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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old woman comes in after being hit in the eye by a piece of metal at her workplace. She has a deep cut on her upper eyelid and is experiencing intense eye pain and decreased vision.
What would be the most useful approach for initially assessing this patient?Your Answer: Tonometry
Correct Answer: The Seidel test
Explanation:The Seidel test is a method used to assess ocular trauma. The procedure involves applying a 10% fluorescein strip to the affected area and examining it using a cobalt blue filter. If there is a corneal laceration with leakage of aqueous fluid, the dye will be diluted by the fluid, resulting in a visible stream.
In addition to the Seidel test, there are several other important steps to be taken during an eye examination for trauma. These include inspecting the overall appearance of the eye, examining the lids and peri-orbital bones, assessing visual acuity in both eyes, testing visual fields by confrontation, evaluating eye movements, measuring pupil size and response to light and accommodation, checking for foreign bodies using a slit lamp, performing fundoscopy and assessing the red reflex.
The Amsler grid test is a useful tool for detecting central visual field defects and aiding in the diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration. A positive Amsler test is indicated by the appearance of curved or wavy lines on the grid.
Tonometry is a technique used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), which is helpful in diagnosing glaucoma.
Retinal photography is a sophisticated imaging process that involves using a digital camera to capture detailed pictures of the retina. It is primarily used to document the health of various structures in the eye, such as the optic nerve, posterior pole, macula, retina, and its blood vessels. However, it is not typically used as part of the initial evaluation for trauma.
Eye pH measurement is a valuable tool in evaluating chemical eye injuries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 2
Correct
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A 6-year-old boy is brought in by his father with an itchy, red and watery right eye. On examination, there is mild erythema of palpebral conjunctiva, and follicles are visible on eversion of the eyelid. Lid oedema is evident, and you can also see a few petechial subconjunctival haemorrhages. The eye appears watery, and there is no purulent discharge. He has recently recovered from a mild upper respiratory tract infection. You make a diagnosis of viral conjunctivitis.
How long does Public Health England recommend that he should be excluded from school?Your Answer: No school exclusion is necessary
Explanation:According to Public Health England, there is no recommended exclusion period for viral or bacterial conjunctivitis from school, nursery, or childminders, unless there is an outbreak or cluster of cases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 3
Correct
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A 42-year-old male patient comes in with a pituitary tumor that has resulted in a visual field defect.
What type of visual field defect is he most likely experiencing?Your Answer: Bitemporal hemianopia
Explanation:The optic chiasm is situated just below the hypothalamus and is in close proximity to the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland enlarges, it can impact the functioning of the optic nerve at this location. Specifically, the fibres from the nasal half of the retina cross over at the optic chiasm to form the optic tracts. Compression at the optic chiasm primarily affects these fibres, resulting in a visual defect that affects peripheral vision in both eyes, known as bitemporal hemianopia. There are several causes of optic chiasm lesions, with the most common being a pituitary tumor. Other causes include craniopharyngioma, meningioma, optic glioma, and internal carotid artery aneurysm. The diagram below provides a summary of the different visual field defects that can occur at various points in the visual pathway.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 4
Correct
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A 60-year-old man comes in with decreased visual acuity and 'floaters' in his right eye. Upon conducting fundoscopy, you observe a sheet of sensory retina bulging towards the center of the eye.
What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?Your Answer: Retinal detachment
Explanation:Retinal detachment is a condition where the retina separates from the retinal pigment epithelium, resulting in a fluid-filled space between them. This case presents a classic description of retinal detachment. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including myopia, being male, having a family history of retinal detachment, previous episodes of retinal detachment, blunt ocular trauma, previous cataract surgery, diabetes mellitus (especially if proliferative retinopathy is present), glaucoma, and cataracts.
The clinical features commonly associated with retinal detachment include flashes of light, particularly at the edges of vision (known as photopsia), a dense shadow in the peripheral vision that spreads towards the center, a sensation of a curtain drawing across the eye, and central visual loss. Fundoscopy, a procedure to examine the back of the eye, reveals a sheet of sensory retina billowing towards the center of the eye. Additionally, a positive Amsler grid test, where straight lines appear curved or wavy, may indicate retinal detachment.
Other possible causes of floaters include posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, vitreous hemorrhage, and migraine with aura. However, in this case, the retinal appearance described is consistent with retinal detachment.
It is crucial to arrange an urgent same-day ophthalmology referral for this patient. Fortunately, approximately 90% of retinal detachments can be successfully repaired with one operation, and an additional 6% can be salvaged with subsequent procedures. If the retina remains fixed six months after surgery, the likelihood of it becoming detached again is low.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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A 70-year-old man experiences a sudden loss of vision in his left eye. He is later diagnosed with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).
Which ONE statement about this condition is accurate?Your Answer: The retina is typically engorged
Correct Answer: The pupil on the affected side is usually poorly reactive to light with a normal consensual light reaction
Explanation:Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is characterized by sudden and painless loss of vision in the affected eye. It can occur due to emboli from atheromatous carotid arteries, thrombosis caused by arteriosclerosis or hypertension, or vasospasm resulting from giant cell arteritis. The pupil on the affected side typically shows poor reactivity to light, but the consensual light reaction remains normal. The typical retinal findings in CRAO include a pale retina due to edema, narrowed blood vessels, segmentation of blood columns in arteries (resembling cattle-trucking), and a cherry red spot indicating sparing of the macular center supplied by the underlying choroid. Over several weeks, optic atrophy may develop. Immediate referral to an eye specialist is necessary as CRAO is an ophthalmological emergency.
On the other hand, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) leads to painless and unilateral visual loss. The retina in CRVO has a distinct appearance likened to a pizza thrown against a wall. Fundoscopic examination reveals engorged retinal veins, disc edema, multiple flame-shaped hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 6
Correct
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A one-month-old infant develops eyelid swelling and a mucopurulent discharge from both of his eyes approximately two weeks after birth. His mother is currently being treated for a chlamydia infection.
What is the baby's highest risk of complications?Your Answer: Pneumonia
Explanation:Conjunctivitis is the most frequent occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in newborns. Ophthalmia neonatorum refers to any cause of conjunctivitis during the newborn period, regardless of the specific organism responsible. Chlamydia is now the leading cause, accounting for up to 40% of cases. Neisseria gonorrhoea, on the other hand, only accounts for less than 1% of reported cases. The remaining cases are caused by non-sexually transmitted bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus species, and viruses.
Gonorrhoeal ophthalmia neonatorum typically presents within 1 to 5 days after birth. It is characterized by intense redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, eyelid swelling, and a severe discharge of pus. Corneal ulceration and perforation may also be present.
Chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum, on the other hand, usually appears between 5 to 14 days after birth. It is characterized by a gradually increasing watery discharge that eventually becomes purulent. The inflammation in the eyes is usually less severe compared to gonococcal infection, and there is a lower risk of corneal ulceration and perforation.
The second most common manifestation of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in newborns is pneumonia. Approximately 5-30% of infected neonates will develop pneumonia. About half of these infants will also have a history of ophthalmia neonatorum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 7
Correct
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A 60-year-old woman comes in with intense left eye pain and vision loss in the left eye. She has experienced multiple episodes of vomiting. During the examination, there is noticeable redness around the left side of the cornea, and the left pupil is dilated and does not react to light.
What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?Your Answer: Closed-angle glaucoma
Explanation:Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the iris pushes forward and blocks the fluid from reaching the trabecular meshwork, which is responsible for draining the eye. This blockage leads to increased pressure inside the eye and can cause damage to the optic nerve.
The main symptoms of acute closed-angle glaucoma include severe eye pain, vision loss or decreased visual acuity, redness and congestion around the cornea, swelling of the cornea, a fixed semi-dilated pupil, and nausea and vomiting. Some individuals may also experience episodes of blurred vision or seeing haloes before the onset of these symptoms.
On the other hand, chronic open-angle glaucoma is a more common form of the condition. It affects about 1 in 50 people over the age of 40 and 1 in 10 people over the age of 75. In this type of glaucoma, there is a partial blockage in the trabecular meshwork, which gradually restricts the drainage of fluid from the eye. As a result, the pressure inside the eye gradually increases, leading to optic nerve damage. Unlike acute closed-angle glaucoma, chronic open-angle glaucoma does not cause eye pain or redness. Instead, it presents slowly with a gradual loss of peripheral vision, while central vision is relatively preserved.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of glaucoma, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further vision loss.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 8
Correct
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A 65-year-old man has experienced a stroke affecting the blood vessels in his brain. Testing of his visual field reveals that he has a quadrantanopia in the lower left side of his vision.
Where in the visual pathway has this injury occurred?Your Answer: Upper optic radiation
Explanation:Homonymous quadrantanopia occur when there are lesions in the optic radiation. The optic tract passes through the posterolateral angle of the optic chiasm, running alongside the cerebral peduncle and inside the uncus of the temporal lobe. Eventually, it reaches the lateral geniculate body (LGN) in the thalamus. Acting as a relay center, the LGN sends axons through the optic radiation to the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe. The upper optic radiation carries fibers from the superior retinal quadrants (which corresponds to the lower half of the visual field) and travels through the parietal lobe. On the other hand, the lower optic radiation carries fibers from the inferior retinal quadrants (which corresponds to the upper half of the visual field) and travels through the temporal lobe. Consequently, lesions in the temporal lobe can lead to superior homonymous quadrantanopia, while lesions in the parietal lobe can cause inferior homonymous quadrantanopia. The diagram below provides a summary of the different visual field defects resulting from lesions at various points in the visual pathway.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 9
Correct
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A 42-year-old woman comes in with a suddenly painful right eye and sensitivity to light. She describes her eye as feeling gritty and it is noticeably watery. The patient has been experiencing a mild cold for the past few days. You administer fluorescein drops to her eye, which reveal the presence of a dendritic ulcer.
What is the most suitable treatment for this patient?Your Answer: Acyclovir ointment
Explanation:There are two types of infectious agents that can lead to the development of a dendritic ulcer. The majority of cases (80%) are caused by the herpes simplex virus (type I), while the remaining cases (20%) are caused by the herpes zoster virus. To effectively treat this condition, the patient should follow a specific treatment plan. This includes applying acyclovir ointment topically five times a day for a duration of 10 days. Additionally, prednisolone 0.5% drops should be used 2-4 times daily. It is also recommended to take oral high dose vitamin C, as it has been shown to reduce the healing time of dendritic ulcers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old traveler returns from a trip to Thailand with a painful, red right eye. The eye has been bothering him for the past two and a half weeks, and the irritation has gradually increased. He has noticed mild mucopurulent discharge in the eye for the past two weeks and has been cleaning it regularly. During the examination, nontender pre-auricular lymphadenopathy is observed on the right side. Upon further questioning, he admits to engaging in sexual activity with a sex worker during his visit to Thailand.
What is the SINGLE most likely causative organism?Your Answer: Neisseria gonorrhoea
Correct Answer: Chlamydia trachomatis
Explanation:Sexually transmitted eye infections can be quite severe and are often characterized by prolonged mucopurulent discharge. The two main causes of these infections are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea. Differentiating between the two can be done by considering certain features.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection typically presents with chronic low-grade irritation and mucous discharge that lasts for more than two weeks in sexually active individuals. Pre-auricular lymphadenopathy, or swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear, may also be present. Most cases of this infection are unilateral, affecting only one eye, but there is a possibility of it being bilateral, affecting both eyes.
On the other hand, Neisseria gonorrhoea infection tends to develop rapidly, usually within 12 to 24 hours. It is characterized by copious mucopurulent discharge, swelling of the eyelids, and tender preauricular lymphadenopathy. This type of infection carries a higher risk of complications, such as uveitis, severe keratitis, and corneal perforation.
Based on the patient’s symptoms, it appears that they are more consistent with a Chlamydia trachomatis infection, especially considering the slower and more gradual onset of their symptoms.
There is ongoing debate regarding the most effective antibiotic treatment for these infections. Some options include topical tetracycline ointment to be applied four times a day for six weeks, oral doxycycline to be taken twice a day for one to two weeks, oral azithromycin with a single dose of 1 gram followed by 500 mg orally for two days, or oral erythromycin to be taken four times a day for one week.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 11
Correct
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A 60-year-old woman with uncontrolled hypertension experiences a sudden loss of vision in her left eye. The visual acuity in her left eye is reduced to hand movements only, while her right eye has a visual acuity of 6/6. Upon examining her fundi, you observe engorged retinal veins, disc edema, numerous flame-shaped hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots scattered throughout the entire retina.
What is the SINGLE most probable diagnosis?Your Answer: Central retinal vein occlusion
Explanation:Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) typically results in painless, one-sided vision loss. On fundoscopic examination, the retina displays a distinct appearance resembling a ‘pizza thrown against a wall’. This includes engorged retinal veins, swelling of the optic disc, multiple flame-shaped hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots. Hypertension is present in about 65% of CRVO patients, and it is more common in individuals over 65 years old.
In contrast, central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) also causes sudden, painless, one-sided vision loss. However, the retina’s appearance in CRAO is different from CRVO. It appears pale, with narrowed blood vessels. A notable feature is the presence of a ‘cherry-red spot’ at the center of the macula, which is supplied by the underlying choroid. Examination often reveals an afferent pupillary defect.
Vitreous hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding into the middle chamber of the eye, known as the vitreous. This can be caused by conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, trauma, or retinal detachment. The appearance of vitreous hemorrhage is described as ‘blood within a bloodless gel’, resulting in a diffuse red appearance of the retina. Unlike CRVO, there are no focal flame-shaped hemorrhages.
Diabetic maculopathy refers to the presence of diabetic eye disease within a one-disc diameter of the macula.
Wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) causes vision loss due to choroidal neovascularization, which leads to leakage of blood and protein beneath the macula. While there may be hemorrhages visible on the retina, the overall appearance does not match the description provided in the question.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old construction worker comes in with intense pain in his right eye following an incident at the job site where a significant amount of cement dust entered his right eye.
What is the potential pathological condition that this patient's eye may be susceptible to?Your Answer: Fibrinoid necrosis
Correct Answer: Colliquative necrosis
Explanation:Cement contains lime, which is a powerful alkali, and this can cause a serious eye emergency that requires immediate treatment. Alkaline chemicals, such as oven cleaner, ammonia, household bleach, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, and plaster, can also cause damage to the eyes. They lead to colliquative necrosis, which is a type of tissue death that results in liquefaction. On the other hand, acids cause damage through coagulative necrosis. Common acids that can harm the eyes include toilet cleaners, certain household cleaning products, and battery fluid.
The initial management of a patient with cement or alkali exposure to the eyes should be as follows:
1. Irrigate the eye with a large amount of normal saline for 20-30 minutes.
2. Administer local anaesthetic drops every 5 minutes to help keep the eye open and alleviate pain.
3. Monitor the pH every 5 minutes until a neutral pH (7.0-7.5) is achieved. Briefly pause irrigation to test the fluid from the forniceal space using litmus paper.After the initial management, a thorough examination should be conducted, which includes the following steps:
1. Examine the eye directly and with a slit lamp.
2. Remove any remaining cement debris from the surface of the eye.
3. Evert the eyelids to check for hidden cement debris.
4. Administer fluorescein drops and check for corneal abrasion.
5. Assess visual acuity, which may be reduced.
6. Perform fundoscopy to check for retinal necrosis if the alkali has penetrated the sclera.
7. Measure intraocular pressure through tonometry to detect secondary glaucoma.Once the eye’s pH has returned to normal, irrigation can be stopped, and the patient should be promptly referred to an ophthalmology specialist for further evaluation.
Potential long-term complications of cement or alkali exposure to the eyes include closed-angle glaucoma, cataract formation, entropion, keratitis sicca, and permanent vision loss.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 13
Correct
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A 3-year-old boy is brought in by his father with a red and itchy right eye. On examination, there is mild redness of the conjunctiva, and small bumps are visible on the inside of the eyelid. The eyelid is swollen, and there are a few small red spots on the white part of the eye. The eye is watery, and there is no pus. He recently had a mild cold. You diagnose him with viral conjunctivitis.
According to the current NICE guidance, which of the following should NOT be included in the management of this patient?Your Answer: The child should be excluded from school until the infection has resolved
Explanation:When it comes to managing viral conjunctivitis, it’s important to reassure the patient that most cases are self-limiting and don’t require antimicrobial treatment. In fact, viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks. However, there are some self-care measures that can help ease symptoms. These include cleaning the eyelids with cotton wool soaked in sterile saline or boiled and cooled water, applying cool compresses around the eye area, and using lubricating drops or artificial tears. It’s also important to avoid prescribing antibiotics if possible.
It’s crucial to inform the person that infective conjunctivitis is contagious and they should take steps to prevent spreading the infection to their other eye and other people. This includes washing hands frequently with soap and water, using separate towels and flannels, and avoiding close contact with others, especially if they are a healthcare professional or child-care provider. It’s worth noting that the infection can be contagious for up to 14 days from onset.
According to Public Health England, there is no recommended exclusion period from school, nursery, or childminders unless there is an outbreak or cluster of cases. It’s important to provide written information to the patient, explain the red flags for an urgent review, and advise them to seek further help if symptoms persist beyond 7 days. If the person returns with symptoms of conjunctivitis, it may be necessary to consider sending swabs for viral PCR and bacterial culture, as well as prescribing empirical topical antibiotics if they haven’t already been prescribed. If symptoms persist for more than 7-10 days after initiating treatment, it may be necessary to discuss with or refer to ophthalmology.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 14
Correct
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A 12-year-old boy presents to the eye clinic with a sudden onset of acute follicular conjunctivitis in his right eye. He complains of severe eye pain and has blurred vision with a lot of watery discharge. During the examination, pseudomembrane formation is observed in his eye, and he has preauricular lymphadenopathy on the right side. The doctor informs him that he has been diagnosed with 'epidemic keratoconjunctivitis'.
What is the SINGLE most likely causative organism in this case?Your Answer: Adenovirus
Explanation:Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a type of viral conjunctivitis that is primarily caused by adenoviruses. This highly contagious condition tends to occur in outbreaks. It is a common cause of acute conjunctivitis and has distinct clinical features. These include the sudden onset of acute follicular conjunctivitis, severe pain in the affected eye, a significant amount of watery discharge, the presence of subconjunctival hemorrhages, potential visual changes, hyperemia and chemosis, and the possibility of membranes and pseudomembranes forming. Additionally, ipsilateral preauricular lymphadenopathy may be observed.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 42-year-old woman comes in with a painful, red left eye and sensitivity to light. She also reports seeing floaters and experiencing a dull, throbbing headache. She is currently being evaluated by the rheumatology team for persistent pain and stiffness in her upper back and discomfort in her buttocks and thighs. Her eye appears red, and a hypopyon is visible.
What is the SINGLE most probable UNDERLYING diagnosis?Your Answer: Reiter’s syndrome
Correct Answer: Ankylosing spondylitis
Explanation:The most probable diagnosis in this case is anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis refers to the inflammation of the iris and typically manifests as a painful and red eye. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and decreased visual clarity. In some instances, there may be the presence of pus in the front part of the eye known as hypopyon.
Anterior uveitis can have various causes, including idiopathic (no known cause), trauma, chronic joint diseases like spondyloarthropathies and juvenile chronic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, and infections such as Lyme disease, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Additionally, certain malignancies like non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ocular melanoma, and retinoblastoma can also be associated with anterior uveitis.
A significant association has been observed between the HLA-B27 genotype and anterior uveitis, with approximately 50% of patients having this genetic marker. In this particular case, the likely underlying diagnosis is ankylosing spondylitis, a condition characterized by chronic pain and stiffness in the middle spine area and sacroiliitis. It is worth noting that around 30% of men with unilateral uveitis will be found to have ankylosing spondylitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 16
Correct
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A child who was diagnosed with viral conjunctivitis ten days ago presents with persistent symptoms of painful, red eyes. During their previous visit, they were reassured and given advice on general measures, but no antibiotics were prescribed. The symptoms have now worsened, and the eye is extremely sticky and crusted.
What is the most suitable course of action for managing this patient?Your Answer: Send swabs for viral PCR and bacterial culture and prescribe empirical topical antibiotics
Explanation:When it comes to managing viral conjunctivitis, it’s important to reassure the patient that most cases are self-limiting and don’t require antimicrobial treatment. In fact, viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks. However, there are some self-care measures that can help ease symptoms. These include cleaning the eyelids with cotton wool soaked in sterile saline or boiled and cooled water, applying cool compresses around the eye area, and using lubricating drops or artificial tears. It’s also important to avoid prescribing antibiotics if possible.
It’s crucial to inform the person that infective conjunctivitis is contagious and they should take steps to prevent spreading the infection to their other eye and other people. This includes washing hands frequently with soap and water, using separate towels and flannels, and avoiding close contact with others, especially if they are a healthcare professional or child-care provider. It’s worth noting that the infection can be contagious for up to 14 days from onset.
According to Public Health England, there is no recommended exclusion period from school, nursery, or childminders unless there is an outbreak or cluster of cases. It’s important to provide written information to the patient, explain the red flags for an urgent review, and advise them to seek further help if symptoms persist beyond 7 days. If the person returns with symptoms of conjunctivitis, it may be necessary to consider sending swabs for viral PCR and bacterial culture, as well as prescribing empirical topical antibiotics if they haven’t already been prescribed. If symptoms persist for more than 7-10 days after initiating treatment, it may be necessary to discuss with or refer to ophthalmology.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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You assess a patient who is experiencing difficulty in closing their right eye due to a nerve injury. Currently, the eye is dry and necessitates regular administration of eye drops. Your consultant informs you that the orbicularis oculi muscle is solely responsible for closing the eye and suggests that if the symptoms cannot be improved, the patient may require surgical closure of the eye.
Which nerve has been affected in this scenario?Your Answer: Trigeminal nerve
Correct Answer: Facial nerve
Explanation:The orbicularis oculi muscle encircles the eye socket and extends into the eyelid. It is composed of two parts: the orbital part, which forcefully closes the eye, and the palpebral part, which gently closes the eye. The innervation of the orbicularis oculi muscle is provided by the facial nerve. In the event of facial nerve damage, the orbicularis oculi muscle loses its functionality. As the sole muscle responsible for closing the eyelids, this can have significant clinical implications. The inability to shut the eye can lead to dryness of the cornea and the development of exposure keratitis. While mild cases can be managed with regular use of eye drops, severe cases may require surgical closure of the eye.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 18
Correct
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A 3-year-old boy is brought in by his father with a red and painful right eye. On examination, you note the presence of conjunctival erythema. There is also mucopurulent discharge and lid crusting evident in the eye. You make a diagnosis of bacterial conjunctivitis.
With reference to the current NICE guidance, which of the following should NOT be included in your management plan for this patient?Your Answer: Topical antibiotics should be prescribed routinely
Explanation:Here is a revised version of the guidance on the management of bacterial conjunctivitis:
– It is important to inform the patient that most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis will resolve on their own within 5-7 days without any treatment.
– However, if the condition is severe or if there is a need for rapid resolution, topical antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, a delayed treatment strategy may be appropriate, and the patient should be advised to start using topical antibiotics if their symptoms have not improved within 3 days.
– There are several options for topical antibiotics, including Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops (to be applied every 2 hours for 2 days, then 4 times daily for 5 days) and Chloramphenicol 1% ointment (to be applied four times daily for 2 days, then twice daily for 5 days). Fusidic acid 1% eye drops can also be used as a second-line treatment, to be applied twice daily for 7 days.
– It is important to note that there is no recommended exclusion period from school, nursery, or childminders for isolated cases of bacterial conjunctivitis. However, some institutions may have their own exclusion policies.
– Provide the patient with written information and explain the red flags that indicate the need for an urgent review.
– Arrange a follow-up appointment to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that the symptoms have resolved.
– If the patient returns with ongoing symptoms, it may be necessary to send swabs for viral PCR (to test for adenovirus and Herpes simplex) and bacterial culture. Empirical topical antibiotics may also be prescribed if they have not been previously given.
– Consider referring the patient to ophthalmology if the symptoms persist for more than 7 to 10 days after initiating treatment.For more information, you can refer to the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary on Infective Conjunctivitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old man presents with decreased visual acuity and 'floaters' in his right eye. You conduct a fundoscopy and observe a sheet of sensory retina bulging towards the center of the eye. A diagnosis of retinal detachment is made.
Which of the following statements about retinal detachment is NOT true?Your Answer: Central visual loss is commonly seen
Correct Answer: Hypermetropia is a significant risk factor
Explanation:Retinal detachment is a condition where the retina separates from the retinal pigment epithelium, resulting in a fluid-filled space between them. This case presents a classic description of retinal detachment. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including myopia, being male, having a family history of retinal detachment, previous episodes of retinal detachment, blunt ocular trauma, previous cataract surgery, diabetes mellitus (especially if proliferative retinopathy is present), glaucoma, and cataracts.
The clinical features commonly associated with retinal detachment include flashes of light, particularly at the edges of vision (known as photopsia), a dense shadow in the peripheral vision that spreads towards the center, a sensation of a curtain drawing across the eye, and central visual loss. Fundoscopy, a procedure to examine the back of the eye, reveals a sheet of sensory retina billowing towards the center of the eye. Additionally, a positive Amsler grid test, where straight lines appear curved or wavy, may indicate retinal detachment.
Other possible causes of floaters include posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, vitreous hemorrhage, and migraine with aura. However, in this case, the retinal appearance described is consistent with retinal detachment.
It is crucial to arrange an urgent same-day ophthalmology referral for this patient. Fortunately, approximately 90% of retinal detachments can be successfully repaired with one operation, and an additional 6% can be salvaged with subsequent procedures. If the retina remains fixed six months after surgery, the likelihood of it becoming detached again is low.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old traveler returns from a trip to Thailand with a painful, red right eye. The eye has been bothering him for the past two and a half weeks, and the onset of the irritation has been gradual. There has been mild mucopurulent discharge present in the eye for the past two weeks, and he states that he has to clean the eye regularly. On examination, you note the presence of right-sided, nontender pre-auricular lymphadenopathy. On further questioning, he admits to visiting a sex worker during his visit to Thailand.
Which of the following antibiotics would be most appropriate to prescribe for this patient?Your Answer: Chloramphenicol
Correct Answer: Doxycycline
Explanation:Sexually transmitted eye infections can be quite severe and are often characterized by prolonged mucopurulent discharge. The two main causes of these infections are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea. Differentiating between the two can be done by considering certain features.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection typically presents with chronic low-grade irritation and mucous discharge that lasts for more than two weeks in sexually active individuals. Pre-auricular lymphadenopathy, or swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear, may also be present. Most cases of this infection are unilateral, affecting only one eye, but there is a possibility of it being bilateral, affecting both eyes.
On the other hand, Neisseria gonorrhoea infection tends to develop rapidly, usually within 12 to 24 hours. It is characterized by copious mucopurulent discharge, swelling of the eyelids, and tender preauricular lymphadenopathy. This type of infection carries a higher risk of complications, such as uveitis, severe keratitis, and corneal perforation.
Based on the patient’s symptoms, it appears that they are more consistent with a Chlamydia trachomatis infection, especially considering the slower and more gradual onset of their symptoms.
There is ongoing debate regarding the most effective antibiotic treatment for these infections. Some options include topical tetracycline ointment to be applied four times a day for six weeks, oral doxycycline to be taken twice a day for one to two weeks, oral azithromycin with a single dose of 1 gram followed by 500 mg orally for two days, or oral erythromycin to be taken four times a day for one week.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 21
Correct
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A 32-year-old artist returns from a vacation in Thailand with a severely painful and red right eye. The symptoms appeared rapidly within a day, and the eye now has excessive mucopurulent discharge and swelling of the eyelid. During the examination, tender pre-auricular lymphadenopathy is observed on the right side. Upon further inquiry, the patient confesses to having visited a sex worker during their trip to Thailand.
Which of the following antibiotics would be the most suitable to prescribe for this individual?Your Answer: Ceftriaxone
Explanation:Sexually transmitted eye infections can be quite severe and are often characterized by prolonged mucopurulent discharge. There are two main causes of these infections: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea. Differentiating between the two can be done by considering certain features.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection typically presents with chronic low-grade irritation and mucous discharge that lasts for more than two weeks in sexually active individuals. It may also be accompanied by pre-auricular lymphadenopathy. This type of infection is usually unilateral but can sometimes affect both eyes.
On the other hand, Neisseria gonorrhoea infection tends to develop rapidly, usually within 12 to 24 hours. It is characterized by copious mucopurulent discharge, eyelid swelling, and tender preauricular lymphadenopathy. This type of infection carries a higher risk of complications, such as uveitis, severe keratitis, and corneal perforation.
Based on the patient’s symptoms, it appears that they are more consistent with a Neisseria gonorrhoea infection. The rapid onset, copious discharge, and tender preauricular lymphadenopathy are indicative of this type of infection.
Treatment for gonococcal conjunctivitis in adults is typically based on limited research. However, a study has shown that all 12 patients responded well to a single 1 g intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone, along with a single episode of ocular lavage with saline.
In summary, sexually transmitted eye infections can be caused by either Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoea. Differentiating between the two is important in order to provide appropriate treatment. The patient in this case exhibits symptoms that align more closely with a Neisseria gonorrhoea infection, which carries a higher risk of complications. Treatment options for gonococcal conjunctivitis are limited, but a single injection of ceftriaxone has shown positive results in previous studies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 22
Correct
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A 70-year-old diabetic woman presents with a history of a shadow passing across her left eye 'like a curtain being drawn'. For the two weeks before this occurring, she had experienced flashing lights and floaters in the periphery of her vision in the eye. The floaters were most prominent to the nasal side of her central vision in the left eye. She has a feeling of 'heaviness in the eye' but no eye pain. She normally wears glasses for myopia, and her visual acuity in the left has been reduced to counting fingers.
What is the SINGLE most likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Retinal detachment
Explanation:This patient has presented with a history consistent with retinal detachment preceded by posterior vitreous detachment.
Posterior vitreous detachment occurs when the vitreous membrane separates from the retina. There are several risk factors for posterior vitreous detachment, including myopia, recent cataract surgery, diabetes mellitus, increasing age, and eye trauma.
The main clinical features of posterior vitreous detachment include flashes of light (photopsia), increased numbers of floaters, a ring of floaters to the temporal side of central vision, and a feeling of heaviness in the eye. Another characteristic is Weiss’ ring, which is an irregular ring of translucent floating material in the vitreous.
It is important to note that there is a small associated risk of retinal detachment in the 6-12 weeks following a posterior vitreous detachment. Retinal detachment can be distinguished from posterior vitreous detachment by the presence of a dense shadow in the periphery that spreads centrally, a curtain drawing across the eye, straight lines suddenly appearing curved (positive Amsler grid test), and central visual loss with decreased visual acuity.
Given the patient’s presentation, an urgent referral to ophthalmology is necessary. In most cases of retinal detachment, surgical repair will be required.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old man presents with sudden onset of vision loss in his right eye over the past few hours. On fundoscopic examination, you observe that the entire retina appears pale and a cherry red spot is visible in the macular region.
What is the SINGLE most likely diagnosis?Your Answer: Circumciliary vein occlusion
Correct Answer: Central retinal artery occlusion
Explanation:Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is characterized by sudden, painless, and unilateral loss of vision. The appearance of the retina in CRAO is distinct from that of CRVO. It shows a pale retina with narrowed blood vessels. A notable feature is the presence of a ‘cherry-red spot’ at the center of the macula, which is supplied by the underlying choroid. Additionally, examination often reveals an afferent pupillary defect.
On the other hand, branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) typically affects only one quadrant of the retina, leading to visual field deficits in that specific area rather than complete loss of vision.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A 7-year-old girl presents with a 4-day history of blurred vision in her left eye. She is also experiencing eye pain and fatigue. On examination, her temperature is 38.0°C, but her other vital signs are normal. There is significant redness in the conjunctiva, and a collection of pus (hypopyon) is present in her left eye. Her visual acuity in that eye is reduced to counting fingers. She recently received a kitten as a pet from her parents.
What is the SINGLE most likely causative organism?Your Answer: Pasteurella canis
Correct Answer: Toxocara canis
Explanation:Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by the parasitic roundworm Toxocara canis. The main way it spreads to humans is through contact with dog feces. However, practicing good hand hygiene can help prevent transmission. While most people who come into contact with Toxocara canis don’t show any symptoms, a small number may experience a mild flu-like illness.
The most common presentation of toxocariasis is in children, who may experience unilateral visual loss. This loss of vision is typically caused by conditions such as vitritis, macular edema, and tractional retinal detachment. It is believed that these lesions occur due to a toxic or immunoallergic reaction to the larval antigens.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 25
Correct
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A 30-year-old construction worker comes in with intense pain in his left eye following an incident at the job site where a significant amount of cement dust entered his left eye.
Which of the following long-term complications is the LEAST probable to develop?Your Answer: Open-angle glaucoma
Explanation:Cement contains lime, which is a powerful alkali, and this can cause a serious eye emergency that requires immediate treatment. Alkaline chemicals, such as oven cleaner, ammonia, household bleach, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, and plaster, can also cause damage to the eyes. They lead to colliquative necrosis, which is a type of tissue death that results in liquefaction. On the other hand, acids cause damage through coagulative necrosis. Common acids that can harm the eyes include toilet cleaners, certain household cleaning products, and battery fluid.
The initial management of a patient with cement or alkali exposure to the eyes should be as follows:
1. Irrigate the eye with a large amount of normal saline for 20-30 minutes.
2. Administer local anaesthetic drops every 5 minutes to help keep the eye open and alleviate pain.
3. Monitor the pH every 5 minutes until a neutral pH (7.0-7.5) is achieved. Briefly pause irrigation to test the fluid from the forniceal space using litmus paper.After the initial management, a thorough examination should be conducted, which includes the following steps:
1. Examine the eye directly and with a slit lamp.
2. Remove any remaining cement debris from the surface of the eye.
3. Evert the eyelids to check for hidden cement debris.
4. Administer fluorescein drops and check for corneal abrasion.
5. Assess visual acuity, which may be reduced.
6. Perform fundoscopy to check for retinal necrosis if the alkali has penetrated the sclera.
7. Measure intraocular pressure through tonometry to detect secondary glaucoma.Once the eye’s pH has returned to normal, irrigation can be stopped, and the patient should be promptly referred to an ophthalmology specialist for further evaluation.
Potential long-term complications of cement or alkali exposure to the eyes include closed-angle glaucoma, cataract formation, entropion, keratitis sicca, and permanent vision loss.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 26
Correct
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A 12-year-old boy comes in with complaints of double vision. He is holding his head tilted to the left-hand side. During the examination of his eye movements, it is observed that both eyes can look normally to the right, but on looking to the left, his left eye cannot turn outwards past the midline. The right eye is unaffected when looking to the left.
Which muscle is the MOST likely to be involved in this case?Your Answer: Lateral rectus
Explanation:This patient is experiencing a condition called right-sided abducens nerve palsy, which means that their sixth cranial nerve is paralyzed. As a result, the lateral rectus muscle, which is responsible for moving the eye outward, is also paralyzed. This means that the patient’s right eye is unable to turn outward. This can lead to a condition called convergent strabismus, where the eyes are not aligned properly, and diplopia, which is double vision. To compensate for the double vision, patients often tilt their head towards the side of the paralyzed muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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A 45-year-old woman comes in with a painful red eye accompanied by sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and reduced vision. The on-call ophthalmology team is consulted, and they diagnose her with anterior uveitis.
Which of the following is the SINGLE LEAST probable underlying cause?Your Answer: Trauma
Correct Answer: Lymphoma
Explanation:Anterior uveitis refers to the inflammation of the iris and is characterized by a painful and red eye. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and a decrease in visual clarity. In less than 10% of cases, the inflammation may extend to the posterior chamber. The condition can also lead to the formation of adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea, resulting in an irregularly shaped pupil known as synechia. In severe cases, pus may accumulate in the front part of the eye, specifically the anterior chamber, causing a condition called hypopyon.
There are various factors that can cause anterior uveitis, including idiopathic cases where no specific cause can be identified. Other causes include trauma, chronic joint diseases like spondyloarthropathies and juvenile chronic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, and infections such as Lyme disease, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is worth noting that approximately 50% of patients with anterior uveitis have a strong association with the HLA-B27 genotype.
Complications that can arise from uveitis include the development of cataracts, glaucoma, band keratopathy (a condition where calcium deposits form on the cornea), and even blindness.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A child who was diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis seven days ago presents with ongoing symptoms. During their last visit, they were reassured and given advice on general measures, but no antibiotics were prescribed. The symptoms have now worsened, and the eye is extremely sticky and crusted.
What is the most suitable course of action in managing this child's condition?Your Answer: Send swabs for bacterial culture alone and prescribe empirical topical antibiotics
Correct Answer: Send swabs for viral PCR and bacterial culture and prescribe empirical topical antibiotics
Explanation:Here is a revised version of the guidance on the management of bacterial conjunctivitis:
– It is important to inform the patient that most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis will resolve on their own within 5-7 days without any treatment.
– However, if the condition is severe or if there is a need for rapid resolution, topical antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, a delayed treatment strategy may be appropriate, and the patient should be advised to start using topical antibiotics if their symptoms have not improved within 3 days.
– There are several options for topical antibiotics, including Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops (to be applied every 2 hours for 2 days, then 4 times daily for 5 days) and Chloramphenicol 1% ointment (to be applied four times daily for 2 days, then twice daily for 5 days). Fusidic acid 1% eye drops can also be used as a second-line treatment, to be applied twice daily for 7 days.
– It is important to note that there is no recommended exclusion period from school, nursery, or childminders for isolated cases of bacterial conjunctivitis. However, some institutions may have their own exclusion policies.
– Provide the patient with written information and explain the red flags that indicate the need for an urgent review.
– Arrange a follow-up appointment to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that the symptoms have resolved.
– If the patient returns with ongoing symptoms, it may be necessary to send swabs for viral PCR (to test for adenovirus and Herpes simplex) and bacterial culture. Empirical topical antibiotics may also be prescribed if they have not been previously given.
– Consider referring the patient to ophthalmology if the symptoms persist for more than 7 to 10 days after initiating treatment.For more information, you can refer to the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary on Infective Conjunctivitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 12-year-old boy presents with double vision. He is holding his head tilted to the left-hand side. On examination of his eye movements, you note that both eyes can look normally to the right, but on looking to the left, his left eye cannot turn outwards past the midline. The right eye is unaffected when looking to the left.
What is the SINGLE most likely nerve to be involved in this case?Your Answer: Left oculomotor nerve
Correct Answer: Right abducens nerve
Explanation:This patient is experiencing a condition called right-sided abducens nerve palsy, which means that their sixth cranial nerve is paralyzed. As a result, the lateral rectus muscle, which is responsible for moving the eye outward, is also paralyzed. This means that the patient’s right eye is unable to turn outward. This can lead to a condition called convergent strabismus, where the eyes are not aligned properly, and diplopia, which is double vision. To compensate for the double vision, patients often tilt their head towards the side of the paralyzed muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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Question 30
Correct
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A 40-year-old man with a history of multiple sclerosis presents with loss of vision in his right eye due to an episode of optic neuritis.
At which point in the visual pathway has this lesion occurred?Your Answer: Optic nerve
Explanation:Lesions that occur in the optic nerve, specifically those that are located outside of the optic chiasm, result in visual loss in only one eye on the same side as the lesion. There are several factors that can cause these optic nerve lesions, including optic neuritis which is often associated with multiple sclerosis. Other causes include compression of the optic nerve due to tumors in the eye, toxicity from substances like ethambutol or methanol, and trauma to the optic nerve such as fractures in the orbital bone. The diagram provided below illustrates the different types of visual field defects that can occur depending on the location of the lesion along the visual pathway.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Ophthalmology
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