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Question 1
Correct
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A 63-year-old gentleman with chronic kidney disease secondary to diabetes mellitus is reviewed. When assessing his estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which one of the following variables is not required by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation?
Your Answer: Serum urea
Explanation:A formula for estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is the Modification Diet of Renal Disease (MDRD) equation which takes into account the following variables: serum creatinine, age, gender, and ethnicity. Thus, serum urea is not required in this formula.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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In diabetes, what is the most common finding on renal biopsy?
Your Answer: Mesangial proliferation
Correct Answer: Glomerulosclerosis
Explanation:Glomerulosclerosis is the scarring and hardening of the glomeruli known as diabetic glomerulosclerosis occurring in long-standing diabetes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 3
Correct
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You are reviewing a 70-year-old gentleman who has been suffering from multiple myeloma for the past 3 years. He presents with lethargy, muscle aches and pain in his lower back. Arterial blood sampling reveals a metabolic acidosis. Serum potassium is 3.1 mmol/l (3.5–4.9), and urine pH is 5.1 (> 5.3). What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Renal tubular acidosis-type II
Explanation:This case is most likely RTA type II, due to decreased proximal bicarbonate reabsorption, which leads to metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia, hyperchloremia, and <6 urine pH .
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 4
Correct
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A 65-year-old gentleman gives a two week history of progressive lethargy and weakness. Eight weeks previously, he was treated for hypertensive heart failure with 120 mg furosemide and 5 mg enalapril daily. His haemoglobin at the time was 12.0, urea 14.2 mmol/l and creatinine 298 μmol/l. His blood pressure in clinic was 148/85 mmHg. His blood results are shown below: Hb 10.2g/dL, MCV 89.2 fl WCC 4.9 x 109/L, Plats 175 x 109/L, Na+ 135 K+ 5.2 mmol/L, Urea 25.2 mmol/L, Creat 600 μmol/L, Assuming that he is not volume overloaded, what would be the most appropriate action?
Your Answer: stop the enalapril and furosemide
Explanation:The patient presents with worsened renal condition from the last consultation when he was started on enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) so this medication should be stopped. Because there is also no fluid overload; furosemide, a diuretic, should also be stopped.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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A 57-year-old man, who suffers from biventricular cardiac failure, comes to his doctor for a review. His symptoms are currently well controlled; he is taking Ramipril 10mg, Spironolactone 25mg, Bisoprolol 10mg, and Furosemide 40mg. His main complaint is of painful gynaecomastia that he says has developed over the past 6 months. Physical exam reveals a blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg and no residual signs of cardiac failure. Renal function is unchanged from 6 months earlier, with stable creatinine at 125 µmol/l. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Change the spironolactone to eplerenone
Explanation:Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist diuretic that is well-known to cause gynaecomastia because it increases testosterone clearance and oestradiol production. The patient’s primary complaint of gynaecomastia should immediately prompt discontinuation of spironolactone and replacement with Eplerenone, which lacks the antiandrogenic effects, and thus there is less risk of gynaecomastia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Which of the following types of renal stones are said to have a semi-opaque appearance on x-ray?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cystine stones
Explanation:Only cystine stones are semi-opaque because they contain sulphur. All the other stones will appear either radio-lucent or radio-opaque.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A 71-year-old woman with a medical history of a blood transfusion in the early 1980s presents with a 10 month history of malaise and is noted to have impaired renal function. Her urine sediment reveals red cell casts. The results of immunological investigations are as follows: serum IgG 6.5 g/L (normal range 6-13), IgA 1.5 g/L (normal range 0.8-4.0), IgM 5.7 g/L (normal range 0.4-2.0), serum electrophoresis shows a faint band in the gamma region, complement C3 1.02 g/L (normal range 0.75-1.65), complement C4 <0.02 g/L (normal range 0.20-0.65), and rheumatoid factor 894 IU/L (normal range <40). Which of the following investigations is likely to be most important in making a definitive diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cryoglobulins
Explanation:The patient’s history of a blood transfusion and lab results showing a markedly low C4 (with normal C3), elevated rheumatoid factor, and elevated serum IgM is highly suggestive of hepatitis C-associated cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis. Testing for Cryoglobulins will confirm this suspicion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 40-year-old woman presents to her GP with malaise, anorexia, and weight loss. Screening blood samples reveals urea of 50.1 mmol/l and serum creatinine of 690 μmol/l. Her past history includes frequent headaches, but nothing else of note. She has, however, failed to attend her routine ‘well-woman’ appointments. Ultrasound reveals bilateral hydronephrosis and a suspicion of a central pelvic mass. What diagnosis is most likely to be responsible for this woman’s hydronephrosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cervical carcinoma
Explanation:The patient’s history of recent weight loss and malaise, paired with enlarged kidneys and renal failure, as well as a suspected central pelvic mass on ultrasound, gives a suspicion of cervical carcinoma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old gentleman presents to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain. This started earlier on in the day and is getting progressively worse. The pain is located on his left flank and radiates down into his groin. He has no history of this pain or any other condition. Examination reveals a gentleman who is flushed and sweaty but is otherwise unremarkable. What is the most suitable initial management?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: IM diclofenac 75 mg
Explanation:Because of the patient’s presentation with flank pain that radiates to the groin, we are suspecting renal colic. We should follow guidelines for acute renal management and prescribe IM diclofenac for immediate relief of pain.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A 20-year-old woman presents with weakness and is found to have a serum potassium of 2.2 mmol/l and pH 7.1. Which of the following would be LEAST useful in differentiating between renal tubular acidosis Types 1 and 2?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Osteomalacia
Explanation:Osteomalacia is a marked softening of the bones that can present in both type I and type II Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA) and will thus not differentiate the two types in any case. The other measures will allow differentiation of the two types.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 3-year-old boy presents with recurrent urinary tract infections. What is the most common cause for this problem in a child of this age?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Vesicoureteric reflux
Explanation:Vesicoureteral reflux is the condition when the urine flows backwards from the bladder into the kidneys, which is the most common cause of UTI in patients this age.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Of the following disorders, which one causes acute tubular damage?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Myoglobinuria
Explanation:Myoglobinuria is the condition when there is degeneration of necrosed muscle that it is excreted in the urine. This condition would then cause acute tubular damage leading to renal failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 68-year-old gentleman has been receiving dialysis for 6 years. His PTH is elevated at 345 pg/ml (NR 25-65), phosphate 2.13 mmol/l and corrected calcium 2.01 mmol/l. Of the following, which is most likely responsible for renal osteodystrophy?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Diminished activity of renal 1-α-hydroxylase
Explanation:Renal osteodystrophy is a metabolic bone disease often affecting long-term dialysis patients. The kidneys are no longer able to maintain the calcium levels in the blood, thus the PTH increases as the body attempts to raise blood calcium levels. Osteomalacia in these cases is most likely caused by the diminished activity of renal 1-a-hydroxylase that is important for hydroxylation of Calciferol to calcitriol (Vitamin D). This bioactive form of Vitamin D is responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 72-year-old woman is admitted with general deterioration and ‘off-legs’. On examination in the emergency department, she looks dry and uremic. Investigations reveal:
- K+ 7.2 mmol/L
- Na+ 145 mmol/L
- Creatinine 512 μmol/L
- Urea 36.8 mmol/L
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: ECG & IV Calcium gluconate bolus
Explanation:First and foremost, the patient should be put on ECG monitoring to identify the cardiac state, and because of the markedly raised serum potassium, a calcium gluconate bolus will have the immediate effect of moderating the nerve and muscle performance.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 58-year-old gentleman with a long history of gout presents with loin pain. Other past history of note includes an ileostomy after bowel surgery. There is no history of weight loss from malabsorption syndrome after his bowel surgery. Excretion urography reveals evidence of bilateral renal stones. What is the most likely composition of his renal stones?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Uric acid stones
Explanation:Uric acid stones will most likely be found in this case because of the patient’s long history of gout. Additionally, studies have shown that ileostomy patients have an increased risk for the development of uric acid stones.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A 65-year-old gentleman with a history of chronic renal failure due to diabetes comes to the clinic for review. He has reported increasing bone and muscle aches over the past few weeks. Medications include ramipril, amlodipine and indapamide for blood pressure control, atorvastatin for lipid management, and insulin for control of his blood sugar. On examination his BP is 148/80 mmHg, his pulse is 79 and regular. His BMI is 28. Investigations show: Haemoglobin 10.7 g/dl (13.5-17.7) White cell count 8.2 x 10(9)/l (4-11) Platelets 202 x 10(9)/l (150-400) Serum sodium 140 mmol/l (135-146) Serum potassium 5.0 mmol/l (3.5-5) Creatinine 192 μmol/l (79-118) Calcium 2.18 mmol/l (2.2-2.67) Phosphate 1.9 mmol/l (0.7-1.5) He has tried following a low phosphate diet. Which of the following would be the next most appropriate step in controlling his phosphate levels?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Sevelamer
Explanation:Sevelamer is a phosphate-binding drug that can lower raised serum phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease. Because of its aluminium-related side-effects, aluminium hydroxide is no longer the drug of choice.
The other options are calcium-containing salts that may increase risks of tissue calcification. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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A 28 year old female presents to her GP with joint pain , fever, a butterfly rash and fatigue. She has marked peripheral oedema. She is found to be hypertensive, in acute renal failure, low albumin levels and proteinuria. A renal biopsy is performed and reveals focal glomerulonephritis with subendothelial and mesangial immune deposits. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Lupus nephritis Class III
Explanation:This case presents with characteristic symptoms of SLE and with her renal biopsy results of focal glomerulonephritis, this is clearly Class III SLE.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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In idiopathic hypercalciuria, what management should be initiated if there is renal stone disease or bone demineralization?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Dietary modification and thiazide diuretics
Explanation:Idiopathic hypercalciuria presents with excess calcium in the urine without an apparent cause. Dietary modification is the first step in addressing this condition, however, because hypercalciuria increases the risk of developing renal stones and bone demineralisation, thiazide diuretics should be prescribed to increase calcium reabsorption when these symptoms are also present.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A 15-year-old boy presents with hypertension and acute renal failure after an episode of diarrhoea. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Haemolytic–uraemic syndrome
Explanation:The likely diagnosis in this case is Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which is generally seen in young children presenting with a triad of symptoms, namely: acute renal failure, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, and thrombocytopenia. The typical cause of HUS is ingestion of a strain of Escherichia coli causing diarrhoea in these cases as well.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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A 26-year-old patient, previously fit and well, is admitted with fluctuating confusion and frank haematuria. He has recently been complaining of generalised malaise and joint pains. Examination reveals jaundice, splenomegaly, and petechiae. His blood pressure is 155/84 mmHg, temperature 37.9oC. Initial investigations reveal: Haemoglobin 9.5 g/dL, White cell count 12 × 109/L, Platelets 40 × 109/L, Creatinine 142 μmol/L, Sodium 139 mmol/L, Potassium 4.5 mmol/L, Urea 9.2 mmol/L, Lactate dehydrogenase 495 U/l (10–250) Urinalysis Protein ++, blood +++ Blood film shows schistocytes What treatment should NOT be given to this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Platelet transfusion
Explanation:There is a strong suspicion of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) in this patient as he presents with neurological changes (from confusion to convulsions and coma), fever, haemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure. Additionally, TTP cases may present with jaundice, splenomegaly, and hypertension as seen in this patient. With a diagnosis of TTP, recent studies have shown that platelet transfusion is not recommended in this case because it has been shown to increase the risk for arterial thrombosis and mortality possibly due to increased aggregations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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A 11-year-old boy has a history of tonsillitis followed by haematuria and hypertension about 10 days later. What would be the characteristic blood test finding in this condition?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Depressed CH 50 level
Explanation:Because the medical history included tonsillitis followed by haematuria and hypertension, there is a strong suspicion of a case of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). Patients with PSGN usually have serological findings showing depressed serum haemolytic component CH50 and serum concentrations of C3. Sometimes depressed C4 levels are also apparent, but not always, therefore, the answer to this question is: depressed CH50 level.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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A 52-year-old woman with polycystic kidney disease and a slowly rising creatinine, which was 320 μmol/L at her last clinic visit 3 weeks ago, is brought into the Emergency Department having been found collapsed at home by her partner. She is now fully conscious but complains of a headache. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Explanation:One of the most important complications in patients with PKD is being affected by berry aneurysms that may burst, causing a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which seems to be the case in this patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old gentleman is found dead in his apartment. He was known to be suffering from primary systemic amyloidosis. What is the most probable cause for his death?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cardiac involvement
Explanation:Primary amyloidosis is characterised by abnormal protein build-up in the tissues and organ such as the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, skin, ligaments, and nerves. However, the most common cause of death in patients with primary amyloidosis is heart failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A 16-year-old boy suffers recurrent episodes of haematuria following a flu-like illness. He is otherwise well. Physical examination is normal. Urinalysis reveals no proteinuria, blood ++, and 2–3 white blood cells/mm3. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: IgA nephropathy
Explanation:IgA nephropathy’s characteristic presentation is haematuria following a non-specific upper respiratory infection as was evident in this case. IgA nephropathy also usually occurs in children and young males, like this patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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A 63-year-old woman visits the diabetes clinic for review. She has had type-2 diabetes for 9 years and is now on insulin therapy. She has diabetic nephropathy, as exemplified by hypertension and proteinuria (urinary PCR 155); a recent creatinine level was 205 μmol/l and eGFR 24 ml/min. Which of the following options best fits her prognosis or management?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Treatment with ARB or ACE-I may slow further deterioration in renal function
Explanation:Treatment with ARB or ACE-I may slow further deterioration in renal function in this patient, as studies have shown that blocking of the RAS in type 2 diabetic patients improve renal function.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Which one of the following statements is true regarding autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: May be diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound
Explanation:Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is less common than ADPKD (dominant form) but can already present with symptoms and be diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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A 21-year-old gentleman presents with facial and ankle swelling. This has slowly been developing over the past week. During the review of systems, he describes passing ‘frothy’ urine. A urine dipstick shows protein +++. What is the most likely cause of this presentation?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Minimal change disease
Explanation:Minimal change glomerulonephritis usually presents as nephrotic syndrome wherein the patient (usually a young adult) will present with proteinuria, oedema, and impaired kidney function, which were evident in this patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A 61-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and inflammatory arthritis is admitted after slipping on ice and falling over. Some routine blood tests are performed: Na+ 141 mmol/L, K+ 2.9 mmol/L, Chloride 114 mmol/L, Bicarbonate 16 mmol/L, Urea 5.2 mmol/L, Creatinine 75 µmol/L, Which one of the following is most likely to explain these results?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Renal tubular acidosis (type 1)
Explanation:The patient’s underlying arthritis has most likely led to Renal tubular acidosis RTA type 1, which presents with the following symptoms consistent with the presentation of the patient: Normal anion gap metabolic acidosis/acidaemia, hypokalaemia and hyperchloremia. Comparatively, the other conditions are ruled out because Aspirin and diabetic ketoacidosis is associated with a raised anion gap, Conn’s syndrome explains hypokalaemia but not the metabolic acidosis, and RTA type 4 is associated with hyperkalaemia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old gentleman presents with symptoms of nocturia and difficulty in passing urine. He is not known to have any previous prostatic problems and denies any dysuria. Following a digital rectal examination, he is started on Finasteride and Tamsulosin. Three months later he presents to the emergency department with urinary retention and is catheterized, and a craggy mass is felt on rectal examination. He is referred to a urologist, and a prostatic ultrasound and needle biopsy are arranged, and prostate serum antigen (PSA) is requested. Which of the following factors is most likely to give a false negative PSA?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Finasteride
Explanation:Finasteride is often prescribed for patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. However, it has been known to cause a decrease in Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) levels in patients with BPH, which may lead to false negatives in a case like this, where a palpable mass has been detected and malignancy is suspected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A 46-year-old gentleman diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and proteinuria is started on Ramipril to prevent development of renal disease. He reports to his GP that he has developed a troublesome cough since starting the medication. He has no symptoms of lip swelling, wheeze and has no history of underlying respiratory disease. What increased chemical is thought to be the cause of his cough?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Bradykinin
Explanation:Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor that blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II as well as preventing the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to blood vessel dilatation and decreased blood pressure. However, bradykinin also causes smooth muscles in the lungs to contract, so the build-up of bradykinin is thought to cause the dry cough that is a common side-effect in patients that are on ACE inhibitors.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Nephrology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
