion of potassium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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A patient with testicular seminoma has the following tumour markers: LDH 1.3 times the reference levels, β-hCG 4500 mIU/ml and AFP 875 ng/ml. What's the serum tumour marker stage in this case?
Your Answer: S3
Correct Answer: S1
Explanation:According to AJCC guidelines, the serum tumour marker staging is the following:
S0: marker studies within normal limits
S1: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) less than 1.5 times the reference range, beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) <5000 mIU/ml, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) <1000 ng/ml S2: LDH 1.5–10 times the reference range, β-hCG 5000–50,000 mIU/ml or AFP 1000–10,000 ng/ml S3: LDH greater than 10 times the reference range, β-hCG >50,000 mIU/ml or AFP >10,000 ng/ml.
According to this, the patient’s tumour belongs to the S1 stage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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What is the normal amount of oxygen that is carried in the blood?
Your Answer: 5 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 7
Incorrect
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Which of the following organs of the abdominal cavity is completely covered by the peritoneum?
Your Answer: Pancreas
Correct Answer: Spleen
Explanation:Of the organs listed, the spleen is the only organ that is completely intraperitoneal, that is entirely in the peritoneum. Other completely intraperitoneal organs include the stomach, liver, appendix and the small intestines. The kidney, Inferior vena cava, aorta and the suprarenal glands are all retroperitoneal organs. The pancreas and the duodenum are partially retroperitoneal, with the tail of the pancreas in the peritoneum found in the splenorenal ligament while only the first part of the duodenum is intraperitoneal. For the intraperitoneal organs remember SALTD SPRSS
S = Stomach
A = Appendix
L = Liver
T = Transverse colon
D = Duodenum (only the 1st part)
S = Small intestines
P = Pancreas (only the tail)
R = Rectum (only the upper 3rd)
S = Sigmoid colon
S = Spleen
For retroperitoneal, just remember SADPUCKER:
S = suprarenal glands
A = Aorta and IVC
D = Duodenum (all but the 1st part)
P = Pancreas (all but the tail)
U = Ureter and bladder
C = Colon (ascending and descending)
K = Kidneys
E = Oesophagus
R = Rectum (Lower two-thirds)
For secondarily retroperitoneal remember ‘Pussy Cat Dolls“:
P = Pancreas
C = Colon (only ascending and descending)
D = Duodenum (only parts 2-4) -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 90-year-old man is prescribed spironolactone after his family notices his legs are swollen. What class of drugs does spironolactone belong to?
Your Answer: Lipid-lowering drugs
Correct Answer: Potassium-sparing diuretics
Explanation:Spironolactone is a renal competitive aldosterone antagonist in a class of drugs called ‘potassium-sparing diuretics’, that is primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure, low blood potassium, early-onset puberty, and acne and excessive hair growth in women. Spironolactone inhibits the effect of aldosterone by competing for intracellular aldosterone receptors in the distal tubule cells. This increases the secretion of water and sodium, while decreasing the excretion of potassium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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One sensitive indicator of heavy alcohol dependence is:
Your Answer: Decreased mean cell volume (MCV)
Correct Answer: Elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
Explanation:Elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) may be the only laboratory abnormality in patients who are dependent on alcohol. Heavy drinkers may also have an increased MCV.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Physiology
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Question 10
Correct
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Which of the following conditions can present with multiple abscesses that may discharge sulphur granules?
Your Answer: Actinomycosis
Explanation:Actinomycosis is primarily caused by any of the several members of the bacterial genus Actinomyces. These bacteria are generally anaerobes. And can cause multiple abscesses that may discharge sulphur granules.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 11
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 12
Incorrect
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A 77-year-old woman's renal function is tested. The following results were obtained during a 24-h period:
Urine flow rate: 2. 0 ml/min
Urine inulin: 0.5 mg/ml
Plasma inulin: 0.02 mg/ml
Urine urea: 220 mmol/l
Plasma urea: 5 mmol/l.
What is the urea clearance?Your Answer: 4.4 ml/min
Correct Answer: 88 ml/min
Explanation:Urea is reabsorbed in the inner medullary collecting ducts of the nephrons. The clearance (C) of any substance can be calculated as follows: C = (U × V)/P, where U and P are the urine and plasma concentrations of the substance, respectively and V is the urine flow rate. So, glomerular filtration rate = (0.220 × 2. 0)/0.005 = 88 ml/min.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 13
Correct
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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 14
Incorrect
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Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is typically associated with:
Your Answer: Hypertonia
Correct Answer: Penile erections
Explanation:Normal sleep comprises of alternate cycles between slow-wave sleep (non-REM sleep) and REM sleep. REM sleep is characterized by increased metabolic brain activity and EEG desynchronization. Somnambulism (sleepwalking), enuresis (bedwetting) and night terrors all occur during slow-wave sleep or during arousal from slow-wave sleep. In comparison, REM sleep is characterized by hypotonia of major muscle groups (excluding ocular muscles), dreams, nightmares and penile erection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 15
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 16
Incorrect
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Below which level of the spinal cord will the inferior gluteal nerve be unaffected?
Your Answer: L4
Correct Answer: S3
Explanation:The inferior gluteal nerve arises from the dorsal divisions of the fifth lumbar and first and second sacral nerves. According to this fact any lesion at or below the S3 will not affect the inferior gluteal nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following is an anion?
Your Answer: Calcium
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 18
Incorrect
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Infection to all of the following will lead to enlargement of the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, except for:
Your Answer: Dorsum of the foot
Correct Answer: Ampulla of the rectum
Explanation:The superficial inguinal lymph nodes form a chain immediately below the inguinal ligament. They receive lymphatic supply from the skin of the penis, scrotum, perineum, buttock and abdominal wall below the level of the umbilicus.
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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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During a surgical operation, whilst dissecting the mediastinal lymph nodes for a bronchogenic carcinoma of the right upper lobe bronchus, a patient's right sympathetic trunk is accidentally severed above the level of spinal nerve T1. Which function would be left intact in the affected region?
Your Answer: Sweat production
Correct Answer: Voluntary muscle activity
Explanation:The sympathetic nervous system regulates vascular tone, dilation of pupils, arrector pili muscles, sweat production and visceral reflexes. Neurones that supply the voluntary muscles originate from the ventral horn of the spinal cord. If these nerves were thus damaged, these functions would be impaired. The sympathetic nervous system is not responsible for voluntary muscle activity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Which of the following factors will not affect the wound healing process in a young women who suffered serious burns to her chest and hands?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Vitamin A deficiency
Explanation:Healing can be sped-up or slowed down due to various reasons: 1. blood supply, 2. infection, 3. denervation, 4. collection of blood/hematoma, 5. mechanical stress, 6. foreign body, 7. techniques used during surgery and 8. dressing of the wound. Other systemic factors include 1. nutrition e.g. deficiency of zinc, vitamin C, protein deficiency, 2. metabolic status, 3. circulatory status and 4. hormonal influence
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
