PassMed October Flashcards
What is the commonest cause of encephalitis in adults?
HSV
How do you manage rectal tumours surgically?
High/mid rectal tumours = anterior resection
Low rectal tumour = abdoperitoneal excision
Where are the ECG changes in anteroseptal MI? Which artery has been affected?
V1-V4
LAD artery
Where are the ECG changes in inferior MI? Which artery has been affected?
II, III and aVF
Right coronary artery
Where are the ECG changes in anterolateral MI? Which artery has been affected?
V3-V6, I and aVL
LAD or Left circumflex artery
Where are the ECG changes in lateral MI? Which artery has been affected?
I, aVL +/- V5 & V6
Left circumflex artery
Where are the ECG changes in posterior MI? What additional changes are seen? Which artery has been affected?
V1-V3
Horizontal ST depression, tall, broad R waves, upright T waves and dominat R wave in V2
Left circumflex and/or Right coronary
What may a new LBBB point towards?
ACS
What is a normal anion gap?
8-14
Name the main causes of metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap?
GI loss
Renal tubular acidosis
Drugs (e.g. Acetazolamide)
Addison’s disease
Name the main causes of metabolic acidosis with riased anion gap?
Due to lactate = shock/hypoxia
Due to ketones = DKA/alcohol
Due to urate = renal failure
Acid poisoning (with methanol or salicylates)
Chronic paracetamol use
What does a positive Rinne’s test mean?
Normal test
Air conduction > bone conduction
How long must patients trial hearing aids before consideration for cochlea implants?
> 3 months
How do we measure which area of the brain has been affected by ischaemia in TIA?
MRI brain with diffusion-weighted imaging
What is Parazosin?
An alpha blocker used to help with urinary retention secondary to BPH
True or false, antihistamines can lead to urinary retention?
True!
What will urine sodium and urine osmolality be like in pre-renal disease?
Urine sodium <20
Urine osmolality >500
How does Amiodarone affect Warfarin and Digoxin?
Decreases the effect of warfarin and increases the affect of digoxin
What must you monitor in patients on long term amiodarone?
LFTs and TFTs every 6 months
Which drugs should be used 1st line in the management of HTN in those with T2DM?
ACEis or ARBs
Above which home and ambulatory blood pressure readings is BP treatment indicated?
<80 years = 140/90 in clinic or 135/85 ABPM
>80 years = 150/90 in clinic or 145/85 ABPM
Which nerve root comes out below the vertebrae? Which vertebrae does it come out below?
C8
Comes out below C7
What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?
Lower left quadrant abdo pain & guarding, fever, bloating, rectal bleeding & constipation
How does hypokalaemia appear on ECG?
U waves, flattened T waves, borderline elongated PR interval
What defines mild-moderate UC flare up, how should you treat?
Up to 6 loose stools/day
Mx = rectal mesalazine, if this fails add oral mesalazine
What is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy? What is seen on EEG?
Partial seizures which occur at night in otherwise healthy children.
EEG shows centro-temporal spikes
What can constipation cause in cirrhotic patients?
Decompensated liver disease
What is pituitary apoplexy, how does it present and how should we investigate/treat?
Sudden enlargement of a pituitary tumour
Sx = sudden onset headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, hyponatraemia, hypotension, bitemporal visual defect and extra ocular nerve palsy
Ix = MRI
Tx = Urgent steroids
How do you manage complete heart block with broad QRS which does not respond to Atropine or transcutaneous pacing?
transvenous pacing
Which nerve controls thumb opposition and hand pronation?
Median nerve
Which nerve is commonly damaged in axillary dissection? How does this present?
Intercostobrachial nerves
Presents with numbness in the axillae
What are the normal post void volumes in the bladder?
In under 65s = <50mls
In over 65s = <100mls
What should you test for in those with recurrent vaginal candidaisis?
Diabetes with HbA1c
Where is the axillary nerve commonly damaged? What are its nerve roots and what is the affect of damage?
Surgical neck of the Humerus
C5/C6
Affected in # or shoulder dislocation leading to loss of abduction beyond 15 degrees
What is Klumpke’s paralysis?
Paralysis of C8 and T1 in traction injuries or delivery leading to weakness of the intrinsic muscles of the hand (causes clawing) +/- horner’s syndrome
What is Erb’s paralysis?
Paralysis of C5/C6` in falls or shoulder dystocia leading to pronation and medial rotation of the arm, aka waiter’s tip presentation
The aldosterone:renin ratio is raised in a hyperaldosteronism patient. What does this imply about the cause and what further tests should be done?
It is a primary hyperaldosteronism
Perform CT abdomen then adrenal venous sampling
Which gene mutation is HNPCC associated with?
MSH2 and MHLH1
What is the most common cause of primary hyperaldosteronism?
Bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia
What is the emergency management of acute angle closure glaucoma?
Direct parasympathomiemetric, Beta blockers and alpha-2 agonist eye drops OR
IV acetazolomide
How can we measure the response of colon cancer to treatment?
CEA testing
What is used to treat DIC?
Fresh frozen plasma
What symptoms are characteristic of Lewy Body Dementia?
Fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, parkinsonism and REM sleep disorder
What blood results are characteristic of PMR?
Raised WCC, ESR and CRP with a normal CK
Sx and Mx of Meniere’s disease?
Recurrent vertigo, tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss with a feeling of fullness in the ear
Mx = ENT review, prochlorperazine for acute attack and betahistine for prevention
What is the causative organism and Sx in Roseola Infantum? How long is school exclusion required for?
HHV6
Fever, maculopapular rash, nagayama spots on the soft palate/uvula and sometimes febrile convulsions
School exclusion not required
What should you always do in suspected cases of rubella in pregnancy?
Discuss it with the local health protection unit
When should you administer the MMR vaccine to women who are pregnant or trying to concieve?
You should not!
Give the vaccine only in the post-natal period
What is the major dose limiting side effect of magnesium salts?
Diarrhoea
What is Disulfiram?
Used to treat alcoholics, it causes unpleasant side effects immediately after consuming alcohol
What is Herpes Zoster Opthalmicus? What is Hutchinson’s sign?
Shingles (reactivation of VZV) around the eye
Hutchinson’s sign is rash on the tip or side of the nose and is a strong RF for ocular involvement.
How do you manage Herpes Zoster Opthalmicus?
Oral aciclovir for 7-10 days, offer within 72 hours of Sx onset
What is Takayasu’s Arteritis? How does it present and how do we treat?
Large cell arteritis occurring in young asian women.
Presents with unequal BPs, weak/absent peripheral pulses, limb claudication and renal artery stenosis
Mx = steroids
How should IgG and IgM be interpreted when testing pregnant women for Parovirus B19?
IgG +ve and IgM -ve = immune, no action required
IgG -ve and IgM +ve = non-immune, infection within the last 4 weeks, refer to foetal medicine
IgG -ve and IgM -ve = repeat in 4 weeks
Sx and Mx of Still’s Disease?
Arthralgia, salmon pink maculopapular rash, fever which worsens at night and is associated with worsening of other Sx, lymphadenopathy
Mx = NSAIDs and steroids
Sx, Ix and Mx of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Vertigo triggered by change in head position with nausea
Ix = Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre
Mx = Epley manoeuvre
What are the degrees of perineal tear?
1st degree = superficial tear, not involving the muscle
2nd degree = injury to the perineal muscle but not involving the anal sphincter
3rd degree = injury to perineal muscle and anal sphincter complex but not involving the rectal mucosae
4th degree = injury to perineal muscle, anal sphincter and rectal mucosae
What is the 1st and 2nd line Mx of HF with reduced EF?
1st line = ACEi and Beta blockers with loop diuretic if fluid overload
2nd line = Aldosterone antagonists
How do you manage HF with preserved EF?
Loop diuretic to relieve fluid overload
What is the most important imaging investigation to conduct in ?cauda equina?
Urgent MRI spine
How quickly should you give 1 unit of RBCs in non-urgent scenarios?
Over 90-120 mins
What is the most common electrolyte imbalance following SAH? Why does this occur?
Hyponatraemia
Occurs as there is new SIADH
How do you manage gestational diabetes?
Diet/lifestyle -> Metformin -> short acting SC insulin
If fasting glucose >7 consider starting immediatley
A patient has uncontrolled HTN but is already taking ACEis, CCBs and thiazide like diuretics. What should you prescribe next? What must the K+ be to allow us to prescribe this drug?
Alpha or beta blocker if K+ >4.5
Low dose spironolactone if K+ =<4.5
What is the first line management of anti-freeze poisoning?
Fomepizole
What imaging should you perform in ? osteoporotic spinal #
X-ray spine
Which drugs are an absolute contraindication to sildenafil (Viagra)
Nitrates and Nicorandil
How does De Quervian’s (sub-acute) thyroiditis present?
Primary Hyperthyroidism with painful goitre, raised ESR and globally reduced uptake on iodine-131 scan
Sx, Ix and Mx of minimal change disease?
Most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children!
Sx = proteinuria, low serum albumin and oedema
Ix = biopsy and microscopy - this will normally appear normal
Mx = oral steroids, cyclophosphamide if steroid resistant
What is the investigation of choice in avascular necrosis?
MRI
How can we identify bowel perforation on imaging?
Erect chest x-ray
How does nasopharyngeal carcinoma commonly present?
Painless lymphadenopathy (as it spreads early)
Sx of Salmonella Typhi (typhoid) and Salmonella Paratyphi (paratyphoid)?
Systemic upset, relative bradycardia, abdo pain and distension and constipation.
Rose spots on the trunk point to paratyphoid
Which part of the chest should you compress during CPR in children or infants?
Children = Compress the lower half of the sternum
Infants = use two thumb encircling technique
Which type of murmur is Turner’s syndrome associated with? What causes it?
Systolic murmur
Aortic Coarctation
What is the classical presentation of paget’s disease of bone?
Bone pain in an older male (typically affecting skull, spine/pelvis and lower limb long bones), isolated raised ALP and if untreated bowing of the tibia and bossing of the skull
Mx of paget’s diease of bone?
Oral risedronate or IV zoledronate (bisphosphonates)
Mx of Acne Vulgaris?
1st line = topical retinoids e.g. isotretinoin OR topical benzoyl peroxide
2nd line = oral Abx
3rd line = oral contraceptive (if female) OR oral retinoid e.g. isotretinoin
What additional condition should you think about in any female presenting with an X-linked recessive condition such as Haemophilia?
Turner’s syndrome - they only have 1 X chromasome
How often should you do a rhythm check in ALS?
Every 2 mins
Describe the meaning of the different T-score values?
> -1.0 = normal
-1.0 to -2.5 = osteopenia
<-2.5 = osteoporosis
What is seen in a bifasicular and trifasicular block respectivley?
Bifasicular = RBBB and Left axis deviation
Trifasicular = RBBB, Left axis deviation and first degree heart block
Mx of bacterial conjunctivits?
2-3 hourly chloramphenicol drops OR chloramphenicol ointment QDS
Topical fusidic acid in pregnant women
What is Dressler’s syndrome? Sx?
Autoimmune response to damage of the myocardium or pericardium (e.g. following MI)
Sx = fever, pericarditis, pleuritic pain +/- pericardial effusion
Which type of eye drops may cause corneal ulceration?
Steroid eye drops as they can lead to fungal infection of the cornea
What are the 2 types of aortic dissection. How do they differ clinically?
Type A = ascending aorta is dissected. Sx = chest pain
Type B = descending aorta is dissected. Sx = upper back pain
What may patients taking Levodopa experience at its dosage peak?
Dyskinesias
Dystonia, chorea and athetosis (involuntary writing movements)
Which beta blocker is associated with QTc prolongation?
Satalol
What can occur in trauma patients who are on long term mechanical ventialtion?
Oesophageal fistula formation
What is the dosage of Amiodarone that should be given in ALS of shockable rhythms?
Initially 300mg (after 3 shocks), then if VF/Pulseless VT continues give 150mg after the 5th shock
What is Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction? Sx? Mx?
Blockage of the tear ducts. Commonest cause of recurrent sticky or watery eye in neonates.
Mx = reassurance, should resolve by 1 year
How will the CO2 appear in life threatening asthma attack? What does this indiacte?
Normal or raised
Indicates exhaustion
What is Chancroid? How does it present?
Genital ulcers caused by Haemophillus Ducreyi
Casues painful genital ulcers and unilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Seen in tropical countries
What are the Sx of portal hypertension? What should you worry about if this occurs alongside lower GI bleed?
Ascites, splenomegaly, caput medusae (abdo vein distension)
Rectal varices
What is the commonest cause of portal hypertension? How will it affect blood tests?
Cirrhosis
Raised ALT and AST and reduced Albumin
Define the parameters for severe asthma attack?
HR >110, RR>25, PEFR 33-50% and can not complete full sentences
What blood tests should be done when we think a diagnosis of dementia is likely?
FBC, U&Es, LFTs, Ca2+, Glucose, ESR/CRP, TFTs, Vit B12 and Folate
What is the purpose of adrenal venous sampling?
Allows us to differentiate between unilateral adenoma and bilateral adrenal hypoplasia
You see an arrhythmia which is consistent with broad complex tachycardia. How does the shape of the QRS affect the exact diagnosis?
QRS is polymorphic = Torsades de Points
QRS is monomorphic = VT
A patient with poorly controlled COPD presents with Torsades de Point. What type of drugs should now be stopped, which one specifically in this patient? What type of drug should be started?
Drugs which cause QTc prolongation.
Azithromycin - used prophylactically in COPD.
Start a beta blocker
Which blood disorder can glucocorticoids introduce?
Neutrophilia
Mx and prevention of high altitude cerebral oedema?
Mx = descent, oxygen and dexamethasone
Prevention = acetazolomide
Who can LTOT be offered to in COPD patients?
pO2<7.3 or pO2 7.3-8 with one of:
- Secondary polycythaemia
- Peripheral oedema
- Pulmonary HTN
In children acute illness, Down’s Syndrome and Prada Willi Syndrome can all cause hyper- or hypo- tonia?
Hypotonia!
Sx of Granulomatosis with Polyangitis?
Haemoptysis, dyspnoea, renal impairment, epistaxis, ear issues and a flat/saddle nose
Sx of Good Pasture’s Syndrome?
Haemoptysis, fever, nausea and glomerulonephritis
Sx of aspergillioma?
Haemoptysis and CXR with rounded opacity in a patient know to have had TB
What is the murmur in mitral stenosis? What is the most common cause?
Low-pitched mid-late diastolic murmur
Rheumatic fever
What has likely happened in an elderly patient who has fallen and now has raised CK?
Rhabdomyolysis
This then leads to acute tubular necrosis
What is often seen in pernicious anaemia?
B12 deficiency leading to pancytopenia.
Mainly in women with previous autoimmune diseases
Where should you definitely NOT cannulate in a known diabetic?
Feet!
A patient has presented with severe asthma that has not responded to bronchodilators. What should you do with them?
Admit!
Can you give the influenza vaccine to an ill person?
No, postpone until they are well!
Acute Tubular Necrosis is the commonest renal cause of AKI. How will the urine osmolality and sodium appear?
Urine osmolality will be low, urine sodium will be raised
What does a positive lachman test indicate?
ACL injury
VSD can occur secondary to an MI. How will it present?
Acute HF and a pansystolic murmur
What is the risk with a scaphoid fracture, how do we mitigate this?
Risk of avascular necrosis
Refer patients to ortho!
What ECG changes are seen in pericarditis?
PR depression and saddle shaped ST elevation
What is Sheehan’s syndrome?
Occurs after a severe PPH. Can cause hypopituitarism leading to amenorrhoea and lack of milk production
What is Asherman’s syndrome?
Pain and oligomenorrhoea occurring secondary to uterine adhesions/fibrosis (normally after multiple surgeries)
What is a renal complication of compartment syndrome?
Acute tubular necrosis
Which nerve supplies finger extension?
Radial nerve
Which nerve supplies finger adduction?
Ulnar nerve
What is the Hep A incubation period? Is it RNA or DNA?
2-4 weeks
RNA
Mx of GCA?
If no visual changes = high dose oral prednisolone
If visual changes = IV methylprednisolone
What should you do if there is still ketonaemia and acidosis 24 hours after starting DKA treatment?
Speak to a senior endocrinologist
A patient is newly diagnosed with T2DM. They have (or are at high risk of CVD) or HF. What treatment should you start them on?
Metformin, once established add an SGLT-2 inhibitor
What is the aim of treatment in acute open angle glaucoma?
Reduce aqueous secretions and induce pupillary vasoconstriction
At what age should children play alone, alongside others and with others?
Alone = 18 month
Alongside others = 2 years
With others = 4 years
A pulseless sinus tachycardia is what?
PEA!
How can we treat the bilateral tremor of drug induced parkinsonism?
Procyclidine
Which parkinson’s drug is associated with pulmonary fibrosis?
Cabergoline
What will the serum sodium and osmolality and the urine be like in SIADH. What are the drug causes?
Serum sodium is reduced, osmolality is low, urine is concentrated.
Drugs = carbamazepine, sulfonylureas, SSRIs and tricyclics
How do you treat choking?
Encourage cough if they can speak
5xback blows -> 5xabdo thrusts
How should you treat new onset AF if the patient is haemodynamically unstable?
DC cardioversion
What abnormality is suggested in a child who has loss of internal rotation of the leg when in flexion?
SUFE
Name 2 features that suggest the ulcer is arterial?
Painful ulcer with an ABPI of <0.5
What is the timescale of alcohol withdrawal?
Symptoms = 6-12 hours
Seizures = 36 hours
Delirium tremens = 72 hours
A patient has a ?TIA. What should you do if they are on warfarin, a DOAC or have a bleeding disorder?
Admit to image and exclude haemorrhage
Mx of cluster headaches?
Acute = SC Sumatriptan
Prophylaxis = Oral Verapamil
Which murmur is often noted in infective endocarditis? What is the causative organism?
Early diastolic murmur (aortic regurg)
Strep. Pyogenes
What is VSD associated with increased risk of?
IE
How does acute alcoholic hepatitis appear on LFTs? Which drug can we give these patients?
AST:ALT >2
Raised GGT
Prednisolone
How will LFTs appear in cholestasis, how does this change over time?
ALP and GGT raised
Over time liver damage occurs so AST and ALT will start to rise
What does and AST or ALT of >1000 indicate?
Ischaemic hepatitis or paracetamol OD
How should chronic Sub-dural haemorrhage be managed?
Symptomatic = burr hole evacuation
Asymptomatic = conservative management
What is Felty’s syndrome?
Rheumatoid Arthritis with splenomegaly and low WCC
What is seen in CNIII palsy?
Ptosis, mydriasis and down & outwards deviation of the eye.
If mydriasis do an urgent CT head
What is Propylthiouracil?
Can treat hyperthyroidism and is preferred to carbimazole if patient is breastfeeding
Sx and Mx of Thyroid storm?
Sx = fever, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting, HTN, HF, confusion/agitation and deranged LFTs with jaundice
Mx = Beta-blockers, Propylthiouracil and hydrocortisone
What can we use to shrink fibroids prior to surgery?
GnRH agonists
Mx of a chemotherapy patient with a fever?
Immediate IV Abx e.g. Tazobactan
Above what BP are pregnant women required to be admitted for observation even if asymptomatic?
> 160/110
What are the rate limiting drugs which should be used in AF?
1st line = beta blockers or CCBs
2nd line = Digoxin
You are a doctor. A child appears unwell to you. What should you do?
Refer immediately to hospital.
Appearing unwell to a healthcare professional is a red flag symptom!
When should you do thrombolysis and thrombectomy in a stroke?
In a large ischaemic stroke which symptoms started <4.5 hours ago
Sx and Mx of Motor Neurone Disease?
Upper and lower motor neurone symptoms with no sensory issues and eye movements maintained.
Mx = Riluzole, BiPAP at night and PEG feeding
What are the risks of benzos in pregnancy?
1st trimester = cleft lip
3rd trimester = floppy baby syndrome
Should you give amiodarone in Torsades de Points caused by QTc prologation?
NO
Amiodarone with further prolong QTc
When can we use IV magnesium in ALS?
In VT or torsades de point do stabilise the myocardium
Should we treat asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy?
YES!
Sx of Henoch-Scholein Purpura?
Purpura on the legs and buttocks, arthralgia/arthritis, abdo pain, proteinuria and haematuria
What can we give as a pharmacological weight loss treatment? Who can we give it to?
Orlistat
Those who have tried dietary, exercise and behavioural changes who have:
BMI >30 OR BMI >28 with risk factors
Who can we give cyclical progesterone HRT to?
Women who are still having periods
Haemolytic anaemia is the breakdown of red blood cells. What are the symptoms and how can we confirm diagnosis?
Sx = anaemia, splenomegaly and jaundice
Ix = normocytic anaemia, schistocytes on blood film and positive direct coombs test
Which electrolytes become deranged in refeeding syndrome?
Phosphate, magnesium and potassium
What are Greenstick fractures?
Commonly seen in children, these occur when there is a unilateral breech of the cortical surface of the bone
When should you admit a patient with hyperemesis gravidarum?
If there is >5% weight loss and/or ketonuria despite treatment with oral antiemetics such as cyclizine.
How should you give TXA in a major haemorrhage?
In a rapid bolus and then followed by a slow infusion
What ECG changes can be seen in aortic dissection?
Inferior ST elevation
You are a GP and you suspect a patient has Guillane-Barre Syndrome. What should you do?
Refer to hospital for a LP and nerve conduction studies
What type of contraceptives are contraindicated by current breast cancer?
All hormonal contraceptives!
How should medications be stopped in a medication overuse headache?
Simple analgesia and triptans should be stopped immediately
Opioids should be slowly withdrawn
What is the 1st line investigation for intussusception? What do you see?
Abdo USS
Bullseye or target sign
What is seen in dilated cardiomyopathy? What conditions is it associated with?
HF with reduced ejection fraction, dilated chambers with thin walls and valve regurgitation
Chronic alcoholism, cocaine abuse, hemochromatosis, sarcoidosis, infection and pregnancy