An 80-year-old woman complains of vision loss in her left eye accompanied by frontal headaches and lethargy for the past two weeks. During examination, her left eye shows only hand movements while her right eye has a visual acuity of 6/9. Fundoscopy of the left eye reveals an oedematous and pale optic disc. What is the probable diagnosis?
You have conducted an audit of mammogram screening for women over the age of 50. After the initial audit cycle, you discover that only 35% of eligible women have had a mammogram within the past two years. You implement a program to improve mammogram screening and re-evaluate the percentage with mammogram results 12 months later.
Which statistical test would be most appropriate to determine if there has been a significant change in the number of women receiving mammograms?
What approach has been demonstrated to aid in lowering the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome?
A new mother comes to see you with her baby for a routine eight week check. She is anxious about cot death and wants to discuss the subject further.
Which of the following statements about cot death is correct?
A 55-year-old man was admitted to hospital two weeks ago with a myocardial infarction. He is now readmitted complaining of breathlessness on minimal exertion.
He is diagnosed with left ventricular failure, and given furosemide, which produces a marked improvement. Echocardiogram shows poor left ventricular function and wall motion abnormalities.
Which of the following drugs would be most expected to improve survival in this man?
What is the conclusion of the randomised placebo-controlled trial conducted by experienced vascular surgeons comparing a specific carotid surgery technique to another operation?
How would you define a placebo?
A 52-year-old woman visits her GP with concerns about her risk of developing osteoporosis. She underwent a hysterectomy and oophorectomy due to uterine fibroids a year ago, which was followed by mild hot flashes that have since resolved. The patient is worried about the possibility of fracture after her mother broke her hip at the age of 72. She inquires about medications for osteoporosis. Her T score is <−2.5, and her body mass index is 17.3 kg/m2. She was on Depo-Provera from the age of 39 to 45, during which time she was amenorrhoeic. The physical examination, including breast examination, is normal. What would you suggest to her?
A 55-year-old man with type 2 diabetes comes to the clinic. His fasting blood glucose levels range from 7-10, and his HbA1c result is 64 mmol/mol (normal range 20-42) despite following a diabetic diet and exercising regularly. He has a body mass index of 30. What is the most suitable treatment to initiate?
A random selection of 800 adults over the age of 60 agree to participate in a study of the possible effects of drug Y.
They are followed prospectively for a period of ten years to see if there is an association between the incidence of osteoporosis and the use of drug Y.
Which type of study is described here?