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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old man, known hypertensive on amlodipine has been visiting his GP with symptoms of headache, tiredness, and muscle weakness. His blood test today shows a low potassium level of 2.8 mmol/L, and a slightly raised sodium level at 147 mmol/L.What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?
Your Answer: Cushing’s syndrome
Correct Answer: Conn’s syndrome
Explanation:When there are excessive levels of aldosterone independent of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone axis, primary hyperaldosteronism occurs. Secondary hyperaldosteronism occurs due to high renin levels.Causes of primary hyperaldosteronism include:Conn’s syndromeAdrenal hyperplasiaAdrenal cancerFamilial aldosteronismCauses of secondary hyperaldosteronism include:Renal vasoconstrictionOedematous disordersDrugs – diureticsObstructive renal artery diseaseAlthough patients are usually asymptomatic, when clinical features are present, classically hyperaldosteronism presents with:HypokalaemiaSodium levels can be normal or slightly raisedHypertensionMetabolic alkalosisLess common, clinical features are:LethargyHeadachesIntermittent paraesthesiaPolyuria and polydipsiaMuscle weakness (from persistent hypokalaemia)Tetany and paralysis (rare)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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The following are all important buffers of H+EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Plasma proteins
Correct 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 3
Correct
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What type of visual field defect are you likely to see in a lesion of the visual cortex:
Your Answer: Contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing
Explanation:A lesion of the visual cortex will result in a contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
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Question 4
Correct
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Which statement about cross-sectional studies is true?
Your Answer: They can be used to assess the prevalence of a condition
Explanation:Cross-sectional studies can be used to assess the prevalence of a condition.Cross-sectional studies CANNOT be used to differentiate between cause and effect or establish the sequence of events.They can be used to study multiple outcomes but are NOT suitable for studying rare diseases.
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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 the following is NOT a function of the commensal intestinal bacterial flora:
Your Answer: Breakdown of haem into bilirubin
Explanation:Commensal intestinal bacterial flora have a role in:Keeping pathogenic bacteria at bay by competing for space and nutrientConverting conjugated bilirubin to urobilinogen (some of which is reabsorbed and excreted in urine) and stercobilinogen which is excreted in the faecesThe synthesis of vitamins K, B12, thiamine and riboflavinThe breakdown of primary bile acids to secondary bile acidsThe breakdown of cholesterol, some food additives and drugs
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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All these structures make up the portal triad EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Vagal parasympathetic nerve fibres
Correct Answer: Branches of the hepatic vein
Explanation:The portal triad, is made up of a portal arteriole (a branch of the hepatic artery), a portal venule (a branch of the hepatic portal vein) and a bile duct. Also contained within the portal triad are lymphatic vessels and vagal parasympathetic nerve fibres.Branches of the hepatic vein is not part of the portal triad
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 7
Incorrect
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What is the main mechanism of action of flecainide:
Your Answer: Blocks Ca2+ channels
Correct Answer: Blocks Na+ channels
Explanation:Flecainide inhibits the transmembrane influx of extracellular Na+ ions via fast channels on cardiac tissues resulting in a decrease in rate of depolarisation of the action potential, prolonging the PR and QRS intervals. At high concentrations, it exerts inhibitory effects on slow Ca2+ channels, accompanied by moderate negative inotropic effect.
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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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The patient is a 78-year-old woman who has recently developed left-sided hemiplegia. A CT head scan is performed, and the diagnosis of an ischaemic stroke is confirmed. Her blood pressure is currently very high, with the most recent measurement being 196/124 mmHg, according to the nurse in charge. While you wait for the stroke team to review her, she asks you to prescribe something to help lower the patient's blood pressure.Which of the following is the best drug treatment for this patient's BP reduction?
Your Answer: Labetalol
Explanation:End-organ damage (e.g. encephalopathy, intracranial haemorrhage, acute myocardial infarction or ischaemia, dissection, pulmonary oedema, nephropathy, eclampsia, papilledema, and/or angiopathic haemolytic anaemia) characterises a hypertensive emergency (also known as ‘accelerated hypertension’ or malignant hypertension’ It’s a life-threatening condition that necessitates rapid blood pressure reduction to avoid end-organ damage and a negative outcome.In the setting of a stroke syndrome (i.e., in the presence of focal neurological deficits), hypertensive emergencies usually necessitate a slower and more controlled blood pressure reduction than in other situations. Rapid reduction of MAP in the presence of an ischaemic stroke can compromise blood flow, leading to further ischaemia and worsening of the neurological deficit. In this situation, intravenous labetalol is the drug of choice for lowering blood pressure.Significantly elevated blood pressure (>185/110 mmHg) is a contraindication to thrombolysis, but there is some evidence for controlling blood pressure before thrombolysis in exceptional circumstances, when it is only slightly above this threshold.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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Which of the following is a primary action of calcitonin:
Your Answer: Inhibition of PTH secretion from the parathyroid glands
Correct Answer: Decreased bone resorption through inhibition of osteoclast activity
Explanation:Calcitonin is a 32 amino acid polypeptide that is primarily synthesised and released by the parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid gland in response to rising or high levels of plasma Ca2+ions. Its primary role is to reduce the plasma calcium concentration, therefore opposing the effects of parathyroid hormone.Secretion of calcitonin is stimulated by:- Increased plasma calcium concentration- Gastrin- Pentagastrin- The main actions of calcitonin are:- Inhibition of osteoclastic activity (decreasing calcium and phosphate resorption from bone)- Stimulation of osteoblastic activity- Decreases renal calcium reabsorption- Decreases renal phosphate reabsorption
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A patient with abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea develops a low platelet count and deranged renal function. A diagnosis of haemolytic uraemic syndrome is made.Which of the following organisms is a recognised cause of haemolytic uraemic syndrome? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Salmonella typhi
Correct Answer: Escherichia coli
Explanation:E.Colistrain 0157 causes enterohaemorrhagic diarrhoea and can be followed by haemolytic uraemic syndrome (renal failure, haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Langhans giant cells, seen in granulomatous inflammation. are:
Your Answer: Specialised dendritic cells found in skin
Correct Answer: Multinucleated cells formed from fusion of epithelioid cells
Explanation:A granuloma is a collection of five or more epithelioid macrophages, with or without attendant lymphocytes and fibroblasts; epithelioid macrophages are altered macrophages which have turned themselves over to becoming giant phagocytosing and killing machines, they often fuse to become multinucleate (Langhans) giant cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammatory Responses
- Pathology
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Question 12
Correct
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Which of the following does NOT increase free ionised calcium levels:
Your Answer: Calcitonin
Explanation:Calcium homeostasis is primarily controlled by three hormones: parathyroid hormone, activated vitamin D and calcitonin.Parathyroid hormone acts on the kidneys to increase calcium reabsorption in the distal tubule by activating Ca2+entry channels in the apical membrane and the Ca2+ATPase pump in the basolateral membrane (and to decrease phosphate reabsorption in the proximal tubule).Activated vitamin D acts to increase calcium reabsorption in the distal tubule via activation of a basolateral Ca2+ATPase pump (and to increase phosphate reabsorption).Calcitonin acts to inhibit renal reabsorption of calcium (and phosphate).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 13
Correct
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As a result of a cardiovascular drug she was prescribed, a 67-year-old woman develops corneal microdeposits.Which of the following drugs is the MOST LIKELY cause?
Your Answer: Amiodarone
Explanation:Corneal microdeposits are almost universally present (over 90%) in people who have been taking amiodarone for more than six months, especially at doses above 400 mg/day. Although these deposits usually cause no symptoms, about 10% of patients report seeing a ‘bluish halo.’ This goes away once the treatment is stopped, and it rarely causes vision problems.Other effects of amiodarone on the eye are much rarer, occurring in only 1-2 percent of patients:Optic neuropathy is a condition that affects the eyes.Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (N-AION)Swelling of the optic disc
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 15-year-old male is admitted to a rehabilitation centre with a history of multiple strokes, myopathy and learning disabilities since childhood. He is under the care of a multidisciplinary team, and his genetic testing reports show the presence of a mitochondrial disorder. Which one of the following diseases does this patient most likely have?
Your Answer: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Correct Answer: MELAS
Explanation:Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. Most cases are maternally inherited, as we inherit our mitochondrial DNA from our mothers only, although mutations in nuclear DNA cause some cases.Examples of Mitochondrial Diseases include:1. Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS)2. Mitochondrial epilepsy with ragged red fibres (MERRF)3. Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)4. Diabetes mellitus and deafness (DAD)5. Neuropathy, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, and ptosis (NARP)6. Leigh syndrome (subacute sclerosing encephalopathy). Red-green colour blindness and G6PD deficiency have an X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance. Tay-Sachs Disease and spinal muscular atrophy have an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
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Question 15
Correct
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A patient has suffered a nerve injury that has caused weakness of the pectoralis minor muscle.Pectoralis minor receives its innervation from which of the following nerves? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Medial pectoral nerve
Explanation:Pectoralis minor is a thin, triangular muscle that is situated in the upper chest. It is thinner and smaller than pectoralis major. It is innervated by the medial pectoral nerve.The origin of pectoralis minor is the 3rdto the 5thribs, near the costal cartilages. It inserts into the medial border and superior surface of the coracoid process of the scapula.The main action of pectoralis minor is to draw the scapula inferiorly and anteriorly against the thoracic wall. This serves to stabilise the scapula.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 16
Correct
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A patient is complaining of painless jaundice. His bilirubin levels are abnormally high.Which of the following statements about bile is correct?
Your Answer: Bile acids are amphipathic
Explanation:The liver produces bile on a constant basis, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. In a 24-hour period, around 400 to 800 mL of bile is generated.Bile is involved in the following processes:Fats are broken down into fatty acids.Waste products are eliminated.Cholesterol homeostasis is the balance of cholesterol in the body.The enteric hormones cholecystokinin and secretin are primarily responsible for bile secretion. When chyme from an unprocessed meal enters the small intestine, they are released, and they play the following function in bile secretion and flow:Cholecystokinin promotes gallbladder and common bile duct contractions, allowing bile to reach the intestine.Secretin enhances the secretion of bicarbonate and water by biliary duct cells, increasing the amount of bile and its flow into the gut.Bile acids have a hydrophobic and hydrophilic area, making them amphipathic. Bile acids’ amphipathic nature allows them to perform the following crucial functions:Emulsification of lipid aggregates increases the surface area of fat and makes it easier for lipases to digest it.Lipid solubilization and transport: solubilizes lipids by creating micelles, which are lipid clumps that float in water.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Physiology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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The patients listed below have been diagnosed with a variety of ailments.In which of the following situations would aspirin be an effective treatment option?
Your Answer: A 50-year-old with an acute exacerbation of gout
Correct Answer: A 36-year-old with an acute migraine (dose of 900-1000 mg)
Explanation:A study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2010 found that a single 1000-mg dose of aspirin is effective in treating acute migraine. It was discovered that 24 percent of aspirin users were pain-free after two hours, compared to 11 percent of placebo users. Because the BNF recommends a maximum dose of 900 mg for analgesia and most non-proprietary aspirin in the UK comes in a dose of 300 mg, a dose of 900 mg is frequently prescribed in the UK.Because aspirin is not recommended for children under the age of 16 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, it would be inappropriate to give it to the 12-year-old with the viral URTI.For uncomplicated dental pain, aspirin is an acceptable option, but not for patients who are taking warfarin. The combination of aspirin’s antiplatelet action and warfarin’s anticoagulation properties puts the patient at high risk of bleeding. Furthermore, aspirin can deplete the therapeutic levels of warfarin by displacing it from plasma proteins. It would be better to use another NSAID or analgesic.In gout, aspirin should be avoided because it reduces urate clearance in the urine and interferes with the action of uricosuric agents. Naproxen, diclofenac, and indomethacin are better options.Although aspirin is useful for inflammatory pains, the dose of aspirin required for an adequate analgesic effect in severe pain is associated with significant side effects. Naproxen would be a better first-line treatment option.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Which of these is an example of ordinal data?
Your Answer: Number of children
Correct Answer: Disease staging system
Explanation:Categorical data or data that is ordered is Ordinal data e.g. disease staging system, pain scoring system.Disease staging system is the correct answer
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
- Statistics
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Question 19
Correct
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Which of the following is considered an example of an observational study?
Your Answer: Cohort study
Explanation:The two most common types of observational studies are cohort studies and case-control studies; a third type is cross-sectional studies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Evidence Based Medicine
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Question 20
Correct
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You examine a patient who is experiencing a worsening of his chronic heart failure. You discuss his care with the on-call cardiology registrar, who recommends switching him from furosemide to bumetanide at an equivalent dose. He's on 80 mg of furosemide once a day right now.What is the recommended dose of bumetanide?
Your Answer: 2 mg
Explanation:Bumetanide is 40 times more powerful than furosemide, and one milligram is roughly equivalent to 40 milligrams of furosemide. This patient is currently taking 80 mg of furosemide and should be switched to a 2 mg bumetanide once daily.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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If a patient dislocated his right shoulder and has been referred to the orthopaedic outpatient department for a follow-up after a successful reduction, which of the following is the most important position for him to avoid holding his arm in until he is seen in the clinic?
Your Answer: Arm at 90 degrees to side with palm down
Correct Answer: Arm at 90 degrees to side with palm up
Explanation:The arm should be placed in a poly-sling that should be worn for about two weeks. A physiotherapist may give gentle movements for the arm to help in reducing stiffness and in relieving the pain. It is important that the patient must avoid positions that could cause re-dislocation.The most important position to avoid is the arm being held out at 90 degrees to the side with the palm facing upwards, especially if a force is being applied.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 22
Correct
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Diabetic ketoacidosis is characterised by which of the following:
Your Answer: Hyperglycaemia, ketonaemia and acidosis
Explanation:DKA is characterised by the biochemical triad:1. Hyperglycaemia (> 11 mmol/L)2. Ketonaemia (> 3 mmol/L)3. Acidosis (pH < 7.3 +/- HCO3 < 15 mmol/L)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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You are examining the lower limbs of a 54 year old man who presented after falling from a ladder at home. During your neurological assessment you note a weakness of hip flexion. Which of the following nerves is the most important for flexion of the thigh at the hip joint:
Your Answer: Obturator nerve
Correct Answer: Femoral nerve
Explanation:Flexion of the thigh at the hip joint is produced by the sartorius, psoas major, iliacus and pectineus muscles, assisted by the rectus femoris muscle, all innervated by the femoral nerve (except for the psoas major, innervated by the anterior rami of L1 – 3).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Nifedipine commonly causes which of the following adverse effects?
Your Answer: AV conduction block
Correct Answer: Ankle oedema
Explanation:Most common adverse effects of Nifedipine include:Peripheral oedema (10-30%)Dizziness (23-27%)Flushing (23-27%)Headache (10-23%)Heartburn (11%)Nausea (11%)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 25
Correct
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Which of the following pathogens is the common cause of diarrhoea in a patient who has had a prolonged course of a broad spectrum of antibiotics?
Your Answer: Clostridium difficile
Explanation:Clostridium difficile is the most likely cause of diarrhoea after a long course of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea appeared to be linked to an increase in the usage of third-generation cephalosporins.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
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Question 26
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical feature of hypoglycaemia:
Your Answer: Polyuria
Explanation:Clinical features of hypoglycaemia: Autonomic symptoms: Sweating, feeling hot, anxiety/agitation, palpitations, shaking, paraesthesia, dizzinessNeuroglycopaenic symptoms: Weakness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, poor concentration, poor coordination, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, comaOther symptoms: Nausea, fatigue, hunger
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 27
Correct
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Regarding cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: In relaxation, Ca 2+ is transported out of the cell using energy from a Na + gradient.
Explanation:During the AP plateau, Ca2+enters the cell and activates Ca2+sensitive Ca2+release channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum allowing stored Ca2+to flood into the cytosol; this is called Ca2+-induced Ca2+release. In relaxation, about 80% of Ca2+is rapidly pumped back into the SR (sequestered) by Ca2+ATPase pumps. The Ca2+that entered the cell during the AP is transported out of the cell primarily by the Na+/Ca2+exchanger in the membrane which pumps one Ca2+ion out in exchange for three Na+ions in, using the Na+electrochemical gradient as an energy source. Increased heart rate increases the force of contraction in a stepwise fashion as intracellular [Ca2+] increases cumulatively over several beats; this is the Treppe effect. Factors that affect intracellular [Ca2+] and hence cardiac contractility are called inotropes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 58-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury is brought into the ER. A medical student asks you about the processes that occur in the brain following a traumatic injury.One of these best describes the central nervous systems response to injury.
Your Answer: Microglia undergo reactive gliosis to leave behind firm translucent tissue
Correct Answer: Degeneration of the axon occurs proximally before it occurs distally
Explanation:Following neuronal injury, as seen in traumatic brain injury, the axon undergoes anterograde degeneration. Degradation starts from the cell body (proximally) and progresses distally. The axon becomes fragmented and degenerates. The brain shows no reactive changes to injury is incorrect. Following major injury such as stroke, the brain undergoes a process of liquefactive degeneration, which leaves cystic spaces within the brain.Axonal regeneration does not occur to any significant extent within the central nervous system unlike what is seen in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes undergo reactive gliosis, leaving behind a firm translucent tissue around sites of damage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Common causes of exudates are infection, pericarditis, and malignancy.Which one statement about exudates is true?
Your Answer: They are caused by an imbalance of oncotic and hydrostatic pressures across the walls of the microcirculation
Correct Answer: LDH levels are usually high
Explanation:An exudate is an inflammatory fluid emanating from the intravascular space due to changes in the permeability of the surrounding microcirculation.Exudates are cloudy. It has high LDH levels, serum protein ratio >0.5, protein content >2.9g/dl, specific gravity of >1.020 and a serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) of <1.2g/dl.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
