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Question 1
Incorrect
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Which of the following clinical features is a feature of a chronic extravascular haemolytic anaemia:
Your Answer: Raised serum conjugated bilirubin
Correct Answer: Gallstones
Explanation:Clinical features of haemolytic anaemia include:AnaemiaJaundice (caused by unconjugated bilirubin in plasma, bilirubin is absent from urine)Pigment gallstonesSplenomegalyAnkle ulcersExpansion of marrow with, in children, bone expansion e.g. frontal bossing in beta-thalassaemia majorAplastic crisis caused by parvovirus
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 34-year-old man presented to the emergency room after being involved in a road traffic accident. Upon observation and examination, it was noted that he was hypotensive and has muffled heart sounds. It was suspected that he has pericardial effusion, so an emergency pericardiocentesis was to be performed.In performing pericardiocentesis for suspected pericardial effusion, which of the following anatomical sites are at risk of being punctured?
Your Answer: 5 th intercostal space in the mid-axillary line
Correct Answer: 1 cm below the left xiphocostal angle
Explanation:Pericardiocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid build-up in the sac around the heart known as the pericardium. The pericardium can be tapped from almost any reasonable location on the chest wall. However, for the usual blind pericardiocentesis, the subxiphoid approach is preferred. Ideally, 2-D echocardiography is used to guide needle insertion and the subsequent path of the needle/catheter.In the subxiphoid approach, the needle is inserted 1 cm inferior to the left xiphocostal angle with an angle of 30 degrees from the patient’s chest with a direction towards the left mid-clavicle. The fingers may sense a distinct give when the needle penetrates the parietal pericardium. Successful removal of fluid confirms the needle’s position.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen And Pelvis
- Anatomy
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Question 3
Correct
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A 70-year-old patient diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome, has a history of weight gain, hypertension, and easy bruising.Which of the following statements about Cushing's syndrome is NOT true?
Your Answer: Menorrhagia is a common feature
Explanation:Cushing’s syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs brought on by long-term exposure to high amounts of endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids.Iatrogenic corticosteroid injection is the most prevalent cause of Cushing’s syndrome.Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the greatest levels occurring around 0900 hours and the lowest occurring at 2400 hrs during sleep. The diurnal swing of cortisol levels is lost in Cushing’s syndrome, and levels are greater throughout the 24-hour period. In the morning, levels may be normal, but they may be high at night-time, when they are generally repressed.Insulin resistance causes hyperglycaemia, which is a frequent symptom. Insulin resistance can produce acanthosis nigricans in the axilla and around the neck, as well as other skin abnormalities.In contrast to menorrhagia, elevated testosterone levels are more likely to produce amenorrhoea or oligomenorrhoea. Infertility in women of reproductive age can also be caused by high androgen levels.A dexamethasone suppression test or a 24-hour urine free cortisol collection can both be used to establish the existence of Cushing’s syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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Regarding box and whisker plots, which of the following statements is true?
Your Answer: They are used to display qualitative variables
Correct Answer: 25% of the values lie below the lower quartile
Explanation:A box and whisker plot is defined as a graphical method of displaying variation in a set of data. In most cases, a histogram analysis provides a sufficient display, but a box and whisker plot can provide additional detail while allowing multiple sets of data to be displayed in the same graph.The procedure to develop a box and whisker plot comes from the five statistics below:(1) Minimum value: The smallest value in the data set(2) Second quartile: The value below which the lower 25% of the data are contained(3) Median value: The middle number in a range of numbers(4) Third quartile: The value above which the upper 25% of the data are contained(5) Maximum value: The largest value in the data set
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of these immunoglobulin molecules can cross the placenta?
Your 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 6
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT a common clinical manifestation of sickle cell disease?
Your Answer: Iron deficiency
Explanation:Signs and symptoms of Sickle cell disease(SCD):Acute and chronic pain: The most common clinical manifestation of SCD is vaso-occlusive crisis; pain crises are the most distinguishing clinical feature of SCDBone pain: Often seen in long bones of extremities, primarily due to bone marrow infarctionAnaemia: Universally present, chronic, and haemolytic in natureAplastic crisis: Serious complication due to infection with parvovirus B19 (B19V)Splenic sequestration: Characterized by the onset of life-threatening anaemia with rapid enlargement of the spleen and high reticulocyte countInfection: Organisms that pose the greatest danger include encapsulated respiratory bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae; adult infections are predominantly with gram-negative organisms, especially SalmonellaGrowth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, being underweightHand-foot syndrome: This is a dactylitis presenting as bilateral painful and swollen hands and/or feet in childrenAcute chest syndrome: Young children present with chest pain, fever, cough, tachypnoea, leucocytosis, and pulmonary infiltrates in the upper lobes; adults are usually afebrile, dyspnoeic with severe chest pain, with multilobar/lower lobe diseasePulmonary hypertension: Increasingly recognized as a serious complication of SCDAvascular necrosis of the femoral or humeral head: Due to vascular occlusionCentral nervous system (CNS) involvement: Most severe manifestation is strokeOphthalmologic involvement: Ptosis, retinal vascular changes, proliferative retinitisCardiac involvement: Dilation of both ventricles and the left atriumGastrointestinal involvement: Cholelithiasis is common in children; liver may become involvedGenitourinary involvement: Kidneys lose concentrating capacity; priapism is a well-recognized complication of SCDDermatologic involvement: Leg ulcers are a chronic painful problem
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a pharmacological effect of beta-blockers:
Your Answer: Reduced intraocular pressure
Correct Answer: Reduced AV conduction time
Explanation:Effects of beta-blockers:Cardiovascular system: Reduce blood pressureReduce heart rate, contractility and cardiac outputIncrease AV conduction time, refractoriness and suppress automaticityEye:Reduce intraocular pressureRespiratory system:Cause bronchoconstriction
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 8
Correct
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Atracurium is used as a muscle relaxant during endotracheal intubation. This drug’s mechanism of action is best described by which of the following?
Your Answer: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist
Explanation:Atracurium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that is used to help with intubation and controlled ventilation by causing muscle relaxation and paralysis. At the neuromuscular junction’s post-synaptic membrane, atracurium competes with acetylcholine for nicotinic (N2) receptor binding sites. This prevents the receptors from being stimulated by acetylcholine. Muscle paralysis occurs gradually due to the competitive blockade.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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Which of the following acts to inhibit antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release from the posterior pituitary:
Your Answer: Aldosterone
Correct Answer: Atrial natriuretic peptide
Explanation:ADH release is inhibited by low plasma osmolality, alcohol, caffeine, glucocorticoids and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).ADH release is stimulated primarily by raised plasma osmolality detected by osmoreceptors in the anterior hypothalamus. Other factors that increase ADH release include: extracellular fluid volume depletion, angiotensin II, nausea, pain, stress, exercise, emotion, hypoglycaemia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 10
Correct
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Salbutamol should be used with caution in patients with which of the following:
Your Answer: Susceptibility to QT-interval prolongation
Explanation:Beta-2 agonists should be used with caution in people with: Cardiovascular disease, including arrhythmias and hypertension (beta-2 agonists may cause an increased risk of arrhythmias and significant changes to blood pressure and heart rate)Diabetes(risk of hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis, especially with intravenous use)Hyperthyroidism(beta-2 agonists may stimulate thyroid activity)Hypokalaemia(potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta-2 agonist therapy; this effect may be potentiated in severe asthma by concomitant treatment with theophylline, corticosteroids, diuretics and by hypoxia)Susceptibility to QT-interval prolongationConvulsive disorders
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old woman with a known history of bronchiectasis has lung function testing carried out and is found to have significant airways obstruction.Which of the following lung volumes or capacities is LEAST likely to be decreased in this case? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Vital capacity
Correct Answer: Functional residual capacity
Explanation:Obstructive lung disorders are characterised by airway obstruction. Many obstructive diseases of the lung result from narrowing of the smaller bronchi and larger bronchioles, often because of excessive contraction of the smooth muscle itself.In obstructive lung disease, FEV1is reduced to <80% of normal and FVC is usually reduced but to a lesser extent than FEV1. The FEV1/FVC ratio is reduced to 80% in the presence of symptomsModerate airflow obstruction = FEV1of 50-79%Severe airflow obstruction = FEV1of 30-49%Very severe airflow obstruction = FEV1<30%.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Renin is produced by which of the following:
Your Answer: Extraglomerular mesangial cells
Correct Answer: Granular cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole
Explanation:Juxtaglomerular cells are specialised smooth muscle cells mainly in the walls of the afferent arterioles (and some in the efferent arterioles) which synthesise renin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 13
Incorrect
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If a lesion is observed in Broca's area, which function is expected to become affected?
Your Answer: Comprehension of speech
Correct Answer: Formation of words
Explanation:The primary functions of the Broca area are both language production and comprehension. While the exact role in the production is still unclear, many believe that it directly impacts the motor movements to allow for speech. Although originally thought to only aid in speech production, lesions in the area can rarely be related to impairments in the comprehension of language. Different regions of the Broca area specialize in various aspects of comprehension. The anterior portion helps with semantics, or word meaning, while the posterior is associated with phonology, or how words sound. The Broca area is also necessary for language repetition, gesture production, sentence grammar and fluidity, and the interpretation of others’ actions.Broca’s aphasia is a non-fluent aphasia in which the output of spontaneous speech is markedly diminished and there is a loss of normal grammatical structure. Specifically, small linking words, conjunctions, such as and, or, and but, and the use of prepositions are lost. Patients may exhibit interjectional speech where there is a long latency, and the words that are expressed are produced as if under pressure. The ability to repeat phrases is also impaired in patients with Broca’s aphasia. Despite these impairments, the words that are produced are often intelligible and contextually correct. In pure Broca’s aphasia, comprehension is intact.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 14
Correct
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Question 15
Incorrect
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Regarding protein digestion, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: The pancreatic proteases, trypsin and chymotrypsin, hydrolyse polypeptides to small peptides and amino acids.
Correct Answer: Oligopeptides are broken down into small peptides and amino acids by pancreatic carboxypeptidases and aminopeptidases located on the brush border.
Explanation:Digestion of dietary protein begins in the stomach where pepsin hydrolyses protein to polypeptides, and continues in the duodenum where pancreatic proteases (trypsin and chymotrypsin) continue the process of hydrolysis forming oligopeptides. These are further broken down into small peptides and amino acids by pancreatic carboxypeptidases and aminopeptidases located on luminal membrane epithelial cells. Free amino acids are absorbed across the apical membrane by secondary active transport coupled with Na+transport into the cell. Amino acids cross the basal membrane into the capillaries by facilitated diffusion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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What is the mechanism of action of captopril:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inhibition of the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Explanation:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) e.g. captopril inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, and thus have a vasodilatory effect, lowering both arterial and venous resistance. The cardiac output increases and, because the renovascular resistance falls, there is an increase in renal blood flow. This latter effect, together with reduced aldosterone release, increases Na+ and H2O excretion, contracting the blood volume and reducing venous return to the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical feature of osteomalacia:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hypercalcaemia
Explanation:Features of osteomalacia include: Bone pain (particularly bone, pelvis, ribs)Neuromuscular dysfunction (particularly in the gluteal muscles, leading to waddling gaitPseudofractures on x-ray (looser zones)Elevated alkaline phosphatase, hypocalcaemia and low phosphate due to secondary hyperparathyroidism
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Adenosine has a half-life of approximately:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 8 - 10 seconds
Explanation:Adenosine stimulates A1-adenosine receptors and opens acetylcholine sensitive K+ channels, increasing K+ efflux. This hyperpolarises the cell membrane in the atrioventricular node and, by inhibiting the calcium channels, slows conduction in the AVN. As it has a very short duration of action (half-life only about 8 – 10 seconds), most side effects are short lived.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Regarding hepatitis C, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Anti-HCV IgG antibodies are diagnostic of acute infection.
Explanation:Anti-HCV IgG antibodies indicate exposure to hepatitis C but this could be acute, chronic or resolved infection. If the antibody test is positive, HCV RNA should be tested for, which if positive indicates that a person has current infection with active hepatitis C.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Regarding forest plots, which of the following is the purpose of this graph?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: To graphically display the relative strength of multiple studies attempting to answer the same question
Explanation:The results of meta-analysis are often displayed graphically in a forest plot. A properly constructed forest plot is the most effective way to graphically display the relative strength of multiple studies attempting to answer the same question. A typical meta-analysis consists of three main objectives that include estimation of effect sizes from individual studies and a pooled summary estimate with their confidence intervals (CIs), heterogeneity among the studies, and any publication bias. The forest plot illustrates the first two of these objectives. Forest plots visualize the effect measure and CI of individual studies, which provide the raw data for the meta-analysis, as well the pooled-effect measure and CI. The individual studies also can be grouped in the forest plot by some of their characteristics for ease of interpretation such as by study size or year of publication. When comparing the outcomes between an intervention and a control group, dichotomous outcome variables are expressed as ratios (i.e. odds ratios, ORs or risk ratios, RRs), while for continuous outcomes, a weighted mean difference is reported.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following statement is correct with regards to the female urethra?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: The urethra opens in the vestibule that lies between the labia minora.
Explanation:The urethra in women is short (about 4 cm long), and begins at the base of the bladder. Its course runs inferiorly through the urogenital diaphragm, then into the perineum. It then opens in the vestibule which lies between the labia minora. The inferior aspect of the urethra is bound to the anterior surface of the vagina. The urethral opening is anterior to the vaginal opening in the vestibule. As the urethra passes through the pelvic floor, it is surrounded by the external urethral sphincter.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old woman has an anaphylactic reaction following accidental ingestion peanuts at a restaurant. She is a known hypertensive on atenolol 50 mg daily and BP is well controlled. She is also on amlodipine 5 mg daily. Two doses of IM adrenaline has been given without improvement.Which medication may prove helpful in this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: IM Glucagon
Explanation:Resistant to the effects of adrenaline in anaphylaxis is seen in patients taking beta-blockers.Glucagon can be used to overcome the effects of the beta-blockade if initial doses of adrenaline are unsuccessful in patients taking beta-blockers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Pharmacology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A 43-year old male is taken to the Emergency Room for a lacerated wound on the abdomen, situated above the umbilicus. A short segment of the small bowel has herniated through the wound.Which of these anatomic structures is the most superficial structure injured in the case above?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Camper’s fascia
Explanation:The following structures are the layers of the anterior abdominal wall from the most superficial to the deepest layer:SkinFatty layer of the superficial fascia (Camper’s fascia)Membranous layer of the superficial fascia (Scarpa’s fascia)Aponeurosis of the external and internal oblique musclesRectus abdominis muscleAponeurosis of the internal oblique and transversus abdominisFascia transversalisExtraperitoneal fatParietal peritoneum
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen And Pelvis
- Anatomy
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Regarding the penis, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: The corpus spongiosum is ventral in the erect penis.
Explanation:Because the anatomical position of the penis is erect, the paired corpora cavernosa are defined as dorsal in the body of the penis and the single corpus spongiosum as ventral. The nerves and vessels lie superficial to the corpus cavernosum. The urethra lies within the corpus spongiosum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Fusidic acid is primarily indicated for infections caused by which of the following microorganisms:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Staphylococcal infections
Explanation:Fusidic acid is a narrow spectrum antibiotic used for staphylococcal infections, primarily topically for minor staphylococcal skin (impetigo) or eye infection. It is sometimes used orally for penicillin-resistant staphylococcal infection, including osteomyelitis or endocarditis, in combination with other antibacterials.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is correct regarding gentamicin?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gentamicin is ineffective against anaerobic bacteria.
Explanation:Gentamicin is the aminoglycoside of choice in the UK and is a parenterally administered, broad spectrum antibiotic typically used for moderate to severe gram negative infections. However, it is inactive against anaerobes. There is poor activity against haemolytic streptococci and pneumococci. It is usually given in conjunction with a penicillin or metronidazole (or both) when used for the blind treatment of undiagnosed serious infections. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are the main toxic effects due to damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII).It is contraindicated in myasthenia gravis and should be used with great care in renal disease as it may result in accumulation and a higher risk of toxic side effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is primarily produced in response to:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: An increase in intravascular fluid volume
Explanation:Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is released from cardiac atrial muscle cells in response to atrial stretch caused by an increase in intravascular fluid volume and is also produced in collecting duct cells.Atrial natriuretic peptide acts to inhibit sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A 34-year-old man presents with loss of vision in his left eye due to an episode of optic neuritis. Upon history taking, it was noted that he has a history of multiple sclerosis. Which of the following anatomical points in the visual pathway has the lesion occurred?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Optic nerve
Explanation:A lesion in the optic nerve causes ipsilateral monocular visual loss.Optic neuritis is an inflammatory demyelination of the optic nerve that is highly associated with multiple sclerosis. The two most common symptoms of optic neuritis are vision loss and eye pain.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 54-year-old man returns from a recently holiday on a cruise ship with a dry cough and a fever. Today he has also had several episodes of diarrhoea and has developed bilateral pleuritic chest pain. He states that he is short of breath, most notably on exertion. He had been prescribed amoxicillin by the cruise ship doctor a few days earlier but has not seen any improvement.Which of the following is the most likely causative organism? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Legionella pneumophila
Explanation:Legionella pneumophilais a Gram negative bacterium that is found in natural water supplies and in the soil, transmitted predominantly via inhalation of aerosols generated from contaminated water (direct person-to-person spread of infected patients does not occur). It is the cause of Legionnaires’ disease. Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to poorly maintained air conditioning systems, whirlpool spas and hot tubs.The clinical features of the pneumonic form of Legionnaires’ disease include:Mild flu-like prodrome for 1-3 daysCough (usually non-productive and occurs in approximately 90%)Pleuritic chest painHaemoptysisHeadacheNausea, vomiting and diarrhoeaAnorexiaLegionella pneumophilainfections can be successfully treated with macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin, or quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin. Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, can also be used.The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) can occur with Legionnaires’ disease and will result in hyponatraemia as is seen in this case.Legionella pneumophilainfections are resistant to amoxicillin but can be successfully treated with macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin, or quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin. Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, can also be used. The majority of cases of Legionnaires’ disease are caused by Legionella pneumophila, however many other species of Legionella have been identified.Legionella longbeachae is another less commonly encountered species that has also been implicated in outbreaks. It is predominantly found in soil and potting compost, and has caused outbreaks of Pontiac fever, the non-respiratory and less severe variant of Legionnaires’ disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 30
Incorrect
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An 82 year old man has fever, left sided abdominal and back pain and presents to the emergency room. Imaging reveals a large perinephric abscess. Which of the following most likely describes the fluid location:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Between the renal capsule and the renal fascia
Explanation:The perinephric fat is immediately external to the renal capsule and completely surrounds the kidney. The renal fascia surrounds the perinephric fat and the paranephric fat is external to the renal fascia. The location of a perinephric abscess is in the perinephric fat between the renal capsule and the renal fascia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
