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Question 1
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect of amitriptyline:
Your Answer: Hypokalaemia
Explanation:Adverse effects include:Antimuscarinic effects: Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Constipation, Urinary retention, Sedation, ConfusionCardiovascular effects: Heart block, Arrhythmias, Tachycardia, Postural hypotension, QT-interval prolongation, Hepatic impairment, Narrow-angle glaucoma
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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The least likely feature expected to be seen in a lesion of the frontal lobe is which of the following?
Your Answer: Contralateral weakness of the face and arm
Correct Answer: Loss of two-point discrimination
Explanation:Lesions in different areas give rise to different symptoms. Lesions of the parietal lobe give rise to loss of two-point discrimination. Lesions to Broca’s area give rise to expressive dysphasia results from damage Lesions to the primary motor cortex give rise to contralateral weakness of the face and arm. Lesions to the prefrontal cortex give rise to personality change. Lesions to the frontal eye field give rise to conjugate eye deviation towards side of lesion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 3
Correct
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Needle thoracentesis in a patient with tension pneumothorax is performed at which anatomical landmark?
Your Answer: 4-5th intercostal space mid-axillary line
Explanation:Pleural aspiration describes a procedure whereby pleural fluid or air may be aspirated via a system inserted temporarily into the pleural space. This may be for diagnostic purposes (usually removing 20–50 ml fluid) or therapeutic to relieve symptoms. In the literature it is varyingly called thoracocentesis, thoracentesis or pleural aspiration.
Cadaver studies have shown improved success in reaching the thoracic cavity when the fourth or fifth intercostal space mid-axillary line is used instead of the second intercostal space mid-clavicular line in adult patients. ATLS now recommends this location for needle decompression in adult patients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 4
Correct
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The 'bucket handle' movement of the thoracic wall describes which of the following movements:
Your Answer: The middles of the shafts of the ribs moving upwards and laterally
Explanation:Because the middles of the shafts of the ribs are lower than either the anterior or posterior end, elevation of the ribs also moves the middles of the shafts laterally. This ‘bucket handle’ upwards and lateral movement increases the lateral dimensions of the thorax.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 5
Correct
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A 62 year old man has sustained a penetrating injury to the submandibular triangle. On examination, his tongue is weak and when protruded deviates to the left. Which of the following nerves has most likely been injured:
Your Answer: Left hypoglossal nerve
Explanation:Damage to the hypoglossal nerve results in weakness of the tongue, with deviation of the tongue towards the weak side on protrusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Cranial Nerve Lesions
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Question 6
Incorrect
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In which of the following cases is intravenous phenytoin contraindicated?
Your Answer: Asthma
Correct Answer: Second degree heart block
Explanation:Phenytoin Contraindications include:HypersensitivitySinus bradycardiaSinoatrial blockSecond and third degree A-V blockAdams-Stokes syndromeConcurrent use with delavirdineHistory of prior acute hepatotoxicity attributable to phenytoin
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 7
Correct
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Which of the following anatomical structures is most likely the cause of oedema and erythema of the arm in a patient who underwent modified radical mastectomy and radiotherapy?
Your Answer: Axillary lymph nodes
Explanation:Arm oedema is one of the sequelae after breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. Arm oedema in the breast cancer patient is caused by interruption of the axillary lymphatic system by surgery or radiation therapy, which results in the accumulation of fluid in subcutaneous tissue in the arm, with decreased distensibility of tissue around the joints and increased weight of the extremity. Chronic inflammatory changes result in both subcutaneous and lymph vessel fibrosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 8
Correct
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Which of the following clinical features is most suggestive of a lesion of the occipital lobe:
Your Answer: Homonymous hemianopia
Explanation:Homonymous hemianopia is a visual field defect involving either the two right or the two left halves of the visual fields of both eyes. It is caused by lesions of the retrochiasmal visual pathways, ie, lesions of the optic tract, the lateral geniculate nucleus, the optic radiations, and the cerebral visual (occipital) cortex
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 9
Incorrect
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Which of the following is most likely to cause a bitemporal hemianopia:
Your Answer: Stroke
Correct Answer: Pituitary adenoma
Explanation:A bitemporal hemianopia is most likely due to compression at the optic chiasm. This may be caused by pituitary tumour, craniopharyngioma, meningioma, optic glioma or aneurysm of the internal carotid artery. A posterior cerebral stroke will most likely result in a contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a side effect of phenytoin:
Your Answer: Acne and hirsutism
Correct Answer: Ototoxicity
Explanation:Adverse effects of phenytoin include:Nausea and vomitingDrowsiness, lethargy, and loss of concentrationHeadache, dizziness, tremor, nystagmus and ataxiaGum enlargement or overgrowthCoarsening of facial features, acne and hirsutismSkin rashesBlood disorders
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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CSF is reabsorbed from subarachnoid space via which of the following structures:
Your Answer: Choroid plexus
Correct Answer: Arachnoid granulations
Explanation:From the subarachnoid cisterns in the subarachnoid space, CSF is reabsorbed via arachnoid granulations which protrude into the dura mater, into the dural venous sinuses and from here back into the circulation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Which of the following clinical features is NOT typical of a facial nerve palsy:
Your Answer: Reduced salivation
Correct Answer: Inability to raise the eyelid
Explanation:Facial nerve palsy can result in inability to close the eye due to paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Elevation of the eyelid in eye opening is a function of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and the superior tarsal muscle, innervated by the oculomotor nerve and the sympathetic chain respectively.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Cranial Nerve Lesions
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 70-year-old man presents with right-sided hemiplegia and loss of joint position sense, vibratory sense, and discriminatory touch. Upon further physical examination, it was observed that her tongue deviates to the left-hand side. An MRI and CT scan was ordered and results showed that he was suffering a left-sided stroke. Branches of which of the following arteries are most likely implicated in the case?
Your Answer: Superior cerebellar artery
Correct Answer: Anterior spinal artery
Explanation:Medial medullary syndrome is a form of stroke that affects the medial medulla of the brain. It is caused by a lesion in the medial part of the medulla, which is due to an infraction of vertebral arteries and/or paramedian branches of the anterior spinal artery.It is characterized by contralateral paralysis of the upper and lower limb of the body, a contralateral decrease in proprioception, vibration, and/or fine touch sensation, paresthesias or less commonly dysesthesias in the contralateral trunk and lower limb, and loss of position and vibration sense with proprioceptive dysfunction. Ipsilateral deviation of the tongue due to ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve damage can also be seen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Carbamazepine is indicated for all of the following EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Simple focal seizures
Correct Answer: Myoclonic seizures
Explanation:Carbamazepine is a drug of choice for simple and complex focal seizures and is a first-line treatment option for generalised tonic-clonic seizures. It is also used in trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Carbamazepine may exacerbate tonic, atonic, myoclonic and absence seizures and is therefore not recommended if these seizures are present.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A patient with diplopia is found to have eye deviation downwards and outwards. The likely nerves that are affected are:
Your Answer: Abducens nerve
Correct Answer: Oculomotor nerve
Explanation:The results of an oculomotor (CN III) nerve palsy are a depressed and abducted (down and out) eye, ptosis, diplopia, and a fixed and dilated pupil.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Cranial Nerve Lesions
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Which of the following muscles is least likely to be involved in forceful expiration:
Your Answer: Transversus abdominis
Correct Answer: External intercostal muscles
Explanation:Forceful expiration is primarily produced by the deeper thoracic muscles (internal and innermost intercostal muscles, subcostals and transversus thoracis) aided by contraction of the abdominal wall muscles which increase intra-abdominal pressure thus further reducing the volume of the thorax.
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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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What is the main mechanism of action of cyclizine:
Your Answer: Histamine-H1 antagonist
Explanation:Antihistamines e.g. cyclizine, are effective against nausea and vomiting caused by many different conditions, including motion sickness and vertigo. These agents act by inhibiting histamine pathways, and cholinergic pathways involved in transmission from the vestibular apparatus to the vomiting centre. There is no evidence that any one antihistamine is superior to another but their duration of action and incidence of adverse effects differ. Adverse effects include drowsiness and antimuscarinic effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation and confusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Correct
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You are reviewing a patient complaining of loss of vision. Previous images shows a lesion at the optic chiasm. What type of visual field defect are you most likely to see in a lesion at the optic chiasm:
Your Answer: Bitemporal hemianopia
Explanation:A lesion at the optic chiasm will result in a bitemporal hemianopia.A lesion of the optic nerve will result in ipsilateral monocular visual loss.A lesion of the optic tract will result in a contralateral homonymous hemianopia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 19
Incorrect
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If a lesion is observed in Broca's area, which function is expected to become affected?
Your Answer: Comprehension of speech
Correct Answer: Formation of words
Explanation:The primary functions of the Broca area are both language production and comprehension. While the exact role in the production is still unclear, many believe that it directly impacts the motor movements to allow for speech. Although originally thought to only aid in speech production, lesions in the area can rarely be related to impairments in the comprehension of language. Different regions of the Broca area specialize in various aspects of comprehension. The anterior portion helps with semantics, or word meaning, while the posterior is associated with phonology, or how words sound. The Broca area is also necessary for language repetition, gesture production, sentence grammar and fluidity, and the interpretation of others’ actions.Broca’s aphasia is a non-fluent aphasia in which the output of spontaneous speech is markedly diminished and there is a loss of normal grammatical structure. Specifically, small linking words, conjunctions, such as and, or, and but, and the use of prepositions are lost. Patients may exhibit interjectional speech where there is a long latency, and the words that are expressed are produced as if under pressure. The ability to repeat phrases is also impaired in patients with Broca’s aphasia. Despite these impairments, the words that are produced are often intelligible and contextually correct. In pure Broca’s aphasia, comprehension is intact.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 20
Correct
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Which of the following is true regarding respiration?
Your Answer: The diaphragm is responsible for abdominal breathing
Explanation:The following are the mechanisms of breathing during inspiration and expiration, whether normal or forced.Normal inspiration is an active process, with the diaphragm as the main muscle. The diaphragm descends, ribs move upward and outward, and the lungs become wider and taller.In forced inspiration, which commonly occurs during exercise, the external intercostals and accessory muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid, anterior serrati, scalenes, alae nasi, genioglossus and arytenoid are involved. The ribs move upward and outward, and the abdominal contents move downward.Normal expiration is a passive process, while in forced expiration, the internal intercostals and abdominal muscles, such as the rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques and transversus abdominis are involved. The ribs move downward and inward, and the abdominal contents move upward.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 21
Correct
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Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of opioid analgesics:
Your Answer: Raised intracranial pressure
Explanation:Opioids should be avoided in people who have: A risk of paralytic ileus (opioids reduce gastric motility)Acute respiratory depressionAn acute exacerbation of asthma (opioids can aggravate bronchoconstriction as a result of histamine release)Conditions associated with increased intracranial pressure including head injury (opioids can interfere with pupillary response making neurological assessment difficult and may cause retention of carbon dioxide aggravating the increased intracranial pressure)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 26 year old horse rider has a bad fall and sustains a neck injury which displays the following signs:- ability to extend the wrist against gravity- paralysis of the hands, trunk, and legs- absent sensation in the fingers and medial upper arms- normal sensation over the thumbs- absent sensation in chest, abdomen, and legsWhat is the neurological level of the injury?
Your Answer: C8
Correct Answer: C6
Explanation:C1 – C4 INJURYMost severe of the spinal cord injury levels; paralysis in arms, hands, trunk and legs; patient may not be able to breathe on his or her own, cough, or control bowel or bladder movements; ability to speak is sometimes impaired or reducedC5 INJURYPerson can raise his or her arms and bend elbows; likely to have some or total paralysis of wrists, hands, trunk and legs; can speak and use diaphragm, but breathing will be weakenedC6 INJURYNerves affect wrist extension; paralysis in hands, trunk and legs, typically; should be able to bend wrists back; can speak and use diaphragm, but breathing will be weakenedC7 INJURYNerves control elbow extension and some finger extension; most can straighten their arm and have normal movement of their shouldersC8 INJURYNerves control some hand movement; should be able to grasp and release objectsC5 – Elbow flexors (biceps, brachialis)C6 – Wrist extensors (extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis)C7 – Elbow extensors (triceps)C8 – Finger flexors (flexor digitorum profundus) to the middle fingerC5 – Elbow flexed at 90 degrees, arm at the patient’s side and forearm supinatedC6 – Wrist in full extensionC7 – Shoulder is neutral rotation, adducted and in 90 degrees of flexion with elbow in 45 degrees of flexionC8 –Full flexed position of the distal phalanx with the proximal finger joints stabilized in a extended position
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 23
Correct
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Which of the following clinical features would you least expect to see in a lesion of the frontal lobe:
Your Answer: Contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing
Explanation:Contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing results from damage to the primary visual cortex of the occipital lobe. Incontinence may occur due to damage of the cortical micturition centre in the prefrontal cortex. Primitive reflexes and inability to problem solve may occur due to damage to the prefrontal cortex. Motor weakness of the contralateral limb with UMN signs may occur due to damage of the primary motor cortex.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old woman was complaining of headaches. On examination, the patient is found to have weakness on the left side of her body and her eyes are deviated towards the right hand side. These are signs of damage to which of the following areas?
Your Answer: Occipital lobe
Correct Answer: Frontal lobe
Explanation:Some potential symptoms of frontal lobe damage can include loss of movement, either partial or complete, on the opposite side of the body. In the patient’s case, it is a result of motor cortex damage on the right side since her left side of the body is affected. The conjugate eye deviation symptom towards the side of the lesion is a result of damage to the frontal eye field.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 25
Correct
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What type of visual field defect are you likely to see in a lesion of the visual cortex:
Your Answer: Contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing
Explanation:A lesion of the visual cortex will result in a contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Regarding aspirin at analgesic doses, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: The increased production of prostaglandins can irritate gastric mucosa.
Correct Answer: It is contraindicated in patients with severe heart failure.
Explanation:Aspirin (at analgesic doses) is contraindicated in severe heart failure. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes resulting in decreased production of prostaglandins (which can lead to irritation of the gastric mucosa). The analgesic dose is greater than the antiplatelet dose, and taken orally it has a duration of action of about 4 hours. Clinical features of salicylate toxicity in overdose include hyperventilation, tinnitus, deafness, vasodilatation, and sweating.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Correct
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A 45-year old man presented to the emergency room with complains of chest pain and breathlessness. Upon history taking and examination, it was discovered that he had a right-sided spontaneous pneumothorax and had a failed attempt at pleural aspiration. The pneumothorax is still considerable in size, but he remains breathless. A Seldinger chest drain was inserted but it started to drain frank blood shortly after. Which of the following complications is most likely to have occurred?
Your Answer: Intercostal artery laceration
Explanation:Injury to the intercostal artery (ICA) is an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication of all pleural interventions. Traditional anatomy teaching describes the ICA as lying in the intercostal groove, protected by the flange of the rib. This is the rationale behind the recommendation to insert needles just above the superior border of the rib. Current recommendations for chest drain insertion suggest that drains should be inserted in the ‘safe triangle’ in order to avoid the heart and the mediastinum and be above the level of the diaphragm. The safe triangle is formed anteriorly by the lateral border of the pectoralis major, laterally by the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi, inferiorly by the line of the fifth intercostal space and superiorly by the base of the axilla. Imaging guidance also aids in the safety of the procedure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A 33-year-old woman demonstrates right-sided superior homonymous quadrantanopia upon visual field testing. A diagnosis of a brain tumour has been established.Which of the following anatomical points in the visual pathway has the lesion occurred?
Your Answer: Optic nerve
Correct Answer: Lower optic radiation
Explanation:Homonymous quadrantanopia is not a disease; it is a clinical finding that points towards a lesion of the optic radiations coursing through the temporal lobe.Homonymous superior quadrantanopia is caused by damage to the contralateral inferior parts of the posterior visual pathway: the inferior optic radiation (temporal Meyer loop), or the inferior part of the occipital visual cortex below the calcarine fissure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 29
Correct
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Regarding antiemetics, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Of the antiemetics, cyclizine is most commonly associated with acute dystonic reactions.
Explanation:Cyclizine acts by inhibiting histamine pathways and cholinergic pathways involved in transmission from the vestibular apparatus to the vomiting centre. Metoclopramide is a dopamine-receptor antagonist which acts both peripherally in the GI tract and centrally within the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Prochlorperazine is a dopamine-D2 receptor antagonist and acts centrally by blocking the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Metoclopramide and prochlorperazine are both commonly associated with extrapyramidal effects, such as acute dystonic reaction. Cyclizine may rarely cause extrapyramidal effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 30
Correct
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Which of the following statements is true about percutaneous needle aspiration?
Your Answer: The needle should be inserted just above the upper border of the chosen rib
Explanation:Pleural aspiration describes a procedure whereby pleural fluid or air may be aspirated via a system inserted temporarily into the pleural space. This may be for diagnostic purposes (usually removing 20–50 ml fluid) or therapeutic to relieve symptoms. In the literature it is varyingly called thoracocentesis, thoracentesis or pleural aspiration.In determining the correct patient position and site of insertion, it is important for the operator to be aware of the normal anatomy of the thorax and the pathology of the patient. Patient position is dependent on the operator preference and the site of the pathology. In the case of a posterior lying locule, this may be specific to the image-guided spot where fluid is most likely to be obtained. In most circumstances, however, the site of insertion of the needle is either in the triangle of safety or the second intercostal space in the midclavicular line. The patient may therefore either sit upright leaning forward with arms elevated but resting on a table or bed, thereby exposing the axilla, or lying on a bed in a position. The needle is inserted in the space just above the chosen rib to avoid damaging the neurovascular bundle. It is common practice to insert the needle more posteriorly for a pleural aspiration, but it should be noted that the neurovascular bundle may not be covered by the lower flange of the rib in this position and a more lateral or anterior site of insertion is considered safer.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
