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Question 1
Incorrect
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Question 2
Correct
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A patient with profuse watery diarrhoea was found to have C. difficile cytotoxin. Which of the following complications is NOT a typical complication of pseudomembranous colitis:
Your Answer: Volvulus
Explanation:Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, acute kidney injury secondary to diarrhoea, toxic megacolon, bowel perforation, and sepsis secondary to intestinal infection are all possible complications of pseudomembranous colitis. When the intestine twists around itself and the mesentery that supports it, an obstruction is created. This condition is known as a volvulus. Volvulus is caused by malrotation and other anatomical factors, as well as postoperative abdominal adhesions, and not by Clostridium difficile infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 3
Correct
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Which of the following describes the pulse pressure:
Your Answer: Systolic - diastolic pressure
Explanation:During systole, the pressure in the left ventricle increases and blood is ejected into the aorta. The rise in pressure stretches the elastic walls of the aorta and large arteries and drives blood flow. Systolic pressure is the maximum arterial pressure during systole. During diastole, arterial blood flow is partly maintained by elastic recoil of the walls of large arteries. The minimum pressure reached before the next systole is the diastolic pressure. The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure is the pulse pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 4
Correct
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A patient sustains an injury to the proximal median nerve after falling through a glass door. Which of the following muscles would you not expect to be affected:
Your Answer: Flexor carpi ulnaris
Explanation:All of the muscles in the anterior forearm are innervated by the median nerve, except for the flexor carpi ulnaris and the medial half of the flexor digitorum profundus which are innervated by the ulnar nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of the following statements is correct regarding anti-D immunoglobulin?
Your Answer: It is administered as part of routine antenatal care for rhesus-negative mothers.
Explanation:In all non-sensitised pregnant women who are RhD-negative, it is recommended that routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis is offered. Even if there is previous anti-D prophylaxis, use of routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis should be given for a sensitising event early in the same pregnancy. Postpartum anti-D prophylaxis should also be given even if there has been previous routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis or antenatal anti-D prophylaxis for a sensitising event in the same pregnancy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunoglobulins And Vaccines
- Pharmacology
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Question 6
Correct
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An arterial blood gas test is performed to a 25-year-old students who presents with confusion, headache, nausea and malaise. The results show that carbon monoxide levels are significantly high. Which of the following carbon monoxide poisoning assertions is true?
Your Answer: The PO 2 of the blood in CO poisoning can be normal
Explanation:By combining with haemoglobin to form carboxyhaemoglobin, carbon monoxide (CO) disrupts the blood’s oxygen transport function. CO binds to haemoglobin with a 240-fold higher affinity than oxygen. As a result, even small amounts of CO can bind a large portion of the blood’s haemoglobin, making it unavailable for oxygen transport. During a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, the blood PO2 and haemoglobin concentrations will be normal, but the oxygen concentration will be drastically reduced. The oxygen dissociation curve will also shift to the left in the presence of Carboxyhaemoglobin ( haemoglobin and carbon monoxide combination), interfering with oxygen unloading.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
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Question 7
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT an effect of cytokine activity:
Your Answer: Opsonisation of bacteria for phagocytosis
Explanation:Cytokines are a family of chemical messengers, secreted by leucocytes, that act over short distances by binding specific receptors on target cell surfaces. They include: interleukins (act between leucocytes), interferons (inhibit replication of viruses within cells and activate macrophages and natural killer cells), growth factors, and tumour necrosis factors (kill tumour cells). Effects include: induction of fever and acute phase response, stimulation of leucocyte differentiation and maturation, leucocyte recruitment and activation and increased antibody production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammatory Responses
- Pathology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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As part of his angina treatment, a 68-year-old man is prescribed a beta blocker. He starts having nightmares and has trouble sleeping soon after starting the beta-blocker.Which of the beta blockers listed below is the most likely to be in his system?
Your Answer: Sotalol
Correct Answer: Propranolol
Explanation:The beta-adrenoceptors in the heart, peripheral vasculature, bronchi, pancreas, and liver are blocked by beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs (beta blockers).Beta blockers come in a wide range of strengths, with the choice largely determined by the disease being treated and the patient’s unique circumstances. The intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, lipid solubility, duration of action, and cardioselectivity of beta blockers all differ.Some beta blockers are lipid (lipophilic) soluble, while others are water soluble (hydrophilic). Drugs that are more lipid-soluble are absorbed faster from the gut, undergo more first-pass metabolism, and are eliminated faster. They’re also more likely to get into the brain and cause central effects like insomnia and nightmares. Propranolol, pindolol, labetalol, and metoprolol are examples of lipid-soluble beta blockers. Beta blockers that are water-soluble are less likely to enter the brain and are more resistant to first-pass metabolism. They are excreted by the kidneys, and in renal impairment, dosage reduction is frequently required. Atenolol, nadolol, celiprolol, and sotalol are examples of water-soluble beta blockers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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When the pulmonary artery is completely blocked, what is the ventilation over perfusion ratio for the area that it supplies?
Your Answer: Zero
Correct Answer: Infinity
Explanation:The ventilation/perfusion ratio (V/Q ratio) is a ratio used to assess the efficiency and adequacy of the matching ventilation and perfusion. A pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. When a large pulmonary embolus completed blocked a pulmonary artery the alveoli were ventilated but not perfused at all, then the V/Q ratio would be infinity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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The enzyme protein gastric lipase is responsible for the breakdown of lipids in the stomach.Which of the following cell types secretes gastric lipase?Â
Your Answer: Parietal cells
Correct Answer: Chief cells
Explanation:Gastric lipase, commonly known as LIPF, is an acidic lipase released by gastric chief cells, which are found deep within the stomach lining’s mucosal layer. It’s an enzymatic protein that’s in charge of fat digestion in the stomach.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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The last two segments of the nephrons are the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and collecting duct (CD).Which cell reabsorbs sodium more in the late DCT and CD?
Your Answer: Subsidiary cells
Correct Answer: Principal cells
Explanation:The main Na+ reabsorbing cells in the late distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct are the principal cells. These make up the majority of the tubular cells. The exchange is driven by the Na.K.ATPase pumps on the basolateral membrane.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal Physiology
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Question 12
Correct
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The triage nurse asks if you will prescribe a dose of codeine phosphate for a patient who is in a lot of pain. You discover that you are unable to prescribe it due to a contra-indication after evaluating the patient.The use of codeine phosphate is contraindicated in which of the following situations?
Your Answer: Age under 12 years
Explanation:Codeine phosphate is a mild opiate that can be used to treat mild to moderate pain when other pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen have failed. It can also be used to treat diarrhoea and coughs that are dry or painful.The use of all opioids is contraindicated for the following reasons:Respiratory depression (acute)Patients who are comatoseHead injury (opioid analgesics impair pupillary responses, which are crucial for neurological evaluation)Intracranial pressure has risen (opioid analgesics interfere with pupillary responses vital for neurological assessment)There’s a chance you’ll get paralytic ileus.The use of codeine phosphate is contraindicated in the following situations:Because of the significant risk of respiratory side effects in children under the age of 12, it is not recommended for children under the age of 12.Patients of any age who have been identified as ultra-rapid codeine metabolizers (CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers)Because codeine can pass through breast milk to the baby and because mothers’ ability to metabolise codeine varies greatly, it is especially dangerous in breastfeeding mothers.If other painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, fail to relieve acute moderate pain in children over the age of 12, codeine should be used. In children with obstructive sleep apnoea who received codeine after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, a significant risk of serious and life-threatening adverse reactions has been identified.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Low levels of which of the following arterial blood gas parameters stimulate the peripheral chemoreceptors?
Your Answer: Arterial pCO 2
Correct Answer: Arterial pO 2
Explanation:Chemoreceptors are activated when the chemical composition of their immediate surroundings changes. Peripheral chemoreceptors, together with central chemoreceptors, regulate respiratory functions. They detect changes in arterial blood oxygen levels. Decreased arterial Po2 (partial pressure of oxygen) reflexly stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors. When peripheral chemoreceptors detect changes in arterial blood oxygen, they will trigger cardiorespiratory changes such as an increase in breathing and blood pressure. These reflexes are important for maintaining homeostasis during hypoxemia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
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Question 14
Correct
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What does the correlation coefficient r = 0 indicate with regards to linear relationships between two variables?
Your Answer: There is no correlation between two variables
Explanation:r = 0 if there is no correlation between two variables. The closer that r is to 0, the weaker the correlation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
- Statistics
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Question 15
Incorrect
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Molecules with a molecular weight of less than which of the following are filtered freely at the glomerular filtration barrier:
Your Answer: 10000 Da
Correct Answer: 7000 Da
Explanation:Molecular weight is the main factor in determining whether a substance is filtered or not – molecules < 7 kDa in molecular weight are filtered freely e.g. glucose, amino acids, urea, ions but larger molecules are increasingly restricted up to 70 kDa, above which filtration is insignificant. Negatively charged molecules are further restricted, as they are repelled by negative charges, particularly in the basement membrane. Albumin has a molecular weight of 69 kDa and is negatively charged, thus only very small amounts are filtered (and all of the filtered albumin is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule), whereas small molecules such as ions, glucose, amino acids and urea pass the filter without hindrance. This means that ultrafiltrate is virtually protein free, but otherwise has an identical composition of that of plasma. The epithelial lining of the Bowman's capsule consists of a single layer of cells called podocytes. The glomerular capillary endothelium is perforated by pores (fenestrations) which allow plasma components with a molecular weight of < 70 kDa to pass freely.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A 20-year-old male patient lives in a travelling community and has never received any vaccinations. He presents to you with fever.Which of these statements concerning indications and contraindications for vaccination is TRUE?
Your Answer: Egg allergy is a contraindication to the Fluenz tetra (Influenza) vaccination
Correct Answer: Inactivated vaccines are safe in pregnancy
Explanation:All vaccines are contraindicated in individuals with: A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or a vaccine containing the same antigens.A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a component in the vaccine e.g. neomycinThere is no evidence that vaccinating pregnant women with inactivated vaccine or toxoids harms the woman or foetus. The current protocol is that a child with history of egg allergy can be safely vaccinated with Fluenz tetra. However, if they had a previous severe anaphylaxis to egg requiring intensive care, then Flenz tetra is contraindicated. BCG, yellow fever or oral typhoid vaccinations are not safe in HIV positive patients.The normal times recommended for immunization of full-term babies should also be applied to premature infants and correction for gestational age should not be implemented.Concurrent antibiotic therapy is not a contraindication to vaccination.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Principles Of Microbiology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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On which of the following types of receptors does loperamide act?
Your Answer: Muscarinic receptors
Correct Answer: Opioid receptors
Explanation:Loperamide inhibits acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus acts by action on opioid mu-receptors, and this then reduces bowel motility. The intestinal transit time is increased, thereby facilitating water reabsorption.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Correct
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Regarding penicillin antibiotics, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Patients with a history of atopy are at higher risk of hypersensitivity reactions.
Explanation:Allergic reactions to penicillins occur in 1 – 10% of exposed individuals; anaphylactic reactions occur in fewer than 0.05% of treated patients. Patients with a history of atopic allergy are at higher risk of anaphylactic reactions to penicillins. Patients with a history of anaphylaxis, urticaria, or rash immediately after penicillin use should not receive a penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics; about 0.5 – 6.5 % of penicillin-sensitive patients will also be allergic to the cephalosporins. Patients with a history of a more minor rash (i.e. non-confluent, non-pruritic rash restricted to a small area of the body) or delayed reaction (rash occurring more than 72 hours after penicillin administration), may not be truly allergic and may be considered for penicillin or beta-lactam treatment in severe infection (although possibility of allergy should be borne in mind). Other beta-lactam antibiotics (including cephalosporins) can be used in these patients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 19
Correct
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A patient presents to ED with heartburn for which they already take regular antacids. Which of the following drugs can be affected if taken with antacids:
Your Answer: Digoxin
Explanation:Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may affect absorption. When antacids are taken with acidic drugs (e.g. digoxin, phenytoin, chlorpromazine, isoniazid) they cause the absorption of the acidic drugs to be decreased, which causes low blood concentrations of the drugs, which ultimately results in reduced effects of the drugs. Antacids taken with drugs such as pseudoephedrine and levodopa increase absorption of the drugs and can cause toxicity/adverse events due to increased blood levels of the drugs. Antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate and magnesium hydroxide when taken with some other medications (such as tetracycline) will bind to the drugs, and reduce their absorption and effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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The muscles of the soft palate (other than the tensor veli palatini) are innervated by which of the following nerves:
Your Answer: Hypoglossal nerve
Correct Answer: Vagus nerve
Explanation:All of the muscles of the soft palate are innervated by the vagus nerve (from the pharyngeal plexus), except for the tensor veli palatini, which is innervated by a branch of the mandibular nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head And Neck
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following laboratory findings are indicative of von Willebrand disease (VWD):
Your Answer: Both APTT and PT prolonged
Correct Answer: Prolonged APTT
Explanation:Laboratory results often show that:PFA-100 test results are abnormal.Low levels of factor VIII (if a factor VIII/VWF binding assay is conducted)APTT is Prolonged (or normal)PT is normalVWF values are low.Defective Platelet aggregationThe platelet count is normal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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What is the effect of activated vitamin D on the renal handling of calcium:
Your Answer: Increases calcium reabsorption in the proximal tubule
Correct Answer: Increases calcium reabsorption in the distal tubule
Explanation:Activated vitamin D acts to:GUT:increase calcium and phosphate absorption in the small intestine (the main action)KIDNEYS:increase renal calcium reabsorption (in the distal tubule via activation of a basolateral Ca2+ATPase pump), increase renal phosphate reabsorption, inhibit 1-alpha-hydroxylase activity in the kidneys (negative feedback)PARATHYROID GLANDS:inhibit PTH secretion from the parathyroid glands
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements regarding hookworm is FALSE:
Your Answer: Heavy infestation typically results in a iron-deficient anaemia.
Correct Answer: Transmission of hookworm is via ingestion of contaminated food and water.
Explanation:The hookworm life cycle begins with the passage of eggs from an adult host into the stool. Hookworm eggs hatch in the soil to release larvae that mature into infective larvae. Infection is usually transmitted by larval penetration into human skin (duodenal infection may also be transmitted by the oral route). From the skin, larvae migrate into the blood vessels and are carried to the lungs, where they penetrate the pulmonary alveoli, ascend the bronchial tree to the pharynx, and are swallowed.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Regarding the resting membrane potential, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: A neurone has a resting membrane potential of about -90 mV.
Correct Answer: The resting cell membrane is more permeable to K + ions than to Na + ions.
Explanation:A membrane potential is a property of all cell membranes, but the ability to generate an action potential is only a property of excitable tissues. The resting membrane is more permeable to K+and Cl-than to other ions (and relatively impermeable to Na+); therefore the resting membrane potential is primarily determined by the K+equilibrium potential. At rest the inside of the cell is negative relative to the outside. In most neurones the resting potential has a value of approximately -70 mV.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Cellular
- Physiology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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A 15-year-old male is admitted to a rehabilitation centre with a history of multiple strokes, myopathy and learning disabilities since childhood. He is under the care of a multidisciplinary team, and his genetic testing reports show the presence of a mitochondrial disorder. Which one of the following diseases does this patient most likely have?
Your Answer: Tay-Sachs disease
Correct Answer: MELAS
Explanation:Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. Most cases are maternally inherited, as we inherit our mitochondrial DNA from our mothers only, although mutations in nuclear DNA cause some cases.Examples of Mitochondrial Diseases include:1. Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS)2. Mitochondrial epilepsy with ragged red fibres (MERRF)3. Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)4. Diabetes mellitus and deafness (DAD)5. Neuropathy, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, and ptosis (NARP)6. Leigh syndrome (subacute sclerosing encephalopathy). Red-green colour blindness and G6PD deficiency have an X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance. Tay-Sachs Disease and spinal muscular atrophy have an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
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Question 26
Correct
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Swelling of the lips, tongue, and face is observed in a 59-year-old African-American woman. In the emergency room, she is given intramuscular adrenaline, but her symptoms do not improve. Her GP recently started her on a new medication.Which of the following drugs is most likely to have caused her symptoms?
Your Answer: Ramipril
Explanation:Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the most common cause of drug-induced angioedema in the United Kingdom and the United States, owing to their widespread use.Angioedema is caused by ACE inhibitors in 0.1 to 0.7 percent of patients, with data indicating a persistent and relatively constant risk year after year. People of African descent have a five-fold higher chance of contracting the disease.Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face is the most common symptom, but another symptom is episodic abdominal pain due to intestinal angioedema. Itching and urticaria are noticeably absent.The mechanism appears to be activated complement or other pro-inflammatory cytokines like prostaglandins and histamine, which cause rapid vasodilation and oedema.Other medications that are less frequently linked to angioedema include:Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs)Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Bupropion (e.g. Zyban and Wellbutrin)Beta-lactam antibioticsStatinsProton pump inhibitorsThe majority of these reactions are minor and can be treated by stopping the drug and prescribing antihistamines.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is correct regarding the lymphatic system?
Your Answer: About 2 L is filtered by the microcirculation per day.
Correct Answer: Lymphatic vessels contain both smooth muscle and unidirectional valves.
Explanation:Fluid filtration out of the capillaries is usually slightly greater than fluid absorption into the capillaries. About 8 L of fluid per day is filtered by the microcirculation and returns to the circulation by the lymphatic system. Lymphatic capillaries drain into collecting lymphatics, then into larger lymphatic vessels. Both of these containing smooth muscle and unidirectional valves. From this point, lymph is propelled by smooth muscle constriction and vessel compression by body movements into afferent lymphatics. It then goes to the lymph nodes where phagocytes remove bacteria and foreign materials. It is here that most fluid is reabsorbed by capillaries, and the remainder returns to the subclavian veins via efferent lymphatics and the thoracic duct. The lymphatic system has a major role to play in the body’s immune defence and also has a very important role in the absorption and transportation of fats.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 28
Correct
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All of the following cause bronchoconstriction, EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Adrenaline
Explanation:Factors causing bronchoconstriction:Via muscarinic receptorsParasympathetic stimulationStimulation of irritant receptorsInflammatory mediators e.g. histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienesBeta-blockers
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 43-year-old woman presented to the emergency room after an incident of slipping and falling onto her back and left hip. Upon physical examination, it was noted that she has pain on hip abduction, but normal hip extension. Which of the following muscles was most likely injured in this case?
Your Answer: Gluteus maximus
Correct Answer: Gluteus medius
Explanation:The primary hip extensors are the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings such as the long head of the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus. The extensor head of the adductor magnus is also considered a primary hip extensor.The hip abductor muscle group is located on the lateral thigh. The primary hip abductor muscles include the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.The secondary hip abductors include the piriformis, sartorius, and superior fibres of the gluteus maximus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 30
Incorrect
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An 80-year-old male has presented with chest pain characteristic of angina pectoris. Before initiating treatment with Glyceryl nitrate, you examine the patient and find a murmur. The patient reveals that he has a heart valve disorder, and you immediately put a hold on the GTN order.Which of the following valve disorders is an absolute contraindication to the use of GTN?
Your Answer: Aortic regurgitation
Correct Answer: Mitral stenosis
Explanation:Angina pectoris is the most common symptom of ischemic heart disease and presents with chest pain relieved by rest and nitro-glycerine. Nitrates are the first-line treatment to relieve chest pain caused by angina. The commonly used nitrates are: 1. Nitro-glycerine (NTG) – angina pectoris (treatment/prophylaxis), acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, hypertension2. Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) – chronic angina pectoris (treatment)3. Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) – angina pectoris (treatment/prophylaxis)The nitrate drugs cause vasodilation via the action of nitric oxide. The contraindications to the use of nitrate are the following: 1. Allergy to nitrates2. Concomitant use of phosphodiesterases (PDE) inhibitors such as tadalafil and sildenafil3. Right ventricular infarction4. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy5. Cardiac tamponade6. Constrictive pericarditis7. Hypotensive conditions8. Hypovolaemia9. Marked anaemia10. Mitral stenosis11. Raised intracranial pressure due to cerebral haemorrhage or head trauma12. Toxic pulmonary oedema
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
