Practice Exam Questions

Question 1

Define Pneumonia

Answer 1

An inflammatory condition of the lung characterised by abnormal alveolar filling with areas of abnormal consolidation and exudation

Question 2

Describe the pathology of Pneumonia

Answer 2

During pulmonary infection, acute inflammation results in the migration of neutrophils out of capillaries and into the alveoli. Here they phagocytose and release antimicrobial inhibitors leading to more inflammation and oedema

Question 3

How is COPD characterised?

Answer 3

Airflow obstruction that is progressive in severity and not fully reversible

Question 4

What are the 3 main signs of bronchitis?

Answer 4

Inflammation, increased sputum production, wheezing from narrow airways

Question 5

Define cardiovascular disease and state specifically where the associated damage occurs

Answer 5

CV disease is a general term for the conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is also associated with damage to the arteries of the brain, kidneys and eyes.

Question 6

What are the types of CVD?

Answer 6

Coronary heart disease, CVA/TIA, PVD, Aortic disease

Question 7

Define cancer

Answer 7

Highly invasive and destructive neoplasms

Question 8

What is a CVA?

Answer 8

A stroke, the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in blood supply to the brain

Question 9

Give two risk factors for Haemorrhagic stroke and explain how they lead to a stroke

Answer 9

Hypertension - causing pressure on the artery walls that can burst, especially is there are aneurysms, AVMs
High blood cholesterol - LDL causes atheroma leading to blockage and HBP + potential weakness in artery walls

Question 10

Give two risk factors for Ischemic stroke and explain how they lead to a stroke

Answer 10

Ischemic heart disease - build up of atheroma in the artery walls causes blockage leading to high BP/ thombus/ emboli
AF - produces irregular blood flow leading to blood clots, which can travel to cerebrum
DM - leads to atheroma due to poor absorption of fats and sugars

Question 11

Give 4 initial symptoms of MS

Answer 11

limb weakness, optic neuritis, parathaesia, diplopia, vertigo, micturition problems

Question 12

Explain how 3 of these symptoms may occur in MS

Answer 12

Disruption to BBB
Leakage of inflammatory cells
Conduction of nerves is slowed
Plaques can then form in CNS
If it happens in e.g. autonomic pathways --> urinary problems, vestibular bodies in brainstem/ cerebellum --> vertigo

Question 13

Explain what happens immediately after an SCI and as the spine recovers

Answer 13

Spinal shock, at the level of the lesion, complete destruction of nerve cells –> flaccidity, cells below the level of the lesion recover but have no control from higher centres –> spasticity

Question 14

What pathological process is involved in OA?

Answer 14

Chronic (low grade) inflammation and degeneration

Question 15

Name 3 potential factors leading to OA of the shoulder

Answer 15

Overload to the articular cartilage due to - increased BMI, increased exercise levels, bony malformation, genetic factors, joint injury, fracture to the joint, alignment issues, metabolic syndrome

Question 16

What anatomical changes would occurs with OA of the shoulder?

Answer 16

Loss of joint space, cartilage destruction, osteophyte formation, subchondral cysts, bony erosion, labral damage

Question 17

Describe the changes to the airways in emphysema

Answer 17

Alveoli become inflamed and lose their elasticity, they can over expand and lose their ability to fill and contract. As air fills them, they can rupture and become one sac, reducing the SA for gas exchange. Air becomes trapped and cannot be released during breathing leading to hyperinflation.

Question 18

What are the main symptoms of COPD?

Answer 18

SOB, cough, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance

Question 19

Define diabetes

Answer 19

A metabolic disorder. It is the absence, deficit or resistance to insulin leading to hyperglycaemia.

Question 20

What the risk factors for TI diabetes?

Answer 20

Family history, viral infection, autoimmune disease

Question 21

Define angiogenesis and neovascularisation and give the difference between them

Answer 21

Angio - the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature
Neo - the formation of functional microvascular networks with red blood cell perfusion.
Angio mainly characterised by the protusion and outgrowth of capillary buds and sprouting from pre-existing blood vessels.

Question 22

What is a stress fracture and give two types?

Answer 22

Fractures occurring in bone due to a mismatch of bone strength and chronic mechanical stress placed on bone. Fatigue fractures, Insufficiency fractures

Question 23

What is a Bennetts fracture?

Answer 23

A fracture to the base of the thumb resulting from forced abduction of the first metacarpal. Defined as an intra-articular two part fracture of the base of the first metacarpal bone.

Question 24

What is a Colles fracture?

Answer 24

Fracture of the distal radius that occurs as a result of a fall onto an outstretched hand. Consist of a fracture of the distal radial metaphyseal region with dorsal angulation and impaction but without involvement of the articular surface.

Question 25

What is Smiths’ fracture?

Answer 25

Fracture of the distal radius with associated volar angulation of the distal radius fracture fragment