Past paper questions Flashcards
What will blood results show in a patient with DKA
- High blood ketones, acidosis (ph <7.3), hyperglycaemia
- Low bicarbonate - bicarbonate is used up to buffer high amounts of ketone acid (and try keep normal pH).
- Hyperkalaemia prior to tx (as no insulin to drive into cells). When tx of insulin occurs, pt.s can develop severe hypokalaemia quickly.
- Dehydration - high glucose causes polyuria -> loss of water. Creatinine and Urea levels increase (high urea:creatinine ratio), sodium may increase.
Drugs known to cause Stephen-Johnson syndrome
- Antiepileptics
- NSAIDs
- Antibiotics
- Allopurinol
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy vs benign rolandic epilepsy vs West syndrome
A) Teenage years, more common in girls. MYOCLONIC jerks, often in MORNING/SLEEP DEPRIVED. DAYTIME ABSENCES. Tx: Sodium valproate
B) Tonic clonic SEIZURES in SLEEP, or focal seizures with abnormal sensation in
TONGUE/FACE. Childhood.
C) Around 6 MONTHS. CLUSTERS of full body SPASMS. POOR PROGNOSIS. Tx: Prednisolone
Complications of chicken pox
- Bacterial superinfection
- Dehydration
- Conjunctival lesions
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis or Cerebellitis
- DIC
CSF of bacterial vs viral meningitis
Bacterial: Turbid/cloudy, raised neutrophils (a polymorph leukocyte), raised protein, low glucose
Viral: Clear appearance, raised lymphocytes, raised protein, normal glucose
Chicken pox rash + Mx
- Raised pink or red bumps (papules) in clusters
- Fluid-filled blisters (vesicles)
- Crusts/scabs
Tx: calamine solution. School excl. until all crusted over. immunocompromised patients and newborns with peripartum exposure should receive varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG). If chickenpox develops then IV aciclovir should be considered
What is Urticaria + Mx
= hives.
- small itchy lumps on the skin -> WHEALS
- caused by MAST CELL degranulation
- ANGIOEDEMA
- antihistamines, prednisolone
Cut-offs for GAD and PHQ-9 score
- GAD: Scores of 5, 10, and 15 are taken as the cut-off points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety
- PHQ-9: 5, 10, 15, and 20 represent cut-off points for mild (avoid antidep), moderate, moderately severe and severe depression
What are the 4 features of a mental capacity assessment
A capacity assessment regarding a specific decision involves four features - the ability to understand, weigh-up, retain and communicate the decision made
Tests to assess cognition
10CS, 6CIT, MIS
Monitoring of clozapine vs lithium
CLOZAPINE
- Any patient commenced on Clozapine needs to have a minimum of 1 blood test per week for the first 18 weeks.
- This is reduced to fortnightly until 1 year.
- After this monthly blood tests are needed.
LITHIUM
- when checking lithium levels, the sample should be taken 12 hours post-dose
- after starting lithium levels should be performed weekly and after each dose change until concentrations are stable
- once established, lithium blood level should ‘normally’ be checked every 3 months
- thyroid and RENAL FUNCTION (U+E’s, eGFR) should be checked every 6 months
Mx if at colposcopy have a low grade or high grade CIN
Low grade/1: do not treat -> discharge and screen again in 12 months
High grade: treat (LLETZ) and screen again in 6 months to test for cure
RF/Px of Cervical cancer
- post-coital/intermenstrual bleeding - brown, foul smelling
- RF: 35-50 years old, smoker, multiple partners
Epidemiology of vaginal cancer
- Very rare to get primary
- Most common is secondary/metastatic cancer spread from cervix or endometrium
What is the order of fetus progression through the birth canal
Every Darn Fool In Egypt Eats Raw Eggs
Engagement, Descent, Flexion, Internal rotation, Extension, External rotation, Expulsion
Investigations for asymptomatic bateriuria in pregnancy
- Dipstick testing is not sufficient. Instead urine culture is 1st line.
- Pregnant women are tested for asymptomatic bacteriuria at booking and routinely throughout pregnancy.
- In contrast with symptomatic bacteriuria, the presence of asymptomatic bacteriuria should be confirmed by two consecutive urine samples
- Treat with a 7-DAY course of ABX in line with sensitivity results. Alternative
antibiotics should be used in women who are allergic to Penicillin: Amoxicillin, Nitrofurontin, Trimethoprim, Cefalexin
Diagnostics of polyhydramnios vs oligohydramnios
Polyhydramnios is usually diagnosed at an AFI of >24cm (or 2000ml+). Oligohydramnios is usually
diagnosed with an AFI of <5cm (or under 200ml).
Horners syndrome + causes
- triad of ptosis (drooping eyelid), anhidrosis (lack of sweating) and miosis (constricted pupil) on the ipsilateral side
- Lesion of sympathetic chain: multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, trauma, Pancoast tumours (apical lung cancer), thyroid/goitre
Triggers of migraine
- CHOCOLATE- Chocolate, hangover, orgasm, cheese, oral
contraceptive, lie in, alcohol, tumult, exercise. - Other triggers include periods, injury, certain sensory triggers (e.g. bright lights, loud noises, certain smells, etc.), being hungry, smoking,
Mechanism of action of parkinson’s drugs + Tx (QOL!!)
- Levodopa (if QOL affected): replaces dopamine in brain
- Dopamine agonist (QOL not affected): mimic action of dopamine
- MAOB inhibitors
Role of metformin in PCOS
- Appetite reduction
- Decreases androgen production
- Increases sex-hormone binding globulin in the liver
- Decreases serum lipids
RF’s for oral candidasis
- Inhaled corticosteroids (particularly with poor technique, not USING A SPACER and not RINSING WITH WATER AFTERWARDS)
- Antibiotics (disrupt the normal bacterial flora giving candida a chance to thrive)
- Diabetes
- Immunodeficiency (consider HIV)
- Smoking
How to calculate maintenance fluid paeds
100 ml/kg/day for the first 10kg of weight
50 ml/kg/day for the next 10kg of weight
20 ml/kg/day for weight over 20kg
- Then /24 to get hourly infusion rate.
Calculate replacement fluids (dehydration) paeds
Fluid deficit = % dehydration x weight (kg) x 10
e.g. 5 x 20kg x 10 = 1000ml deficit.
(subtract bolus if is one)
Signs of cushings syndrome and causes
Px: Round in the middle with thin limbs: Round “moon” face, Central Obesity, Abdominal striae, Buffalo Hump (fat pad on upper back), Proximal limb muscle wasting
Causes:
- Exogenous steroids (in patients on long term high dose steroid medications)
- Cushing’s Disease (a pituitary adenoma - + acth + cortisol)
- Adrenal Adenoma (a hormone secreting adrenal tumour)
- Paraneoplastic Cushing’s - ectopic ACTH -> small cell lung cancer
Dx: Dexamethosone suppression test - dexamethasone suppresses release of cortisol (via hypothalamus + pituitary = if ACTH and cortisol suppressed = Cushings/Pituitary adenoma)
Features, causes, Mx of hyperaldosteronism
- hypertension
- Muscle weakness
- hypokalaemia + hypernatremia
- metabolic alkalosis
- Causes: Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (most common). An adrenal adenoma secreting aldosterone (known as Conn’s Syndrome)
- Tx: Spironolactone (aldosterone antagonist), Treat the underlying cause - Surgical removal of adenoma.
Ix for hyperaldosteronism
High aldosterone and low renin indicates primary hyperaldosteronism
High aldosterone and high renin indicates secondary hyperaldosteronism
Diagnosis of AKI and drugs known to worsen
Diagnostic criteria:
Stage 1 = 1.5x Creatinine OR Urine output <0.5ml 6hrs
Stage 2 = 2x Creatinine OR Urine output “ 12 hrs
Stage 3 = 3x Creatinine OR Urine output <0.3ml for 24+hrs
Drugs known to worsen:
* NSAIDs (except if aspirin at cardiac dose e.g. 75mg od)
* Aminoglycosides
* ACE inhibitors
* Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
* Diuretics
Peptic ulcer px and Mx
- gastric ulcer: pain IMMEDIATELY after eating
- duodenal ulcers: relieved by food, pain a short while after eating
- Causes: Medications (e.g. steroids or NSAIDs), Helicobacter pylori
- Tx: PPI + 2 antibiotics. Lifestyle - stop smoking, caffeine, alcohol
Staging of CKD
G1 = eGFR >90
G2 = eGFR 60-89
G3a = eGFR 45-59
G3b = eGFR 30-44
G4 = eGFR 15-29
G5 = eGFR <15 (known as “end-stage renal failure”)
Ix/Tx of status epilecticus
ABC - airway adjunct, oxygen, CHECK BLOOD GLUCOSE - rule out hypoxia/hypoglycaemia
- First-line drugs are IV benzodiazepines such as diazepam or lorazepam
-> in the prehospital setting PR diazepam or buccal midazolam may be given
-> in hospital IV lorazepam is generally used. This may be repeated once after 10-20 minutes - If ongoing: phenytoin or phenobarbital infusion
- If no response (‘refractory status’) within 45 minutes from onset, then the best way to achieve rapid control of seizure activity is induction of general anaesthesia.
Tx of COPD
Features of steroid responsive (asthmatic features/atopic illness/variation in FEV1):
● Step 1: SABA (salbutamol) or SAMA (ipratropium)
● Step 2: SABA + LABA (salmetarol) + ICS (beclametasone) (if they were originally on SAMA, discontinue and start SABA)
● Step 3: SABA + LABA + ICS + LAMA
No features of steroid responsiveness (no asthmatic features/no atopic illness/no variation in FEV1)
● Step 1: SABA or SAMA
● Step 2: SABA + LABA + LAMA (if they were originally on SAMA, discontinue and start SABA)
What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by and what are the presentations and tx?
- congenital deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme. This causes underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone and overproduction of androgens from birth.
Severe cases:
- hyponatremia, hyperkalaemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycaemia shortly after birth (salt losing adrenal crisis) -> vomiting, dehydration, loss of conscious
- virilised/ambigious genitalia and an enlarged clitoris
Mild cases:
during childhood or after puberty. Their symptoms tend to be related to high androgen levels.
- Female patients: tall, facial hair, amenorrhea, early puberty
- Male: tall, large penis, small testicles, early puberty
- SKIN HYPERPIGMENTATION
Tx: Cortisol replacement, usually with hydrocortisone, similar to treatment for adrenal insufficiency
Aldosterone replacement, usually with fludrocortisone
Lymphoma: Causes, Presentation, Ix, Dx
-RF: HIV, EBV, AI, FH
- Px: Lymphadenopathy - non-tender, “rubbery”. Pain with alcohol.
B symptoms: Fever, Weight loss, Night sweats
- Ix: LDH raised, Lymph node biopsy: diagnostic test -> Reed Sternberg = Hodgkins Lymphoma. CT, MRI and PET scans
Staging of Lymphoma
Stage 1: Confined to one region of lymph nodes.
Stage 2: In more than one region but on the same side of the diaphragm (either above or below).
Stage 3: Affects lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm.
Stage 4: Widespread involvement including non-lymphatic organs such as the lungs or liver.
What is pericarditis px and mx
chest pain: may be pleuritic. Is often relieved by sitting forwards
pericardial rub
tachypnoea
tachycardia
Tx: NSAIDs. Colchichine may be given
Features of hyperthyroidism + thyroid storm
- Sweating/heat intolerance
- Weight loss
- Exophthalmos/bulging eyes (graves)
- Anxiety
- Tremor
- Increased heart rate
- Need toilet (diarrhoea)
- Goitre (graves - diffuse w/out nodules)
- Tx: carbimazole, propylthiouracil
Thyroid storm -> severe tachycardia, pyrexia, agitation + confusion, delirium. Tx: beta blockers
Gout vs Pseudogout
Gout -> high purine intake (meat and seafood), alcohol
-> big toe, base of thumb
-> Negative birefringent crystals
Tx: Allopurinol/Febuxostate. Colchichine - acute attacks.
Pseudogout - calcium pyrophosphate crystals
-> hot, swollen, painful knee
-> positive birefringent crystals
Px, Mx, Complications of Nephrotic syndrome
- Proteinuria, Low serum albumin, Oedema -> most commonly caused by MCD
- Mx: High dose steroid/prednisolone
- Complications: Frequent relapses, Hypovolemia - oedema, pleural effusion, Infection (leak Immunoglob), Thrombosis (factors that usually prevent clotting lost), acute or chronic renal failure, hyperlipidaemia
Tx of GORD
- Small, frequent meals, Burping regularly to help milk settle, Not over-feeding, Keep the baby upright after feeding (i.e. not lying flat)
- Gaviscon mixed with feeds
- Thickened milk or formula (specific anti-reflux formulas are available)
- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole)
- Ranitidine (H2 receptor antagonist)
Mx of tonsilitis
FEVERPAIN (1 point for each)
Fever during previous 24 hours
P – Purulence (pus on tonsils)
A – Attended within 3 days of the onset of symptoms
I – Inflamed tonsils (severely inflamed)
N – No cough or coryza
CENTOR SCORE (1 point for each)
Fever over 38ºC
Tonsillar exudates
Absence of cough
Tender anterior cervical lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
Mx:
- Abx if Centor score ≥ 3 or FeverPAIN score ≥ 4 OR young infants, immunocompromised patients, significant co-morbidity, or rheumatic fever.
- Consider delayed prescription if 2/3 FeverPAIN score
- Penicillin V (phenoxymethylpenicillin) for a 10 day course
Birth abnormalities
- Port wine stain (naevus flammeus): present from birth and usually grows with the infant. Vascular malformation of the capillaries in the dermis. Tx: laser therapy
- Strawberry naevus (cavernous haemangioma): Often not present at birth, but appear in first month of life. No tx indicated unless interferes with vision or airway.
- Mongolian blue spots: blue/black macular discoloration at base of spine and on buttocks. More common in Afrocaribbean or Asian infants. Can be misdiagnosed as bruises.
- Positional talipes: feet remain in their inutero position. Unlike true talipes equinovarus, the foot can be fully dorsiflexed to touch the front of the lower leg
Mx of constipation
If faecal impaction: Escalating dose
Macrogol laxative -> Movicol (polyethylene glycol)
+ Stimulant/Senna
+ Lactulose/Osmotic
If no faecal impaction:
Same but adjustments to starting dose
Px, Mx of Otitis media
- Otalgia, bulging + erythematous tympanic membrane (loss of light reflex),
+/- perforated ear drum - Mx: Does not require Abx, unless: younger than 2 with bilateral, otitis media w/perforation, Sx 4+ days, Immunocompromise, systemically unwell
= amoxicillin 5-7 days
Px, Mx of Glue ear (Otitis media with effusion)
- Reduction in hearing
- Dull tympanic membrane with air bubbles
- Mx: audiometry, usually resolves w/out tx within 3 months. Grommets if co-morbidities or chronic.
Tx of alcohol withdrawal
- If have withdrawal sx/delirium tremens -> chlordiazepoxide
- IV thiamine - to prevent/if have wernicke’s enchelopathy
Withdrawal Sx of cocaine
- Increased hunger and cravings
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation
What is Kleinhauer test used for
- Used to detect amt of fetal haemoglobin in the mothers bloodstream. In Rh- mothers to determine the correct amount of anti-D has been given following a potentially sensitising event.
How long is contraception required in premenopausal women
- Use contraception for 2 years after last period if under 50
- 1 year after last period if over 50
- Still need contraception when taking hRT - cant use COCP. Use IUS/IUD/Progesterone implant/POP
Causes of hydrops fetalis
- fluid in fetal serous cavities e.g. ascites, pleural and pericardial effusions
- Severe anaemia: b19 infection, alpha thalassaemia major, massive materno-feto haemorrhage
- Immune: blood group incompatibility
- Chorioangioma
- Trisomy 13, 18, 21, or Turners
- Infection - CMV, toxoplasm, rubella
- Twin-twin trasnfusion syndrome
- Cardiac abnormalities
RF’s for obstetric cholestasis
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple pregnancy
- Prev.
- Presence of gallstones
When is ECV indicated
- 36 weeks in nulliparous women
- 37 weeks in multiparous women
What are static risk factors vs dynamic risk factors for suicide
- Static -> not something can intervene
e.g. race, history of childhood abuse, previous attempt of self harm - Dynamic -> use of illicit substances, financial problems, relationship problems
What is a QRISK score
Risk of developing a heart attack or stroke in next 10 years
Error of inheriting thinking vs
error due to failure to consider alternative vs
error of bravado vs
error of ignorance vs
error of overattachment
- working diagnosis is handed over and accepted w/out pause for consideration
- one abnormality is found that fits a particular diagnosis so stop looking for alternatives
- working above competence in a show of overconfidence that is not safe
- Unconscious incompetence
- Conducting tests to confirm what we expect or want to and ruling out other causes
Seedhouse’s ethical grid
Core rationale - core principles of health care (autonomy/equality), deontological layer - duties or moral obligations (beneficence, minimise harm), consequential layer, external considerations
four quadrants ethical framework
- Medical indications (beneficience) - dx/tx options
- Patient preferences (respect for autonomy)
- QOL - improve or address QOL
- Contextual features - loyalty and fairness
Ix and Tx for Guillain Barre and Myasthenia Gravis
Guillain Barre
Ix: LP -> rise in protein with a normal white blood cell count, Nerve conduction studies (decreased motor nerve conduction velocity)
Tx: IV immunoglobulins to block autoantibody action and stop progression of weakness and sensory loss. Plasma exchange if Sx rapidly progressing.
Myasthenia Gravis:
Ix: Electromyography, antibodies to acetylcholine receptors
Tx: Pyridostigmine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) (1st)
Immunosupresion, thymectomy (if thymoma causing)