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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 71-year-old woman residing in a nursing home for a couple of years complains of drooling of saliva and sudden difficulty in swallowing while eating. She is a known hypertensive on treatment. What would be your next step?
Your Answer: Ba swallow
Correct Answer: Endoscopy
Explanation:Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing. Endoscopy allows for visual examination of the oesophagus and is indicated in patients with dysphagia to determine the underlying aetiology, exclude malignant and premalignant conditions, assess the need for therapy, and perform therapy including dilation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Older Adult
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Question 2
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is the most characteristic of primary Raynaud's phenomena?
Your Answer: More common in middle aged females
Correct Answer: Fingers are symmetrically involved during an attack
Explanation:A typical attack may last less than an hour but can also persist for longer. In primary Raynaud’s, attacks are more likely symmetric, episodic, and without evidence of peripheral vascular disease. Patients more commonly have a negative ANA and normal inflammatory markers. There should be no evidence of tissue gangrene, digital pitting, or tissue injury in primary Raynaud’s. In contrast, patients with secondary Raynaud’s will describe attacks that are more frequent, painful, often asymmetric and may lead to digital ulcerations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Rheumatology
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Question 3
Incorrect
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In which condition are β-blockers not recommended as the first line of therapy?
Your Answer: Angina
Correct Answer: Hypertension
Explanation:For patients with hypertension, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or calcium-channel blockers are given as first-line pharmacological agents. Patients with angina, chronic heart failure, myocardial infarction, and permanent atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate, are given β-blockers as first-line therapy. In these cases, increased cardiac activity can not be met by the amount of blood being supplied to the heart. Giving β-blockers will reduce the workload of the heart and slow down the cardiac activity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
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Question 4
Incorrect
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A 55 year old man known with Addison's disease presented with complaints of recurrent attacks of postural hypotension. What kind of electrolyte imbalance would be seen in his biochemical profile investigations?
Your Answer: Low Na+, Normal K+
Correct Answer: Low Na+, High K+
Explanation:Patients suffering from Addison’s disease have low aldosterone. Aldosterone increases Na+ absorption and excretion of K+. So in these patients there would be decreased Na+ and increased K+ levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
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Question 5
Incorrect
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During the peri-infarct period, which of these drug classes have been shown to have the greatest favourable benefit?
Your Answer: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Correct Answer: Beta blockers
Explanation:Statins and ACE inhibitors are beneficial initially for the first 24 hours but not proven to have a benefit in the post infarct period. Statins have plaque stabilising functions when activated early following infarction. In contrast, when started immediately, beta blockers are the most beneficial. Nitrates have not been proven beneficial for survival and some calcium channel blockers actually increased the mortality rate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
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Question 6
Correct
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A 14-year-old boy presents with a rash on his buttocks and extensor surfaces following a sore throat. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)
Explanation:Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) rashes are commonly found on the legs, feet, and buttocks while Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) rashes manifest predominantly on the lower legs. HSP happens following a sore throat while ITP usually happens following an URTI or Flu. HSP is an inflammation of a blood vessel (vasculitis) while ITP is immune mediated insufficiency of platelets.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A 22 year old man is being evaluated for chronic lower backache. Which of the following would most strongly point towards the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis?
Your Answer: Pain on straight leg raising
Correct Answer: Reduced lateral flexion of the lumbar spine
Explanation:Ankylosing spondylitis (spondylarthritis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton that leads to partial or even complete fusion and rigidity of the spine. Males are disproportionately affected and upwards of 90% of patients are positive for the HLA-B27 genotype, which predisposes to the disease. The most characteristic early finding is pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back, caused by inflammation of the vertebral column and the sacroiliac joints. The pain typically improves with activity and is especially prominent at night. Other articular findings include tenderness to percussion and displacement of the sacroiliac joints (Mennell’s sign), as well as limited spine mobility, which can progress to restrictive pulmonary disease.
The most common extra-articular manifestation is acute, unilateral anterior uveitis. Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms and x-ray of the sacroiliac joints, with HLA-B27 testing and MRI reserved for inconclusive cases. There is no curative treatment, but regular physiotherapy can slow progression of the disease. Additionally, NSAIDs and/or tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors may improve symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to improve quality of life. The spine adopts a bamboo shape, not lordosis. The pain usually improves as the day progresses. leg raise test causes pain in cases of meningitis etc not in this case. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Rheumatology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old female went to a contraception clinic because she does not want to conceive for the next 2 years. She also has a history of heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. Imaging revealed fibroids. What is the best method of contraception for the patient in this case?
Your Answer: IUCD
Correct Answer: IUS
Explanation:IUS or Intra Uterine System/Device releases progestin. The progestin thickens the cervix, preventing the sperm from penetrating the cervix, and it also causes the uterine lining to become thinner, preventing any implantation. IUS may also prevent excessive bleeding and can help women with fibroids.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gynaecology
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Question 9
Correct
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A 65-year-old man, after suffering from a pathological rib fracture, complains of recurrent infection. Bone marrow aspiration revealed a calcium level of 3.9 mmol/l and alkaline phosphatase level of 160u/l. What type of cell would be found in abundance in the marrow spear?
Your Answer: Plasma cells
Explanation:Multiple myeloma or plasma cell myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, responsible for producing antibodies. It often, presents early with no symptoms followed by bone pain and pathological fractures (metastases), raised calcium levels, bleeding, frequent infections, and anaemia. It usually occurs around the age of 61 and is more common in men than women.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Older Adult
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A 44 year old female is admitted to the emergency with dyspnoea, syncope, fever and arthropathy. She was recently diagnosed with pulmonary emboli. Cardiovascular examination reveals an early diastolic sound with a mid diastolic rumble. The JVP is found to be elevated and there are prominent a waves. Which of the following would be the most likely cause of her symptoms?
Your Answer: Mitral regurgitation
Correct Answer: Atrial myxoma
Explanation:Cardiac myxomas are the most common type of primary tumour of the heart. They are usually benign and arise from primary connective tissue. Most cardiac myxomas arise sporadically; however, 10% are hereditary (following an autosomal dominant pattern). Even though they may develop in any chamber of the heart, most (∼ 75 %) cardiac myxomas arise in the left atrium, usually from the interatrial septum, while the rest occur in the right atrium (ventricular myxomas are rare). Clinical features are primarily caused by obstruction of the blood flow through the heart and include dyspnoea on exertion, palpitations, syncope, weight loss, or even sudden death. Rarely, life-threatening conditions (e.g., stroke) may result from an embolization from the myxoma. Typical examination findings include abnormal heart sounds, such as a rumbling diastolic murmur over the apex or a characteristic “tumour plop.” The diagnosis is not easily established clinically because of the nonspecific nature of symptoms. Echocardiography is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Surgical resection of the tumour is the curative treatment of choice. The prognosis is usually favourable, but tumours can recur after inadequate resection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
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Question 11
Incorrect
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From the options provided, which statement would most likely points towards Munchausen's syndrome by proxy?
Your Answer: The person responsible is more likely to be the father
Correct Answer: It is a cause of sudden infant death
Explanation:Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a mental illness and a form of child abuse. The caretaker of a child, most often a mother or a father, either makes up fake symptoms or causes real symptoms to make it look like the child is sick. The person with MSP gains attention by seeking medical help for exaggerated or made-up symptoms of a child in his or her care. As health care providers strive to identify what’s causing the child’s symptoms, the deliberate actions of the mother or caretaker can often make the symptoms worse.
The person with MSP does not seem to be motivated by a desire for any type of material gain. People with MSP may create or exaggerate a child’s symptoms in several ways. They may simply lie about symptoms, alter tests (such as contaminating a urine sample), falsify medical records, or they may actually induce symptoms through various means, such as poisoning, suffocating, starving, and causing infection. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Child Health
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 40 year old woman has come to her GP complaining of a low mood. She has noted an increased appetite and has gone up by two clothing sizes. She also complains that she is unable to get out of bed until afternoon. From the list of options, what is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
Your Answer: Dysthymia
Correct Answer: Atypical depression
Explanation:Atypical depression presents with several very specific symptoms, such as increased appetite or weight gain; excessive sleep; fatigue and weakness; moods that are reactive to environmental circumstances; and a feeling of extreme sensitivity to rejection. It is also a subtype of major depression or dysthymic disorder.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Mental Health
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A defect in DNA gyrase can lead to which of the following cancerous conditions?
Your Answer: Ataxia telangiectasia
Correct Answer: Xeroderma pigmentosum
Explanation:Xeroderma pigmentosum is an X-linked recessive condition, which is caused by mutations in DNA gyrase which further encodes the XP gene. The defect may lead to skin cancer at an early stage of life, especially at photo exposed sites.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
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Question 14
Correct
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A 19-year-old patient in casualty only opens her eyes upon painful stimuli, extends her limbs, and occasionally says inappropriate words. What is her Glasgow coma score?
Your Answer: 7
Explanation:The Glasgow Coma Scale provides a score for assessment of impaired consciousness in response to specific stimuli considering the eye opening, verbal response and motor response. The score runs from 3 to 15, a coma being defined as a GCS of 8 or less. According to this patient’s responses and the respective points for each response, the score is 7 and the patient is in a coma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 40-year-old male has a 6-year history of hypertension. For two days, he has been having extreme difficulty in seeing things clearly and now complains of cloudy vision. On fundoscopy, flame-shaped haemorrhages are found in the patient's right eye. Margins of the optic disc were also found to be blurred. Which of the following conditions is this patient most likely suffering from?
Your Answer: hypertension retinopathy
Correct Answer: CRV thrombosis
Explanation:Fundoscopy reveals flame-shaped haemorrhages which are specific to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). In CRA thrombosis, fundoscopy would show a cherry-red spot. A patient with retinal detachment would give a characteristic history of seeing flashes of light and floaters. Background retinopathy is associated with diabetes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 16
Correct
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A 5 year old boy took a fall on his outstretched hand and presents to the emergency with pain around his elbow. On examination, the radial pulse is found to be absent on the affected side. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Angulated supracondylar fracture
Explanation:A supracondylar humerus fracture is a fracture of the distal humerus just above the elbow joint. The fracture is usually transverse or oblique and above the medial and lateral condyles and epicondyles. This fracture pattern is relatively rare in adults, but is the most common type of elbow fracture in children. They are historically associated with morbidity due to malunion, neurovascular complications, and compartment syndrome. Important arteries and nerves ( median nerve, radial nerve, brachial artery, and ulnar nerve) are located at the supracondylar area and can give rise to complications if these structures are injured. Most vulnerable structure to get damaged is Median Nerve. Damage/occlusion of the brachial artery is the cause of an absent radial pulse.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Mental Health
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Select the correct statement regarding portal hypertension.
Your Answer: A porto-caval shunt (anastomosis between portal vein and inferior vena cava) decreases the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.
Correct Answer: The total vascular resistance of the hepatic sinusoids is increased.
Explanation:Portal hypertension is increased blood pressure within the portal venous system. This happens mainly due to liver damage which increases the vascular resistance of hepatic sinusoids by interfering with the normal blood flow. Portal blood pressure increases and flow through the liver decreases. Normal portal venous pressure is between 5-10 mmHg and in portal hypertension it’s usually more than 10 mmHg. This high pressure can cause accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity known as ascites. To overcome the pressure, the portal vein starts to drain blood to systemic circulation via porto-systemic shunts. The connection between the portal vein and inferior vena cava is known as the porto caval shunt. Due to damaged hepatocytes, detoxification of substances absorbed in the intestine is impaired and the former shunt mixes non-detoxified blood with the systemic circulation. These toxic substances may affect neurons causing hepatic encephalopathy which is a major complication of portal hypertension.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
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Question 18
Correct
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A 30 year old male with a scaphoid fracture came to the clinic after 2 weeks of applying the scaphoid cast. After removing the cast he had difficulty moving his thumb, index and middle fingers. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this presentation?
Your Answer: Release of flexor retinaculum
Explanation:This patient has carpal tunnel syndrome which involves the median nerve. The treatment is releasing of the flexor retinaculum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
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Question 19
Correct
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Patients with myeloma mostly present with which of the following condition when in hospital?
Your Answer: Hypercalcaemia
Explanation:Hypercalcemia is the most important finding in all types of malignancies. In myeloma it is especially caused by osteoclast activating factors which increase bone turnover.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
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Question 20
Correct
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A 65 year old female with a history of memory loss, presents with progressive decline of her cognitive functions. She had a MI 6 years ago. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Vascular dementia
Explanation:The patient has a history of MI and thus ischemic heart disease. This together with her age and progressive decline in cognitive functions and memory suggest vascular dementia.
Pick’s dementia presents with personality and behavioural changes.
Lewy body dementia is associated with frequent syncopal episodes, while Huntington’s disease presents with gait abnormalities.
Alzheimer’s dementia usually starts before the age of 65 and an ischemic heart disease history is not necessary. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following drugs will most likely trigger an exacerbation of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP)?
Your Answer: Barbiturates
Correct Answer: Oral contraceptive pill
Explanation:Hormonal contraceptives all contain man-made oestrogen and progestin hormones in a limited amount. These hormones prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the body’s natural cyclical hormones to prevent pregnancy. Even though all of these drugs except Ibuprofen can cause AIP in a vulnerable woman. The most likely cause is the OCP.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Correct
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What is the definition of hypertension in pregnancy?
Your Answer: A blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg
Explanation:The NICE guidelines on Hypertension in pregnancy define blood pressure in pregnancy as follows:
Mild hypertension: DBP=90-99 mmHg, SBP=140-149 mmHg. Moderate hypertension: DBP=100-109 mmHg, SBP=150-159 mmHg.
Severe hypertension: DBP=110 mmHg or greater, SBP=160 mmHg or greater. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Obstetrics
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Question 23
Correct
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A 5 year old girl presented with short stature, primary amenorrhea, puffy arms and a webbed neck. The most likely diagnosis will be?
Your Answer: Turner’s syndrome
Explanation:Turner’s syndrome is characterised by a webbed neck, short stature, primary amenorrhea and cardiac, renal and muscular defects. Gene analysis shows a single X chromosome in the patients. Downs syndrome has certain cognitive and physical abnormalities, whereas in Klinefelter syndrome there are widely spaced nipples, long arms and infertility and it only occurs in men.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
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Question 24
Correct
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While investigating a patient with hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC), blood tests reveal a raised level of serum ferritin. What would be the most probable cause for HCC in this patient?
Your Answer: Haemochromatosis
Explanation:Haemochromatosis is the excessive accumulation of iron in the body mainly involving the liver, pancreas, testes, skin etc. Serum ferritin is high indicating iron overload. Haemochromatosis is a known cause for chronic liver cell disease, cirrhosis and HCC.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
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Question 25
Correct
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A 32 year old man complains of fever, rash and photophobia. The physician suspects this to be a case of meningitis. Which of the following medication would be ideally used in this patient?
Your Answer: Cefotaxime
Explanation:Broad-spectrum cephalosporins, especially cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, are widely used in the treatment of suspected pneumococcal meningitis and are considered the treatment of choice for meningitis caused by partially penicillin-resistant pneumococcal strains.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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A 2 year old female was taken to her local emergency department with jerking movements in her limbs. This lasted for around 10 seconds, and then she fell unconscious. She soon regained consciousness - she was disorientated but afebrile with no symptoms of meningeal irritation. From the list of options, chose the most appropriate investigation route for this patient.
Your Answer: CT scan
Correct Answer: 24 hour EEG
Explanation:Many of the symptoms favour an epilepsy diagnosis: uncontrollable jerking of the limbs and a loss of consciousness. A 24-hour EEG is used to diagnose epilepsy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Child Health
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Question 27
Correct
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For a given condition, disease or attribute, there will be a proportion of people in a population who have the given condition, disease or attribute at a specified point in time or over a specified period of time. Which of following is the best term which can describe the above?
Your Answer: Prevalence
Explanation:Prevalence, sometimes referred to as prevalence rate, is the proportion of persons in a population who have a particular disease or attribute at a specified point in time or over a specified period of time.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Epidemiology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Which is true of the composition of bile in the human hepatic duct?
Your Answer: Water constitutes 97% of the solution
Correct Answer: Contains only actively secreted substances
Explanation:Hepatic bile is an isotonic fluid and its electrolyte composition resembles that of plasma. 97% of water is found in the gallbladder bile, not hepatic duct. Hepatic bile is alkaline. The ratio of bile acids: phosphatidylcholine: cholesterol is 20:1:3. Hepatic bile contai9ns only actively secreted substances.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 22 year old male presented with a cut injury at his wrist. Which of the following would be the expected clinical signs if his ulnar nerve was damaged?
Your Answer: Sensory loss of the medial part of the hand
Correct Answer: Wasting of the interossei
Explanation:Damage to the ulnar nerve at wrist will cause wasting of the interossei and adductor pollicis muscle. There won’t be any sensory loss, weakness of wrist flexion or wasting of hypothenar muscles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A 68 year old male presents with muscle weakness - he is unable to go up the stairs and has complained of mild breathlessness. He has said that he finds it difficult to swallow food sometimes. Lab tests are conducted and the reports show the following results: alkaline phosphatase 216 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase 49 U/L; alanine transaminase 43 U/L; creatine kinase 417; erythrocyte sedimentation rate 16 mm/h. From the list of options, choose the most likely diagnosis.
Your Answer: Polymyalgia rheumatica
Correct Answer: Polymyositis
Explanation:Muscle weakness and the inability to climb the stairs are consistent with a diagnosis of polymyositis. The condition usually affects those between 30-50 years of age and individuals present with stiffness in the muscles closest to the trunk which gradually worsens over time. Difficulty swallowing may be experienced if the muscle in the oesophagus is affected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
