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  • Question 1 - A 28-year-old rugby player complains of polyuria and polydipsia. He reports being hospitalized...

    Correct

    • A 28-year-old rugby player complains of polyuria and polydipsia. He reports being hospitalized 5 months ago due to a head injury sustained while playing rugby. Central diabetes insipidus is confirmed through biochemistry and a water-deprivation test. A pituitary MRI reveals a thickened pituitary stalk, supporting the diagnosis. What is the appropriate medication for this patient?

      Your Answer: Desmopressin

      Explanation:

      Desmopressin is an effective treatment for central diabetes insipidus, which is a rare condition caused by damage or dysfunction of the posterior pituitary gland resulting in a lack of ADH production. Carbimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism, while goserelin is used to treat prostate cancer. Indapamide, a thiazide-like diuretic, is used to manage hypertension and heart failure.

      Diabetes insipidus is a medical condition that can be caused by either a decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the pituitary gland (cranial DI) or an insensitivity to ADH (nephrogenic DI). Cranial DI can be caused by various factors such as head injury, pituitary surgery, and infiltrative diseases like sarcoidosis. On the other hand, nephrogenic DI can be caused by genetic factors, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medications like lithium and demeclocycline. The common symptoms of DI are excessive urination and thirst. Diagnosis is made through a water deprivation test and checking the osmolality of the urine. Treatment options include thiazides and a low salt/protein diet for nephrogenic DI, while central DI can be treated with desmopressin.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Renal System
      14.2
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - John, a 55-year-old man, arrives at the emergency department complaining of chest pain...

    Incorrect

    • John, a 55-year-old man, arrives at the emergency department complaining of chest pain that is relieved by leaning forward. He also mentions that the pain spreads to his left shoulder. The diagnosis is pericarditis.

      Which nerve is accountable for the referred pain in this case?

      Your Answer: Vagus nerve

      Correct Answer: Phrenic nerve

      Explanation:

      The phrenic nerve provides motor innervation to the diaphragm and sensory innervation to the pleura and pericardium. Pericarditis can cause referred pain to the shoulder due to the supraclavicular nerves originating at C3-4. It is important to note that there are no pericardial nerves. The spinal accessory nerve innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, while the trochlear nerve supplies the superior oblique muscle. Although the vagus nerve has various functions, it does not supply the pericardium.

      The Phrenic Nerve: Origin, Path, and Supplies

      The phrenic nerve is a crucial nerve that originates from the cervical spinal nerves C3, C4, and C5. It supplies the diaphragm and provides sensation to the central diaphragm and pericardium. The nerve passes with the internal jugular vein across scalenus anterior and deep to the prevertebral fascia of the deep cervical fascia.

      The right phrenic nerve runs anterior to the first part of the subclavian artery in the superior mediastinum and laterally to the superior vena cava. In the middle mediastinum, it is located to the right of the pericardium and passes over the right atrium to exit the diaphragm at T8. On the other hand, the left phrenic nerve passes lateral to the left subclavian artery, aortic arch, and left ventricle. It passes anterior to the root of the lung and pierces the diaphragm alone.

      Understanding the origin, path, and supplies of the phrenic nerve is essential in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the diaphragm and pericardium.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Respiratory System
      36.7
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - An elderly man, aged 74, is admitted to the acute medical ward due...

    Incorrect

    • An elderly man, aged 74, is admitted to the acute medical ward due to experiencing shortness of breath. He has no significant medical history except for primary open-angle glaucoma, for which he is taking timolol. What is the mechanism of action of this medication?

      Your Answer: Reduce aqueous production and increase uveoscleral outflow

      Correct Answer: Reduces aqueous production

      Explanation:

      Timolol, a beta-blocker, is effective in treating primary open-angle glaucoma by decreasing the production of aqueous humour, which in turn reduces intraocular pressure. Prostaglandin analogues like latanoprost, on the other hand, are the preferred first-line treatment for this condition as they increase uveoscleral outflow, but do not affect aqueous production. Miotics such as pilocarpine work by constricting the pupil and increasing uveoscleral outflow. Conversely, pupil dilation can worsen glaucoma by decreasing uveoscleral outflow. Brimonidine, a sympathomimetic, has a dual-action mechanism that reduces ocular pressure by decreasing aqueous production and increasing outflow.

      Primary open-angle glaucoma is a type of optic neuropathy that is associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). It is classified based on whether the peripheral iris is covering the trabecular meshwork, which is important in the drainage of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber of the eye. In open-angle glaucoma, the iris is clear of the meshwork, but the trabecular network offers increased resistance to aqueous outflow, causing increased IOP. This condition affects 0.5% of people over the age of 40 and its prevalence increases with age up to 10% over the age of 80 years. Both males and females are equally affected. The main causes of primary open-angle glaucoma are increasing age and genetics, with first-degree relatives of an open-angle glaucoma patient having a 16% chance of developing the disease.

      Primary open-angle glaucoma is characterised by a slow rise in intraocular pressure, which is symptomless for a long period. It is typically detected following an ocular pressure measurement during a routine examination by an optometrist. Signs of the condition include increased intraocular pressure, visual field defect, and pathological cupping of the optic disc. Case finding and provisional diagnosis are done by an optometrist, and referral to an ophthalmologist is done via the GP. Final diagnosis is made through investigations such as automated perimetry to assess visual field, slit lamp examination with pupil dilatation to assess optic nerve and fundus for a baseline, applanation tonometry to measure IOP, central corneal thickness measurement, and gonioscopy to assess peripheral anterior chamber configuration and depth. The risk of future visual impairment is assessed using risk factors such as IOP, central corneal thickness (CCT), family history, and life expectancy.

      The majority of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma are managed with eye drops that aim to lower intraocular pressure and prevent progressive loss of visual field. According to NICE guidelines, the first line of treatment is a prostaglandin analogue (PGA) eyedrop, followed by a beta-blocker, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, or sympathomimetic eyedrop as a second line of treatment. Surgery or laser treatment can be tried in more advanced cases. Reassessment is important to exclude progression and visual field loss and needs to be done more frequently if IOP is uncontrolled, the patient is high risk, or there

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurological System
      39.2
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - A 35-year-old male arrives at the Emergency Department after experiencing a crush injury...

    Correct

    • A 35-year-old male arrives at the Emergency Department after experiencing a crush injury to his left lower leg. Despite taking opiates, he is still in excruciating pain.

      During the examination, the patient experiences pain when his left lower leg is passively dorsiflexed. The dorsalis pedis pulse is present, but the posterior tibial pulse is absent. Additionally, there is weakness in the left big toe's plantar flexion.

      Which muscle is most likely affected by this condition?

      Your Answer: Tibialis posterior

      Explanation:

      The muscles located in the deep posterior compartment are:

      Muscular Compartments of the Lower Limb

      The lower limb is composed of different muscular compartments that perform various actions. The anterior compartment includes the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, peroneus tertius, and extensor hallucis longus muscles. These muscles are innervated by the deep peroneal nerve and are responsible for dorsiflexing the ankle joint, inverting and evert the foot, and extending the toes.

      The peroneal compartment, on the other hand, consists of the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles, which are innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve. These muscles are responsible for eversion of the foot and plantar flexion of the ankle joint.

      The superficial posterior compartment includes the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are innervated by the tibial nerve. These muscles are responsible for plantar flexion of the foot and may also flex the knee.

      Lastly, the deep posterior compartment includes the flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, and tibialis posterior muscles, which are innervated by the tibial nerve. These muscles are responsible for flexing the toes, flexing the great toe, and plantar flexion and inversion of the foot, respectively.

      Understanding the muscular compartments of the lower limb is important in diagnosing and treating injuries and conditions that affect these muscles. Proper identification and management of these conditions can help improve mobility and function of the lower limb.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Musculoskeletal System And Skin
      28.9
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - What is the daily recommended amount of carbohydrates to consume? ...

    Incorrect

    • What is the daily recommended amount of carbohydrates to consume?

      Your Answer: 200 g

      Correct Answer: 50 g

      Explanation:

      The Importance of Carbohydrates in the Diet

      Carbohydrates are essential for the body as they provide fuel for the brain, red blood cells, and the renal medulla. Although the average daily intake of carbohydrates is around 180 g/day, the body can function on a much lower intake of 30-50 g/day. During pregnancy or lactation, the recommended minimum daily requirement of carbohydrates increases to around 100 g/day.

      When carbohydrate intake is restricted, the body can produce glucose through gluconeogenesis, which is the process of making glucose from other fuel sources such as protein and fat. However, when carbohydrate intake is inadequate, the body produces ketones during the oxidation of fats. While ketones can be used by the brain as an alternative fuel source to glucose, prolonged or excessive reliance on ketones can lead to undesirable side effects. Ketones are acidic and can cause systemic acidosis.

      It is important to note that most people consume 200-400 g/day of carbohydrates, which is much higher than the recommended minimum daily requirement. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates in the appropriate amount to ensure optimal health.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Clinical Sciences
      5.1
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - A 45-year-old businessman comes to his GP complaining of fever, headache, and diarrhoea....

    Incorrect

    • A 45-year-old businessman comes to his GP complaining of fever, headache, and diarrhoea. He denies having any coughs, nausea, or vomiting. He has a good health history. However, he recently returned from a business trip to India three weeks ago. He has been consuming the same food and drinks as his family since his return, and they are all healthy. During the examination, the man seems dehydrated and has tenderness in the right upper quadrant.

      What do you think is the probable diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Gastroenteritis

      Correct Answer: Hepatitis A

      Explanation:

      Understanding Hepatitis A: Symptoms, Transmission, and Prevention

      Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually a mild illness that resolves on its own, with serious complications being rare. The virus is transmitted through the faecal-oral route, often in institutions. The incubation period is typically 2-4 weeks, and symptoms include a flu-like prodrome, abdominal pain (usually in the right upper quadrant), tender hepatomegaly, jaundice, and deranged liver function tests.

      While complications are rare, there is no increased risk of hepatocellular cancer. An effective vaccine is available, and it is recommended for people travelling to or residing in areas of high or intermediate prevalence, those with chronic liver disease, patients with haemophilia, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and individuals at occupational risk (such as laboratory workers, staff of large residential institutions, sewage workers, and people who work with primates).

      It is important to note that the vaccine requires a booster dose 6-12 months after the initial dose. By understanding the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of hepatitis A, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and others from this viral infection.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • General Principles
      31.8
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - As a medical student assisting a consultant cardiologist during a percutaneous coronary angiogram...

    Incorrect

    • As a medical student assisting a consultant cardiologist during a percutaneous coronary angiogram on a male patient, you are shown the patient's previous angiogram that reveals a severe occlusion in the left main stem coronary artery. The consultant then poses a question to you about atherosclerosis. Specifically, which modifiable risk factor is involved in the initial development of the atherosclerotic plaque due to its contribution to shear stress?

      Your Answer: Smoking

      Correct Answer: Hypertension

      Explanation:

      The Role of Endothelial Damage in Atherosclerosis

      The development of atherosclerosis requires endothelial damage to occur. Hypertension is the most likely risk factor to cause this damage, as it alters blood flow and increases shearing forces on the endothelium. Once damage occurs, pro-inflammatory mediators are released, leading to leucocyte adhesion and increased permeability in the vessel wall. Endothelial damage is particularly atherogenic due to the release of platelet-derived growth factor and thrombin, which stimulate platelet adhesion and activate the clotting cascade.

      Diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, and obesity increase LDL levels, which infiltrate the arterial intima and contribute to the formation of atheromatous plaques. However, before LDLs can infiltrate the vessel wall, they must bind to endothelial adhesion molecules, which are released after endothelial damage occurs. Therefore, hypertension-induced endothelial damage is required for the initial development of atherosclerosis.

      Smoking is also a risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the mechanism is not well understood. It is believed that free radicals and aromatic compounds in tobacco smoke inhibit the production of nitric oxide, leading to endothelial damage. Overall, the role of endothelial damage in atherosclerosis can help identify effective prevention and treatment strategies.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular System
      53.9
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - A 65-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus is being evaluated by her...

    Correct

    • A 65-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus is being evaluated by her diabetic nurse. Despite taking metformin for the past 6 months, her glycaemic control remains poor. To improve management, the decision is made to add sitagliptin (a dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor) to her current metformin regimen.

      What is the mechanism of action of the newly prescribed medication?

      Your Answer: Increased levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)

      Explanation:

      DPP-4 inhibitors, like sitagliptin, work by inhibiting the breakdown of incretins such as GLP-1 and GIP. This leads to higher levels of insulin being released, as incretins increase insulin release. These inhibitors are often weight-neutral, but can occasionally cause weight loss.

      The answer Increases cell sensitivity to insulin is incorrect, as this is the mechanism of action of metformin, not DPP-4 inhibitors. Metformin increases cell sensitivity to insulin, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

      Similarly, Inhibition of sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) is incorrect, as this is the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors, not DPP-4 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors prevent glucose absorption in the kidneys, leading to higher levels of glucose in the urine and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

      Lastly, Increases adipogenesis is incorrect, as this is the mechanism of action of thiazolidinediones, not DPP-4 inhibitors. Thiazolidinediones stimulate adipogenesis, causing cells to become more dependent on glucose for energy.

      Diabetes mellitus is a condition that has seen the development of several drugs in recent years. One hormone that has been the focus of much research is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released by the small intestine in response to an oral glucose load. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance and insufficient B-cell compensation occur, and the incretin effect, which is largely mediated by GLP-1, is decreased. GLP-1 mimetics, such as exenatide and liraglutide, increase insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon secretion, resulting in weight loss, unlike other medications. They are sometimes used in combination with insulin in T2DM to minimize weight gain. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, such as vildagliptin and sitagliptin, increase levels of incretins by decreasing their peripheral breakdown, are taken orally, and do not cause weight gain. Nausea and vomiting are the major adverse effects of GLP-1 mimetics, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued specific warnings on the use of exenatide, reporting that it has been linked to severe pancreatitis in some patients. NICE guidelines suggest that a DPP-4 inhibitor might be preferable to a thiazolidinedione if further weight gain would cause significant problems, a thiazolidinedione is contraindicated, or the person has had a poor response to a thiazolidinedione.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System
      27.4
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - A 27-year-old patient arrives at the emergency department complaining of severe abdominal pain...

    Incorrect

    • A 27-year-old patient arrives at the emergency department complaining of severe abdominal pain and vomiting blood. The patient has been taking naproxen for Achilles tendinopathy. Upon examination, the patient is found to be tachycardic with a pulse of 110 and has a blood pressure of 95/60. An urgent endoscopy is performed, revealing a bleeding peptic ulcer. To stop the bleeding definitively, the patient is sent for embolisation of the left gastric artery via angiogram.

      During the angiogram, what vertebral level can be used as a radiological marker for the origin of the artery supplying the left gastric artery?

      Your Answer: T10

      Correct Answer: T12

      Explanation:

      In cases where initial treatment for upper GI bleeds is ineffective, angiography may be necessary to embolize the affected vessel and halt the bleeding. To perform an angiogram, the radiologist will access the aorta through the femoral artery, ascend to the 12th vertebrae, and then enter the left gastric artery via the coeliac trunk.

      Peptic ulcers in otherwise healthy patients are often caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

      The coeliac trunk is not located at any vertebral level other than the 12th. The oesophagus passes through the diaphragm with the vagal trunk at the T10 level, while the T11 level has no significant associated structures. The superior mesenteric artery and left renal artery branch off the abdominal aorta at the L1 level.

      The aorta is a major blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. At different levels along the aorta, there are branches that supply blood to specific organs and regions. These branches include the coeliac trunk at the level of T12, which supplies blood to the stomach, liver, and spleen. The left renal artery, at the level of L1, supplies blood to the left kidney. The testicular or ovarian arteries, at the level of L2, supply blood to the reproductive organs. The inferior mesenteric artery, at the level of L3, supplies blood to the lower part of the large intestine. Finally, at the level of L4, the abdominal aorta bifurcates, or splits into two branches, which supply blood to the legs and pelvis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular System
      76.3
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - A 25-year-old male presents to his GP with recurrent episodes of haematuria. He...

    Incorrect

    • A 25-year-old male presents to his GP with recurrent episodes of haematuria. He reports having a sore throat and mild cough for the past three days. Upon examination, his urine dipstick is negative for leukocytes and nitrates. His vital signs are as follows: SpO2 99%, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 140/90mmHg, heart rate 80bpm, and temperature 37.1ºC. The initial blood results show a Hb of 14.8 g/dL, platelets of 290 * 109/L, WBC of 14.9 * 109/L, Na+ of 138 mmol/L, K+ of 4.5 mmol/L, urea of 7.2 mmol/L, creatinine of 150 µmol/L, and CRP of 1.2 mg/L. What is the most likely mechanism responsible for his haematuria?

      Your Answer: Damage from toxins

      Correct Answer: Immune complex deposition

      Explanation:

      The likely diagnosis for the man is IgA nephropathy, which is characterized by immune complex deposition in the glomerulus and recurrent macroscopic haematuria following an upper respiratory tract infection. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) caused by activation of the coagulation cascade and damage from toxins such as Shiga toxin in haemolytic uraemic syndrome are not responsible mechanisms for IgA nephropathy. Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which is caused by hypertrophy of prostatic cells, can also cause haematuria, but it is unlikely in this patient as it typically affects older men and presents with other urinary symptoms.

      Understanding IgA Nephropathy

      IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is the most common cause of glomerulonephritis worldwide. It typically presents as macroscopic haematuria in young people following an upper respiratory tract infection. The condition is thought to be caused by mesangial deposition of IgA immune complexes, and there is considerable pathological overlap with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). Histology shows mesangial hypercellularity and positive immunofluorescence for IgA and C3.

      Differentiating between IgA nephropathy and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is important. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is associated with low complement levels and the main symptom is proteinuria, although haematuria can occur. There is typically an interval between URTI and the onset of renal problems in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

      Management of IgA nephropathy depends on the severity of the condition. If there is isolated hematuria, no or minimal proteinuria, and a normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR), no treatment is needed other than follow-up to check renal function. If there is persistent proteinuria and a normal or only slightly reduced GFR, initial treatment is with ACE inhibitors. If there is active disease or failure to respond to ACE inhibitors, immunosuppression with corticosteroids may be necessary.

      The prognosis for IgA nephropathy varies. 25% of patients develop ESRF. Markers of good prognosis include frank haematuria, while markers of poor prognosis include male gender, proteinuria (especially > 2 g/day), hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidaemia, and ACE genotype DD.

      Overall, understanding IgA nephropathy is important for proper diagnosis and management of the condition. Proper management can help improve outcomes and prevent progression to ESRF.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Renal System
      36.2
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Renal System (1/2) 50%
Respiratory System (0/1) 0%
Neurological System (0/1) 0%
Musculoskeletal System And Skin (1/1) 100%
Clinical Sciences (0/1) 0%
General Principles (0/1) 0%
Cardiovascular System (0/2) 0%
Endocrine System (1/1) 100%
Passmed