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  • Question 1 - A cyclist fell and sustained a laceration to his elbow which was shortly...

    Correct

    • A cyclist fell and sustained a laceration to his elbow which was shortly sutured in the emergency department. Which of the following factors will aid in the wound healing process?

      Your Answer: Presence of sutures

      Explanation:

      Foreign bodies including sutures will delay wound healing, however due to the net affect being helpful they are used. Secondary wound infection will delay healing and is a potential post op complication. Corticosteroids depresses the wound healing ability of the body. Poor nutrition will also delay healing leading to decreased albumin, vit D and vit C. Diabetic patients with atherosclerosis with poor perfusion of tissues have notoriously delayed/poor healing.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cell Injury & Wound Healing
      • Pathology
      31.9
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - The following structures DO NOT lie between the layers of the mesosalpinx except...

    Correct

    • The following structures DO NOT lie between the layers of the mesosalpinx except for the?

      Your Answer: Fallopian tube

      Explanation:

      Mesosalpinx is the portion of the broad ligament that stretches from the fallopian tube to the ovary and contains the uterine tubes between it’s layers.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Pelvis
      154.1
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - Which best describes the sartorius muscle? ...

    Correct

    • Which best describes the sartorius muscle?

      Your Answer: Will flex the leg at the knee joint

      Explanation:

      The sartorius muscle arises from tendinous fibres from the superior iliac spine. It passes obliquely across the thigh from lateral to medial and is inserted into the upper part of the medial side of the tibia. When the sartorius muscle contracts it will flex the leg at the knee joint.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      41.6
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - The nasolacrimal duct is a membranous canal. It extends from the lower part...

    Incorrect

    • The nasolacrimal duct is a membranous canal. It extends from the lower part of the lacrimal sac and drains into which structure?

      Your Answer: Middle meatus

      Correct Answer: Inferior meatus

      Explanation:

      The nasolacrimal duct carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones, from where it passes downwards and backwards. The opening of the nasolacrimal duct into the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal cavity is partially covered by a mucosal fold (valve of Hasner or plica lacrimalis). Excess tears flow through the nasolacrimal duct which drains into the inferior nasal meatus.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Head & Neck
      24.5
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - An amateur body-builder complains of increasing pain in his right shoulder after a...

    Incorrect

    • An amateur body-builder complains of increasing pain in his right shoulder after a few days of intense training. A surgeon aspirates clear fluid from his subdeltoid region. What's the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Tenosynovitis

      Correct Answer: Bursitis

      Explanation:

      Bursae are potential cavities that contain synovial fluid, found in areas where friction occurs. Their function is to minimise friction and facilitate movement. Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae, and they can occur in the shoulder, elbow, knee, ischium, amongst other joints. Acute bursitis can appear after strenuous exercise or activity, and chronic bursitis can develop following previous bursitis or trauma. Acute bursitis causes pain, tenderness, and swelling.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Orthopaedics
      • Pathology
      24.7
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - A patient admitted for esophagectomy showed low levels of the lightest plasma protein...

    Correct

    • A patient admitted for esophagectomy showed low levels of the lightest plasma protein in terms of weight. Which of the following is the lightest plasma protein:

      Your Answer: Albumin

      Explanation:

      Albumin is the most abundant and the lightest of all the plasma proteins. It maintains osmotic pressure, transports unconjugated bilirubin, thyroid hormones, fatty acids, drugs and acts as a buffer for pH.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • General
      • Physiology
      16.4
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - Which of the following is a true statement regarding secretion of gastric acid?...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following is a true statement regarding secretion of gastric acid?

      Your Answer: Histamine reduces gastric acid secretion

      Correct Answer: Acetylcholine increases gastric acid secretion

      Explanation:

      Gastric acid secretion is increased by acetylcholine, histamine and gastrin, with the help of cAMP as a secondary messenger. They increase H+ and Cl- secretion by increasing the number of H+/K+ ATPase molecules and Cl- channels. In contrast, gastric acid secretion is decreased by somatostatin, epidermal growth factor and prostaglandins.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastroenterology
      • Physiology
      14
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - A 26-year old man is brought to the A&E with a stab wound...

    Incorrect

    • A 26-year old man is brought to the A&E with a stab wound to the chest. The wound is in a part of the left lung that might partially fill the costomediastinal recess in full respiration. Where did the weapon strike this man?

      Your Answer: Hilum

      Correct Answer: Lingula

      Explanation:

      During full inspiration, the lingual-of the left lung partially fills the costomediastinal recess. If the apex of the lung is fully filled with air, it would occupy the copula (the part of the pleura that extends above the first rib). The hilum is part of the lung where the neurovascular structures that form the root of the lung enter and leave the lung and doesn’t expand on inspiration. The middle lobe can expand to fill the costomediastinal recess, however, the middle lobe is on the right lung. The inferior lobe, during full inspiration, might fill the costodiaphragmatic recess.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Thorax
      36.8
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - The collaborative effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles produces which action on the...

    Correct

    • The collaborative effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles produces which action on the jaw?

      Your Answer: Protrude the mandible

      Explanation:

      The combined effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles results in the protrusion of the mandible. The lateral pterygoid muscle is a muscle of mastication located superiorly to the medial pterygoid muscle and has two heads. The superior head originates on the infratemporal surface and infratemporal crest of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, and the inferior head on the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate. The insertion of this muscle is on the front margin of the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint. The unilateral contraction of the pterygoid muscle results in the laterotrusion of the mandible. It is important to note that the lateral pterygoid muscle is the only muscle of mastication that can open the jaw.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Head & Neck
      15.3
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - Which muscles are attached to the tibial tuberosity? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which muscles are attached to the tibial tuberosity?

      Your Answer: Adductor brevis

      Correct Answer: Vastus intermedius

      Explanation:

      The tuberosity of the tibia is the site of attachment to the ligamentum patella (the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle which include four heads: rectus femoris, vastus medialis, intermedius and lateralis).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      20.5
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - A young man in a motor vehicle accident sustained a spinal injury at...

    Incorrect

    • A young man in a motor vehicle accident sustained a spinal injury at C8 level. What would likely be seen in this patient?

      Your Answer: The patient would be unable to flex their humerus

      Correct Answer: The hypothenar muscles would be completely paralysed

      Explanation:

      The eighth cervical nerve is one of the contributors of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve supplies the hypothenar muscles which include the opponens digiti minimi, abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and palmaris brevis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Upper Limb
      41.2
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - Intracellular shifting of hydrogen ions can generate a metabolic alkalosis. In which of...

    Correct

    • 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: 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.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Fluids & Electrolytes
      • Pathology
      31.6
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - A 70-year-old man suffers an ischaemic stroke and develops a left homonymous hemianopia....

    Incorrect

    • A 70-year-old man suffers an ischaemic stroke and develops a left homonymous hemianopia. Where is the likely infarct?

      Your Answer: Left temporal lobe

      Correct Answer: Right occipital lobe

      Explanation:

      The man has a left homonymous hemianopia which means he is unable to view objects in the left visual field. This information is processed by the right primary visual cortex which lies in the right occipital lobe.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      • Pathology
      33.2
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - Calculate the stroke volume in an adult male with the following parameters:

    Heart...

    Incorrect

    • Calculate the stroke volume in an adult male with the following parameters:

      Heart rate 70 beats/min

      Arterial [O2] 0.24 ml O2/min

      Venous [O2] 0.16 ml O2/mi

      Whole body O2 consumption 500 ml/min

      Pulmonary diastolic pressure 15 mmHg

      Pulmonary systolic pressure 25 mmHg

      Wedge pressure 5 mmHg.

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: 90 ml

      Explanation:

      Fick’s principle states that, VO2 = (CO × CAO2) – (CO × CVO2) where VO2 = oxygen consumption, CO = cardiac output, CAO2 = oxygen concentration of arterial blood and CVO2 = oxygen concentration of venous blood. Thus, CO = VO2/CAO2– CVO2, CO = 500/0.24–0.16, CO = 500/0.8, CO = 6.25 l/min. Cardiac output is also given by product of stroke volume and heart rate. Thus, stroke volume = cardiac output / heart rate = 6.25/70 × 1000 stroke volume = 90 ml approximately.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular
      • Physiology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - The gluteus medius muscle: ...

    Incorrect

    • The gluteus medius muscle:

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Is supplied by the superior gluteal nerve

      Explanation:

      The gluteus medius is situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. It arises from the outer surface of the ilium between the iliac crest and posterior gluteal line above and the anterior gluteal line below. The gluteus medius is supplied by the fourth and fifth lumbar and first sacral nerves through the superior gluteal nerve

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - A pedestrian sustained a left fibula fractured following a hit-and-run. X-rays showed that...

    Incorrect

    • A pedestrian sustained a left fibula fractured following a hit-and-run. X-rays showed that there was a transverse fracture of the upper end of the fibula. It was manifested clinically by inability to flex his foot at the ankle joint plus weak extension of the phalanges. What nerve is suspected to be injured in such a case?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Deep peroneal

      Explanation:

      The deep peroneal nerve supplies the muscles allowing for flexion of the foot at the ankle joint, namely the tibialis anterior and peroneus tertius muscles. The peroneus tertius, peroneus brevis, and peroneus longus evert the foot, whereas the tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior invert the foot. Fibres of the deep peroneal nerve originate from L4, L5, and S1.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - A 50-year old gentleman who was admitted for elective surgery was found to...

    Incorrect

    • A 50-year old gentleman who was admitted for elective surgery was found to have haemoglobin 9.5 g/dl, white blood cell count of 1.4 × 109/l and a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 134 fl. Which of the following is the likely finding on his peripheral blood smear?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Hypersegmented neutrophils

      Explanation:

      The likely diagnosis is megaloblastic anaemia, which also shows the presence of hypersegmented neutrophils.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Haematology
      • Pathology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - Which of these conditions causes haematuria, hypertension and proteinuria in children, usually after...

    Incorrect

    • Which of these conditions causes haematuria, hypertension and proteinuria in children, usually after a streptococcal infection?

      Your Answer:

      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.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Renal
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - A 25-year old man presented to the clinic with swelling of the penis....

    Incorrect

    • A 25-year old man presented to the clinic with swelling of the penis. His uncircumcised penis was erythematous and oedematous. The foreskin could not be retracted over the glans. Which of the following agents is the likely cause of his condition?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Staphylococcus aureus

      Explanation:

      Inflammation of the glans penis is known as balanitis. Associated involvement of the foreskin is then known as balanoposthitis. More likely to occur in men who have a tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back, or poor hygiene.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Urology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - After having donated a unit of blood. The blood bank will prefer to...

    Incorrect

    • After having donated a unit of blood. The blood bank will prefer to use which of the following anticoagulants to store the blood?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Citrate

      Explanation:

      Calcium is necessary for coagulation to occur. Citrate being a chelator and combining with calcium ions to form un-ionised compound will prevent coagulation. Following transfusion the citrate is removed by the liver with in a few minutes. Oxalate also works on the same principle but it is toxic to the body.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • General
      • Physiology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 21 - A 28-year old lady comes to the surgical clinic with a recently detected...

    Incorrect

    • A 28-year old lady comes to the surgical clinic with a recently detected lump in her right breast. On examination, the lump is found to be 1cm, rubbery, mobile with no palpable axillary nodes. Mammography reveals no microcalcifications and the opposite breast appears normal. What is the likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Fibroadenoma

      Explanation:

      A benign breast tumour, fibroadenoma is common below the age of 30 years and occurs due to oestrogenic excess. It is characterised by proliferation of both glandular and stromal elements. Fibroadenomas are usually solitary and are mobile, not fixed to surrounding structures. The tumour is elastic, nodular and encapsulated with a grey-white cut surface. The two main histological types include intracanalicular and pericanalicular types, with both types often present in the same tumour. In the intracanalicular type, the stromal proliferation component predominates causing compression of ducts making them appear slit-like. In pericanalicular type, the fibrous stroma dominates around the ductal spaces so that they remain oval on cross section.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Women's Health
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 22 - Which of the following clinical signs will be demonstrated in a case of...

    Incorrect

    • 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:

      Correct 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.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      • Physiology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 23 - Which of the following can lead to haemolytic anaemia? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following can lead to haemolytic anaemia?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Presence of haemoglobin S

      Explanation:

      Haemoglobin S is an abnormal type of haemoglobin seen in sickle cell anaemia. This allows for the haemoglobin to crystalize within the RBC upon exposure to low partial pressures of oxygen. This results in rupture of the RBCs as they pass through microcirculation, especially in the spleen. This can cause blockage of the vessel down stream and ischaemic death of tissues, accompanied by severe pain.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • General
      • Physiology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 24 - A cancer patient was found to have a radio resistant tumour. Which tumour...

    Incorrect

    • A cancer patient was found to have a radio resistant tumour. Which tumour does the patient most likely have?

      Your Answer:

      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.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neoplasia
      • Pathology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 25 - What is expected from complete transection of the inferior gluteal nerve when it...

    Incorrect

    • What is expected from complete transection of the inferior gluteal nerve when it emerges from the greater sciatic foramen?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Extension of the thigh would be the action most affected

      Explanation:

      As the inferior gluteal nerve emerges from the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis muscle, it divides into branches and enters the gluteus maximus muscle which extends the femur and bends the thigh in line with the body.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 26 - Which organ is most vulnerable to haemorrhagic shock? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which organ is most vulnerable to haemorrhagic shock?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Kidneys

      Explanation:

      At rest, the brain receives 15% cardiac output, muscles 15%, gastrointestinal tract 30% and kidneys receive 20%. However, if normalised by weight, the largest specific blood flow is received by the kidneys at rest (400 ml/min x 100g), making them highly vulnerable in the case of a haemorrhagic shock.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular
      • Physiology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 27 - A 13-year-old boy's mother notices he has a lump in his arm, near...

    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:

      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.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Orthopaedics
      • Pathology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 28 - upon stroking the plantar surface of a patient's foot, extension of toes was...

    Incorrect

    • upon stroking the plantar surface of a patient's foot, extension of toes was noted. This is likely to be accompanied with:

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Spasticity

      Explanation:

      An upper motor neuron lesion affects the neural pathway above the anterior horn cell or motor nuclei of the cranial nerves, whereas a lower motor neurone lesion affects nerve fibres travelling from the anterior horn of the spinal cord to the relevant muscles. An upper motor neurone lesions results in the following:

      – Spasticity in the extensor muscles (lower limbs) or flexor muscles (upper limbs).

      – ‘clasp-knife’ response where initial resistance to movement is followed by relaxation

      – Weakness in the flexors (lower limbs) or extensors (upper limbs) with no muscle wasting

      – Brisk tendon jerk reflexes

      – Positive Babinski sign (on stimulation of the sole of the foot, the big toe is raised rather than curled downwards)

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      • Physiology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 29 - Which of the following conditions may cause hypervolaemic hyponatraemia? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following conditions may cause hypervolaemic hyponatraemia?

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Cirrhosis

      Explanation:

      Hypovolaemic hyponatraemia: reduced extracellular fluid
      Renal loss of sodium and water; urine Na >20 mmol/day
      Causes:
      Diuretic use
      Salt wasting nephropathy
      Cerebral salt wasting
      Mineralocorticoid deficiency/adrenal insufficiency
      Renal tubular acidosis
      Extrarenal loss of sodium and water with renal conservation; urine Na <20 mmol/day
      Causes:
      Burns
      Gastrointestinal loss
      Pancreatitis
      Blood loss
      3rd space loss (bowel obstruction, peritonitis)

      Hypervolaemic hyponatraemia: expanded intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid but reduced effective arterial blood volume
      Causes:
      Congestive cardiac failure
      Cirrhosis
      Nephrotic syndrome

      Euvolaemic hyponatraemia: expanded intracellular and extracellular fluid but oedema absent
      Causes:
      Thiazide diuretics (can be euvolaemic or hypovolaemic)
      Hypothyroidism
      Adrenal insufficiency (can be euvolaemic or hypovolaemic)
      SIADH (cancer, central nervous system disorders, drugs, pulmonary disease, nausea, postoperative pain, HIV, infection, Guillain‐Barre syndrome, acute intermittent porphyria)
      Decreased solute ingestion (beer potomania/tea and toast diet)

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Fluids & Electrolytes
      • Pathology
      0
      Seconds
  • Question 30 - A 25-year-old female had a painful abdomen and several episodes of vomiting. She...

    Incorrect

    • A 25-year-old female had a painful abdomen and several episodes of vomiting. She was severely dehydrated when she was brought to the hospital. Her ABG showed a pH 7.7, p(O2) 75 mmHg, p(CO2) 46 mmHg and bicarbonate 48 mmol/l. The most likely interpretation of this ABG report would be:

      Your Answer:

      Correct Answer: Metabolic alkalosis

      Explanation:

      Metabolic alkalosis is a primary increase in bicarbonate (HCO3−) with or without compensatory increase in carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pco2); pH may be high or nearly normal. Metabolic alkalosis occurs as a consequence of a loss of H+ from the body or a gain in HCO3 -. In its pure form, it manifests as alkalemia (pH >7.40). As a compensatory mechanism, metabolic alkalosis leads to alveolar hypoventilation with a rise in arterial carbon dioxide tension p(CO2), which diminishes the change in pH that would otherwise occur. Normally, arterial p(CO2) increases by 0.5–0.7 mmHg for every 1 mmol/l increase in plasma bicarbonate concentration, a compensatory response that occurs very rapidly. If the change in p(CO2) is not within this range, then a mixed acid–base disturbance occurs. Likewise, if the increase in p(CO2) is less than the expected change, then a primary respiratory alkalosis is also present. However an elevated serum bicarbonate concentration can also occur due to a compensatory response to primary respiratory acidosis. A bicarbonate concentration greater than 35 mmol/l is almost always caused by metabolic alkalosis (as is the case in this clinical scenario). Calculation of the serum anion gap can also help to differentiate between primary metabolic alkalosis and the metabolic compensation for respiratory acidosis. The anion gap is frequently elevated to a modest degree in metabolic alkalosis because of the increase in the negative charge of albumin and the enhanced production of lactate. However, the only definitive way to diagnose metabolic alkalosis is by performing a simultaneous blood gases analysis, which reveals elevation of both pH and arterial p(CO2) and increased calculated bicarbonate.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Fluids & Electrolytes
      • Pathology
      0
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Cell Injury & Wound Healing (1/1) 100%
Pathology (2/4) 50%
Anatomy (3/7) 43%
Pelvis (1/1) 100%
Lower Limb (1/2) 50%
Head & Neck (1/2) 50%
Orthopaedics (0/1) 0%
General (1/1) 100%
Physiology (1/2) 50%
Gastroenterology (0/1) 0%
Thorax (0/1) 0%
Upper Limb (0/1) 0%
Fluids & Electrolytes (1/1) 100%
Neurology (0/1) 0%
Passmed