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Question 1
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of antihistamines:
Your Answer: Tremor
Explanation:Common side effects of antihistamines may include:Anticholinergic effects (blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary retention)HeadacheGastrointestinal disturbancesPsychomotor impairment (sedation, dizziness and loss of appetite)These side effects are significantly reduced with second-generation agents.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 2
Correct
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Surface area of the absorptive surface in the small intestine is increased by all but which of the following:
Your Answer: Teniae coli
Explanation:Factors increasing the surface area include:The small intestine is very long – about 5 m in length.The inner wall of the small intestine is covered by numerous folds of mucous membrane called plicae circulares.The lining of the small intestine is folded into many finger-like projections called villi.The surface of the villi is covered with a layer of epithelial cells which, in turn, have many small projections called microvilli that project towards the lumen of the intestine (forming the brush border).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
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Question 3
Correct
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The following are all examples of type II hypersensitivity EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
Explanation:Examples of type II reactions include: Incompatible blood transfusionsHaemolytic disease of the newbornAutoimmune haemolytic anaemiasGoodpasture’s syndromeRheumatic heart diseaseBullous pemphigoid
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune Responses
- Pathology
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Question 4
Correct
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Which of the following would you NOT expect from a deep fibular nerve palsy:
Your Answer: Loss of sensation over heel
Explanation:Damage to the deep fibular nerve results in loss of dorsiflexion of the ankle, with resultant foot drop with high-stepping gait, loss of toe extension, weakness of foot inversion and loss of sensation over the webspace between the 1st and 2nd toes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 5
Incorrect
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A 32-year-old woman suffers a deep wound to her thigh while she was climbing over a barbed wire fence. As a consequence of her injury, the nerve that was severed innervates the gracilis muscle.In which of the following nerves is the gracilis muscle innervated by?
Your Answer: Posterior branch of the obturator nerve
Correct Answer: Anterior branch of the obturator nerve
Explanation:The gracilis muscles is innervated by the anterior branch of the obturator nerve (L2-L4).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 6
Correct
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Which of the following is the most abundant peripheral blood leucocyte:
Your Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:Neutrophils are the most abundant peripheral blood leucocyte, comprising about 50 – 70% of circulating white cells. Neutrophils have a characteristic dense nucleus consisting of between two and five lobes, and a pale cytoplasm with an irregular outline containing many fine pink-blue or grey-blue granules. The granules are divided into primary, which appear at the promyelocyte stage, and secondary, which appear at the myelocyte stage and predominate in the mature nucleus. Both types of granule are lysosomal in origin; the primary contains myeloperoxidase and other acid hydrolases; the secondary contains lactoferrin, lysozyme and other enzymes. The lifespan of neutrophils in the blood is only 6 – 10 hours. In response to tissue damage, cytokines and complement proteins, neutrophils migrate from the bloodstream to the site of insult within minutes, where they destroy pathogens by phagocytosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune Responses
- Pathology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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All of the following statements is considered true regarding Streptococcus pneumoniae, except:
Your Answer: Many strains are now resistant to penicillins
Correct Answer: It is the commonest cause of erysipelas
Explanation:Erysipelas is a rare infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues observed frequently in elderly patients. It is characterized by an acute spreading skin lesion that is intensely erythematous with a plainly demarcated but irregular edge. It is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Group A Streptococcus (GAS).GAS are susceptible to penicillin, which remains the drug of choice for treatment. For patients allergic to penicillin, erythromycin can be used.S. pyogenes colonizes the throat and skin on humans, making these sites the primary sources of transmission. Infections resulting from S. pyogenes include pharyngitis, scarlet fever, skin or pyodermal infections, and other septic infections. In addition, the sequelae rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis can occur as a result of infection with S. pyogenes.Agammaglobulinemia is mostly associated with S. pneumoniae.The M protein is attached to the peptidoglycan of the cell wall and extends tothe cell surface. The M protein is essential for virulence. The polysaccharide capsule is characteristic of S. pneumoniae.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Specific Pathogen Groups
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Question 8
Incorrect
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The following are all examples of type IV hypersensitivity EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Sarcoidosis
Correct Answer: Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Explanation:Examples of type IV reactions includes:Contact dermatitisHashimoto’s thyroiditisPrimary biliary cholangitisTuberculin skin test (Mantoux test)Chronic transplant rejectionGranulomatous inflammation (e.g. sarcoidosis, Crohn’s disease)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune Responses
- Pathology
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Question 9
Correct
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Regarding acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: AML becomes increasingly common with age.
Explanation:Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukaemia in adults and becomes increasingly common with age, with a median onset of 65 years. It forms only a minor fraction (10 – 15%) of childhood leukaemia. The clinical features of AML typically presents with clinical features secondary to leukaemic infiltration of bone marrow and extramedullary sites: Anaemia (lethargy, pallor and breathlessness)Thrombocytopaenia (petechiae, bruising, epistaxis, haemorrhage) – often profoundNeutropenia (infections)HepatosplenomegalyGingival infiltrationCentral nervous system involvement in AML is uncommon.Leukaemia cutis is the infiltration of neoplastic leukocytes in the skin. It occurs in approximately 10% of patients with AML.Haematological investigations reveal a normochromic normocytic anaemia with thrombocytopenia in most cases. The total white cell count is usually increased and blood film examination typically shows a variable number of blast cells. The bone marrow is hypercellular and typically contains many blast cells.. The prognosis for patients with AML has been improving steadily, particularly for those under 60 years of age, and approximately one-third of patients of this group can expect to achieve long-term cure. For the elderly, the situation is poor and less than 10% of those over 70 years of age achieve long-term remission.CML is commonly associated with the Philadelphia chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome is present in only 1% of adults AML cases.Lymphadenopathy is rare in AML.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A known epileptic is transported in status epilepticus by ambulance. On the way to the hospital, she took some diazepam.Which of the following statements about diazepam is correct?
Your Answer: It is a short-acting benzodiazepine
Correct Answer: It crosses into breast milk
Explanation:Diazepam boosts GABA’s effects, giving it sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxing properties. It can be administered orally, rectally, or intravenously.With a half-life of 20-100 hours, it is a long-acting benzodiazepine. Midazolam, oxazepam, and alprazolam are examples of short-acting benzodiazepines with a half-life of less than 12 hours (Xanax).If used in the presence of hepatic impairment, benzodiazepines can cause coma. If treatment is necessary, benzodiazepines with shorter half-lives should be used in lower doses. Diazepam is a sedative that crosses into breast milk and should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 11
Correct
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Which of the following drugs decreases plasma-theophylline levels:
Your Answer: Carbamazepine
Explanation:Examples of enzyme-inhibiting drugs (raise plasma theophylline level):ErythromycinClarithromycinCiprofloxacinFluconazoleVerapamilAllopurinolCimetidineExamples of enzyme-inducing drugs (lower plasma theophylline level):PrimidonePhenobarbitalCarbamazepinePhenytoinRitonavirRifampicinSt John’s Wort
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Which of the following blood groups is the least common in the UK:
Your Answer: AB and A
Correct Answer: AB
Explanation:Blood group O is the most common in the UK (46 %), followed by group A (42 %), group B (9 %) and finally group AB (3 %).Blood group O has no antigens, but both anti-A and anti-B antibodies and thus is the universal donor. Blood group AB has both A and B antigens but no antibodies and thus is the universal recipient.Blood group A has A antigens and anti-B antibodies and blood group B has B antigens and anti-A antibodies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immune Responses
- Pathology
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Question 13
Correct
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A 25-year-old athlete suffers an injury to the nerve that innervates the gluteus minimus muscle.Which of the following nerves innervates the gluteus minimus muscle?
Your Answer: Superior gluteal nerve
Explanation:Gluteus minimus is the smallest muscle of the glutei. It is located just beneath the gluteus medius muscle. Gluteus minimus predominantly acts as a hip stabilizer and abductor of the hip. The superior gluteal nerve innervates the gluteus minimus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 14
Correct
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Glucagon is secreted by which of the following pancreatic cell types:
Your Answer: α cells
Explanation:Glucagon is a peptide hormone that is produced and secreted by alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans, which are located in the endocrine portion of the pancreas. The main physiological role of glucagon is to stimulate hepatic glucose output, thereby leading to increases in glycaemia. It provides the major counter-regulatory mechanism to insulin in maintaining glucose homeostasis.Hypoglycaemia is the principal stimulus for the secretion of glucagon but may also be used as an antidote in beta-blocker overdose and in anaphylaxis in patients on beta-blockers that fail to respond to adrenaline. Glucagon then causes:GlycogenolysisGluconeogenesisLipolysis in adipose tissueThe secretion of glucagon is also stimulated by:AdrenalineCholecystokininArginineAlanineAcetylcholineThe secretion of glucagon is inhibited by:InsulinSomatostatinIncreased free fatty acidsIncreased urea productionGlycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. The free energy released by this process is used to form ATP and NADH. Glycolysis is inhibited by glucagon, and glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are reciprocally regulated so that when one cell pathway is activated, the other is inactive and vice versa.Glucagon has a minor effect of enhancing lipolysis in adipose tissue. Lipolysis is the breakdown of lipids and involves the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. It makes fatty acids available for oxidation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 15
Correct
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Which of the following occurs primarily to produce passive expiration:
Your Answer: Relaxation of diaphragm and external intercostal muscles
Explanation:Passive expiration is produced primarily by relaxation of the inspiratory muscles (diaphragm and external intercostal muscles) and the elastic recoil of the lungs. In expiration, depression of the sternal ends of the ribs (‘pump handle’ movement), depression of the lateral shafts of the ribs (‘bucket handle’ movement) and elevation of the diaphragm result in a reduction of the thorax in an anteroposterior, transverse and vertical direction respectively. This results in a decreased intrathoracic volume and increased intrathoracic pressure and thus air is forced out of the lungs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 16
Correct
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Which of the following causes the first heart sound?
Your Answer: Closing of the atrioventricular valves
Explanation:The heart sounds are as a result of the various parts of the cardiac cycle.Heart Sound – Phase of Cardiac Cycle – Mechanical Event:1st heart sound – Systole starts – there is closure of the atrioventricular (mitral & tricuspid) valves2nd heart sound – Systole ends – there is closure of the semilunar (aortic and pulmonary) valves3rd heart sound – Early diastole – this is caused by rapid flow of blood from the atria into the ventricles during the ventricular filling phase4th heart sound – Late diastole – this is caused by filling of an abnormally stiff ventricle in atrial systole
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 17
Correct
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A 30-year-old carpenter presented to the emergency room with a laceration of his upper volar forearm. Upon further exploration and observation, it was revealed that the nerve that innervates the pronator teres muscle has been damaged. Which of the following nerves is most likely damaged in the case?
Your Answer: The median nerve
Explanation:Pronator teres syndrome (PTS) is caused by a compression of the median nerve (MN) by the pronator teres (PT) muscle in the forearm. The median nerve, C6 and C7, innervates the pronator teres.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 18
Correct
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You review a patient with urinary sepsis and decide to start her on gentamicin.Which statement about gentamicin is true?
Your Answer: Ototoxicity is a dose-related effect
Explanation:Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, acts by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome inhibiting the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA, and thus prevents initiation of protein synthesis.Gentamicin is given by injection because it is NOT absorbed orally. It is excreted in the kidneys by glomerular filtrationGentamicin is not to be used for the treatment of Neisseria meningitidis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, or Legionella pneumophila.There is a risk of patient going into shock from lipid A endotoxin release.Two of its most notable side effects are hearing loss reversible nephrotoxicity and which are both dose-related and levels should be monitored in patients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 19
Correct
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A 44 year old woman is brought to ED having fallen down the stairs and injured her right arm. On examination she is unable to abduct her arm normally, and has weakness of lateral rotation. She has sensory loss over the lateral aspect of her upper arm. Which of the following injuries is most likely to produce this pattern of injury:
Your Answer: Surgical neck of humerus fracture
Explanation:Damage to the axillary nerve will result in loss of abduction past about 15 degrees and weakness of lateral rotation due to paralysis of the deltoid and teres minor and loss of sensation over the regimental badge area on the upper lateral arm. The axillary nerve is most likely injured in fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus due to its course where it winds around this region together with the posterior humeral circumflex vessels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 20
Correct
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Regarding co-amoxiclav, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Clavulanic acid acts to inhibit cross-linking of bacterial peptidoglycan polymers.
Explanation:Co-amoxiclav consists of amoxicillin with the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid itself has no significant antibacterial activity but, by inactivating beta-lactamases, it makes the combination active against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria that are resistant to amoxicillin.The most common adverse effects of co-amoxiclav include nausea, vomiting, skin rash and diarrhoea. Pseudomembranous colitis should be considered if a person develops severe diarrhoea during or after treatment with co-amoxiclav. Cholestatic jaundice can occur either during or shortly after the use of co-amoxiclav. An epidemiological study has shown that the risk of acute liver toxicity was about 6 times greater with co-amoxiclav than with amoxicillin. Cholestatic jaundice is more common in patients above the age of 65 years and in men; these reactions have only rarely been reported in children. Jaundice is usually self-limiting and very rarely fatal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Pharmacology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Regarding pressures and airflow during the normal breathing cycle, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: At rest, before inspiration begins, alveolar pressure equals atmospheric pressure.
Correct Answer: Negative intrapleural pressure causes dynamic compression of the airways.
Explanation:Dynamic compression occurs during forced expiration, when as the expiratory muscles contract, all the structures within the lungs, including the airways, are compressed by the positive intrapleural pressure. Consequently the smaller airways collapse before the alveoli empty completely and some air remains within the lungs (the residual volume).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Regarding antacids, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Antacids are contraindicated in hypocalcaemia.
Correct Answer: Antacids should not be taken at the same time as other drugs as they impair absorption.
Explanation:Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may impair absorption. Antacids act by neutralising stomach acid. They are used for symptomatic relief in dyspepsia, but are not first line for proven peptic ulcer disease where antisecretory drugs have a better healing effect. Magnesium-containing antacids tend to be laxative whereas aluminium-containing antacids tend to be constipating. Antacids are contraindicated in hypophosphataemia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
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Question 23
Correct
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Adenosine is primarily indicated for which of the following:
Your Answer: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Explanation:Adenosine is usually the treatment of choice for terminating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia including those associated with accessory conduction pathways e.g. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 24
Correct
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A fracture on which of the following structures is associated with a posterior elbow dislocation?
Your Answer: Radial head
Explanation:Fracture dislocations of the elbow appear extremely complex, and identification of the basic injury patterns can facilitate management. The simplest pattern of elbow fracture dislocation is posterior dislocation of the elbow with fracture of the radial head. Addition of a coronoid fracture, no matter how small, to elbow dislocation and radial head fracture is called the terrible triad of the elbow.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 25
Correct
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You are going to prescribe a NSAID to a 50-year-old male patient for his back pain. Which of the following NSAIDs is least likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects:
Your Answer: Ibuprofen
Explanation:NSAIDs are associated with serious gastrointestinal irritation and drug-induced ulcers. Among the NSAIDs included in the choices, ibuprofen has the lowest risk. Piroxicam, ketoprofen, and ketorolac trometamol are associated with the highest risk of serious upper gastrointestinal side effects. Indomethacin, diclofenac, and naproxen are associated with an intermediate risk of serious upper gastrointestinal side effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Musculoskeletal
- Pharmacology
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Question 26
Correct
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Regarding the routine childhood immunisation schedule, which of the following vaccines is given to preschool children (aged 3 years and 4 months):
Your Answer: Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Explanation:The current UK childhood immunisation schedule is as follows:8 weeks:DTaP/IPV(polio)/Hib/Hep B (diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio,Haemophilus influenzatype b and hepatitis B) – 6-in-one injection (Infranix hexa);plus:Rotavirus gastroenteritis (Rotarix) – oral route (drops)Meningitis B (Bexsero)12 weeks:DTaP/IPV(polio)/Hib/Hep B – 2nddose: 6-in-one injection, 2nddose (Infranix hexa);plus:PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – in a separate injection (Prevenar 13)Rotavirus gastroenteritis 2nddose (Rotarix) – oral route (drops)16 weeks:DTaP/IPV(polio)/Hib/Hep B – 3rddose: 6-in-one injection, 3rddose (Infranix hexa);plus:Meningitis B 2nddose (Bexsero)Between 12 and 13 months:Hib/Men C (combined as one injection) – 4th dose of Hib and 1stdose of Meningitis C (Menitorix);plus:MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) – combined as one injection (Priorix or M-M-RVAXPRO);plus:PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – 2nddose in a separate injection (Prevenar 13);plus:Meningitis B 3rddose (Bexsero)From 2 to end of primary school:Nasal flu spray (Fluenz Tetra). For children aged 2,3 and 4, this is usually given in the GP surgery. Children in school years 1,2 and 3 may have this at school.3 years and 4 months:Pre-school booster of DTaP/IPV (polio) – 4-in-one injection (Repevax or Infanrix-IPV);plus:MMR – 2nd dose (Priorix or M-M-RVAXPRO) – in a separate injectionBetween 12 and 13 years:HPV (human papilloma virus types 6,11, 16 and 18) –twoinjections of Gardasil given. The second injection is given 6-24 months after the first one.14 years:Td/IPV (polio) booster – 3-in-one injection (Revaxis)Men ACWY: combined protection against meningitis A, C, W and Y (Nimenrix or Menveo)The BCG vaccination against tuberculosis is only offered to neonates in high-risk areas or with high-risk backgrounds. When required it is usually given before leaving the hospital soon after birth.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunoglobulins And Vaccines
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Correct
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Liquefactive necrosis is most commonly seen in which of the following conditions:
Your Answer: Ischaemic stroke
Explanation:Liquefactive necrosis results in the loss of all cellular structure and the formation of a soft, semi-solid mass. This is commonly seen in the brain after a cerebral infarction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammatory Responses
- Pathology
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Question 28
Correct
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A 20-year-old boy took almost 25 tablets of paracetamol almost 4 hours ago. The boy is healthy and has no known comorbid or drug history. Out of the following metabolic pathways, which one is primarily responsible for the toxic effects of paracetamol?
Your Answer: N-hydroxylation
Explanation:Paracetamol is predominantly metabolized in the liver by three main metabolic pathways:1. Glucuronidation (45-55%)2. Sulphate conjugation (30-35%)3. N-hydroxylation via the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme system (10-15%)Cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyse the oxidation of acetaminophen to the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI). NAPQI primarily contributes to the toxic effects of acetaminophen. NAPQI is an intermediate metabolite that is further metabolized by fast conjugation with glutathione. The conjugated metabolite is then excreted in the urine as mercapturic acid. High doses of acetaminophen (overdoses) can lead to hepatic necrosis due to depleting glutathione and high binding levels of reactive metabolite (NAPQI) to important parts of liver cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- CNS Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
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Question 29
Correct
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A 63 year old lady presents to ED with a persistent cough and red currant jelly sputum. She has a history of chronic alcohol abuse and has an X-ray which demonstrates a cavitating pneumonia. The most likely causative pathogen is:
Your Answer: Klebsiella pneumoniae
Explanation:One of the results of Klebsiella pneumoniae is pneumonia that is usually a very severe infection. It is characterised by thick, bloody sputum (red currant jelly sputum), and is associated with complications like lung abscess, cavitation, necrosis, empyema and pleural effusions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infections
- Microbiology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical feature of sickle cell disease:
Your Answer: Splenic sequestration
Correct Answer: Neutropaenia
Explanation:Features of sickle cell disease include:Anaemia (symptoms are usually mild because the O2 dissociation curve of Hb S is shifted to the right)Vaso-occlusive crisisVisceral sequestration crisisAplastic crisisIncreased susceptibility to infectionOther clinical features: Pigment gallstones with cholecystitisChronic leg ulcersAvascular necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads or other bonesCardiomyopathyPulmonary hypertensionProliferative retinopathyPriapismRenal papillary necrosisStroke
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
