-
Question 1
Correct
-
Following a bee sting, a 12-year old boy was transported to resus with symptoms and signs of an anaphylactic reaction. You decide to administer adrenaline IM stat.What is the recommended dose of intramuscular adrenaline?
Your Answer: 0.3 mL of 1:1000
Explanation:Anaphylaxis is a type I hypersensitivity reaction that is severe and life-threatening. It is marked by the fast onset of life-threatening airway and/or circulatory issues, which are generally accompanied by skin and mucosal abnormalities. When an antigen attaches to specific IgE immunoglobulins on mast cells, degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators takes place (e.g. histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes).The most important medicine for treating anaphylactic responses is adrenaline. It decreases oedema and reverses peripheral vasodilation as an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist. Its beta-adrenergic effects widen the bronchial airways, enhance the force of cardiac contraction, and inhibit the release of histamine and leukotriene. The first medicine to be given is adrenaline, and the IM route is optimal for most people.In anaphylaxis, age-related dosages of IM adrenaline are:150 mcg (0.15 mL of 1:1000) for a child under 6 years300 mcg (0.3 mL of 1:1000) for a child aged 6 to 12 years 500 mcg (0.5 mL of 1:1000) for children aged 12 and above 500 mcg for adults (0.5 mL of 1:1000)
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Pharmacology
-
-
Question 2
Incorrect
-
Which of the following causes increased aldosterone secretion:
Your Answer: Hypokalaemia
Correct Answer: Decreased blood volume
Explanation:Decreased blood volume stimulates the secretion of renin (because of decreased renal perfusion pressure) and initiates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the cascade by decreasing the production of angiotensin. Hyperosmolarity stimulates antidiuretic hormone (ADH) [not aldosterone] secretion. Hyperkalaemia, not hypokalaemia, directly stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex. ANPÂ inhibits renin secretion, thereby inhibiting the production of angiotensin and aldosterone.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
-
-
Question 3
Incorrect
-
You examine a 72-year-old man who has recently begun bumetanide treatment for worsening heart failure.Which of these statements about bumetanide is correct?
Your Answer: It is 10 times more potent than furosemide
Correct Answer: It has better intestinal absorption than furosemide
Explanation:Bumetanide is a loop diuretic that is used to treat congestive heart failure. It is frequently used in patients who have failed to respond to high doses of furosemide.It has a potency of about 40 times that of furosemide, with a 1 mg dose being roughly equivalent to a 40 mg dose of furosemide.Seizures are not known to be triggered by bumetanide. In fact, it lowers the concentration of neuronal chloride, making GABA’s action more depolarizing, and it’s currently being tested as an antiepileptic in the neonatal period.It takes effect after 1 hour of oral administration, and diuresis takes 6 hours to complete.Bumetanide absorbs much better in the intestine than furosemide. Because it has a higher bioavailability than furosemide, it is commonly used in patients with gut oedema.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 4
Incorrect
-
At the start of the cardiac cycle, towards the end of diastole, all of the following statements are true EXCEPTÂ for:
Your Answer: The atrial pressure is greater than the ventricular pressure.
Correct Answer: The semilunar valves are open.
Explanation:At the start of the cardiac cycle, towards the end of diastole, the whole of the heart is relaxed. The atrioventricular (AV) valves are open because the atrial pressure is still slightly greater than the ventricular pressure. The semilunar valves are closed, as the pressure in the pulmonary artery and aorta is greater than the ventricular pressures. The cycle starts when the sinoatrial node (SAN) initiates atrial systole.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
-
-
Question 5
Incorrect
-
A 70-year-old man presents with right-sided hemiplegia and loss of joint position sense, vibratory sense, and discriminatory touch. Upon further physical examination, it was observed that her tongue deviates to the left-hand side. An MRI and CT scan was ordered and results showed that he was suffering a left-sided stroke. Branches of which of the following arteries are most likely implicated in the case?
Your Answer: Superior cerebellar artery
Correct Answer: Anterior spinal artery
Explanation:Medial medullary syndrome is a form of stroke that affects the medial medulla of the brain. It is caused by a lesion in the medial part of the medulla, which is due to an infraction of vertebral arteries and/or paramedian branches of the anterior spinal artery.It is characterized by contralateral paralysis of the upper and lower limb of the body, a contralateral decrease in proprioception, vibration, and/or fine touch sensation, paresthesias or less commonly dysesthesias in the contralateral trunk and lower limb, and loss of position and vibration sense with proprioceptive dysfunction. Ipsilateral deviation of the tongue due to ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve damage can also be seen.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Central Nervous System
-
-
Question 6
Incorrect
-
Which of these organisms is commonly spread by droplet transmission?
Your Answer: Rotavirus
Correct Answer: Neisseria meningitidis
Explanation:Droplets are airborne particles greater than 5 µm in size. Droplet transmission occurs during talking, coughing and sneezing where respiratory droplets are generated.Examples of organisms transmitted by the droplet route include:Neisseria meningitidisRespiratory syncytial virusParainfluenza virusBordetella pertussisInfluenza virusPoliovirus and Rotavirus are transmitted by the faeco-oral routeHepatitis B is transmitted by Sexual routeStaphylococcus aureus is transmitted by direct contact
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Principles Of Microbiology
-
-
Question 7
Correct
-
A patient sustains an injury to the proximal median nerve after falling through a glass door. Which of the following muscles would you not expect to be affected:
Your Answer: Flexor carpi ulnaris
Explanation:All of the muscles in the anterior forearm are innervated by the median nerve, except for the flexor carpi ulnaris and the medial half of the flexor digitorum profundus which are innervated by the ulnar nerve.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
-
-
Question 8
Incorrect
-
A 1-year-old male is brought to the paediatrician by his mother due to swelling of the right knee after a minor fall. On examination, the right knee is swollen, fluctuant and tender. Ultrasound-guided aspiration reveals a massive hemarthrosis. Family history shows that his older brother also has a bleeding disorder. Which one of the following conditions does the patient most likely have?
Your Answer: Factor V leiden mutation
Correct Answer: Haemophilia A
Explanation:A diagnosis of Haemophilia is supported in this patient by the family history and the presence of hemarthrosis-both characteristics of Haemophilia. Haemophilia A is caused by Factor VIII deficiency, leading to impaired coagulation. This disease typically presents after six months when the child starts crawling. Von Willebrand disease presents with nosebleeds and hematomas. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura presents with bruises that resemble a rash. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency presents with haemolytic anaemia induced by specific drugs or foods. Factor V Leiden mutation causes blood clotting rather than bleeding.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 9
Incorrect
-
A 27-year-old man has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and has spread to the regional lymph nodes. The lymph from the testes will drain to which of the following nodes?
Your Answer: Deep inguinal lymph nodes
Correct Answer: Para-aortic lymph nodes
Explanation:Testes are retroperitoneal organs and its lymphatic drainage is to the lumbar and para-aortic nodes along the lumbar vertebrae.The scrotum is the one which drains into the nearby superficial inguinal nodes.The glans penis and clitoris drains into the deep inguinal lymph nodes.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen And Pelvis
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 10
Correct
-
Which of the following statements is true about percutaneous needle aspiration?
Your Answer: The needle should be inserted just above the upper border of the chosen rib
Explanation:Pleural aspiration describes a procedure whereby pleural fluid or air may be aspirated via a system inserted temporarily into the pleural space. This may be for diagnostic purposes (usually removing 20–50 ml fluid) or therapeutic to relieve symptoms. In the literature it is varyingly called thoracocentesis, thoracentesis or pleural aspiration.In determining the correct patient position and site of insertion, it is important for the operator to be aware of the normal anatomy of the thorax and the pathology of the patient. Patient position is dependent on the operator preference and the site of the pathology. In the case of a posterior lying locule, this may be specific to the image-guided spot where fluid is most likely to be obtained. In most circumstances, however, the site of insertion of the needle is either in the triangle of safety or the second intercostal space in the midclavicular line. The patient may therefore either sit upright leaning forward with arms elevated but resting on a table or bed, thereby exposing the axilla, or lying on a bed in a position. The needle is inserted in the space just above the chosen rib to avoid damaging the neurovascular bundle. It is common practice to insert the needle more posteriorly for a pleural aspiration, but it should be noted that the neurovascular bundle may not be covered by the lower flange of the rib in this position and a more lateral or anterior site of insertion is considered safer.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
-
-
Question 11
Incorrect
-
One of the benefits of wound healing through first intention is:
Your Answer: Increased production of granulation tissue
Correct Answer: Minimisation of scar tissue formation
Explanation:Primary wound healing, or healing by first intention, occurs within hours of repairing a full-thickness surgical incision. This surgical insult results in the mortality of a minimal number of cellular constituents. Healing by first intention can occur when the wound edges are opposed, the wound is clean and uninfected and there is minimal loss of cells and tissue i.e. surgical incision wound. The wound margins are joined by fibrin deposition, which is subsequently replaced by collagen and covered by epidermal growth.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Wound Healing
-
-
Question 12
Correct
-
Which of the following is the primary indication for loop diuretics?
Your Answer: Acute pulmonary oedema
Explanation:Loop diuretics have long been the cornerstone of pulmonary oedema treatment, with furosemide being the most commonly used of these drugs. Premedication with drugs that decrease preload (e.g., nitro-glycerine [NTG]) and afterload (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors) before the administration of loop diuretics can prevent adverse hemodynamic changes.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 13
Incorrect
-
Which of these cell types in the stomach releases pepsinogen?
Your Answer: Parietal cells
Correct Answer: Chief cells
Explanation:The gastric chief cells in the stomach wall releases pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is a proenzyme. It mixes with hydrochloric acid in the stomach and is converted to pepsin. Pepsin breaks down proteins into peptides aiding protein digestion.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Physiology
-
-
Question 14
Correct
-
Which of the following is where the rectovesical fascia is located:
Your Answer: Between the fundus of the bladder and the ampulla of the rectum
Explanation:In a triangular area between the vasa deferentia, the bladder and rectum are separated only by rectovesical fascia, commonly known as Denonvillier’s fascia.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 15
Correct
-
The common bile duct drains into the duodenum in which of the following regions:
Your Answer: Second part of the duodenum
Explanation:As the common bile duct descends, it passes posterior to the first part of the duodenum before joining with the pancreatic duct from the pancreas, forming the hepatopancreatic ampulla (ampulla of Vater) at the major duodenal papilla, located in the second part of the duodenum. Surrounding the ampulla is the sphincter of Oddi, a collection of smooth muscle which can open to allow bile and pancreatic fluid to empty into the duodenum.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 16
Correct
-
Cystic fibrosis patients have a weakened lung surfactant system. Which of the following cell types is in charge of surfactant secretion?
Your Answer: Type II pneumocytes
Explanation:Alveolar type II cells are responsible for four primary functions: surfactant synthesis and secretion, xenobiotic metabolism, water transepithelial transport, and alveolar epithelium regeneration following lung injury.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
-
-
Question 17
Incorrect
-
The Philadelphia chromosome is a genetic abnormality associated primarily with which of the following malignancies:
Your Answer: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Correct Answer: Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Explanation:Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a clonal disorder of a pluripotent stem cell. The disease accounts for around 15% of leukaemias and may occur at any age. The diagnosis of CML is rarely difficult and is assisted by the characteristic presence of the Philadelphia (ph) chromosome. This disease occurs in either sex, most frequently between the ages of 40 and 60 years. In up to 50% of cases the diagnosis is made incidentally from a routine blood count. Leucocytosis is the main feature, with a complete spectrum of myeloid cells seen in the peripheral blood. The levels of neutrophils and myelocytes exceed those of blast cells and promyelocytes.Increased circulating basophils are a characteristic feature. Normochromic normocytic anaemia is usual. Platelet count may be increased (most frequently), normal or decreased. The clinical outlook is very good and 90% of patients can expect long-term control of disease.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
An injury to which nerve affects innervation to the adductor portion of the adductor magnus?
Your Answer: Anterior branch of the obturator nerve
Correct Answer: Posterior branch of the obturator nerve
Explanation:The nerves that supply the adductor magnus muscle have an embryologic origin from the anterior divisions of the lumbosacral plexus and include the obturator nerve, posterior division (L2-4), and the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve (L4). It is innervated by the posterior division of the obturator nerve.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
Caseous necrosis is typically seen in which of the following:
Your Answer: Tuberculosis
Explanation:Caseous necrosis is most commonly seen in tuberculosis. Histologically, the complete loss of normal tissue architecture is replaced by amorphous, granular and eosinophilic tissue with a variable amount of fat and an appearance reminiscent of cottage cheese.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammatory Responses
- Pathology
-
-
Question 20
Correct
-
A blood culture was performed from a sample taken from a patient. It was noted that a Gram-positive coccus organism was grown.Among the following microorganisms, which is considered an example of a Gram-positive coccus?
Your Answer: Staphylococcus aureus
Explanation:Bacillus cereus = Gram-positive bacillusNeisseria meningitidis = Gram-negative coccusSalmonella enterica & Escherichia coli = Gram-negative bacilliIn Gram staining, crystal violet is a purple stain that is used to stain the bacteria first. The stained bacteria are decolorized and then stained with a red stain, which is safranin. Bacteria with thick cell walls keep the purple stain and are called Gram-positive. Thin-walled bacteria are easily decolorized so when safranin, the red stain, is placed on the organisms, they become red or Gram-negative. The Staphylococci that are associated with infections in humans are colonizers of various skin and mucosal surfaces. Because the carrier state is common among the human population, infections are frequently acquired when the colonizing strain gains entrance to a normally sterile site as a result of trauma or abrasion to the skin or mucosal surface.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Principles Of Microbiology
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
Approximately what percentage of filtered bicarbonate is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule:
Your Answer: 10 - 20%
Correct Answer: 0.8
Explanation:Bicarbonate is freely filtered at the glomerulus. Less than 0.1% of filtered bicarbonate is normally excreted in the urine (if plasma [HCO3-] increases, maximum tubular transport is exceeded and some HCO3-is excreted in urine). About 80% of bicarbonate is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule. For each H+secreted into the lumen, one Na+and one HCO3-are reabsorbed into the plasma. H+is recycled so there is little net secretion of H+at this stage. A further 10 – 15% of HCO3-is similarly reabsorbed in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. In the early distal tubule, H+secretion is predominantly by Na+/H+exchange but more distally, the Na+gradient is insufficient so secretion is via H+ATPase and H+/K+ATPase in intercalated cells, which contain plentiful carbonic acid. As secreted H+is derived from CO2, new HCO3-is formed and returns to the blood.H+secretion is proportional to intracellular [H+] which itself is related to extracellular pH. A fall in blood pH will therefore stimulate renal H+secretion. In the proximal tubule secretion of H+serves to reclaim bicarbonate from glomerular filtrate so it is not lost, but in the distal nephron, secretion leads to net acid excretion and generation of new bicarbonate.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
-
-
Question 22
Correct
-
A 20-year-old male has an anaphylactic reaction following a wasp sting.What type of hypersensitivity reaction is this?
Your Answer: Type I
Explanation:Anaphylaxis is an example of a type I hypersensitivity reaction. It is IgE mediated. It requires a prior exposure to the antigen. The initial exposure sensitizes the body to the antigen and a second exposure to that antigen leads to an anaphylactic reaction.Massive calcium influx into the cells leads to mast cell degranulation. The Immunoglobulin antigen complex binds to Fc receptors on the surface of mast cells. The result is mast cell degranulation and release of histamine, proteoglycans and serum proteases from cytoplasmic granules.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- General Pathology
- Pathology
-
-
Question 23
Incorrect
-
A 52-year-old patient requires procedural sedation for DC cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. You plan on using propofol as the sedative agent.Propofol works as a result of action on what type of receptor? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
Correct Answer: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Explanation:Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is a short-acting phenol derivative that is primarily used for the induction of anaesthesia.Its mechanism of action is unclear but is thought to act by potentiating the inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine, which enhances spinal inhibition during anaesthesia.The dose for induction of anaesthesia is 1.5-2.5mg/kg. The dose for maintenance of anaesthesia is 4-12 mg/kg/hour. Following intravenous injection, propofol acts within 30 seconds and its duration of action is 5-10 minutes.Propofol produces a 15-25% decrease in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance without a compensatory increase in heart rate. It is negatively inotropic and decreases cardiac output by approximately 20%.The main side effects of propofol are:Pain on injection (in up to 30%)HypotensionTransient apnoeaHyperventilationCoughing and hiccoughHeadacheThrombosis and phlebitis
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anaesthesia
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
A 53-year-old man arrives at the emergency department complaining of visual impairment in his right eye. On examination, you notice that neither his right nor left pupil constricts when you shine a light in his right eye. When you flash a light in his left eye, the pupils of both his left and right eyes constrict. Which of the following nerves is the most likely to be affected:
Your Answer: Oculomotor nerve
Correct Answer: Optic nerve
Explanation:In full optic nerve palsy, the afferent pupillary light reflex is lost. Because the afferent optic nerve does not sense light flashed in the afflicted eye, the ipsilateral direct and contralateral consensual reflexes are gone. However, the contralateral direct and ipsilateral consensual reflexes are intact because the efferent oculomotor nerve is normal.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Cranial Nerve Lesions
-
-
Question 25
Incorrect
-
Elevation of the eyeball is primarily produced by which of the following muscles:
Your Answer: Inferior rectus and superior oblique
Correct Answer: Superior rectus and inferior oblique
Explanation:Elevation of the eyeball is produced by the superior rectus and the inferior oblique muscles.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head And Neck
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
When the pulmonary artery is completely blocked, what is the ventilation over perfusion ratio for the area that it supplies?
Your Answer: 0.5
Correct Answer: Infinity
Explanation:The ventilation/perfusion ratio (V/Q ratio) is a ratio used to assess the efficiency and adequacy of the matching ventilation and perfusion. A pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. When a large pulmonary embolus completed blocked a pulmonary artery the alveoli were ventilated but not perfused at all, then the V/Q ratio would be infinity.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
You assess a patient that has suffered a nerve injury that has paralysed her left latissimus dorsi muscle.Latissimus dorsi receives its innervation from which of the following nerves? Select ONE answer only.
Your Answer: Dorsal scapula nerve
Correct Answer: Thoracodorsal nerve
Explanation:Latissimus dorsi originates from the lower part of the back, where it covers a wide area. It lies underneath the inferior fibres of trapezius superiorly, and trapezius is the most superficial back muscle.Superficial muscles of the back showing latissimus dorsi (from Gray’s Anatomy)Latissimus dorsi has a broad origin, arising from the spinous processes of T6-T12, the thoracolumbar fascia, the iliac crest and the inferior 3 or 4 ribs. The fibres converge into a tendon that inserts into the intertubercular groove of the humerus.Latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve.Latissimus dorsi acts to extend, adduct and medially rotate the humerus. It, therefore, raises the body towards the arm during climbing.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
-
-
Question 28
Incorrect
-
A tumour is discovered behind the pectinate line during an examination of a 72-year-old patient with rectal bleeding. Which of the following is the lymphatic drainage of the pectinate line?
Your Answer: Preaortic nodes
Correct Answer: Superficial inguinal nodes
Explanation:The pectinate line is known as the watershed line because it divides the anal canal into two sections. Below the pectinate line, lymphatic drainage drains to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
-
-
Question 29
Incorrect
-
Which of the following statements is correct regarding paracetamol?
Your Answer: Paracetamol is contraindicated in severe heart failure.
Correct Answer: Liver damage peaks 3 to 4 days after paracetamol ingestion.
Explanation:The maximum daily dose of paracetamol in an adult is 4 grams. Doses greater than this can lead to hepatotoxicity and, less frequently, acute kidney injury. Early symptoms of paracetamol toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and usually settle within 24 hours. Symptoms of liver damage include right subcostal pain and tenderness, and this peaks 3 to 4 days after paracetamol ingestion. Other signs of hepatic toxicity include encephalopathy, bleeding, hypoglycaemia, and cerebral oedema.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
A blood test of a 7-year-old child with a 6-day history of bloody diarrhoea reveals a low platelet count, anaemia, and impaired kidney function. What bacteria is suspected of causing such a condition?
Your Answer: Clostridium difficile
Correct Answer: Escherichia coli
Explanation:Escherichia coli produces shiga toxin that causes diarrhoea, hemorrhagic colitis, and haemolytic uremic syndrome. Haemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Transmission of E. coli is possible after consuming contaminated, undercooked drinks and foods. E. coli enters the body via the faecal-oral pathway.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathogens
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
