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Question 1
Incorrect
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When exposing the right saphenofemoral junction for flush-ligation of the saphenous vein, which of the following is the most likely to be seen passing through this opening?
Your Answer: Superficial circumflex iliac artery
Correct Answer: Superficial external pudendal artery
Explanation:The saphenous opening is an oval opening in the fascia lata. It is covered by the cribriform fascia and It is so called because it is perforated by the great saphenous vein and by numerous blood and lymphatic vessels and the superficial external pudendal artery pierces it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 2
Correct
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Which organs would cause pain in a patient who complains of dull pain in her pelvis, along the midline starting from the pubic bone in the front to the sacrum at the back?
Your Answer: Urinary bladder, uterus/cervix/vagina, rectum
Explanation:The pain could have been caused by the urinary bladder, uterus/cervix/vagina or rectum as it involves the pelvic viscera.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 3
Correct
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Which of the following is a potential cause of a positive D-dimer assay?
Your Answer: Deep venous thrombosis
Explanation:A D-dimer test is performed to detect and diagnose thrombotic conditions and thrombosis. A negative result would rule out thrombosis and a positive result although not diagnostic, is highly suspicious of thrombotic conditions like a deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism as well as DIC.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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A diabetic 58-year-old man, after the injection of radiographic contrast, has a decreased urine output and decreased level of consciousness. Which of the following conditions has he most likely developed
Your Answer: Acute interstitial nephritis
Correct Answer: Acute tubular necrosis
Explanation:Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) involves damage to the tubule cells of the kidneys and is the most common cause of acute kidney injury. ATN in the majority of the cases is caused by ischaemia of the kidneys due to lack of perfusion and oxygenation but it may also occur due to poison or harmful substance. Contrast used for radiology may cause ATN in patients with several risk factors e.g. diabetic nephropathy. Symptoms may include oliguria, nausea, fluid retention, fatigue and decreased consciousness.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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What is the result of maltase deficiency in the brush border of the small intestine?
Your Answer: Results in lack of absorption of sucrose
Correct Answer: Results in increased passage of maltose in stool
Explanation:Maltase is an enzyme produced from the surface cells of the villi, lining the small intestine and aids in hydrolysing the disaccharide maltose, which splits into two molecules of α-glucose. It is done by breaking the glycosidic bond between the ‘first’ carbon of one glucose and the ‘fourth’ carbon of the other (a 1–4 bond). Hence, a deficiency of enzyme maltase will result in the increased passage of maltose in the stool.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 6
Correct
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A 15 year old girl presented to the emergency with a history of chronic cough, fever and weight loss. Her chest X-ray showed multiple nodules 1-4 cm in size and some of them with cavitation especially in the upper lobe. A sputum sample was positive for acid fast bacilli. Which of the following cells played a part in the development of the lung lesions?
Your Answer: Macrophage
Explanation:The characteristic cells in granulomatous inflammation are giant cells, formed from merging macrophages and epithelioid cells elongated with granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. Granulomatous reactions are seen in patients with tuberculosis. A tuberculous/caseating granuloma is characterised by a zone of central necrosis lined with giant multinucleated giant cells (Langhans cells) and surrounded by epithelioid cells, lymphocytes and fibroblasts. The caseous zone is present due to the damaged and dead giant cells and epithelioid cells.
Mast cells are only few in number and fibroblasts lay down collagen.
Basophils are not present.
The giant cell made up of macrophages are the most abundant cells in this inflammatory process. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 7
Correct
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A generally healthy young man undergoes surgery for an acute abdomen and he is given suxamethonium. After the surgery, he is taken to the recovery room where he develops a tachycardia of 122 bpm and a temperature of 40.1ºC. He also has generalised muscular rigidity. What is his diagnosis?
Your Answer: Malignant hyperthermia
Explanation:Answer: Malignant hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome of hypermetabolism involving the skeletal muscle. It is triggered in susceptible individuals primarily by the volatile inhalational anaesthetic agents and the muscle relaxant succinylcholine, though other drugs have also been implicated as potential triggers. MH is not an allergy but an inherited disorder that is found both in humans and in swine.
In persons susceptible to MH, the ryanodine receptor in skeletal muscle is abnormal, and this abnormality interferes with regulation of calcium in the muscle. An abnormal ryanodine receptor that controls calcium release causes a build-up of calcium in skeletal muscle, resulting in a massive metabolic reaction.
This hypermetabolism causes increased carbon dioxide production, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, accelerated oxygen consumption, heat production, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, hyperkalaemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and multiple organ dysfunction and failure. Early clinical signs of MH include an increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (even with increasing minute ventilation), tachycardia, muscle rigidity, tachypnoea, and hyperkalaemia. Later signs include fever, myoglobinuria, and multiple organ failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Post-operative Management And Critical Care
- Principles Of Surgery-in-General
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Question 8
Correct
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A 28-year old lady comes to the surgical clinic with a recently detected lump in her right breast. On examination, the lump is found to be 1cm, rubbery, mobile with no palpable axillary nodes. Mammography reveals no microcalcifications and the opposite breast appears normal. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Fibroadenoma
Explanation:A benign breast tumour, fibroadenoma is common below the age of 30 years and occurs due to oestrogenic excess. It is characterised by proliferation of both glandular and stromal elements. Fibroadenomas are usually solitary and are mobile, not fixed to surrounding structures. The tumour is elastic, nodular and encapsulated with a grey-white cut surface. The two main histological types include intracanalicular and pericanalicular types, with both types often present in the same tumour. In the intracanalicular type, the stromal proliferation component predominates causing compression of ducts making them appear slit-like. In pericanalicular type, the fibrous stroma dominates around the ductal spaces so that they remain oval on cross section.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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What is the likely course of a pulmonary embolism arising from the leg veins and ending in the apical segmental pulmonary artery that supplies the superior lobe of left lung?.
Your Answer: Inferior vena cava – right atrium – tricuspid valve – right ventricle – pulmonary trunk – left pulmonary artery – left bronchial artery – left apical segmental artery
Correct Answer: Inferior vena cava – right atrium – tricuspid valve – right ventricle – pulmonary trunk – left pulmonary artery – left superior lobar artery – left apical segmental artery
Explanation:A clot originating in the leg vein will go to the inferior vena cava, into the right atrium, through the tricuspid valve, into the right ventricle, through the pulmonary trunk, into the left pulmonary artery, into the left superior lobar artery and then finally reach the left apical segmental artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 10
Correct
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A drug abuser developed an infection which spread from the dorsum of the hand to the medial side of the arm along the course of the large cutaneous vein. Which vein is involved?
Your Answer: Basilic
Explanation:The basilic vein is one of two veins found in the forearm, the other is the cephalic vein. These veins originate from the deep venous arch of the hand. The cephalic vein ascends along the lateral side of the forearm, and the basilic vein runs up the medial side of the forearm.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 40-year old man sustained a deep laceration to the sole of his left foot. It was found that the belly of extensor digitorum muscle was lacerated and the lateral tarsal artery was severed. The lateral tarsal artery is a branch of the:
Your Answer: Posterior tibial artery
Correct Answer: Dorsalis pedis artery
Explanation:The lateral tarsal artery arises from the dorsalis pedis, as the vessel crosses the navicular bone
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 12
Correct
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During a splenectomy procedure of a 45-year old male patient with a bleeding ruptured spleen, the surgeon decided to clamp the splenic artery near the coeliac trunk to stop the bleeding. Which of the following organ/s parts will be least affected by the clamping?
Your Answer: Duodenum
Explanation:The duodenum is the only organ in the list that would not be affect by the clumping of the splenic artery as it is supplied by common hepatic artery (through the gastroduodenal artery) and the superior mesenteric artery (through the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery). The splenic artery is the artery that supplies the spleen with oxygenated blood. The splenic artery before reaching the spleen also gives off branches that supply the stomach and the pancreas. The greater curvature and the fundus of the stomach is supplied the short gastric artery which branches off from the splenic artery. The left portion of the greater curvature of the stomach together with the greater omentum is supplied by the left gastro-omental artery of the splenic artery. The body and tail of the pancreas is supplied by branches of the splenic artery through the dorsal and superior pancreatic arteries and the caudal pancreatic arteries respectively.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 5 year old boy is taken to the doctor by his father. He has had an earache for the past day and he is constantly pulling and touching his ear. His father noticed a foul smelling discharge leaking from his ear after which the earache resolved. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Your Answer: Otitis externa
Correct Answer: Acute otitis media
Explanation:Acute otitis media (AOM) is a painful type of ear infection. It occurs when the area behind the eardrum, the middle ear, becomes inflamed and infected.
The following behaviours in children often mean they have AOM:
– fits of fussiness and intense crying (in infants)
– clutching the ear while wincing in pain (in toddlers)
– complaining about a pain in the ear (in older children).Perforation of the tympanic membrane is not unusual as the process advances, most frequently in posterior or inferior quadrants. Before or instead of a single perforation, an opaque serum like exudate is sometimes seen oozing through the entire tympanic membrane.
With perforation and in the absence of a coexistent viral infection, the patient generally experiences rapid relief of pain and fever. The discharge initially is purulent, though it may be thin and watery or bloody; pulsation of the otorrhea is common. Otorrhea from acute perforation normally lasts 1-2 days before spontaneous healing occurs. Otorrhea may persist if the perforation is accompanied by mucosal swelling or polypoid changes, which can act as a ball valve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Generic Surgical Topics
- Head And Neck Surgery
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Question 14
Correct
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A 43 year old detective undergoes a vasectomy at the local hospital. He is reviewed at the request of his general practitioner. On examination, he has a small rounded nodule adjacent to the vas. Which of the following is the most likely underlying diagnosis?
Your Answer: Sperm granuloma
Explanation:A sperm granuloma is a lump of extravasated sperm that appears along the vasa deferentia or epididymides in vasectomized men.
Sperm granulomas are rounded or irregular in shape, one millimetre to one centimetre or more, with a central mass of degenerating sperm surrounded by tissue containing blood vessels and immune system cells. Sperm granulomas can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic (i.e., either not painful or painful, respectively). If it is painful, it can be treated using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory /pain medication. If it causes unbearable discomfort, it may need to be surgically removed. However, they generally heal by themselves. Statistics suggest that between 15-40% of men may develop a granuloma post-vasectomy. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Generic Surgical Topics
- Urology
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Question 15
Correct
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A 35 year-old man presents with high grade fever for 7 days after returning from a trip to India. He tested positive for widal test. What is the most likely organism that caused his fever?
Your Answer: Salmonella typhi
Explanation:Typhoid fever is caused by virulent bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Salmonella typhi spread through contaminated food or water and occasionally through direct contact with someone who is infected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Carbachol is a cholinergic agonist. In which of these cases should carbachol be administered?
Your Answer: Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia provoked by emotion or exercise
Correct Answer: Cataract surgery
Explanation:Carbachol (carbamylcholine) is a cholinergic agent, a choline ester and a positively charged quaternary ammonium compound. It is primarily used for various ophthalmic purposes, such as for treating glaucoma, or for use during ophthalmic surgery. It is usually administered topically to the eye or through intraocular injection. It is not well absorbed in the gastro-intestinal tract and does not cross the blood–brain barrier.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 17
Correct
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A 19 year old female presents with a firm mobile mass in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast. Which of the following could be the underlying disease process?
Your Answer: Fibroadenoma
Explanation:A fibroadenoma is a painless, unilateral, benign (non-cancerous) breast tumour that is a solid, not fluid-filled, lump. It occurs most commonly in women between the age of 14 to 35 years but can be found at any age. Fibroadenomas shrink after menopause, and therefore, are less common in post-menopausal women. Fibroadenomas are often referred to as a breast mouse due to their high mobility. Fibroadenomas are a marble-like mass comprising both epithelial and stromal tissues located under the skin of the breast. These firm, rubbery masses with regular borders are often variable in size.
Duct ectasia, also known as mammary duct ectasia, is a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition that occurs when a milk duct in the breast widens and its walls thicken. This can cause the duct to become blocked and lead to fluid build-up. It’s more common in women who are getting close to menopause. But it can happen after menopause, too.
Fat necrosis is a benign condition and does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. It can occur anywhere in the breast and can affect women of any age. Men can also get fat necrosis, but this is very rare.
Breast cysts are a benign condition. They’re one of the most common causes of a breast lump, and can develop in either one or both breasts. It’s thought they develop naturally as the breast changes with age due to normal changes in hormone levels. It’s common to have more than one cyst. Breast cysts can feel soft or hard and can be any size, ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres. They’re usually oval or round in shape and can develop quickly.
Atypical hyperplasia is a precancerous condition that affects cells in the breast. Atypical hyperplasia describes an accumulation of abnormal cells in the breast.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Breast And Endocrine Surgery
- Generic Surgical Topics
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Question 18
Correct
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Following a bee sting, a women develops a 2cm red, raised, swollen lesion at the site of the sting . Which of the following findings is likely to be seen in this lesion?
Your Answer: Vasodilation
Explanation:Inflammation is the immediate response of the body towards infections or irritations. The cardinal signs of inflammation are 1. redness/rubor, 2. tumour/swelling, 3.dolar/pain, 4.calor/heat and organ dysfunction (function laesa). Inflammation has 2 components; vascular and cellular. Blood vessels dilate upstream of the inflamed area leading to the rubor and calor and constrict downstream, increasing pressure and causing fluid to leak out of the capillary, resulting in swelling. The cellular component includes infiltration by neutrophils. Leukocyte arrival and functions include; 1. margination: cells marginated from the centre to the periphery of the vessel, 2. rolling: selectins are upregulated on the vessel walls, 3. adhesion: upregulation of the adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM on the endothelium interact with integrins on the leukocytes resulting in adhesion, 4. diapedesis and chemotaxis: diapedesis is the transmigration of the leukocyte across the endothelium of the capillary and towards a chemotactic product and 5. phagocytosis: engulfing the offending substance/cell.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Skeletal muscle fibres are divided into two basic types, type I (slow-twitch fibres) and type II (fast-twitch fibres). Fast muscle fibres do which of the following:
Your Answer: Have numerous mitochondria
Correct Answer: Use anaerobic metabolism
Explanation:Skeletal muscles are divided into two types:
1) type I also known as the slow twitch fibres. They use oxygen for their metabolism and as a result they have a high endurance potential. To support this they have abundant mitochondria and myoglobin, so they appear red/dark.
2) type II fibres also called fast twitch fibres, are low endurance fibres used during anaerobic metabolism. They are required for short bursts of strength and cannot sustain contractions for long periods of time. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 20
Correct
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An intern is attempting to put in an arterial line in an ICU patients left foot. Which is the best site to feel for the pulsation of the dorsalis pedis artery in the foot?
Your Answer: Just lateral to the tendon of extensor hallucis longus
Explanation:The dorsalis pedis artery is the continuation of the anterior tibial artery. The pulse of the posterior tibial artery, which comes from the posterior compartment of the leg, may be felt behind the medial malleolus just lateral to the tendon of the extensor hallucis longus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 21
Correct
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In the emergency room, a nurse was introducing a catheter into the patients femoral vein for rapid fluid therapy. The femoral vein is situated inside the femoral sheath. Which of the following is true about that sheath?
Your Answer: The medial compartment is called the femoral canal
Explanation:The femoral sheath is situated ,4cm below the inguinal ligament. It is a prolongation of the abdominal fascia. The anterior wall is a prolongation of the transversalis fascia and the posterior wall, the iliac fascia. It is divided by two vertical septa into 3 compartments, lateral, intermediate, and medial. The medial compartment is known as the femoral canal and contains some lymphatic vessels. The lateral one contains the femoral artery and the intermediate one contains the femoral vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 17 year old girl is taken to the hospital with a 10 hour history of pelvic pain. Her last normal menstrual cycle was 14 days ago and she is otherwise well. Her abdomen was soft with mild suprapubic pain on examination. What is the underlying cause?
Your Answer: Pelvic inflammatory disease
Correct Answer: Mittelschmerz
Explanation:Answer: Mittelschmerz
Mittelschmerz is midcycle abdominal pain due to leakage of prostaglandin-containing follicular fluid at the time of ovulation. It is self-limited, and a theoretical concern is treatment of pain with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, which could prevent ovulation. The pain of mittelschmerz usually occurs in the lower abdomen and pelvis, either in the middle or to one side. The pain can range from a mild twinge to severe discomfort and usually lasts from minutes to hours. In some cases, a small amount of vaginal bleeding or discharge might occur. Some women have nausea, especially if the pain is very strong.
Diagnosis of pelvic pain in women can be challenging because many symptoms and signs are insensitive and nonspecific. As the first priority, urgent life-threatening conditions (e.g., ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, ruptured ovarian cyst) and fertility-threatening conditions (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian torsion) must be considered.
Many women never have pain at ovulation. Some women, however, have mid-cycle pain every month, and can tell by the pain that they are ovulating.
As an egg develops in the ovary, it is surrounded by follicular fluid. During ovulation, the egg and the fluid, as well as some blood, are released from the ovary. While the exact cause of mittelschmerz is not known, it is believed to be caused by the normal enlargement of the egg in the ovary just before ovulation. Also, the pain could be caused by the normal bleeding that comes with ovulation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can be ruled out if the patient is not sexually active. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Generic Surgical Topics
- The Abdomen
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Question 23
Correct
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition that occurs in critically ill patients, and can be triggered by events such as trauma and sepsis. Which of the following variables is most likely to be lower than normal in a patient with ARDS?
Your Answer: Lung compliance
Explanation:Acute (or Adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition occurring in critically ill patients characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) starts with damage to the alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, resulting in increased permeability to plasma and inflammatory cells. These cells pass into the interstitium and alveolar space, resulting in pulmonary oedema. Damage to the surfactant-producing type II cells and the presence of protein-rich fluid in the alveolar space disrupt the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, leading to micro atelectasis and impaired gas exchange. The pathophysiological consequences of lung oedema in ARDS include a decrease in lung volumes, compliance and large intrapulmonary shunts. ARDS may be seen in the setting of pneumonia, sepsis, following trauma, multiple blood transfusions, severe burns, severe pancreatitis, near-drowning, drug reactions, or inhalation injuries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 24
Correct
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The prostatic plexus of nerves contains nerve fibres that innervate penile tissue allowing for erection. From which of the following nerves do these fibres originate?
Your Answer: Pelvic splanchnics
Explanation:Pelvic splanchnic nerves are examples of the parasympathetic nerves that innervate the smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera. They are also the nerves contributing fibres to the prostatic plexus which innervate penile erectile tissue.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 25
Correct
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Following an accident, a man was unable to extend the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints, despite sensation being intact. Which nerve was likely damaged?
Your Answer: Posterior interosseous nerve
Explanation:The posterior interosseous nerve which causes, what is known as the posterior interosseous nerve syndrome. The nerve is compressed before it bifurcates to form the medial and lateral branches. The compression is beyond the origin of the branches to the radial wrist extensors and the radial sensory nerve. The result of such a case is paralysis of the digital extensors and the extensor carpi ulnaris, resulting in dorsoradial deviation of the wrist.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 26
Incorrect
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An 80 year-old quadriplegic man has been lying supine for 7 weeks in a critical care ward. He develops a right lung abscess that is draining by gravity to a particular region of the lung. Which is the most likely site of pus collection?
Your Answer: Middle lobe
Correct Answer: Superior segment of the lower lobe
Explanation:The superior segmental bronchus of the lower lobe of the right lung branches posteriorly off the intermediate bronchus or the inferior lobe bronchus. It is therefore more likely to receive fluid or foreign bodies that enter the right main bronchus especially when the patient is supine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 27
Correct
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A 57 year old woman arrives at the clinic due to a pathological fracture of the proximal femur. Which of the following primary sites is the most likely source of her disease?
Your Answer: Breast
Explanation:Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the skeleton, interrupting the normal bone remodelling process and causing bone degradation. Breast cancer is the commonest cause of lytic bone metastasis in women of this age, especially from amongst those options given.
Osteolytic lesions are the end result of osteoclast activity; however, osteoclast differentiation and activation are mediated by osteoblast production of RANKL (receptor activator for NFκB ligand) and several osteoclastogenic cytokines. Osteoblasts themselves are negatively affected by cancer cells as evidenced by an increase in apoptosis and a decrease in proteins required for new bone formation. Thus, bone loss is due to both increased activation of osteoclasts and suppression of osteoblasts. The clinical outcomes of bone pain, pathologic fractures, nerve compression syndrome, and metabolic disturbances leading to hypercalcemia and acid/base imbalance severely reduce the quality of life.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Oncology
- Principles Of Surgery-in-General
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Question 28
Correct
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Streptokinase is used to break down clots in some cases of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thromboembolism; however, it is not recommended to use it again after 4 days from the first administration. Which complication could arise from repeated use?
Your Answer: Allergic reaction
Explanation:Streptokinase belongs to a group of medications known as ‘fibrinolytics’ and is an extracellular metallo-enzyme produced by beta-haemolytic streptococci, used as an effective clot-dissolving medication in patients with myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. As Streptokinase is a bacterial product, the body has the ability to build up an immunity to it. Therefore, it is recommended that this medication should not be used again after four days from the first administration, as it may not be as effective and may also cause an allergic reaction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 29
Correct
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A 42 year old lawyer is rushed to the emergency room after she was found lying unconscious on her left arm with an empty bottle of Diazepam beside her. Her left arm has red and purple marks and is swollen. Her hand is stiff and insensate. Which of the following substances would be expected to be present in her urine in increased quantities?
Your Answer: Myoglobin
Explanation:Answer: Myoglobin
When muscle is damaged, a protein called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is then filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Myoglobin breaks down into substances that can damage kidney cells.
Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells.Compartment syndrome can be either acute or chronic.
Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency. It is usually caused by a severe injury. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent muscle damage.
Chronic compartment syndrome, also known as exertional compartment syndrome, is usually not a medical emergency. It is most often caused by athletic exertion. Compartments are groupings of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in your arms and legs. Covering these tissues is a tough membrane called a fascia. The role of the fascia is to keep the tissues in place, and, therefore, the fascia does not stretch or expand easily.
Compartment syndrome develops when swelling or bleeding occurs within a compartment. Because the fascia does not stretch, this can cause increased pressure on the capillaries, nerves, and muscles in the compartment. Blood flow to muscle and nerve cells is disrupted. Without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, nerve and muscle cells can be damaged.In acute compartment syndrome, unless the pressure is relieved quickly, permanent disability and tissue death may result. This does not usually happen in chronic (exertional) compartment syndrome.
Compartment syndrome most often occurs in the anterior (front) compartment of the lower leg (calf). It can also occur in other compartments in the leg, as well as in the arms, hands, feet, and buttocks.
Acute compartment syndrome usually develops after a severe injury, such as a car accident or a broken bone. Rarely, it develops after a relatively minor injury.
Conditions that may bring on acute compartment syndrome include:
A fracture.
A badly bruised muscle. This type of injury can occur when a motorcycle falls on the leg of the rider, or a football player is hit in the leg with another player’s helmet.
Re-established blood flow after blocked circulation. This may occur after a surgeon repairs a damaged blood vessel that has been blocked for several hours. A blood vessel can also be blocked during sleep. Lying for too long in a position that blocks a blood vessel, then moving or waking up can cause this condition. Most healthy people will naturally move when blood flow to a limb is blocked during sleep. The development of compartment syndrome in this manner usually occurs in people who are neurologically compromised. This can happen after severe intoxication with alcohol or other drugs.
Crush injuries.
Anabolic steroid use. Taking steroids is a possible factor in compartment syndrome.
Constricting bandages. Casts and tight bandages may lead to compartment syndrome. If symptoms of compartment syndrome develop, remove or loosen any constricting bandages. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Emergency Medicine And Management Of Trauma
- Principles Of Surgery-in-General
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A 58-year-old woman has had a headache, fever, lethargy and nausea for the last 10 days. He undergoes a CT scan which reveals a lesion in his frontal lobe, which, after a biopsy, is found to be formed by granulation tissue with collagenisation, gliosis and oedema. What's the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Aspergillosis
Correct Answer: Chronic brain abscess
Explanation:A cerebral abscess can result from direct extension of cranial infections, penetrating head trauma, haematogenous spread, or for unknown causes. An abscess forms when an area of cerebral inflammation becomes necrotic and encapsulated by glial cells and fibroblasts. Oedema around the abscess can increase the intracranial pressure. Symptoms result from increased intracranial pressure and mass effects. In a CT scan, an abscess appears as an oedematous mass with ring enhancement.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 31
Correct
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The gradual depolarization in-between action potentials in pacemaker tissue is a result of?
Your Answer: A combination of gradual inactivation outward IK along with the presence of an inward ‘funny’ current (If) due to opening of channels permeable to both Na+ and K+ ions
Explanation:One of the characteristic features of the pacemaker cell is the generation of a gradual diastolic depolarization also called the pacemaker potential. In phase 0, the upstroke of the action potential caused by an increase in the Ca2+ conductance, an influx of calcium occurs and a positive membrane potential is generated. The next is phase 3 which is repolarization caused by increased K+ conductance as a result of outwards K+ current. Phase 4 is a slow depolarization which accounts for the pacemaker activity, caused by increased conductance of Na+, inwards Na+ current called IF. it is turned on by repolarization.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 32
Incorrect
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Endometrial hyperplasia is most likely to be associated with which of the following conditions?
Your Answer: Krukenberg tumour
Correct Answer: Fibrothecoma
Explanation:A benign tumour arising from the ovarian stroma, fibrothecoma are bilateral in 10% cases. The thecoma component of the tumour can produce oestrogen leading to endometrial hyperplasia. The thecoma is rich in lipid content and is responsible for the yellowish appearance of the tumour. Meig’s syndrome is the presence of fibrothecoma with a right-sided hydrothorax.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 33
Correct
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The operating surgeon notices a structure lying alongside a herniated mass whilst repairing an indirect inguinal hernia in a female patient. Which structure could this be?
Your Answer: Round ligament of the uterus
Explanation:The main structure traversing the inguinal canal in women is the round ligament. In men, it is the spermatic cord.
The iliohypogastric nerve innervates the abdominal wall and runs between the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles before piercing the internal oblique at the anterior superior iliac spine to run between the internal and external obliques.
The inferior epigastric artery is between the peritoneum and the transversus abdominis creating the lateral umbilical fold.
The ovarian artery and the ovarian vein are branches from the descending aorta and inferior vena cava that supply the ovary in the pelvic cavity.
The pectineal ligament is a thick fascial layer over the pectineal line of the pubis. It doesn’t traverse the canal.
The broad ligament if found on the lateral sides of the uterus. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 34
Incorrect
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A 23 year old woman is Rh -ve and she delivered a baby with a Rh+ blood group. What measure can be performed to prevent Rh incompatibility in the next pregnancy?
Your Answer: Anti IgM
Correct Answer: Immunoglobulin D
Explanation:Rh disease is also known as erythroblastosis fetalis and is a disease of the new-born. In mild states it can cause anaemia with reticulocytosis and in severe forms causes severe anaemia, morbus hemolytcus new-born and hydrops fetalis. RBCs of the Rh+ baby can cross the placenta and enter into the maternal blood. As she is Rh- her body will form antibodies against the D antigen which will pass through the placenta in subsequent pregnancies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 35
Incorrect
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What is the reason for a deranged thrombin clotting time?
Your Answer: Warfarin therapy
Correct Answer: Heparin therapy
Explanation:Thrombic clotting time is also known as thrombin time. It is clinically performed to determine the therapeutic levels of heparin. After plasma is isolated from the blood, bovine thrombin is added to it and the time it takes from the addition to clot is recorded. The reference interval is usually <21s. deranged results are indicative of heparin therapy, hypofibrinogenemia, hyperfibrinogenaemia or lupus anticoagulant.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 36
Incorrect
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A 50 year old female patient with an history of chronic headache was scheduled for CT scan. If the CT scan revealed a tumour at the horn of the lateral ventricle, which of the following structures is most likely to be compressed by this tumour?
Your Answer: Caudate nucleus
Correct Answer: Fibres of the corpus callosum
Explanation:The ventricular system of the brain is made up of four ventricles namely; two lateral and a third and forth ventricle. The ventricles are the site of the development of the cerebrospinal fluid. The left and right lateral ventricles are located in each of the brain’s hemispheres. The roof of the lateral ventricles are made up of the fibres of the corpus callosum. This is the structure that would be compressed by the a tumour on the roof of the lateral ventricles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 37
Incorrect
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Driving pressure is considered to be a strong predictor of mortality in patients with ARDS. What is the normal mean intravascular driving pressure for the respiratory circulation?
Your Answer: 50 mmHg
Correct Answer: 10 mmHg
Explanation:Driving pressure is the difference between inflow and outflow pressure. For the pulmonary circulation, this is the difference between pulmonary arterial (pa) and left atrial pressure (pLA). Normally, mean driving pressure is about 10 mmHg, computed by subtracting pLA (5 mmHg) from pA (15 mmHg). This is in contrast to a mean driving pressure of nearly 100 mmHg in the systemic circulation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 38
Correct
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Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax spores have been used as a biological warfare weapon. What is the drug of choice in treating anthrax infection?
Your Answer: Ciprofloxacin
Explanation:Early antibiotic treatment of anthrax is essential. A delay may significantly lessen the chances for survival of the patient. Treatment for anthrax infection include large doses of intravenous and oral antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin), doxycycline, erythromycin, vancomycin, or penicillin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 39
Correct
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A 7 year old boy is taken to the doctor by his mother after she observed a swelling in his right hemiscrotum. On examination, it transilluminates. What is the next best step in his management?
Your Answer: Division of the patent processus vaginalis via an inguinal approach
Explanation:The inguinal approach, with ligation of the processus vaginalis high within the internal inguinal ring, is the procedure of choice for paediatric hydroceles (typically, communicating). If a testicular tumour is identified on testicular ultrasonography, an inguinal approach with high control/ligation of the cord structures is mandated.
Approximately 10% of patients with testicular teratomas may present with a cystic mass that may transilluminate during the physical examination. Similarly, adults with testicular tumours may present with new-onset scrotal swelling. If this diagnosis is considered, measuring serum alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels is indicated to exclude malignant teratomas or other germ cell tumours.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Generic Surgical Topics
- Paediatric Surgery
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Question 40
Incorrect
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Regarding the coagulation cascade, Factor VII:
Your Answer: Is a serine protease
Correct Answer: Is mainly synthesised by the vascular endothelium
Explanation:Factor VII is an important part of the coagulation cascade. Deficiency causes haemophilia A. It is synthesised predominantly by the vascular endothelium and is not affect by liver disease. In the circulation it is bound to von Willebrand factor and it forms a stable complex. It is activated by thrombin or factor Xa and acts as a co-factor to factor IXa to activate factor X.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 41
Incorrect
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A medical intern wanting to perform her first thoracentesis (remove fluid from the pleural cavity) wishes to be reminded where to insert the needle to aspirate in order to avoid injuring the lung or neurovascular elements. Where is this place?
Your Answer: The bottom of interspace 6 in the midaxillary line
Correct Answer: The bottom of interspace 9 in the midaxillary line
Explanation:Thoracentesis is performed in the costodiaphragmatic recess. The needle needs to be inserted below the level of the lungs to avoid injury to the lungs. At the paravertebral line, is between ribs 10 and 12, at the midaxillary line between ribs 8 and 10 and at the midclavicular line between interspaces 6 and 8. The needle should be inserted at the top of the rib (or the bottom of the interspace) to avoid damage to the neurovascular structures found below the rib running in the costal groove.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 42
Correct
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Which of the following associations is correctly matched with the body's defence mechanism in fighting infection?
Your Answer: Specific cellular mechanism → cytotoxic T cells
Explanation:The immune system has certain levels of defence against pathogens. First line includes simple barriers such as skin, mucosa and stomach acid that prevent the pathogen from entering into the body. If this barrier is breached then the innate immune system is activated which includes leukocytes (macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, natural killer cells). If the pathogens invade the second layer of defence then the third layer, adaptive immunity is activated, which includes B and T lymphocytes. B cells provide a humoral response whereas cytotoxic T cells have specific cellular mechanisms. They maintain a memory of past infections and are activated faster following a recurrence.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Physiology
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Question 43
Incorrect
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Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma do NOT include:
Your Answer: Anabolic steroids
Correct Answer: Heptitis E
Explanation:Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include hepatitis B and C, aflatoxin, anabolic steroids, alcohol cirrhosis and primary liver disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 44
Correct
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A 25 year old women is pregnant with her second child. She is A- blood group. Her first child was Rh+ and the father is also Rh+. The second child is at a risk of developing which condition?
Your Answer: Haemolytic disease of the new-born
Explanation:This infant is at risk for haemolytic disease of the new born also known as erythroblastosis fetalis. In the pregnancy, Rh-positive RBC’s cross the placenta and enter the mothers blood system. She then becomes sensitised and forms IgG antibodies/anti-Rh antibodies against them. The second child is at a greater risk for this disease than the first child with Rh-positive blood group as during the second pregnancy, a more powerful response is produced. IgG has the ability to cross the placenta and bind to the fetal RBCs (type II hypersensitivity reaction) which are phagocytosed by the macrophages.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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Question 45
Correct
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A 1 year old baby is taken to the A&E with colicky abdominal pain and an ileo-ileal intussusception is found on investigation. What is the most appropriate course of action?
Your Answer: Undertake a laparotomy
Explanation:Answer: Undertake a laparotomy
Intussusception, which is defined as the telescoping or invagination of a proximal portion of intestine (intussusceptum) into a more distal portion (intussuscipiens), is one of the most common causes of bowel obstruction in infants and toddlers.
Intussusception may be ileoileal, colocolic, ileoileocolic, or ileocolic (the most common type).
Most infants with intussusception have a history of intermittent severe cramping
or colicky abdominal pain, occurring every 5-30 minutes. During these attacks, the infant screams and flexes at the waist, draws the legs up to the abdomen, and may appear pale. These episodes may last for only a few seconds and are separated by periods of calm normal appearance and activity. However, some infants become quite lethargic and somnolent between attacks.
Infants with intussusception require surgical correction. Prompt laparotomy following diagnosis is crucial for achieving better outcomes. Primary anastomosis can be performed successfully, and stomas can be created in the critically ill patients or those with late detection and septicaemia. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Generic Surgical Topics
- Paediatric Surgery
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Question 46
Correct
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A 36 year old woman who smokes heavily arrives at the clinic complaining of frequent stools and crampy abdominal pain that has been occurring for some time. She undergoes colonoscopy (which is macroscopically normal) and several pan colonic biopsies are taken. Histologic analysis reveals a thickened sub apical collagen layer and increased lymphocytes in the lamina propria. Which of the following diagnosis is most likely?
Your Answer: Microscopic colitis
Explanation:Microscopic colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that causes persistent watery diarrhoea. The disorder gets its name from the fact that it’s necessary to examine the colon tissue under a microscope to identify it, since the tissue may appear normal with a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. It is characterised by normal endoscopic appearances, microscopic features of colonic inflammation and thickening of the sub epithelial collagen layer. Features such as granulomas are absent. It is the normal endoscopic appearance that makes the other options less likely.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Generic Surgical Topics
- The Abdomen
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Question 47
Incorrect
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Blood supply to the posterior compartment of the thigh is supplied by which artery?
Your Answer: Peroneal
Correct Answer: Perforating
Explanation:There are usually 3 perforating arteries:
The first gives branches to the adductor brevis and magnus, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus and anastomoses with the inferior gluteal, medial and lateral femoral circumflex.
The second artery supplies the posterior femoral muscles and anastomose with the first and third perforating vessels.
The third supplies the posterior femoral muscles. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 48
Correct
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A 30-year-old male is playing tennis when he suddenly collapses and has a GCS of 4 when examined. What is the most likely cause?
Your Answer: Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Explanation:The term subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) refers to extravasation of blood into the subarachnoid space between the pial and arachnoid membranes. SAH constitutes half of all spontaneous atraumatic intracranial haemorrhages; the other half consists of bleeding that occurs within the brain parenchyma.
Intracranial saccular aneurysms (“berry aneurysms”) represent the most common aetiology of nontraumatic SAH; about 80% of cases of SAH result from ruptured aneurysms. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Generic Surgical Topics
- Surgical Disorders Of The Brain
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Question 49
Incorrect
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What is the name of the cutaneous branch of the posterior primary ramus of C2?
Your Answer: Lesser occipital nerve
Correct Answer: Greater occipital nerve
Explanation:The dorsal primary ramus of the spinal nerve C2 is the greater occipital nerve which provides cutaneous innervation to the skin of the back of the head. The ventral primary ramus gives off the great auricular nerve, the lesser occipital nerve and the ansa cervicalis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Basic Sciences
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Question 50
Correct
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Which of the following abnormalities can be seen in patients with hypermagnesemia?
Your Answer: Respiratory depression
Explanation:Hypermagnesemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is a high level of magnesium in the blood. It is defined as a level greater than 1.1 mmol/L. Symptoms include weakness, confusion, decreased breathing rate, and cardiac arrest.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Basic Sciences
- Pathology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
