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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 72 year old male visits the emergency department complaining of palpitations and difficulty breathing. An ECG confirms the patient is experiencing atrial fibrillation. Which scoring system is most appropriate for evaluating the patient's requirement for anticoagulation?
Your Answer: CHA2DS2-VASc
Correct Answer:
Explanation:The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a tool used to predict the likelihood of future stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF). It is scored on a scale of 0-9, with higher scores indicating a higher risk of stroke. If a male has a score of 1 or more, or if a female has a score of 2 or more, it is recommended to start anticoagulation therapy to prevent future strokes. However, it is important to assess the risk of bleeding before initiating anticoagulation using the HAS-BLED score. The HAS-BLED score does not evaluate the risk of stroke, but rather the risk of bleeding. QRISK3, on the other hand, is a tool used to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease over a 10-year period and is primarily used to determine the benefits of starting lipid lowering drugs. It is the preferred tool recommended by NICE over the Framingham risk score.
Further Reading:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting around 5% of patients over the age of 70-75 years and 10% of patients aged 80-85 years. While AF can cause palpitations and inefficient cardiac function, the most important aspect of managing patients with AF is reducing the increased risk of stroke.
AF can be classified as first detected episode, paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent. First detected episode refers to the initial occurrence of AF, regardless of symptoms or duration. Paroxysmal AF occurs when a patient has 2 or more self-terminating episodes lasting less than 7 days. Persistent AF refers to episodes lasting more than 7 days that do not self-terminate. Permanent AF is continuous atrial fibrillation that cannot be cardioverted or if attempts to do so are deemed inappropriate. The treatment goals for permanent AF are rate control and anticoagulation if appropriate.
Symptoms of AF include palpitations, dyspnea, and chest pain. The most common sign is an irregularly irregular pulse. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is essential for diagnosing AF, as other conditions can also cause an irregular pulse.
Managing patients with AF involves two key parts: rate/rhythm control and reducing stroke risk. Rate control involves slowing down the irregular pulse to avoid negative effects on cardiac function. This is typically achieved using beta-blockers or rate-limiting calcium channel blockers. If one drug is not effective, combination therapy may be used. Rhythm control aims to restore and maintain normal sinus rhythm through pharmacological or electrical cardioversion. However, the majority of patients are managed with a rate control strategy.
Reducing stroke risk in patients with AF is crucial. Risk stratifying tools, such as the CHA2DS2-VASc score, are used to determine the most appropriate anticoagulation strategy. Anticoagulation is recommended for patients with a score of 2 or more. Clinicians can choose between warfarin and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for anticoagulation.
Before starting anticoagulation, the patient’s bleeding risk should be assessed using tools like the HAS-BLED score or the ORBIT tool. These tools evaluate factors such as hypertension, abnormal renal or liver function, history of bleeding, age, and use of drugs that predispose to bleeding.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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A 17 year old girl is admitted to the emergency department following a suicide attempt. The patient consumed a container of expired insecticide and reports feeling unwell shortly after ingestion, resulting in two episodes of vomiting. After consulting toxbase, it is determined that the product is an organophosphate.
Which of the following is an established antidote for organophosphate poisoning?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Atropine
Explanation:Atropine and pralidoxime are both considered antidotes for treating organophosphate poisoning. Organophosphates work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase at nerve synapses. In addition to providing supportive care and administering antidotes, it is important to decontaminate patients as part of their treatment plan for organophosphate poisoning.
While both atropine and pralidoxime are recognized as antidotes, pralidoxime is not commonly used. Atropine works by competing with acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors. On the other hand, pralidoxime helps reactivate acetylcholinesterase-organophosphate complexes that have not lost an alkyl side chain, known as non-aged complexes. However, pralidoxime is not effective against organophosphates that have already formed or rapidly form aged acetylcholinesterase complexes. The evidence regarding the effectiveness of pralidoxime is conflicting.
Further Reading:
Chemical incidents can occur as a result of leaks, spills, explosions, fires, terrorism, or the use of chemicals during wars. Industrial sites that use chemicals are required to conduct risk assessments and have accident plans in place for such incidents. Health services are responsible for decontamination, unless mass casualties are involved, and all acute health trusts must have major incident plans in place.
When responding to a chemical incident, hospitals prioritize containment of the incident and prevention of secondary contamination, triage with basic first aid, decontamination if not done at the scene, recognition and management of toxidromes (symptoms caused by exposure to specific toxins), appropriate supportive or antidotal treatment, transfer to definitive treatment, a safe end to the hospital response, and continuation of business after the event.
To obtain advice when dealing with chemical incidents, the two main bodies are Toxbase and the National Poisons Information Service. Signage on containers carrying chemicals and material safety data sheets (MSDS) accompanying chemicals also provide information on the chemical contents and their hazards.
Contamination in chemical incidents can occur in three phases: primary contamination from the initial incident, secondary contamination spread via contaminated people leaving the initial scene, and tertiary contamination spread to the environment, including becoming airborne and waterborne. The ideal personal protective equipment (PPE) for chemical incidents is an all-in-one chemical-resistant overall with integral head/visor and hands/feet worn with a mask, gloves, and boots.
Decontamination of contaminated individuals involves the removal and disposal of contaminated clothing, followed by either dry or wet decontamination. Dry decontamination is suitable for patients contaminated with non-caustic chemicals and involves blotting and rubbing exposed skin gently with dry absorbent material. Wet decontamination is suitable for patients contaminated with caustic chemicals and involves a warm water shower while cleaning the body with simple detergent.
After decontamination, the focus shifts to assessing the extent of any possible poisoning and managing it. The patient’s history should establish the chemical the patient was exposed to, the volume and concentration of the chemical, the route of exposure, any protective measures in place, and any treatment given. Most chemical poisonings require supportive care using standard resuscitation principles, while some chemicals have specific antidotes. Identifying toxidromes can be useful in guiding treatment, and specific antidotes may be administered accordingly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology & Poisoning
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Question 3
Incorrect
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You evaluate a 45-year-old male patient with a swollen and red right calf. His D-dimer levels are elevated, and you schedule an ultrasound scan which confirms the presence of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. He has a history of a previous DVT and his INR today is 2.5.
What is the MOST suitable course of action for management in this case?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: His target INR should be raised to 3.5
Explanation:When managing a first episode of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), it is recommended to start warfarin in combination with a parenteral anticoagulant, such as unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, or fondaparinux. The parental anticoagulant should be continued for a minimum of 5 days and ideally until the international normalized ratio (INR) is above 2 for at least 24 hours.
To prevent the extension of the blood clot and recurrence in calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT), at least 6 weeks of anticoagulant therapy is necessary. For proximal DVT, a minimum of 3 months of anticoagulant therapy is required.
For first episodes of VTE, the ideal target INR is 2.5. However, in cases where patients experience recurrent VTE while being anticoagulated within the therapeutic range, the target INR should be increased to 3.5.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Vascular
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Question 4
Incorrect
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A 67-year-old woman experiences a stroke. Her primary symptoms include weakness in her right limbs, particularly affecting her face and arm more than her leg, as well as sensory loss on the right side. Additionally, she has receptive dysphasia.
Which blood vessel is most likely to be impacted?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Middle cerebral artery
Explanation:The symptoms and signs of strokes can vary depending on which blood vessel is affected. Here is a summary of the main symptoms based on the territory affected:
Anterior cerebral artery: This can cause weakness on the opposite side of the body, with the leg and shoulder being more affected than the arm, hand, and face. There may also be minimal loss of sensation on the opposite side of the body. Other symptoms can include difficulty speaking (dysarthria), language problems (aphasia), apraxia (difficulty with limb movements), urinary incontinence, and changes in behavior and personality.
Middle cerebral artery: This can lead to weakness on the opposite side of the body, with the face and arm being more affected than the leg. There may also be a loss of sensation on the opposite side of the body. Depending on the dominant hemisphere of the brain, there may be difficulties with expressive or receptive language (dysphasia). In the non-dominant hemisphere, there may be neglect of the opposite side of the body.
Posterior cerebral artery: This can cause a loss of vision on the opposite side of both eyes (homonymous hemianopia). There may also be defects in a specific quadrant of the visual field. In some cases, there may be a syndrome affecting the thalamus on the opposite side of the body.
It’s important to note that these are just general summaries and individual cases may vary. If you suspect a stroke, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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A 3-year-old girl is brought to the Emergency Department by her father after she accidentally spilled a cup of hot tea on her legs. Her upper body is unaffected, but she is crying in agony. Her pain is evaluated using a numerical rating scale and the triage nurse informs you that she has 'severe pain'.
According to the RCEM guidance, which of the following analgesics is recommended for managing severe pain in a child of this age?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Intranasal diamorphine 0.1 mg/kg
Explanation:A recent audit conducted by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) in 2018 revealed a concerning decline in the standards of pain management for children with fractured limbs in Emergency Departments (EDs). The audit found that the majority of patients experienced longer waiting times for pain relief compared to previous years. Shockingly, more than 1 in 10 children who presented with significant pain due to a limb fracture did not receive any pain relief at all.
To address this issue, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) in the USA recommends following the ABCs of pain management for all patients, including children. This approach involves regularly asking about pain, systematically assessing it, believing the patient and their family in their reports of pain and what relieves it, choosing appropriate pain control options, delivering interventions in a timely and coordinated manner, and empowering patients and their families to have control over their pain management.
The RCEM has established standards that require a child’s pain to be assessed within 15 minutes of their arrival at the ED. This is considered a fundamental standard. Various rating scales are available for assessing pain in children, with the choice depending on the child’s age and ability to use the scale. These scales include the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Numeric rating scale, and Behavioural scale.
To ensure timely administration of analgesia to children in acute pain, the RCEM has set specific standards. These standards state that 100% of patients in severe pain should receive appropriate analgesia within 60 minutes of their arrival or triage, whichever comes first. Additionally, 75% should receive analgesia within 30 minutes, and 50% within 20 minutes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pain & Sedation
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Question 6
Incorrect
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A 72 year old male presents to the emergency department complaining of feeling lightheaded when tilting his head upwards. The patient informs you that the symptoms began today upon getting out of bed. The patient describes a sensation of dizziness and a spinning room that lasts for approximately 20 seconds before subsiding. You suspect benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. What would be the most suitable initial treatment option?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Epley manoeuvre
Explanation:Based on his symptoms, the most likely diagnosis is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The most suitable initial treatment option for this condition would be the Epley maneuver.
Further Reading:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of vertigo, characterized by sudden dizziness and vertigo triggered by changes in head position. It typically affects individuals over the age of 55 and is less common in younger patients. BPPV is caused by dysfunction in the inner ear, specifically the detachment of otoliths (calcium carbonate particles) from the utricular otolithic membrane. These loose otoliths move through the semicircular canals, triggering a sensation of movement and resulting in conflicting sensory inputs that cause vertigo.
The majority of BPPV cases involve otoliths in the posterior semicircular canal, followed by the inferior semicircular canal. BPPV in the anterior semicircular canals is rare. Clinical features of BPPV include vertigo triggered by head position changes, such as rolling over in bed or looking upwards, accompanied by nausea. Episodes of vertigo typically last 10-20 seconds and can be diagnosed through positional nystagmus, which is a specific eye movement, observed during diagnostic maneuvers like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver.
Hearing loss and tinnitus are not associated with BPPV. The prognosis for BPPV is generally good, with spontaneous resolution occurring within a few weeks to months. Symptomatic relief can be achieved through the Epley maneuver, which is successful in around 80% of cases, or patient home exercises like the Brandt-Daroff exercises. Medications like Betahistine may be prescribed but have limited effectiveness in treating BPPV.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ear, Nose & Throat
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Question 7
Incorrect
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A 32-year-old woman with a previous history of salpingitis presents with excessive vaginal bleeding. Her pregnancy test is positive, and a preliminary diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is made.
What is the most frequent anatomical site for an ectopic pregnancy to occur?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Ampulla of Fallopian tube
Explanation:An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg attaches itself outside of the uterus. In over 95% of cases, ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tubes. Although rare, they can also occur in other locations such as the abdomen, cervix, and ovary.
The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy in the Fallopian tube is the ampulla, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. The isthmus and infundibulum each account for 10-15% of cases, while the uterine part only accounts for 2-5%.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old woman comes in with a cough producing green sputum that has been ongoing for the past two days. During the examination, she has a fever, with a temperature of 38.0°C, and exhibits coarse crackles in the lower right lung on chest examination.
What is the MOST LIKELY single causative organism?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Explanation:This patient is displaying symptoms and signs that are in line with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The most frequent cause of CAP in an adult patient who is otherwise in good health is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old man who has recently finished a course of antibiotics for a respiratory infection comes in with excessive, foul-smelling diarrhea. After conducting tests, the patient is diagnosed with Clostridium Difficile diarrhea.
What is the most effective measure to minimize transmission to other patients?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Hand washing
Explanation:Clostridium difficile is a type of bacteria that is Gram-positive, anaerobic, and capable of forming spores. When individuals take broad-spectrum antibiotics, it can disrupt the normal bacteria in their intestines, allowing C. difficile to multiply and cause C. difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD). This condition leads to inflammation and bleeding of the large intestine, resulting in a distinct pseudomembranous appearance. The main symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloody and/or watery diarrhea, and fever. It is worth noting that the majority of C. difficile infections occur in individuals aged 65 and above.
To prevent the spread of C. difficile, it is crucial to practice proper hand hygiene. This involves washing hands with water and plain or antibacterial soap for 15 to 30 seconds after using the bathroom and before eating. Paying attention to areas such as the fingernails, between the fingers, and the wrists is essential. Thoroughly rinsing hands and drying them with a single-use towel is also recommended. Additionally, patients and their family members should remind healthcare providers to wash their hands regularly.
While alcohol-based hand rubs can be effective against many bacteria, they may be less effective against C. difficile. Therefore, during an outbreak of C. difficile infection, it is advisable to use soap and running water instead.
Taking precautions such as wearing an apron and gloves and isolating patients in separate rooms are important measures to prevent contact transmission. However, it is crucial to remember that these precautions will be ineffective if proper hand washing is neglected. Hand hygiene remains the primary and most crucial step in preventing the spread of C. difficile.
When it comes to treatment, oral vancomycin is the recommended first-line option for C. difficile associated diarrhea. However, it is important to note that this treatment does not limit the spread of the bacteria from one patient to another.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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You consult with your supervisor for a case-based discussion following a case where you treated a pediatric patient with a peritonsillar abscess. Your supervisor suggests that you take the lead in conducting a teaching session on peritonsillar abscess in children.
Which of the following statements about peritonsillar abscess in pediatric patients is accurate?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Most commonly presents in adolescents and young adults aged 20-40 years
Explanation:Peritonsillar abscess, also known as quinsy, is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Risk factors for developing quinsy include being male and smoking. It is a relatively common condition, with studies showing an incidence rate of 10 to 30 cases per 100,000 population. When treating quinsy, it is important to use a broader range of antibiotics compared to standard treatment for pharyngotonsillitis, as the causative organisms may not be limited to Group A Streptococcus. Common antibiotic choices include intravenous amoxicillin with clindamycin or metronidazole, although the specific antibiotic used may vary depending on local antimicrobial policies.
Further Reading:
A peritonsillar abscess, also known as quinsy, is a collection of pus that forms between the palatine tonsil and the pharyngeal muscles. It is often a complication of acute tonsillitis and is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. The exact cause of a peritonsillar abscess is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur when infection spreads beyond the tonsillar capsule or when small salivary glands in the supratonsillar space become blocked.
The most common causative organisms for a peritonsillar abscess include Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and anaerobic organisms. Risk factors for developing a peritonsillar abscess include smoking, periodontal disease, male sex, and a previous episode of the condition.
Clinical features of a peritonsillar abscess include severe throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), fever, headache, drooling of saliva, bad breath, painful swallowing, altered voice, ear pain on the same side, neck stiffness, and swelling of the soft palate. Diagnosis is usually made based on clinical presentation, but imaging scans such as CT or ultrasound may be used to assess for complications or determine the best site for drainage.
Treatment for a peritonsillar abscess involves pain relief, intravenous antibiotics to cover for both aerobic and anaerobic organisms, intravenous fluids if swallowing is difficult, and drainage of the abscess either through needle aspiration or incision and drainage. Tonsillectomy may be recommended to prevent recurrence. Complications of a peritonsillar abscess can include sepsis, spread to deeper neck tissues leading to necrotizing fasciitis or retropharyngeal abscess, airway compromise, recurrence of the abscess, aspiration pneumonia, erosion into major blood vessels, and complications related to the causative organism. All patients with a peritonsillar abscess should be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further management.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ear, Nose & Throat
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 7-year-old girl is brought in to Resus by an ambulance with sirens blaring. She has been complaining of a severe headache all morning and developed a high fever and a rash of small red spots. She is now barely responsive, and the medical team decides to intubate her due to her decreased level of consciousness. Urgent action is necessary, and no one in the Emergency Department has had time to put on personal protective equipment. A diagnosis of meningococcal sepsis is later confirmed.
Who will require post-exposure prophylaxis?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: The intubating clinician
Explanation:The risk of contracting meningococcal disease from a close contact is low. However, the risk is highest within the first seven days after the disease is diagnosed and decreases significantly afterwards.
Prophylaxis or vaccination for close contacts is typically organized by secondary care. It is recommended for the following individuals, regardless of their meningococcal vaccination status:
– People who have had prolonged close contact with the infected person in a household-type setting during the seven days prior to the onset of illness. This includes individuals living or sleeping in the same household, students in the same dormitory, partners, or university students sharing a kitchen in a hall of residence.
– People who have had brief close contact with the infected person, but only if they have been directly exposed to large particle droplets or secretions from the respiratory tract of the case around the time of admission to the hospital.
Antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours after the diagnosis of the index case.
Post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for healthcare staff who have been exposed to direct nasopharyngeal secretions (without wearing a mask or personal protective equipment) from a known or highly probable case. This includes situations such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, airway management (suction/intubation), or prolonged close care within 1 meter of the patient who has been coughing or sneezing droplet secretions.
For more information, you can refer to the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary on the management of close contacts of patients with meningococcal disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Paediatric Emergencies
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 45-year-old woman presents with increasing difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, and swelling in her arms and hands. Upon examination, you observe that her face is also swollen and she has multiple enlarged veins and telangiectasia on her chest. She has a history of long-term smoking.
What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Superior vena cava syndrome
Explanation:This patient has come in with worsening shortness of breath and coughing up blood. They have a long history of smoking, and the likely diagnosis is superior vena cava obstruction caused by a primary bronchial tumor.
The typical symptoms of superior vena cava obstruction include breathlessness, chest pain, swelling in the neck, face, and arms, dilated veins and telangiectasia on the arms, neck, and chest wall, facial flushing, stridor due to laryngeal edema, and cyanosis.
Given the severity of the symptoms, this man needs to be urgently referred and admitted to the hospital. To provide immediate relief, his head should be elevated and he should be given supplemental oxygen. Corticosteroids and diuretics may also be administered. Further investigation through CT scanning is necessary, and radiotherapy may be recommended as a treatment option.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Respiratory
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 47-year-old man with a past medical history of alcohol-related visits to the emergency department presents to the ED after falling while intoxicated. He has a 6 cm laceration on the occipital region of his scalp. You examine the wound under local anesthesia. As you remove the dressing and clean away a significant blood clot, you notice pulsatile bleeding from the wound. Which arteries provide blood supply to the posterior scalp?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: External carotid
Explanation:The scalp is primarily supplied with blood from branches of the external carotid artery. The posterior half of the scalp is specifically supplied by three branches of the external carotid artery. These branches are the superficial temporal artery, which supplies blood to the frontal and temporal regions of the scalp, the posterior auricular artery, which supplies blood to the area above and behind the external ear, and the occipital artery, which supplies blood to the back of the scalp.
Further Reading:
The scalp is the area of the head that is bordered by the face in the front and the neck on the sides and back. It consists of several layers, including the skin, connective tissue, aponeurosis, loose connective tissue, and periosteum of the skull. These layers provide protection and support to the underlying structures of the head.
The blood supply to the scalp primarily comes from branches of the external carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery. These arteries provide oxygen and nutrients to the scalp tissues.
The scalp also has a complex venous drainage system, which is divided into superficial and deep networks. The superficial veins correspond to the arterial branches and are responsible for draining blood from the scalp. The deep venous network is drained by the pterygoid venous plexus.
In terms of innervation, the scalp receives sensory input from branches of the trigeminal nerve and the cervical nerves. These nerves transmit sensory information from the scalp to the brain, allowing us to perceive touch, pain, and temperature in this area.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Trauma
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 32-year-old woman with a history of schizophrenia describes a sensation in which her thoughts are heard as if they are being spoken aloud. She states that it feels almost as though her thoughts are ‘being echoed by a voice in her mind’. She hears the voice at the exact same time as thinking the thoughts.
Which ONE of the following thought disorders is she displaying?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gedankenlautwerden
Explanation:Thought echo is a phenomenon where a patient perceives their own thoughts as if they are being spoken out loud. When there is a slight delay in this perception, it is referred to as echo de la pensée. On the other hand, when the thoughts are heard simultaneously, it is known as Gedankenlautwerden.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Mental Health
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 37 year old woman presents to the emergency department with complaints of headache, profuse sweating, and heart palpitations. Upon examination, her blood pressure is measured at 228/114 mmHg. The possibility of phaeochromocytoma crosses your mind. Where do phaeochromocytomas typically originate within the adrenal tissue?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Medulla
Explanation:Phaeochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that secretes catecholamines. It typically arises from chromaffin tissue in the adrenal medulla, but can also occur in extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue. The majority of cases are spontaneous and occur in individuals aged 40-50 years. However, up to 30% of cases are hereditary and associated with genetic mutations. About 10% of phaeochromocytomas are metastatic, with extra-adrenal tumors more likely to be metastatic.
The clinical features of phaeochromocytoma are a result of excessive catecholamine production. Symptoms are typically paroxysmal and include hypertension, headaches, palpitations, sweating, anxiety, tremor, abdominal and flank pain, and nausea. Catecholamines have various metabolic effects, including glycogenolysis, mobilization of free fatty acids, increased serum lactate, increased metabolic rate, increased myocardial force and rate of contraction, and decreased systemic vascular resistance.
Diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma involves measuring plasma and urine levels of metanephrines, catecholamines, and urine vanillylmandelic acid. Imaging studies such as abdominal CT or MRI are used to determine the location of the tumor. If these fail to find the site, a scan with metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) labeled with radioactive iodine is performed. The highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis is achieved with plasma metanephrine assay.
The definitive treatment for phaeochromocytoma is surgery. However, before surgery, the patient must be stabilized with medical management. This typically involves alpha-blockade with medications such as phenoxybenzamine or phentolamine, followed by beta-blockade with medications like propranolol. Alpha blockade is started before beta blockade to allow for expansion of blood volume and to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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You review a 16-year-old girl who is seeking advice on emergency contraception. The ‘Fraser guidelines’ are used to clarify the legal position of treating individuals under the age of 17 without parental consent.
Which of the following statements does not form part of the Fraser guidelines?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: That the patient must not have a learning disability or mental illness
Explanation:The Fraser guidelines pertain to the guidelines established by Lord Fraser during the Gillick case in 1985. These guidelines specifically address the provision of contraceptive advice to individuals under the age of 16. According to the Fraser guidelines, a doctor may proceed with providing advice and treatment if they are satisfied with the following criteria:
1. The individual (despite being under 16 years old) possesses a sufficient understanding of the advice being given.
2. The doctor is unable to convince the individual to inform their parents or allow the doctor to inform the parents about seeking contraceptive advice.
3. The individual is likely to engage in sexual intercourse, regardless of whether they receive contraceptive treatment.
4. Without contraceptive advice or treatment, the individual’s physical and/or mental health is likely to deteriorate.
5. The doctor deems it in the individual’s best interests to provide contraceptive advice, treatment, or both without parental consent.In summary, the Fraser guidelines outline the conditions under which a doctor can offer contraceptive advice to individuals under 16 years old, ensuring their well-being and best interests are taken into account.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Safeguarding & Psychosocial Emergencies
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Question 17
Incorrect
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With freezing temperatures anticipated, your consultant requests that you organize a teaching session for the junior physicians regarding the management of frostbite. What imaging modality is preferred for evaluating perfusion abnormalities in extremities impacted by frostbite?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Technetium 99 (Tc-99) pertechnetate scintigraphy
Explanation:Technetium 99 (Tc-99) pertechnetate scintigraphy is the preferred imaging method for evaluating frostbite. This technique is highly accurate in detecting tissue damage and provides both sensitivity and specificity.
Further Reading:
Hypothermia is defined as a core temperature below 35ºC and can be graded as mild, moderate, severe, or profound based on the core temperature. When the core temperature drops, the basal metabolic rate decreases and cell signaling between neurons decreases, leading to reduced tissue perfusion. This can result in decreased myocardial contractility, vasoconstriction, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and increased blood viscosity. Symptoms of hypothermia progress as the core temperature drops, starting with compensatory increases in heart rate and shivering, and eventually leading to bradyarrhythmias, prolonged PR, QRS, and QT intervals, and cardiac arrest.
In the management of hypothermic cardiac arrest, ALS should be initiated with some modifications. The pulse check during CPR should be prolonged to 1 minute due to difficulty in obtaining a pulse. Rewarming the patient is important, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary due to stiffness of the chest wall. Drug metabolism is slowed in hypothermic patients, so dosing of drugs should be adjusted or withheld. Electrolyte disturbances are common in hypothermic patients and should be corrected.
Frostbite refers to a freezing injury to human tissue and occurs when tissue temperature drops below 0ºC. It can be classified as superficial or deep, with superficial frostbite affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and deep frostbite affecting bones, joints, and tendons. Frostbite can be classified from 1st to 4th degree based on the severity of the injury. Risk factors for frostbite include environmental factors such as cold weather exposure and medical factors such as peripheral vascular disease and diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of frostbite include skin changes, cold sensation or firmness to the affected area, stinging, burning, or numbness, clumsiness of the affected extremity, and excessive sweating, hyperemia, and tissue gangrene. Frostbite is diagnosed clinically and imaging may be used in some cases to assess perfusion or visualize occluded vessels. Management involves moving the patient to a warm environment, removing wet clothing, and rapidly rewarming the affected tissue. Analgesia should be given as reperfusion is painful, and blisters should be de-roofed and aloe vera applied. Compartment syndrome is a risk and should be monitored for. Severe cases may require surgical debridement of amputation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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You are requested to aid the team in resuscitating a 42-year-old male who has been admitted to the emergency department with various injuries, including a head injury resulting from a severe assault. The patient shows signs of increased intracranial pressure and has been intubated. The specialist registrar is contemplating the use of hyperventilation. What is the impact of hyperventilation on ICP, and what is its underlying mechanism?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Increases blood pH which results in arterial vasoconstriction and reduced cerebral blood flow
Explanation:Hyperventilation leads to the constriction of blood vessels in the brain, which in turn reduces the flow and volume of blood in the brain, ultimately decreasing intracranial pressure (ICP). This is because hyperventilation lowers the levels of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood, resulting in an increase in pH and causing the arteries in the brain to constrict and reduce blood flow. As a result, cerebral blood volume and ICP decrease. The effects of hyperventilation are immediate, but they gradually diminish over a period of 6-24 hours as the brain adjusts its bicarbonate levels to normalize pH. However, caution must be exercised when discontinuing hyperventilation after a prolonged period, as the sudden increase in PaCO2 can lead to a rapid rise in cerebral blood flow and a detrimental increase in ICP.
Further Reading:
Intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to the pressure within the craniospinal compartment, which includes neural tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Normal ICP for a supine adult is 5-15 mmHg. The body maintains ICP within a narrow range through shifts in CSF production and absorption. If ICP rises, it can lead to decreased cerebral perfusion pressure, resulting in cerebral hypoperfusion, ischemia, and potentially brain herniation.
The cranium, which houses the brain, is a closed rigid box in adults and cannot expand. It is made up of 8 bones and contains three main components: brain tissue, cerebral blood, and CSF. Brain tissue accounts for about 80% of the intracranial volume, while CSF and blood each account for about 10%. The Monro-Kellie doctrine states that the sum of intracranial volumes is constant, so an increase in one component must be offset by a decrease in the others.
There are various causes of raised ICP, including hematomas, neoplasms, brain abscesses, edema, CSF circulation disorders, venous sinus obstruction, and accelerated hypertension. Symptoms of raised ICP include headache, vomiting, pupillary changes, reduced cognition and consciousness, neurological signs, abnormal fundoscopy, cranial nerve palsy, hemiparesis, bradycardia, high blood pressure, irregular breathing, focal neurological deficits, seizures, stupor, coma, and death.
Measuring ICP typically requires invasive procedures, such as inserting a sensor through the skull. Management of raised ICP involves a multi-faceted approach, including antipyretics to maintain normothermia, seizure control, positioning the patient with a 30º head up tilt, maintaining normal blood pressure, providing analgesia, using drugs to lower ICP (such as mannitol or saline), and inducing hypocapnoeic vasoconstriction through hyperventilation. If these measures are ineffective, second-line therapies like barbiturate coma, optimised hyperventilation, controlled hypothermia, or decompressive craniectomy may be considered.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A 72-year-old woman is evaluated in the cardiac care unit 2 days after experiencing a heart attack. She complains of significant shortness of breath. During the physical examination, a pansystolic murmur is audible and is most prominent at the lower left sternal border.
What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Ventricular septal defect
Explanation:Post myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare but serious complication that occurs when the cardiac wall ruptures. It typically develops 2-3 days after a heart attack, and if left untreated, 85% of patients will die within two months. The murmur associated with VSD is a continuous sound throughout systole, and it is loudest at the lower left sternal edge. A palpable vibration, known as a thrill, is often felt along with the murmur.
Dressler’s syndrome, on the other hand, is a type of pericarditis that occurs 2-10 weeks after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. It is characterized by sharp chest pain that is relieved by sitting forwards. Other signs of Dressler’s syndrome include a rubbing sound heard when listening to the heart, pulsus paradoxus (an abnormal drop in blood pressure during inspiration), and signs of right ventricular failure.
Mitral regurgitation also causes a continuous murmur throughout systole, but it is best heard at the apex of the heart and may radiate to the axilla (armpit).
Tricuspid stenosis, on the other hand, causes an early diastolic murmur that is best heard at the lower left sternal edge during inspiration.
Lastly, mitral stenosis causes a rumbling mid-diastolic murmur that is best heard at the apex of the heart. To listen for this murmur, the patient should be in the left lateral position, and the stethoscope bell should be used during expiration.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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A 4-year-old boy is brought in complaining of pain at the end of his penis. His mom has noticed that it’s red and he has been crying when trying to urinate. On examination, you see that the surface of the glans is red and swollen. When you enquire further, the mom says that he has been completely unable to pull his foreskin back over the glans as it has been too painful. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Balanitis
Explanation:Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans, which is the end of the penis. It often occurs alongside inflammation of the foreskin. Balanitis is a common condition that can affect individuals of any age. However, it is most commonly seen in boys under the age of four who have not undergone circumcision. The main symptoms include redness, irritation, and soreness of the glans. In some cases, it may be difficult to retract the foreskin, and there may be discomfort during urination.
There are various factors that can cause balanitis. These include poor hygiene, a non-retractile foreskin condition called phimosis, dermatological conditions like psoriasis, infections such as candidal infection, and allergies. In most cases, balanitis can be diagnosed based on clinical examination. However, if there is uncertainty, a swab may be taken for further investigation.
Treatment for balanitis involves practicing good hygiene and gently cleaning the affected area. If a candidal infection is suspected, clotrimazole may be used. Additionally, a mild steroid cream is often prescribed to reduce inflammation. In cases where recurrent balanitis is caused by phimosis, circumcision may be considered as a potential treatment option.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Urology
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