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Question 1
Incorrect
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You examine a 78-year-old man who has been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).What is the MAIN contributory factor in this condition's immunodeficiency?
Your Answer: Lymphopenia
Correct Answer: Hypogammaglobulinemia
Explanation:Immunodeficiency is present in all patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), though it is often mild and not clinically significant. Infections are the leading cause of death in 25-50 percent of CLL patients, with respiratory tract, skin, and urinary tract infections being the most common.Hypogammaglobulinemia is the most common cause of immunodeficiency in CLL patients, accounting for about 85 percent of all cases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 2
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 3
Correct
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A patient with a stab wound to the axilla arrives to the emergency department. You notice weakness in elbow flexion and forearm supination during your assessment. Which of these nerves has been affected:
Your Answer: Musculocutaneous nerve
Explanation:The musculocutaneous nerve is relatively protected in the axilla, hence injury to it is uncommon. A stab wound in the axilla is the most prevalent source of damage. Because of the activities of the pectoralis major and deltoid, the brachioradialis, and the supinator muscles, arm flexion and forearm flexion and supination are diminished but not completely lost. Over the lateral part of the forearm, there is a lack of sensation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 4
Correct
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A 25-year-old man suffers from a shoulder injury that damaged the nerve that innervates the infraspinatus muscle.Which of the following nerves may most likely be affected?
Your Answer: The suprascapular nerve
Explanation:The suprascapular nerve (C5-C6) innervates the infraspinatus. It originates at the superior trunk of the brachial plexus. It runs laterally across the lateral cervical region to supply the infraspinatus and also the supraspinatus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 5
Incorrect
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You review a 34-year-old man with lower back pain and plan to prescribe him ibuprofen and codeine phosphate. His only past medical history of note is depression, for which he takes fluoxetine.Which of the following scenarios would prompt you to consider the co-prescription of a PPI for gastro-protection? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Ibuprofen dose of 400 mg TDS
Correct Answer: Co-prescription of fluoxetine
Explanation:Patients at risk of gastro-intestinal ulceration (including the elderly) who need NSAID treatment should receive gastroprotective treatment. The current recommendations by NICE suggest that gastro-protection should be considered if patients have ≥1 of the following:Using maximum recommended dose of an NSAIDAged 65 or olderHistory of peptic ulcer or GI bleedingConcomitant use of medications that increase risk:Low dose aspirinAnticoagulantsCorticosteroidsAnti-depressants including SSRIs and SNRIsRequirements for prolonged NSAID usage:Patients with OA or RA at any ageLong-term back pain if older than 45It is suggested that if required, either omeprazole 20 mg daily or lansoprazole 15-30 mg daily should be the PPIs of choice.This patient is on 400 mg of ibuprofen TDS, but the maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen is 2.4 g daily. Co-prescription of codeine, raised BMI, and a family history of peptic ulceration would also not prompt gastro-protection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Compliance is decreased by all but which one of the following:
Your Answer: Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: Aging
Explanation:Factors increasing compliance:Old ageEmphysemaFactors decreasing compliance:Pulmonary fibrosisPulmonary oedemaAtelectasisExtremes of lung volumes (at higher lung volumes the compliance of the lung becomes less as the lung becomes stiffer)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 7
Correct
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When treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which of the following should be given if the systolic blood pressure is initially less than 90 mmHg:
Your Answer: 500 mL sodium chloride 0.9% intravenous infusion over 10 - 15 minutes
Explanation:If SBP is less than 90 mmHg , 500 mL sodium chloride 0.9 percent should be administered intravenously over 10–15 minutes, and repeated if SBP remains less than 90 mmHg. When SBP is greater than 90 mmHg, sodium chloride infusion must be maintained at a rate that replaces the deficit.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pharmacology
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Question 8
Correct
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Which of the following pathogens causes tetanus:
Your Answer: Clostridium tetani
Explanation:Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium. Tetanus can cause mild spasms to severe whole-body contractions, suffocation, and heart attack. Gas gangrene and food poisoning are both caused by Clostridium perfringens. Pseudomembranous colitis is caused by Clostridium difficile. Urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, dermatitis, soft tissue infections, bacteraemia, bone and joint infections, gastrointestinal infections, and a variety of systemic infections are all caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pharyngitis, skin infections, acute rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, toxic shock–like syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis can all be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 9
Incorrect
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You contact the intensive care outreach team to inquire about a severely hypotensive resuscitated patient. They make the decision to start a dopamine infusion.Dopamine primarily has which of the following effects at high doses (>15 g/kg/min)?
Your Answer: Central modulation of behaviour
Correct Answer: Alpha-adrenergic stimulation
Explanation:Dopamine is a catecholamine that occurs naturally and is used to treat low cardiac output, septic shock, and renal failure. It is both adrenaline and noradrenaline’s immediate precursor.Dopamine acts on D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the renal, mesenteric, and coronary beds at low doses (1-5 g/kg/min). Dopamine causes a significant decrease in renal vascular resistance and an increase in renal blood flow at these doses. Within this dose range, it is also involved in central modulation of behaviour and movement.Dopamine stimulates beta- and alpha-adrenergic receptors directly and indirectly at higher doses. Beta-stimulation predominates at a rate of 5-10 g/kg/min, resulting in a positive inotropic effect that increases cardiac output and coronary blood flow. Alpha-stimulation predominates at infusion rates greater than 15 g/kg/min, resulting in peripheral vasoconstriction and an increase in venous return and systolic blood pressure.Because clearance varies greatly in critically ill patients, plasma concentrations cannot be predicted reliably from infusion rates.Dopamine is given as an intravenous infusion, and because extravasation can cause tissue necrosis and sloughing, a central line is usually used (especially at higher doses >240 g/min). In an emergency, however, dopamine can be administered through a large vein (cephalic or basilic) while a central line is being prepared. Alkaline intravenous solutions inactivate it, so sodium bicarbonate should not be infused with it.The following are the most common dopamine side effects:Nausea and vomitingTachycardiaDysrhythmiasAnginaHypertension
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 10
Correct
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All of the following statement are correct regarding endothelium derived nitric oxide except:
Your Answer: Nitric oxide production is inhibited by local mediators such as bradykinin, histamine and serotonin.
Explanation:Factors that elevate intracellular Ca2+ increase nitric oxide (NO) production by the endothelium included local mediators such as histamine and serotonin, bradykinin, and some neurotransmitters like substance P. NO production is also stimulated by increased flow (shear stress) and additionally activates prostacyclin synthesis. As a result of basal production of NO, there is continuous modulation of vascular resistance and as a result, there is increased production of nitric oxide acts which causes vasodilation. Platelet activation and thrombosis are inhibited by nitric oxide.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 11
Correct
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The average BP reading on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for a 59-year-old Caucasian man is 152/96 mmHg (ABPM).The first-line drug treatment for this patient would be which of the following? Please only choose ONE answer.
Your Answer: Amlodipine
Explanation:An ambulatory blood pressure reading of >150/95 is classified as stage 2 hypertension, according to the NICE care pathway for hypertension, and the patient should be treated with an antihypertensive drug.A calcium-channel blocker, such as amlodipine, would be the most appropriate medication for a 59-year-old Caucasian man.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 12
Correct
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A 58-year-old male has cellulitis of his left leg. Because he is allergic to penicillin, you start him on erythromycin.What is erythromycin's mechanism of action?
Your Answer: Inhibition of protein synthesis
Explanation:Bacteriostatic antibiotics include erythromycin and other macrolide antibiotics. They work by attaching to the bacterial ribosome’s 50S subunit, preventing translocation and thereby protein synthesis. Macrolide antibiotics are actively concentrated inside leukocytes and delivered to the infection site as a result.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT a typical effect caused by adrenaline:
Your Answer: Bronchoconstriction
Explanation:Actions of adrenaline:Cardiovascular system- Increased rate and force of cardiac contraction- Vasoconstriction of vessels in skin, mucous membranes and splanchnic bed- Vasodilation of skeletal muscle vessels- Increased cardiac output and blood pressureRespiratory system- Bronchodilation- Increased ventilation rateGastrointestinal system- Smooth muscle relaxation- Contraction of sphincters- Metabolism- Decreased insulin release- Increased glucagon release- Increased thermogenesis- Increased glycolysis- Increased lipolysisEye- Pupillary dilation
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 14
Correct
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The pelvic bone is formed by which of the following:
Your Answer: Ilium, ischium and pubis
Explanation:Each pelvic bone is formed by three elements: the ilium (superiorly), the pubis (anteroinferiorly) and the ischium (posteroinferiorly).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 15
Correct
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Which of the following body location is the appropriate site to apply pressure when performing a carotid sinus massage?
Your Answer: Thyroid cartilage
Explanation:The common carotid artery runs through the neck and divides into internal and external carotid arteries on both sides near the upper thyroid cartilage. In emergency situations, carotid sinus massage is also used to diagnose or treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. During the procedure, to maximize access to the carotid artery, the patient is put in a supine position with the neck extended (i.e. elevating the chin away from the chest). The carotid sinus is normally positioned inferior to the angle of the jaw, near the arterial impulse, at the level of the thyroid cartilage. For 5 to 10 seconds, pressure is administered to one carotid sinus. Although pulsatile pressure applied in a vigorous circular motion may be more effective, continuous pressure is preferred since it is more reproducible. If the predicted reaction is not obtained, the operation is repeated on the opposite side after a one- to two-minute wait.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head And Neck
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Question 16
Correct
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Regarding the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, which of the following statements is true?
Your Answer: It receives its blood supply from the ulnar artery
Explanation:Extensor carpi ulnaris is a fusiform muscle in the posterior forearm. It spans between the elbow and base of the little finger. This muscle belongs to the superficial forearm extensor group, along with anconaeus, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscles.Like all the muscles of this compartment, extensor carpi ulnaris works as an extensor of the wrist. Moreover, due to its specific course, this muscle also acts to adduct the hand.Extensor carpi ulnaris is innervated by the posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8), a branch of the deep division of the radial nerve. The radial nerve stems from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.Blood supply to the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle is provided by branches of the radial recurrent and posterior interosseous arteries, which stem from the radial and ulnar arteries, respectively.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 17
Incorrect
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A 52-year-old patient requires procedural sedation for DC cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. You plan on using propofol as the sedative agent.Propofol works as a result of action on what type of receptor? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Dopamine
Correct Answer: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Explanation:Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is a short-acting phenol derivative that is primarily used for the induction of anaesthesia.Its mechanism of action is unclear but is thought to act by potentiating the inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine, which enhances spinal inhibition during anaesthesia.The dose for induction of anaesthesia is 1.5-2.5mg/kg. The dose for maintenance of anaesthesia is 4-12 mg/kg/hour. Following intravenous injection, propofol acts within 30 seconds and its duration of action is 5-10 minutes.Propofol produces a 15-25% decrease in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance without a compensatory increase in heart rate. It is negatively inotropic and decreases cardiac output by approximately 20%.The main side effects of propofol are:Pain on injection (in up to 30%)HypotensionTransient apnoeaHyperventilationCoughing and hiccoughHeadacheThrombosis and phlebitis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
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 19
Incorrect
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A novel anti-tuberculosis medicine was compared to standard treatment and shown to cut the risk of death from 30 to 10 per 1000 people. How many patients would need to be treated (number need to treat (NNT)) in order to prevent ten additional tuberculosis deaths:
Your Answer: 250
Correct Answer: 500
Explanation:The risk of mortality in the control group (usual therapy) minus the risk of death in the treatment group equals the absolute risk reduction (ARR) of treatment.30/1000 minus 10/1000 = 20/1000 = 0.02NNT = 1/ARR = 1/0.02 = 50As a result, 50 people would need to be treated in order to prevent one additional fatality, and 500 people would need to be treated in order to avoid 10 additional deaths.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
- Statistics
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Question 20
Correct
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Which of the following describes the site of a Meckel's diverticulum:
Your Answer: Ileum
Explanation:Meckel’s lies on the antimesenteric surface of the middle-to-distal ileum, approximately 2 feet proximal to the ileocaecal junction. It appears as a blind-ended tubular outpouching of bowel, about 2 inches long, occurring in about 2% of the population, and may contain two types of ectopic tissue (gastric and pancreatic). The rich blood supply to the diverticulum is provided by the superior mesenteric artery.Proximal to the major duodenal papilla the duodenum is supplied by the gastroduodenal artery (branch of the coeliac trunk) and distal to the major duodenal papilla it is supplied by the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (branch of superior mesenteric artery). The arterial supply to the jejunoileum is from the superior mesenteric artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is INCORRECT. Fick's law tells us that the rate of diffusion of a gas across a membrane increases as:
Your Answer: the membrane surface area increases.
Correct Answer: the partial pressure gradient decreases.
Explanation:Fick’s law tells us that the rate of diffusion of a gas increases: the larger the surface area involved in gas exchangethe greater the partial pressure gradient across the membranethe thinner the membranethe more soluble the gas in the membranethe lower the molecular weight of the gas
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 22
Correct
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The tetanus vaccination contains inactivated tetanus toxoid, which induces the body to produce protective antibodies. How do these antibodies protect the body from tetanus?
Your Answer: Neutralise the protein exotoxin of C. tetani
Explanation:C. Tetanospasmin, an exotoxin produced by tetani, is responsible for the neurotoxic consequences of tetanus. The tetanus vaccination contains inactivated tetanus toxoid, which induces the body to produce protective antibodies that neutralize the tetanus toxin. It induces active immunization against Clostridium tetani exotoxin via toxoid-induced Ab generation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Regarding hypernatraemia, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Hypernatraemia with an actual increase in total body sodium is rare.
Correct Answer: In acute severe hypernatraemia, seizures and intracranial vascular haemorrhage can occur as a result of brain cell lysis.
Explanation:Acute severe hypernatraemia is a medical emergency and requires inpatient management in a high dependency setting. Seizures and intracranial vascular haemorrhage as a result of brain cell crenation can occur. The cause is most commonly excessive water loss and the key aspect of treatment is aggressive fluid replacement (typically with normal saline as this is relatively hypotonic). If urine osmolality is low, diabetes insipidus (DI )should be considered and a trial of synthetic ADH given. In patients with known DI, it is essential to ensure synthetic ADH is given parenterally and that close fluid balance is observed.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 24
Correct
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You examine a 34-year-old lady with symptoms that are consistent with acute sinusitis. You're thinking about giving her doxycycline for treatment.What is doxycycline's mechanism of action?Â
Your Answer: Inhibition of protein synthesis
Explanation:Doxycycline and other tetracycline antibiotics attach to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing aminoacyl-tRNA binding and so protein synthesis beginning.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 25
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 chiasm
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 26
Correct
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A 29-year-old man presents with painful red eye with copious discharge and you make a diagnosis of infective conjunctivitis following a history and an examination,.One of these is NOT an indication for an urgent ophthalmology referral in this patient.
Your Answer: Bilateral conjunctivitis
Explanation:Urgent referral to ophthalmology is indicated if the patient with conjunctivitis has any of the following:Suspected gonococcal or chlamydial conjunctivitisCorneal involvement associated with soft contact lens useSevere disease indicated by presence of a pseudomembraneConjunctivitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis or in immunocompromised patient. Ophthalmia neonatorum.Possible herpes infection.Had recent intraocular surgery. A red flag indicating a serious cause of red eye.Suspected periorbital or orbital cellulitis.Bilateral conjunctivitis is not an indication for urgent referral to ophthalmology.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Continuous capillaries are typically found where in the body:
Your Answer: Renal glomeruli
Correct Answer: Blood-brain barrier
Explanation:Continuous capillaries, found in the skin, lungs, muscles and CNS, are the most selective with low permeability, as junctions between the endothelial cells are very tight, restricting the flow of molecules with MW > 10,000.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Which of these drugs may reduce the efficacy of contraception?
Your Answer: Sodium valproate
Correct Answer: Carbamazepine
Explanation:Antiepileptic medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), topiramate (Topamax), and phenytoin (Dilantin) are widely known for reducing the contraceptive effectiveness of OCPs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT an effect of cytokine activity:
Your Answer: Fever
Correct 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 30
Correct
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One of these statements about cohort studies is true:
Your Answer: They are longitudinal in nature
Explanation:A cohort study is a longitudinal, observational study. It follows a group of patients (the cohort) forward in time and monitors the effects of the aetiological factor under study upon them.Cohort studies are usually of longer duration and are more expensive than case-control studies. They, however, provide more useful and reliable information.Cohort studies follow a cohort of patients who don’t have a disease and evaluate the absolute and relative risk of contracting the disease after exposure to the aetiological agent.Cross-sectional studies are the best way to determine the prevalence of a disease. while Cohort studies are better at determining the incidence of a disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
