4th year ERA

Question 1

Frequency of anaemia in older age?

Answer 1

Common- around 10-20%

Question 2

Low MCV suggests…

Answer 2

Iron deficiency- thalassaemia unlikely to present in old age

Question 3

Common causes of iron deficiency anaemia in an older population?

Answer 3

Coeliac disease
Bowel cancer
Gastritis/ulcers

Question 4

Why should b12 and folate still be checked even if the MCV is low?

Answer 4

May be a “mixed picture” anaemia with combined B12/folate/iron deficiency

Question 5

Thrombolysis in MI is indicated up until what time limit?

Answer 5

12 hours- maximum benefit if given within 6

Question 6

What drugs are associated with the development of complete heart block?

Answer 6

Anti-arrythmics like beta blockers, digoxin, calcium channel blockers

Question 7

Drugs that can cause tremor?

Answer 7

Sodium valproate, lithium, caffeine, salbutamol, neuroleptic drugs among others

Question 8

COX-2 selective inhibitors (the -coxibs such as celecoxib) are associated with what adverse events?

Answer 8

Thrombotic events e.g. stroke, limb ischaemia

Question 9

How is IV paracetamol prescribed if the patient is under 50kg?

Answer 9

15mg/kg up to a maximum of 60mg/kg/day