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Question 1
Incorrect
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A man working as a waiter cuts his arm on a glass while he was working. The palmaris longus muscle was damaged as a consequence of his injury.Which of the following statements regarding the palmaris longus muscle is considered correct?
Your Answer: Damage to it will cause a significant functional deficit at the wrist
Correct Answer: It receives its blood supply from the ulnar artery
Explanation:The palmaris longus is a small, fusiform-shaped muscle located on the anterior forearm of the human upper extremity. The palmaris longus muscle is commonly present but may be absent in a small percentage of the population, ranging from 2.5% to 26% of individuals, depending on the studied population.The palmaris longus belongs to the anterior forearm flexor group in the human upper extremity. The muscle attaches proximally to the medial humeral epicondyle and distally to the palmar aponeurosis and flexor retinaculum. The blood supply to the palmaris longus muscle is via the ulnar artery, a branch of the brachial artery in the human upper extremity.The palmaris longus muscle receives its innervation via branches of the median nerve containing nerve roots C5-T1. Median nerve injury at or above the elbow joint (including brachial plexus and nerve root injury) can lead to deficits in the palmaris longus and other forearm flexor muscles, leading to weakened elbow flexion, wrist flexion, radial deviation, finger flexion, thumb opposition, flexion, and abduction, in addition to the loss of sensory function in the distribution of the median nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 25-year-old guy who has had a knee-high plaster cast on his left leg for the past 5 weeks arrives at the emergency department complaining of numbness on the dorsum of his left foot and an inability to dorsiflex or evert his foot. You know that his symptoms are due to fibular nerve compression. Where is the fibular nerve located?
Your Answer: Anterior compartment of leg
Correct Answer: Neck of fibula
Explanation:Dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot are innervated by the deep fibular nerve and the superficial fibular nerve, respectively. The common fibular nerve runs obliquely downward along the lateral border of the popliteal fossa (medial to the biceps femoris) before branching at the neck of the fibula. Thus, it is prone to being affected during an impact injury or fracture to the bone or leg. Casts that are placed too high can also compress the fibular nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 3
Correct
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Question 4
Correct
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A patient suffers from an injury and as a consequence, the nerve that was damaged innervates the obturator internus muscle.In which of the following nerves is the obturator internus muscle innervated by?
Your Answer: Nerve to obturator internus
Explanation:The obturator internus is innervated by the obturator internus nerve (L5–S2), a branch of sacral plexus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 5
Correct
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The most important nerve for plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle joint is:
Your Answer: Tibial nerve
Explanation:Muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg, innervated by the tibial nerve, perform plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle joint. The fibularis longus (innervated by the superficial fibular nerve) assists in plantar flexion but is not the most important.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 6
Incorrect
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You are asked to review the blood results on a 56-year-old man who appears to be acutely unwell. His results show that he is neutropenic.Which ONE of the following is NOT a recognized cause of a neutropenia?
Your Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis
Correct Answer: Hyposplenism
Explanation:Neutropenia is defined as a total neutrophil count of < 2.0 x 109/l.It can be caused by:Viral infectionsCollagen disease e.g. SLE and RAChemotherapy and radiotherapyHypersplenismMarrow infiltrationVitamin and folate deficiencyDrug reactionsDrugs that cause neutropenia include flecainide, phenytoin, carbimazole, indomethacin and co-trimoxazole.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 7
Correct
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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 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 8
Correct
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A 62-year-old woman is brought to the Emergency Department as she is acutely unwell. Her attendants inform you that she was recently started on lithium as a mood stabilizer. You instantly send a blood sample to check for lithium levels. What is the usual therapeutic range for lithium?
Your Answer: 0.4-0.8 mmol/l
Explanation:Lithium is the drug of choice for recurrent bipolar illness but should be carefully monitored as it has a very low therapeutic index. The normal therapeutic range is 0.4-0.8 mmol/l. The lower end of the range is usually the target for the elderly and as maintenance therapy. Toxicity is usually seen at levels >1.5 mmol/l. Samples should be taken 12 hours after the dose, and levels should be checked one week after starting therapy and one week after every change in dosage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
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 10
Correct
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Cefotaxime (or ceftriaxone) is used first line for which of the following infections:
Your Answer: Blind treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis
Explanation:Cefotaxime (or ceftriaxone) are indicated first line in:- Blind treatment of meningitis in patients > 3 months (with amoxicillin if patient > 50 years)- Meningitis caused by meningococci- Meningitis caused by pneumococci- Meningitis caused by H. influenzae- Severe or invasive salmonellosis- Typhoid fever- Gonorrhoea- Gonococcal arthritis- Haemophilus influenzae epiglottitis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a side effect of phenytoin:
Your Answer: Skin rashes
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 12
Incorrect
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You're currently treating an infection in a patient and trying to figure out which antibiotic would be best.Which of the following antimicrobial drugs inhibits the formation of cell walls?
Your Answer: Metronidazole
Correct Answer: Cefuroxime
Explanation:Cefuroxime and other cephalosporin antibiotics are bactericidal ß-lactam antibiotics. They work similarly to penicillins in that they prevent cross-linking between the linear peptidoglycan polymer chains that make up the bacterial cell wall. As a result, they prevent the formation of cell walls.The following is a summary of the various mechanisms of action of various types of antimicrobial agents:1) Inhibition of cell wall synthesisPenicillinsCephalosporinsVancomycin2) Disruption of cell membrane functionPolymyxinsNystatinAmphotericin B3) Inhibition of protein synthesisMacrolidesAminoglycosidesTetracyclinesChloramphenicol4) Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesisQuinolonesTrimethoprim5-nitroimidazolesRifampicin5) Anti-metabolic activitySulphonamidesIsoniazid
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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You review a patient with a history of Addison’s disease. He takes 100 mg of hydrocortisone per day to control this.What dose of prednisolone is equivalent to this dose of hydrocortisone? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: 10 mg
Correct Answer: 25 mg
Explanation:Prednisolone is four times more potent than hydrocortisone, and therefore, a dose of 25 mg would be equivalent to 100 mg of hydrocortisone.The following table summarises the relative potency of the main corticosteroids compared with hydrocortisone:CorticosteroidPotency relative to hydrocortisonePrednisolone4 times more potentTriamcinolone5 times more potentMethylprednisolone5 times more potentDexamethasone25 times more potent
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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An 18-year-old patient was brought to the ER after falling off of his skateboard. He is unable to flex the distal interphalangeal joint of his index finger. You suspect that he suffers from a supracondylar fracture. Which of the following conditions would confirm supracondylar fracture?
Your Answer: Inability to abduct the fingers
Correct Answer: Inability to oppose the thumb
Explanation:A supracondylar fracture is a fracture that occurs through the thin section of the distal humerus above the growth plate. A supracondylar fracture is most usually associated with median nerve injury. A medial nerve damage causes paralysis of the thenar muscles, as well as loss of thumb opposition.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus is brought in drowsy and confused. Her BM is 2.2 mmol/l and a dose of IM glucagon is administered.What is the principal stimulus for the secretion of glucagon?
Your Answer: Somatostatin
Correct Answer: Hypoglycaemia
Explanation:Glucagon, a peptide hormone, is produced and secreted by alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans, located in the endocrine portion of the pancreas. Its main physiological role is stimulation of hepatic glucose output leading to increase in blood glucose. It is the major counter-regulatory hormone to insulin in maintaining glucose homeostasis.The principal stimulus for the secretion of glucagon is hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia then stimulates:GlycogenolysisGluconeogenesisLipolysis in adipose tissue leading to increased glycaemia.Secretion of glucagon is also stimulated by arginine, alanine, adrenaline, acetylcholine and cholecystokininSecretion of glucagon is inhibited by:InsulinSomatostatinIncreased free fatty acidsIncreased urea production
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A 54-year-old woman presents with polyuria and polydipsia. She is known to suffer from bipolar disorder, which has been well controlled by the use of lithium for many years.What is the SINGLE most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Cranial diabetes insipidus
Correct Answer: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Explanation:Diabetes insipidus is the inability to produce concentrated urine. It is characterised by the presence of excessive thirst, polyuria and polydipsia. There are two distinct types of diabetes insipidus:Cranial (central) diabetes insipidus and;Nephrogenic diabetes insipidusCranial diabetes insipidus is caused by a deficiency of vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone). Patients with cranial diabetes insipidus can have a urine output as high as 10-15 litres per 24 hours, but adequate fluid intake allows most patients to maintain normonatraemia. 30% of cases are idiopathic, and a further 30% are secondary to head injuries. Other causes include neurosurgery, brain tumours, meningitis, granulomatous disease (e.g. sarcoidosis) and drugs, such as naloxone and phenytoin. A very rare inherited form also exists that is associated with diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, nerve deafness and bladder atonia.Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is caused by renal resistance to the action of vasopressin. As with cranial diabetes insipidus, urine output is markedly elevated. Serum sodium levels can be maintained by secondary polydipsia or can be elevated. Causes of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus include chronic renal disease, metabolic disorders (e.g. hypercalcaemia and hypokalaemia) and drugs, including long-term lithium usage and demeclocycline.In view of the history of long-term lithium use, in this case, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is the most likely diagnosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal Physiology
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Question 17
Correct
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A 44-year-old man with an acute episode of gout presents to you and you discuss treatment plan with him.Which one of these statements concerning the treatment of acute gout is true?
Your Answer: A common first-line treatment is Naproxen as a stat dose of 750 mg followed by 250 mg TDS
Explanation:High-dose NSAIDs are the first-line treatment for acute gout. In the absence of any contraindications, Naproxen 750 mg as a stat dose followed by 250 mg TDS is commonly used.Aspirin is contraindicated in gout. It reduces the urinary clearance of urate and also interferes with the action of uricosuric agents. Colchicine is preferred in patients with heart failure or in those who are intolerant of NSAIDs. It is as effective as NSAIDs in relieving acute attacks.Colchicine acts on the neutrophils, binding to tubulin to prevent neutrophil migration into the joint. Where Allopurinol is not tolerated, it has a role in prophylactic treatment of gout.Allopurinol should not be started in the acute phase of gout as it increases the severity and duration of symptoms. It is used as a prophylaxis in preventing future attacks and acts by reducing serum uric acid levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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The QRS duration of a broad-complex tachyarrhythmia is:
Your Answer: Greater than 0.12 s
Correct Answer: Greater than or equal to 0.12 s
Explanation:It’s a broad-complex tachycardia if the QRS duration is 0.12 seconds or more. It’s a narrow-complex tachycardia if the QRS complex is shorter than 0.12 seconds. The QRS duration should be examined if the patient with tachyarrhythmia is stable. Â
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A 28-year-old patient is intubated and has a central venous catheter inserted after being diagnosed with septic shock. You keep track of her central venous pressure.The normal value for central venous pressure is which of the following?Â
Your Answer: 0-3 cmH 2 O
Correct Answer: 0-8 cmH 2 O
Explanation:The pressure measured in the right atrium or superior vena cava is known as central venous pressure (CVP). In a spontaneously breathing subject, the usual CVP value is 0-8 cmH2O (0-6 mmHg).At the conclusion of expiration, the CVP should be measured with the patient resting flat. The catheter’s tip should be at the intersection of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. An electronic transducer is installed and zeroed at the level of the right atrium to measure it (usually in the 4th intercostal space in the mid-axillary line).CVP is a good predictor of preload in the right ventricle. Hypovolaemia is indicated by a volume challenge of 250-500 mL crystalloid eliciting an increase in CVP that is not sustained for more than 10 minutes.CVP is influenced by a number of factors, including:Mechanical ventilation (and PEEP)Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary embolismHeart failurePleural effusionDecreased cardiac outputCardiac tamponadeCVP is reduced by the following factors:Distributive shockNegative pressure ventilationHypovolaemiaDeep inhalation
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 20
Correct
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What is the correct adrenaline dose for a patient with pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
Your Answer: 10 ml of 1 in 10,000 adrenaline solution
Explanation:Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) are referred to as shockable rhythm. IV adrenaline 1 mg (10 mL of 1:10,000 solution) should be administered after 3 shocks and every 3 – 5 minutes/after alternate shocks thereafter for a shockable rhythm. For a non-shockable rhythm, 1 mg IV adrenaline should be administered as soon as IV access is obtained, and then every 3 – 5 minutes/after alternate shocks thereafter.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Regarding bile acids, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Primary bile acids are conjugated with taurine or glycine in the liver, making them more soluble.
Correct Answer: The main primary bile acids are deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid.
Explanation:Bile acids have a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic end and in aqueous solution, bile salts orient themselves around droplets of lipid forming micelles to keep the lipid droplets dispersed. The principal primary bile acids are cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. They are made more soluble by conjugation with taurine or glycine in the liver. Of the bile acids excreted into the intestine, about 95% are reabsorbed into the portal circulation by active transport mechanisms in the distal ileum and recycled by the liver.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Regarding oral rehydration therapy, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Oral rehydration solutions should contain an alkalinising agent to counter acidosis.
Correct Answer: Oral rehydration solutions should be slightly hyperosmolar.
Explanation:Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a fluid replacement strategy used to prevent or treat dehydration. It is less invasive than other strategies for fluid replacement and has successfully lowered the mortality rate of diarrhoea in developing countries. Oral rehydration solutions should be slightly hypo-osmolar (about 250 mmol/litre) to prevent the possible induction of osmotic diarrhoea.ORT contains glucose (e.g. 90 mmol/L in dioralyte). The addition of glucose improves sodium and water absorption in the bowel and prevents hypoglycaemia. It also contains essential mineral salts.Current NICE guidance recommends that 50 ml/kg is given over 4 hours for the treatment of mild dehydration.Once rehydrated, a child should continue with their usual daily fluid intake plus 200 ml ORT after each loose stool. In an infant, give ORT at 1-1.5 x the normal feed volume and in an adult, give 200-400 ml after each loose stool.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids And Electrolytes
- Pharmacology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A 58-year-old woman presents with symptoms of increase in weight, proximal muscular weakening and withering, easy bruising, and acne. You notice that she has a full, plethoric aspect to her face, as well as significant supraclavicular fat pads, when you examine her. She has previously been diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome.Cushing's syndrome is most commonly caused by which of the following?
Your Answer: Adrenal adenoma
Correct Answer: Iatrogenic administration of corticosteroids
Explanation:Cushing’s syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs brought on by long-term exposure to high amounts of endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids. Cushing’s syndrome affects about 10-15 persons per million, and it is more common in those who have had a history of obesity, hypertension, or diabetes.Iatrogenic corticosteroid injection is the most prevalent cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s illness is the second most prevalent cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s disease is distinct from Cushing’s syndrome in that it refers to a single cause of the illness, a pituitary adenoma that secretes high quantities of ACTH, which raises cortisol levels.Cushing’s syndrome has several endogenous sources, including:Cushing’s disease is caused by a pituitary adenoma.Adrenal adenoma Ectopic corticotropin syndrome, e.g. small cell cancer of the lungAdrenal carcinoma is a cancer of the adrenal gland.Hyperplasia of the adrenal glands
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old man from Russia presents with a history of cough with blood-stained sputum, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Suspecting tuberculosis, you begin investigations.All the following statements regarding tuberculosis (TB) are true EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Mycobacterium cannot be Gram stained
Correct Answer: Corticosteroid use is not a risk factor for developing TB
Explanation:Immunosuppressants like corticosteroids may be an important risk factor for developing tuberculosis. All of the other statements are true.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 25
Incorrect
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The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is the first part of the renal tubule and lies in the renal cortex. The bulk of reabsorption of solute occurs is the PCT and 100% of glucose is reabsorbed here.Which of the following is the mechanism of glucose reabsorption in the PCT?
Your Answer: Facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer: Secondary active transport
Explanation:Glucose reabsorption occurs exclusively in the proximal convoluted tubule by secondary active transport through the Na.Glu co-transporters, driven by the electrochemical gradient for sodium. The co-transporters transport two sodium ions and one glucose molecule across the apical membrane, and the glucose subsequently crosses the basolateral membrane by facilitated diffusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal Physiology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Doxycycline is indicated first line for treatment of which of the following infections:
Your Answer: Gonorrhoea
Correct Answer: Chlamydia
Explanation:Doxycycline may be used first line for chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease (with metronidazole and ceftriaxone), acute bacterial sinusitis, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, moderate-severity community acquired pneumonia and high-severity community acquired pneumonia (with benzylpenicillin).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is synthesised by which of the following:
Your Answer: Posterior pituitary
Correct Answer: Hypothalamus
Explanation:Antidiuretic hormone is synthesised in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary within nerve fibres where it is stored in secretory granules. ADH binds V2 receptors on renal principal cells in the late distal tubule and collecting ducts, raising cAMP levels and causing intracellular vesicles to fuse with the apical membrane. In their membrane these vesicles have water channels called aquaporins, which increase the water permeability allowing greater water reabsorption and concentration of urine. Excess levels of ADH results in syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) characterised by hyponatremia with concomitant hypo-osmolality and high urine osmolality.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 28
Correct
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Which of the following is a physiological function that is mediated by a hormone released by the posterior pituitary:
Your Answer: Water retention
Explanation:Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), released by the posterior pituitary, acts on the kidneys to increase water permeability in the distal nephron allowing greater water reabsorption and concentration of urine. Prolactin, from the anterior pituitary, is responsible for milk production. The thyroid hormones, from the thyroid gland, are responsible for an increase in basal metabolic rate (stimulated by TSH from the anterior pituitary). FSH/LH, from the anterior pituitary, are responsible for maturation of egg and sperm. Calcitonin, from the thyroid gland, is responsible for decreasing calcium levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 29
Correct
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A 63 year old lady presents to ED with a persistent cough and red currant jelly sputum. She has a history of chronic alcohol abuse and has an X-ray which demonstrates a cavitating pneumonia. The most likely causative pathogen is:
Your Answer: Klebsiella pneumoniae
Explanation:One of the results of Klebsiella pneumoniae is pneumonia that is usually a very severe infection. It is characterised by thick, bloody sputum (red currant jelly sputum), and is associated with complications like lung abscess, cavitation, necrosis, empyema and pleural effusions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Microbiology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which of the following comprises a negative feedback mechanism?
Your Answer: Detectors, amplifiers, a set point and effectors
Correct Answer: Detectors, comparators, a variable set point and effectors
Explanation:Negative feedback loops, also known as inhibitory loops, play a crucial role in controlling human health. It is a self-regulating mechanism of some sort. A negative feedback system is made up of three main components: a detector (often neural receptor cells) that measures the variable in question and provides input to the comparator; a comparator (usually a neural assembly in the central nervous system) that receives input from the detector, compares the variable to the variable set point, and determines whether or not a response is required. The comparator activates an effector (typically muscular or glandular tissue) to conduct the appropriate reaction to return the variable to its set point.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Cellular
- Physiology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
