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Question 1
Correct
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The following are all important buffers of H+EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Calcium
Explanation:Buffers are weak acids or bases that can donate or accept H+ions respectively and therefore resist changes in pH. Buffering does not alter the body’s overall H+load, ultimately the body must get rid of H+by renal excretion if the buffering capacity of the body is not to be exceeded and a dangerous pH reached. Bicarbonate and carbonic acid (formed by the combination of CO2 with water, potentiated by carbonic anhydrase) are the most important buffer pair in the body, although haemoglobin provides about 20% of buffering in the blood, and phosphate and proteins provide intracellular buffering. Buffers in urine, largely phosphate, allow the excretion of large quantities of H+.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 2
Correct
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A 29-year-old female with chronic anaemia secondary to sickle cell disease is being transfused. A few minutes after starting the blood transfusion, she develops widespread itching with urticarial rash, wheezing, nausea and chest pain. Her BP reduces to 60/40 mmHg.What is the most appropriate treatment?
Your Answer: Stop the transfusion and administer adrenaline
Explanation:Anaphylaxis transfusion reaction occurs when an individual has previously been sensitized to an allergen present in the blood and, on re-exposure, releases IgE or IgG antibodies. Patients with anaphylaxis usually develop laryngospasm, bronchospasm, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, shock, and loss of consciousness. The transfusion should be stopped immediately and the patient should be treated with adrenaline, oxygen, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 3
Incorrect
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All of the following statements are considered true regarding randomized control trials, except:
Your Answer: They can help to overcome ‘publication bias’
Correct Answer: They can eliminate the need for further studies
Explanation:Meta-analysis is a quantitative, formal, epidemiological study design used to systematically assess previous research studies to derive conclusions about that body of research. Outcomes from a meta-analysis may include a more precise estimate of the effect of treatment or risk factor for disease, or other outcomes, than any individual study contributing to the pooled analysis. The examination of variability or heterogeneity in study results is also a critical outcome.The benefits of meta-analysis include a consolidated and quantitative review of a large, and often complex, sometimes apparently conflicting, body of literature. The specification of the outcome and hypotheses that are tested is critical to the conduct of meta-analyses, as is a sensitive literature search.Important medical questions are typically studied more than once, often by different research teams in different locations. In many instances, the results of these multiple small studies of an issue are diverse and conflicting, which makes the clinical decision-making difficult. The need to arrive at decisions affecting clinical practise fostered the momentum toward evidence-based medicine. Evidence-based medicine may be defined as the systematic, quantitative, preferentially experimental approach to obtaining and using medical information. Therefore, meta-analysis, a statistical procedure that integrates the results of several independent studies, plays a central role in evidence-based medicine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 4
Incorrect
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Oculomotor (CN III) palsy with sparing of the pupillary reflex is most likely caused by which of the following:
Your Answer: Cavernous sinus disease
Correct Answer: Diabetes mellitus
Explanation:Compressive causes of CN III palsy cause early pupillary dilatation because the parasympathetic fibres run peripherally in the nerve and are easily compressed. In diabetes mellitus the lesions are ischaemic rather than compressive and therefore typically affect the central fibres resulting in pupillary sparing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Cranial Nerve Lesions
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Question 5
Incorrect
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You've been summoned to a young man in the resus area who is experiencing an SVT. You decide to use adenosine after trying several vagal manoeuvres without success.Which of the following is the correct adenosine mechanism of action?
Your Answer: Prolongs phase 3 of cardiac action potential
Correct Answer: Opens K + channels in the heart
Explanation:The purine nucleoside adenosine is used to diagnose and treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Adenosine works by stimulating A1-adenosine receptors and opening potassium channels that are sensitive to acetylcholine. This causes the atrioventricular (AV) node’s cell membrane to become hyperpolarized, slowing conduction by inhibiting calcium channels.Patients who have had a heart transplant are extremely sensitive to the effects of adenosine and should start with a lower dose of 3 mg, then 6 mg, and finally 12 mg.Dipyridamole potentiates the effects of adenosine, so it should be used with caution in patients who are taking it.The use of adenosine is contraindicated in the following situations:AsthmaCOPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)Decompensated heart failure Long QT syndromeAV block in the second or third degreeSinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become (unless pacemaker fitted)Hypotension that is severe
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 6
Correct
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An 8-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with complaints of a rash and fever that have been present for the past 3 days. Upon history taking and observation, it was noted that the rash started behind the ears and then spread to the face and body. The presence of coryzal symptoms, dry cough, and conjunctivitis was also observed.What is most likely the diagnosis of the case presented above?
Your Answer: Measles
Explanation:The measles virus is an enveloped virus classified in the genusMorbillivirus.Measles is highly contagious and spreads by aerosol. Initial replication takes place in the mucosal cells of the respiratory tract; measles virus then replicates in the local lymph nodes and spreads systemically. The virus circulates in the T and B cells and monocytes, until eventually the lungs, gut, bile duct, bladder, skin, and lymphatic organs are involved. After an incubation period of 7 to 10 days, there is an abrupt onset, with symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and cough, red eyes, and rapidly rising fever. About 2 to 3 days later, a maculopapular rash appears on the head and trunk. Koplik spots, lesions on the oral mucosa consisting of irregular red spots, with a bluish white speck in the centre, generally appear 2 to 3 days before the rash and are diagnostic.Measles is easily diagnosed clinically, so few requests for laboratory identification are made. The virus is fragile and must be handled carefully. The specimens of choice are from the nasopharynx and urine, but the virus can only be recovered from these sources in the early stages of infection. The virus grows on PMK cells, causing the formation of distinctive spindle-shaped or multinucleated cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old man bought into the ED with increased thirst, confusion, abdominal pain and constipation is suspected to have hypercalcaemia.What is the commonest cause of hypercalcaemia in the UK?
Your Answer: Malignancy
Correct Answer: Primary hyperparathyroidism
Explanation:The commonest cause of hypercalcaemia in the UK is primary hyperparathyroidism, which accounts for around 70-80% of cases. It is commoner in younger patients and in community setting.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 8
Correct
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All of the following cause bronchodilation, EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Stimulation of irritant receptors
Explanation:Factors causing bronchodilation: Via beta2-adrenoceptorsSympathetic stimulation: Adrenaline (epinephrine)Beta2-adrenergic agonists e.g. salbutamolAnticholinergic and muscarinic antagonists e.g. ipratropium
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 9
Correct
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A 33 year old lady with a known nut allergy was having dinner at a Thai restaurant. She suddenly complained of lip and tongue swelling and difficulty breathing and is brought to ED by ambulance with suspected anaphylaxis. She received intramuscular adrenaline in the ambulance.The most appropriate doses of the second line treatments for anaphylaxis are which of the following?
Your Answer: 10 mg chlorphenamine and 200 mg hydrocortisone
Explanation:Second line drugs to reduce the severity and duration of anaphylactic symptoms are intravenous or intramuscular chlorpheniramine and hydrocortisone. The recommended dose is 10 mg chlorpheniramine and 200 mg hydrocortisone in adults.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 10
Correct
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The 'pump handle' movement of the thoracic wall describes which of the following movements:
Your Answer: The anterior ends of the ribs moving upwards and forwards
Explanation:Because the anterior ends of the ribs are inferior to the posterior ends, when the ribs are elevated, the anterior end moves upwards and forwards, moving the sternum upwards and forwards in turn. This ‘pump handle’ upwards and forwards movement changes the anteroposterior (AP) dimension of the thorax.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 11
Incorrect
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The cutaneous circulation's principal role is thermoregulation. This process is aided by the existence of arteriovenous anastomoses.Which of the following anatomical areas has the greatest number of arteriovenous anastomoses?Â
Your Answer: Thoracic wall
Correct Answer: Pinna of the ear
Explanation:Short vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) link tiny arteries and veins. They have a large lumen diameter. The strong and muscular walls allow AVAs to completely clog the vascular lumen, preventing blood flow from artery to vein (acting like a sphincter). When the AVAs open, they create a low-resistance connection between arteries and veins, allowing blood to flow into the limbs’ superficial venous plexuses. There is no diffusion of solutes or fluid into the interstitium due to their strong muscle walls.AVAs are densely innervated by adrenergic fibres from the hypothalamic temperature-regulation centre. High sympathetic output occurs at normal core temperatures, inducing vasoconstriction of the AVAs and blood flow through the capillary networks and deep plexuses. When the temperature rises, sympathetic output decreases, producing AVA vasodilation and blood shunting from the artery to the superficial venous plexus. Heat is lost to the environment as hot blood rushes near to the skin’s surface.AVAs are a specialized anatomical adaptation that can only be found in large quantities in the fingers, palms, soles, lips, and pinna of the ear.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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You contact the intensive care outreach team to inquire about a severely hypotensive resuscitated patient. They make the decision to start a dopamine infusion.Dopamine primarily has which of the following effects at high doses (>15 g/kg/min)?
Your Answer: Beta-adrenergic stimulation
Correct Answer: Alpha-adrenergic stimulation
Explanation:Dopamine is a catecholamine that occurs naturally and is used to treat low cardiac output, septic shock, and renal failure. It is both adrenaline and noradrenaline’s immediate precursor.Dopamine acts on D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the renal, mesenteric, and coronary beds at low doses (1-5 g/kg/min). Dopamine causes a significant decrease in renal vascular resistance and an increase in renal blood flow at these doses. Within this dose range, it is also involved in central modulation of behaviour and movement.Dopamine stimulates beta- and alpha-adrenergic receptors directly and indirectly at higher doses. Beta-stimulation predominates at a rate of 5-10 g/kg/min, resulting in a positive inotropic effect that increases cardiac output and coronary blood flow. Alpha-stimulation predominates at infusion rates greater than 15 g/kg/min, resulting in peripheral vasoconstriction and an increase in venous return and systolic blood pressure.Because clearance varies greatly in critically ill patients, plasma concentrations cannot be predicted reliably from infusion rates.Dopamine is given as an intravenous infusion, and because extravasation can cause tissue necrosis and sloughing, a central line is usually used (especially at higher doses >240 g/min). In an emergency, however, dopamine can be administered through a large vein (cephalic or basilic) while a central line is being prepared. Alkaline intravenous solutions inactivate it, so sodium bicarbonate should not be infused with it.The following are the most common dopamine side effects:Nausea and vomitingTachycardiaDysrhythmiasAnginaHypertension
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Correct
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Insulin binds to the insulin receptor (IR) on cell surfaces to exert its action. The IR is a very specific transmembrane receptor belonging to the tyrosine kinase receptor class.One of these also activates the IR:
Your Answer: Glucagon
Correct Answer: IGF-I
Explanation:Insulin receptor (IR), in addition to being activated by insulin, is also activated by IGF-I and IGF-II.The IR is a dimer with two identical subunits spanning the cell membrane and are connected by a single disulphide bond. The two sub-units include: The alpha chain situated on the exterior of the cell membrane and the beta chain spanning the cell membrane in a single segment. When insulin is detected, the alpha chains move together folding around the insulin making the beta chains move together, converting them into an active tyrosine kinase. This initiates a phosphorylation cascade increasing the expression of GLUT4 and allowing uptake of glucose by cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 15
Correct
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Red cell protein expression is induced by which of the following pathogens:
Your Answer: Plasmodium falciparum
Explanation:Plasmodium falciparum induces the expression of red cell protein, making cerebral malaria more severe. Bacteria may invade a host passively through micro traumata or macro traumata in the skin or mucosa. On the other hand, bacteria that invadethrough intact mucosa first, adhere to this anatomical barrier, then activelybreach it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Principles
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Question 16
Incorrect
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The following statements about cross-sectional studies are true EXCEPT?
Your Answer: They provide a ‘snapshot’ of the frequency and characteristics of a disease in a population at a particular point
Correct Answer: They can be used to determine the relative risk of a condition
Explanation:The UK national census is an example of a cross-sectional study.Cross-sectional studies can be used to assess the prevalence of a condition, and support or refute inferences of cause and effect.Cross-sectional studies are observations of the frequency and characteristics of a disease in a given population at one particular point in time. Cross-sectional studies do not differentiate between cause and effect and also do not establish the sequence of events.Cross-sectional studies cannot be used to calculate the relative risk of a condition.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following has the most potent glucocorticoid effect:
Your Answer: Methylprednisolone
Correct Answer: Dexamethasone
Explanation:Dexamethasone and betamethasone have the most potent glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) effect.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Correct
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Compression of this nerve can cause weakness in the left leg while walking and thigh adduction weakness at the hip joint.
Your Answer: Obturator nerve
Explanation:The obturator nerve is a sensory and motor nerve that emerges from the lumbar plexus and innervates the thigh. This nerve supplies motor innervation to the medial compartment of the thigh, making it necessary for thigh adduction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Which of these immunoglobulin molecules can cross the placenta?
Your Answer: IgM and IgG
Correct Answer: IgG
Explanation:An important mechanism that provides protection to the foetus is placental transfer of maternal IgG antibodies while his/her humoral response is inefficient. The only antibody class that significantly crosses the human placenta is IgG.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune Responses
- Pathology
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Question 20
Correct
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A 15-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with complaints of a headache, stiffness of the neck, and photophobia. Upon observation, the following were noted: HR 124, BP 86/43, RR 30, SaO 95%, temperature 39.5 deg C. A recently developed non-blanching rash on his legs was also observed.What is most likely the causative agent of the case presented above?
Your Answer: Neisseria meningitidis group B
Explanation:The meningococcus is solely a human pathogen, and up to 50% of the population may carry meningococci in the nasopharynx. Factors that lead to invasion and production of disease include complex inter-relationships of genetic predisposition, host status, environmental conditions, and virulence of the organism.Meningococcal disease is the most common infectious cause of death in childhood in developed countries. It presents as septicaemia, meningitis, or a combination. Septicaemia is the more dangerous presentation, especially with septic shock; meningitis is more likely to lead to neurodevelopmental sequelae. Classic features of septicaemia are a non-blanching rash in a feverish, ill child.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 21
Correct
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A 64-year-old man presents with an acute episode of gout. He has a history of chronic heart failure and hypertension. His current medications include ramipril and furosemide.Which of the following statements regarding the treatment of gout is true? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Colchicine has a role in prophylactic treatment
Explanation:In the absence of any contra-indications, high-dose NSAIDs are the first-line treatment for acute gout. Naproxen 750 mg as a stat dose followed by 250 mg TDS is a commonly used and effective regime.Aspirin should not be used in gout as it reduces the urinary clearance of urate and interferes with the action of uricosuric agents. Naproxen, Diclofenac or Indomethacin are more appropriate choices.Allopurinol is used prophylactically, preventing future attacks by reducing serum uric acid levels. It should not be started in the acute phase as it increases the severity and duration of symptoms.Colchicine acts on the neutrophils, binding to tubulin to prevent neutrophil migration into the joint. It is as effective as NSAIDs in relieving acute attacks. It also has a role in prophylactic treatment if Allopurinol is not tolerated.NSAIDs are contra-indicated in heart failure as they can cause fluid retention and congestive cardiac failure. Colchicine is the preferred treatment in patients with heart failure or those who are intolerant of NSAIDs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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In a ward round, you come across a patient's treatment chart prescribed an antibiotic to fight his infection. This antibiotic disrupts cell membrane function.Which of the following antimicrobial drugs is prescribed to this patient?
Your Answer: Vancomycin
Correct Answer: Nystatin
Explanation:Nystatin binds ergosterol (unique to the fungi cell membrane) and forms membrane pores that allow K+ leakage, acidification, and subsequent death of the fungus.Vancomycin inhibits cell wall peptidoglycan formation by binding the D-Ala-D-Ala portion of cell wall precursors. Flucloxacillin inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It inhibits cross-linkage between the linear peptidoglycan polymer chains that make up a major component of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria. Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase.Isoniazid decreases the synthesis of mycolic acids in mycobacteria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 23
Correct
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A 72-year-old man presents with chest pain that is characteristic of angina. You administer a dose of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), which rapidly resolved his symptoms. Unfortunately, he also develops an unpleasant side effect.Which of the following side effects is he most likely to have developed? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Headache
Explanation:Nitrates are used in the treatment of angina pectoris and the prevention of myocardial ischaemia. Commonly used examples of nitrates are glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide dinitrate. Unwanted effects, however, are common and can limit therapy, particularly when angina is severe or when patients are unusually sensitive to the effects of nitrates.The following are common or very common side effects of nitratesArrhythmiasAstheniaCerebral ischaemiaDizzinessDrowsinessFlushingHeadacheHypotensionNausea and vomitingDiarrhoea, syncope and cyanosis can occur, but these are rare side effects. Dry eyes, bradycardia and metabolic acidosis have not been reported.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 24
Correct
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A 19-year-old with a longstanding history of asthma presents to the ED with worsening symptoms of cough and wheeze and a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement is taken.Which statement concerning PEFR is true?
Your Answer: PEFR is dependent upon the patient's height
Explanation:The maximum flow rate generated during a forceful exhalation, after maximal inspiration is the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).PEFR is dependent upon initial lung volume. It is, therefore, dependant on patient’s age, sex and height.PEFR is dependent on voluntary effort and muscular strength of the patient.PEFR is decreased with increasing airway resistance, e.g. in asthma, and it correlates well with the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) value measured in spirometry. This correlation decreases in patients with asthma as airflow decreases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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A 32 year old woman presents with episodes of flushing, headaches and palpitations. On examination her blood pressure is significantly elevated. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis:
Your Answer: Cushing's syndrome
Correct Answer: Pheochromocytoma
Explanation:Phaeochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours which occur in about 0.1% of patients with hypertension. In about 90% of cases they arise from the adrenal medulla. The remaining 10%, which arise from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue, are termed paragangliomas. Common presenting symptoms include one or more of headache, sweating, pallor and palpitations. Less commonly, patients describe anxiety, panic attacks and pyrexia. Hypertension, whether sustained or episodic, is present in at least 90% of patients. Left untreated phaeochromocytoma can occasionally lead to hypertensive crisis, encephalopathy, hyperglycaemia, pulmonary oedema, cardiac arrhythmias, or even death.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 26
Correct
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You examine an elderly man who is experiencing chest pain. He doesn't recall all of his medications, but he does know that he takes a diuretic.The enzyme carbonic anhydrase is inhibited by which of the following diuretics?
Your Answer: Acetazolamide
Explanation:Acetazolamide is a non-competitive, reversible inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase found in the cytosol of cells and on the brush border of the proximal convoluted tubule. Bicarbonate and hydrogen ions are converted to carbonic acid by carbonic anhydrase, which then converts carbonic acid to carbon dioxide and water. As a result, acetazolamide reduces the availability of hydrogen ions, causing sodium and bicarbonate ions to accumulate in the renal tubule, resulting in diuresis.The mechanism of action of the various types of diuretics is summarised below:1) Loop diuretics, e.g. furosemide, bumetanideAct on the Na.K.2Cl co-transporters in the ascending loop of Henlé to inhibit sodium, chloride and potassium reabsorption.2) Thiazide diuretics, e.g. Bendroflumethiazide, hydrochlorothiazideAct on the Na.Cl co-transporter in the distal convoluted tubule to inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption.3) Osmotic diuretics, e.g. mannitolIncreases the osmolality of the glomerular filtrate and tubular fluid, increasing urinary volume by an osmotic effect.4) Aldosterone antagonists, e.g. spironolactoneActs in the distal convoluted tubule as a competitive aldosterone antagonist resulting in inhibition of sodium reabsorption and increasing potassium reabsorption.5) Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, e.g. acetazolamideInhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase preventing the conversion of bicarbonate and hydrogen ions into carbonic acid.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Correct
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All of the following statements are considered true regarding L'Abbe plots, except:
Your Answer: Treatment group results are plotted on the horizontal axis
Explanation:A L’Abbé plot is a scatter plot with the risk in the control group on the x-axis and the risk in the experimental group on the y-axis. It can be used to evaluate heterogeneity in meta-analysis. Furthermore, this plot can aid to choose a summary measure (odds ratio, risk ratio, risk difference) that will result in more consistent results.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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What is the mechanism of action of penicillin antibiotics:
Your Answer: Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis
Explanation:Penicillins and the other ß-lactam antibiotics are bactericidal. They produce their antimicrobial action by preventing cross-linkage between the linear peptidoglycan polymer chains that make up the bacterial cell wall. They, therefore, inhibit cell wall synthesis.The integrity of the ß-lactam ring is essential for antimicrobial activity. Many bacteria (including most Staphylococci) are resistant to benzylpenicillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin because they produce enzymes (penicillinases, ß-lactamases) that open the ß-lactam ring.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 29
Correct
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You're evaluating a 37-year-old woman who is 12 weeks pregnant. She has experienced vaginal bleeding.Which of the following anti-D statements is correct?
Your Answer: Routine antenatal prophylaxis is recommended for RhD negative women at 28 and 34 weeks
Explanation:Anti-D is an IgG antibody that targets the antigen Rhesus D (RhD). Plasma from rhesus-negative donors who have been immunised against the anti-D-antigen is used to make anti-D immunoglobulin.Only RhD negative women are given Anti-D Ig. Women who are RhD negative do not have the RhD antigen on their RBC. If a foetus has the RhD antigen (i.e. is RhD positive) and the mother is exposed to foetal blood, she may develop antibodies to RhD that pass through the placenta and attack foetal red cells (resulting in newborn haemolytic disease). Anti-D is given to bind and neutralise foetal red cells in the maternal circulation before an immune response is triggered. In the event of a sensitising event, 500 IU Anti-D Ig should be administered intramuscularly. The following are examples of potentially sensitising events:BirthHaemorrhage during pregnancyMiscarriageEctopic pregnancyDeath within the wombAmniocentesisChorionic villus samplingTrauma to the abdomenThe sooner anti-D is given in the event of a sensitising event, the better; however, it is most effective within 72 hours, and the BNF states that it is still likely to have some benefit if given outside of this time frame.At 28 and 34 weeks, RhD negative women should receive routine antenatal prophylaxis. This is regardless of whether they have previously received Anti-D for a sensitising event during the same pregnancy.Prophylactic anti-D is not necessary before 12 weeks gestation, as confirmed by scan, in uncomplicated miscarriage (where the uterus is not instrumented), or mild, painless vaginal bleeding, as the risk of foeto-maternal haemorrhage (FMH) is negligible. In cases of therapeutic termination of pregnancy, whether by surgical or medical means, 250 IU of prophylactic anti-D immunoglobulin should be given to confirmed RhD negative women who are not known to be RhD sensitised.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunological Products & Vaccines
- Pharmacology
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Question 30
Correct
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Which of the following nerves has been damaged when a patient presents with a foot drop?
Your Answer: Common peroneal nerve
Explanation:The common peroneal nerve often referred to as the common fibular nerve, is a major nerve that innervates the lower extremity. It is one of the two major branches off the sciatic nerve and receives fibres from the posterior divisions of L4 through S2 nerve roots. The common peroneal nerve separates from the sciatic nerve in the distal posterior thigh proximal to the popliteal fossa. After branching off of the sciatic nerve, it continues down the thigh, running posteroinferior to the biceps femoris muscle, and crosses laterally to the head of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle through the posterior intermuscular septum. The nerve then curves around the fibular neck before dividing into two branches, the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) and the deep peroneal nerve (DPN). The common peroneal nerve does not have any motor innervation before dividing; however, it provides sensory innervation to the lateral leg via the lateral sural nerve.The superficial peroneal nerve innervates the lateral compartment of the leg, and the deep peroneal nerve innervates the anterior compartment of the leg and the dorsum of the foot. These two nerves are essential in the eversion of the foot and dorsiflexion of the foot, respectively. The superficial and deep peroneal nerves provide both motor and sensory innervation.The most common presentation with common peroneal nerve injury or palsy is acute foot drop, although symptoms may be progressive and can include sensory loss or pain. Weakness in foot eversion may occur if the superficial peroneal nerve component is involved.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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