Phys Med Question Bank

Question 1

What is the primary role of the respiratory system in exercise performance?
a) To improve muscle hypertrophy
b) To deliver oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide
c) To regulate body temperature during activity
d) To enhance blood glucose levels

Answer 1

Correct Answer: b) To deliver oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide
A) To improve muscle hypertrophy: Incorrect. Muscle hypertrophy is related to strength training and protein synthesis, not directly to the respiratory system’s role.
B) To deliver oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide: Correct. The respiratory system’s primary function during exercise is to meet the increased oxygen demands of muscles and eliminate CO₂ produced during metabolism.
C) To regulate body temperature during activity: Incorrect. While the respiratory system contributes to heat exchange, this is not its primary role in exercise performance.
D) To enhance blood glucose levels: Incorrect. Blood glucose regulation is controlled by the endocrine system, primarily through insulin and glucagon.

Question 2

Which of the following conditions commonly affects respiratory function in athletes?
a) Hypertension
b) Asthma
c) Diabetes
d) Hyperthyroidism

Answer 2

Correct Answer: b) Asthma
A) Hypertension: Incorrect. This condition impacts the cardiovascular system but does not directly impair respiratory function.
B) Asthma: Correct. Asthma, including exercise-induced asthma, is a common respiratory condition affecting athletes.
C) Diabetes: Incorrect. While diabetes can impact overall health, it is not a direct respiratory condition.
D) Hyperthyroidism: Incorrect. This condition affects metabolism and heart rate, not respiratory function.

Question 3

Which symptom is most commonly associated with vocal cord dysfunction (VCD)?
a) Productive cough
b) Sudden wheezing during exercise
c) Persistent chest pain
d) Swelling in the legs

Answer 3

Correct Answer: b) Sudden wheezing during exercise
A) Productive cough: Incorrect. A productive cough is more typical of infections or chronic bronchitis.
B) Sudden wheezing during exercise: Correct. VCD is characterized by wheezing caused by inappropriate closure of the vocal cords, often triggered by exercise.
C) Persistent chest pain: Incorrect. Chest pain is more commonly linked to musculoskeletal issues or cardiac conditions.
D) Swelling in the legs: Incorrect. Leg swelling is unrelated to VCD and is more indicative of circulatory or cardiac issues.

Question 4

What mechanism causes bronchoconstriction in exercise-induced asthma (EIA/EIB)?
a) Increased environmental pollutants
b) Mast cell degranulation
c) Dehydration of airways
d) Hypoxia during maximal exertion

Answer 4

Correct Answer: b) Mast cell degranulation
A) Increased environmental pollutants: Incorrect. Pollutants can trigger EIA but are not the primary mechanism.
B) Mast cell degranulation: Correct. Mast cell degranulation releases mediators like histamine, causing bronchoconstriction and airway hyperreactivity.
C) Dehydration of airways: Incorrect. Dehydration may exacerbate symptoms but is not the underlying mechanism.
D) Hypoxia during maximal exertion: Incorrect. Hypoxia is a consequence of reduced oxygen delivery, not a cause of EIA.

Question 5

When assessing dyspnoea in athletes, which factor is most critical to determine its cause?
a) History of smoking
b) Onset, duration, and triggers of symptoms
c) BMI and body composition
d) Dietary habits

Answer 5

Correct Answer: b) Onset, duration, and triggers of symptoms
A) History of smoking: Incorrect. While smoking history is relevant, it is not as critical as understanding the onset and triggers of symptoms in athletes.
B) Onset, duration, and triggers of symptoms: Correct. These details are essential to differentiate between respiratory, cardiac, and other causes of dyspnoea.
C) BMI and body composition: Incorrect. While obesity can contribute to dyspnoea, it is not the most critical factor in this assessment.
D) Dietary habits: Incorrect. Diet is unrelated to dyspnoea unless it contributes to anemia or reflux.

Question 6

What is the diagnostic gold standard for exercise-induced asthma (EIA)?
a) Chest X-ray
b) Spirometry with a methacholine challenge
c) Blood gas analysis
d) Echocardiogram

Answer 6

Correct Answer: b) Spirometry with a methacholine challenge
A) Chest X-ray: Incorrect. A chest X-ray may identify structural or infectious issues but does not diagnose EIA.
B) Spirometry with a methacholine challenge: Correct. This test evaluates airway hyperresponsiveness, confirming EIA.
C) Blood gas analysis: Incorrect. This test is more useful in acute respiratory failure, not EIA diagnosis.
D) Echocardiogram: Incorrect. This is used to assess cardiac function, not respiratory conditions.