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  • Question 1 - A 55-year-old man is admitted to the ICU after emergency surgery for an...

    Incorrect

    • A 55-year-old man is admitted to the ICU after emergency surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea and is in a critical condition. Despite the absence of peritonism, which of the following arterial blood gas patterns is most likely to be observed?

      Your Answer: pH 7.45, pO2 10.1, pCO2 3.2, Base excess 0, Lactate 0

      Correct Answer: pH 7.20, pO2 9.0, pCO2 3.5, Base excess -10, Lactate 8

      Explanation:

      It is probable that this individual is experiencing metabolic acidosis as a result of a mesenteric infarction.

      Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

      The acid-base nomogram is a useful tool for categorizing the various disorders of acid-base balance. Metabolic acidosis is the most common surgical acid-base disorder, characterized by a reduction in plasma bicarbonate levels. This can be caused by a gain of strong acid or loss of base, and is classified according to the anion gap. A normal anion gap indicates hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis, which can be caused by gastrointestinal bicarbonate loss, renal tubular acidosis, drugs, or Addison’s disease. A raised anion gap indicates lactate, ketones, urate, or acid poisoning. Metabolic alkalosis, on the other hand, is usually caused by a rise in plasma bicarbonate levels due to a loss of hydrogen ions or a gain of bicarbonate. It is mainly caused by problems of the kidney or gastrointestinal tract. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a rise in carbon dioxide levels due to alveolar hypoventilation, while respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation resulting in excess loss of carbon dioxide. These disorders have various causes, such as COPD, sedative drugs, anxiety, hypoxia, and pregnancy.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Respiratory System
      31.5
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - What is the equivalent of cardiac preload? ...

    Incorrect

    • What is the equivalent of cardiac preload?

      Your Answer: Systemic vascular resistance

      Correct Answer: End diastolic volume

      Explanation:

      Preload, also known as end diastolic volume, follows the Frank Starling principle where a slight increase results in an increase in cardiac output. However, if preload is significantly increased, such as exceeding 250ml, it can lead to a decrease in cardiac output.

      The heart has four chambers and generates pressures of 0-25 mmHg on the right side and 0-120 mmHg on the left. The cardiac output is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, typically 5-6L per minute. The cardiac impulse is generated in the sino atrial node and conveyed to the ventricles via the atrioventricular node. Parasympathetic and sympathetic fibers project to the heart via the vagus and release acetylcholine and noradrenaline, respectively. The cardiac cycle includes mid diastole, late diastole, early systole, late systole, and early diastole. Preload is the end diastolic volume and afterload is the aortic pressure. Laplace’s law explains the rise in ventricular pressure during the ejection phase and why a dilated diseased heart will have impaired systolic function. Starling’s law states that an increase in end-diastolic volume will produce a larger stroke volume up to a point beyond which stroke volume will fall. Baroreceptor reflexes and atrial stretch receptors are involved in regulating cardiac output.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular System
      19.7
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - A young woman presents with a bilateral intention tremor. She is also found...

    Correct

    • A young woman presents with a bilateral intention tremor. She is also found to have a range of other bilateral deficits, including dysdiadochokinesia, ataxia, nystagmus, and dysarthria. Which anatomical structure has likely been affected?

      Your Answer: Cerebellar vermis

      Explanation:

      The individual has a defect in the cerebellar vermis, which is located between the two hemispheres of the cerebellum. As a result, they are experiencing bilateral cerebellar abnormalities, which is evident from their symptoms. Vermin lesions can be caused by conditions such as Joubert Syndrome, Dandy Walker malformation, and rhombencephalosynapsis. On the other hand, lesions in the spinocerebellar tract or one side of the cerebellar hemisphere would cause unilateral, ipsilateral symptoms, making these options incorrect.

      Spinal cord lesions can affect different tracts and result in various clinical symptoms. Motor lesions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and poliomyelitis, affect either upper or lower motor neurons, resulting in spastic paresis or lower motor neuron signs. Combined motor and sensory lesions, such as Brown-Sequard syndrome, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, Friedrich’s ataxia, anterior spinal artery occlusion, and syringomyelia, affect multiple tracts and result in a combination of spastic paresis, loss of proprioception and vibration sensation, limb ataxia, and loss of pain and temperature sensation. Multiple sclerosis can involve asymmetrical and varying spinal tracts and result in a combination of motor, sensory, and ataxia symptoms. Sensory lesions, such as neurosyphilis, affect the dorsal columns and result in loss of proprioception and vibration sensation.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurological System
      19.5
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - Which one of the following structures does not pass behind the medial malleolus?...

    Incorrect

    • Which one of the following structures does not pass behind the medial malleolus?

      Your Answer: Peroneus longus tendon

      Correct Answer: Tibialis anterior tendon

      Explanation:

      Anatomy of the Lateral Malleolus

      The lateral malleolus is a bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle joint. Posterior to the lateral malleolus and superficial to the superior peroneal retinaculum are the sural nerve and short saphenous vein. These structures are important for sensation and blood flow to the lower leg and foot.

      On the other hand, posterior to the lateral malleolus and deep to the superior peroneal retinaculum are the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis tendons. These tendons are responsible for ankle stability and movement.

      Additionally, the calcaneofibular ligament is attached at the lateral malleolus. This ligament is important for maintaining the stability of the ankle joint and preventing excessive lateral movement.

      Understanding the anatomy of the lateral malleolus is crucial for diagnosing and treating ankle injuries and conditions. Proper care and management of these structures can help prevent long-term complications and improve overall ankle function.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Musculoskeletal System And Skin
      14.2
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - During a ward round on the stroke ward, you notice a patient in...

    Incorrect

    • During a ward round on the stroke ward, you notice a patient in their 60s responds to questions with unrelated words and phrases. His speech is technically good and fluent but the sentences make no sense. He does not appear to be aware of this and struggles to understand questions when written down.

      Where is the location of the lesion producing this sign?

      Your Answer: Inferior frontal gyrus

      Correct Answer: Superior temporal gyrus

      Explanation:

      Wernicke’s aphasia is caused by damage to the superior temporal gyrus, resulting in fluent speech but poor comprehension and characteristic ‘word salad’. Patients with this type of aphasia are often unaware of their errors.

      Conduction aphasia, on the other hand, is caused by damage to the arcuate fasciculus, which connects Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas. This results in fluent speech with poor repetition, but patients are usually aware of their errors.

      A lesion of the corpus callosum can cause more widespread problems with motor and sensory deficits due to impaired communication between the hemispheres.

      Broca’s area, located in the inferior frontal gyrus, is responsible for expressive aphasia, where speech is non-fluent but comprehension is intact.

      It’s important to note that true aphasia does not involve any motor deficits, so damage to the primary motor cortex would not be the cause.

      Types of Aphasia: Understanding the Different Forms of Language Impairment

      Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate effectively. There are different types of aphasia, each with its own set of symptoms and underlying causes. Wernicke’s aphasia, also known as receptive aphasia, is caused by a lesion in the superior temporal gyrus. This area is responsible for forming speech before sending it to Broca’s area. People with Wernicke’s aphasia may speak fluently, but their sentences often make no sense, and they may use word substitutions and neologisms. Comprehension is impaired.

      Broca’s aphasia, also known as expressive aphasia, is caused by a lesion in the inferior frontal gyrus. This area is responsible for speech production. People with Broca’s aphasia may speak in a non-fluent, labored, and halting manner. Repetition is impaired, but comprehension is normal.

      Conduction aphasia is caused by a stroke affecting the arcuate fasciculus, the connection between Wernicke’s and Broca’s area. People with conduction aphasia may speak fluently, but their repetition is poor. They are aware of the errors they are making, but comprehension is normal.

      Global aphasia is caused by a large lesion affecting all three areas mentioned above, resulting in severe expressive and receptive aphasia. People with global aphasia may still be able to communicate using gestures. Understanding the different types of aphasia is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurological System
      17.7
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - A 23-year-old male visits his GP complaining of polyuria, chronic thirst and pale-coloured...

    Incorrect

    • A 23-year-old male visits his GP complaining of polyuria, chronic thirst and pale-coloured urine that have persisted for 3 months. He had a concussion from a car accident a month before the onset of his urinary symptoms. The patient is diagnosed with cranial diabetes insipidus after undergoing several tests.

      What would the water deprivation test likely reveal in this case?

      Your Answer: High urine osmolality after fluid deprivation, but normal after desmopressin

      Correct Answer: Low urine osmolality after fluid deprivation, but high after desmopressin

      Explanation:

      The correct answer is low urine osmolality after fluid deprivation, but high after desmopressin, for a patient with cranial diabetes insipidus (DI). This condition is characterized by polyuria, chronic thirst, and pale-coloured urine, and is caused by insufficient antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion. As a result, the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine, leading to a low urine osmolality even during water deprivation. However, the kidneys will respond to desmopressin (synthetic ADH) to produce concentrated urine.

      High urine osmolality after both fluid deprivation and desmopressin is incorrect, as it would be seen in a healthy individual or a patient with primary polydipsia, a psychogenic disorder characterized by excessive drinking despite being properly hydrated.

      Low urine osmolality after both fluid deprivation and desmopressin is incorrect, as this is typical of nephrogenic DI, a condition in which the kidneys are insensitive to ADH.

      High urine osmolality after fluid deprivation, but normal after desmopressin is incorrect, as this would not be commonly seen with any pathological state.

      Low urine osmolality after desmopressin, but high after fluid deprivation is incorrect, as this would not be commonly seen with any pathological state.

      The water deprivation test is a diagnostic tool used to assess patients with polydipsia, or excessive thirst. During the test, the patient is instructed to refrain from drinking water, and their bladder is emptied. Hourly measurements of urine and plasma osmolalities are taken to monitor changes in the body’s fluid balance. The results of the test can help identify the underlying cause of the patient’s polydipsia. Normal results show a high urine osmolality after the administration of DDAVP, while psychogenic polydipsia is characterized by a low urine osmolality. Cranial DI and nephrogenic DI are both associated with high plasma osmolalities and low urine osmolalities.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System
      31.5
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - A 32-year-old woman arrives at the emergency department feeling ill with pain in...

    Incorrect

    • A 32-year-old woman arrives at the emergency department feeling ill with pain in her upper abdomen that spreads to her back, but is relieved when she leans forward. Her blood test shows elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase. She had been diagnosed with a viral infection a week ago.

      What type of viral infection is linked to an increased likelihood of her current symptoms?

      Your Answer: COVID-19 virus

      Correct Answer: Mumps virus

      Explanation:

      Acute pancreatitis can be caused by mumps virus.

      The symptoms described in the scenario are consistent with acute pancreatitis. The mnemonic ‘I GET SMASHED’ is a helpful tool for identifying risk factors for this condition, and mumps virus is included in this list.

      While hepatitis B and C viruses have been associated with cases of pancreatitis, they are not known to directly cause the condition. influenzae virus is also not a known cause of acute pancreatitis.

      However, mumps virus is a known cause of acute pancreatitis. In addition to symptoms of pancreatitis, patients may also experience other symptoms of mumps virus. The severity of the pancreatitis is typically mild in these cases.

      Acute pancreatitis is a condition that is primarily caused by gallstones and alcohol consumption in the UK. However, there are other factors that can contribute to the development of this condition. A popular mnemonic used to remember these factors is GET SMASHED, which stands for gallstones, ethanol, trauma, steroids, mumps, autoimmune diseases, scorpion venom, hypertriglyceridaemia, hyperchylomicronaemia, hypercalcaemia, hypothermia, ERCP, and certain drugs. It is important to note that pancreatitis is seven times more common in patients taking mesalazine than sulfasalazine. CT scans can show diffuse parenchymal enlargement with oedema and indistinct margins in patients with acute pancreatitis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastrointestinal System
      24.2
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - Which of these openings allows the facial nerve to enter the temporal bone?...

    Incorrect

    • Which of these openings allows the facial nerve to enter the temporal bone?

      Your Answer: Foramen spinosum

      Correct Answer: Internal acoustic meatus

      Explanation:

      The facial nerve passes through the internal acoustic meatus of the temporal bone and emerges from the stylomastoid foramen.

      The facial nerve is responsible for supplying the muscles of facial expression, the digastric muscle, and various glandular structures. It also contains a few afferent fibers that originate in the genicular ganglion and are involved in taste. Bilateral facial nerve palsy can be caused by conditions such as sarcoidosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Lyme disease, and bilateral acoustic neuromas. Unilateral facial nerve palsy can be caused by these conditions as well as lower motor neuron issues like Bell’s palsy and upper motor neuron issues like stroke.

      The upper motor neuron lesion typically spares the upper face, specifically the forehead, while a lower motor neuron lesion affects all facial muscles. The facial nerve’s path includes the subarachnoid path, where it originates in the pons and passes through the petrous temporal bone into the internal auditory meatus with the vestibulocochlear nerve. The facial canal path passes superior to the vestibule of the inner ear and contains the geniculate ganglion at the medial aspect of the middle ear. The stylomastoid foramen is where the nerve passes through the tympanic cavity anteriorly and the mastoid antrum posteriorly, and it also includes the posterior auricular nerve and branch to the posterior belly of the digastric and stylohyoid muscle.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurological System
      62.1
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - A 78-year-old woman visits her doctor complaining of increasing breathlessness at night and...

    Correct

    • A 78-year-old woman visits her doctor complaining of increasing breathlessness at night and swollen ankles over the past 10 months. She has a medical history of ischaemic heart disease, but an echocardiogram reveals normal valve function. During the examination, the doctor detects a low-pitched sound at the start of diastole, following S2. What is the probable reason for this sound?

      Your Answer: Rapid movement of blood entering ventricles from atria

      Explanation:

      S3 is an unusual sound that can be detected in certain heart failure patients. It is caused by the rapid movement and oscillation of blood into the ventricles.

      Another abnormal heart sound, S4, is caused by forceful atrial contraction and occurs later in diastole.

      While aortic regurgitation causes an early diastolic decrescendo murmur and mitral stenosis can cause a mid-diastolic rumble with an opening snap, these conditions are less likely as the echocardiogram reported normal valve function.

      A patent ductus arteriosus typically causes a continuous murmur and would present earlier in life.

      Heart sounds are the sounds produced by the heart during its normal functioning. The first heart sound (S1) is caused by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves, while the second heart sound (S2) is due to the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves. The intensity of these sounds can vary depending on the condition of the valves and the heart. The third heart sound (S3) is caused by the diastolic filling of the ventricle and is considered normal in young individuals. However, it may indicate left ventricular failure, constrictive pericarditis, or mitral regurgitation in older individuals. The fourth heart sound (S4) may be heard in conditions such as aortic stenosis, HOCM, and hypertension, and is caused by atrial contraction against a stiff ventricle. The different valves can be best heard at specific sites on the chest wall, such as the left second intercostal space for the pulmonary valve and the right second intercostal space for the aortic valve.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular System
      29.8
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - A 24-year-old patient with a family history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome comes to your...

    Incorrect

    • A 24-year-old patient with a family history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome comes to your clinic. During the examination, you notice a painful bony lump on the tibial tuberosity. The patient has been experiencing increased fatigue and has lost a significant amount of weight unintentionally. Her mother, who also has the condition, has undergone treatment for breast cancer.

      Which gene is affected in this inherited disorder?

      Your Answer: NF1

      Correct Answer: Tumour protein p53

      Explanation:

      Understanding Tumour Suppressor Genes

      Tumour suppressor genes are responsible for controlling the cell cycle and preventing the development of cancer. When these genes lose their function, the risk of cancer increases. It is important to note that both alleles of the gene must be mutated before cancer can occur. Examples of tumour suppressor genes include p53, APC, BRCA1 & BRCA2, NF1, Rb, WT1, and MTS-1. Each of these genes is associated with specific types of cancer, and their loss of function can lead to an increased risk of developing these cancers.

      On the other hand, oncogenes are genes that, when they gain function, can also increase the risk of cancer. Unlike tumour suppressor genes, oncogenes promote cell growth and division, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of cancer. Understanding the role of both tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes is crucial in the development of cancer treatments and prevention strategies. By identifying and targeting these genes, researchers can work towards developing more effective treatments for cancer.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • General Principles
      26.6
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Respiratory System (0/1) 0%
Cardiovascular System (1/2) 50%
Neurological System (1/3) 33%
Musculoskeletal System And Skin (0/1) 0%
Endocrine System (0/1) 0%
Gastrointestinal System (0/1) 0%
General Principles (0/1) 0%
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