1.Easy
Which statement about hepatitis C is correct?
- AIt is spread mainly through blood, and there is no vaccine
- BIt can be treated only with a liver transplant
- CIt always clears by itself within two weeks
- DIt is spread mainly by food, and a vaccine is given to babies
2.Easy
What is pulmonary aspiration?
- ARemoving fluid from the chest with a needle through the ribs
- BInhaling stomach contents or other material into the lungs
- CBreathing too fast after surgery
- DA collapsed lung after a chest drain
3.Easy
Where is the pain of acute pancreatitis typically felt?
- AIn the epigastrium, often radiating to the back
- BIn the left shoulder tip, worse on deep breathing
- CIn the right lower abdomen, near the hip
- DLow in the back, eased by lying flat
4.Medium
Dysphagia that started with solids and now includes liquids, with weight loss, most suggests which cause?
- ASimple anxiety about swallowing tablets
- BA narrowing such as an oesophageal tumour
- CA dry mouth from drinking too little water
- DNormal ageing of the swallowing muscles
5.Medium
Which advice is appropriate for a patient with a very low platelet count?
- AUse a razor blade for shaving every day
- BFloss hard every day to prevent gum disease
- CTake aspirin regularly for headaches
- DUse a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
6.Medium
Which electrolyte abnormality can contribute to a postoperative ileus?
- AHyperkalaemia
- BHyperphosphataemia
- CHypernatraemia
- DHypokalaemia
7.Hard
An older patient on regular opioids has small amounts of liquid stool leaking all day, but has not had a formed bowel movement for 6 days. What is the most likely cause?
- AAcute infective gastroenteritis
- BFaecal impaction with overflow
- CA flare of ulcerative colitis
- DNormal stool pattern on opioids
8.Hard
A patient with bowel obstruction develops constant severe pain (no longer colicky), fever, a heart rate of 120/min and a rigid, tender abdomen. What does this suggest?
- AConstipation that should be treated with a stimulant laxative
- BNormal progress that only needs regular simple analgesia
- CThe obstruction is resolving as the bowel starts to move
- DStrangulation or perforation needing urgent surgical review
Answer key
- 1. A · It is spread mainly through blood, and there is no vaccine
- 2. B · Inhaling stomach contents or other material into the lungs
- 3. A · In the epigastrium, often radiating to the back
- 4. B · A narrowing such as an oesophageal tumour
- 5. D · Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor
- 6. D · Hypokalaemia
- 7. B · Faecal impaction with overflow
- 8. D · Strangulation or perforation needing urgent surgical review
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