A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A patient presents with polyuria following total hypophysectomy. Laboratory results show Na+ levels at 155 mEq/L and urine osmolarity at 200 mOsm/L. What is the definitive management for this patient?
A young patient presents with a large retroperitoneal hemorrhage and a history of intermittent knee swelling after strenuous exercise. There is no history of mucosal bleeding. Which of the following clotting factors is primarily deficient in Hemophilia A?
A child presents with intermittent jaundice and splenomegaly. There is a history of similar complaints in the elder brother. Peripheral smear shows the following finding. What is the most appropriate investigation for this condition?
A man presents with a history of dysuria and urethral discharge after having unprotected sexual intercourse. What is the treatment of choice for this infection?
A patient comes with abdominal pain, jaundice, and portal hypertension. Anastomosis between which of the following veins is seen?
A young male came to the hospital with a clean-cut wound without any bleeding. The patient received a full course of tetanus vaccination 10 years ago. What is the best management for this patient?
In a patient presented with a fever and a positive filarial antigen test, what is the next appropriate method of management?
A bronchial asthma patient on inhalational steroids presented with white patchy lesions on the tongue and buccal mucosa. What condition is likely to be present in this patient?
A male patient presents with sensory loss and weakness of limbs for 3 months. He also has angular stomatitis. On examination, there is loss of proprioception, vibration sensations, UMN type of lower limb weakness, and absent ankle reflex. What is the most probable diagnosis?
NEET-PG 2023 - Internal Medicine NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 11: A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Dengue (Correct Answer)
- B. Malaria
- C. Scrub typhus
- D. Typhoid
Explanation: Dengue - The combination of **fever, arthralgia, extensive petechial rash**, and severe **thrombocytopenia** (platelet count 20,000/mm³) with **prolonged bleeding time** is highly characteristic of severe dengue infection, especially in an endemic area like Delhi [1]. - While leukocytosis (WBC 9000/mm³) is not typical for dengue (usually causes leukopenia), the other features strongly point to dengue hemorrhagic fever [1]. *Malaria* - Typically presents with **intermittent high fever**, chills, and sweats. While it can cause some thrombocytopenia and anemia, the **extensive petechial rash** is not a characteristic feature. - **Thrombocytopenia** in malaria is usually milder than observed here, and prolonged bleeding time is less common [2]. *Scrub typhus* - Caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, it is characterized by **fever, headache, myalgia, and a characteristic eschar** (necrotic ulcer) at the bite site, which is not mentioned. - While it can cause rash and some thrombocytopenia, the **petechial rash** and such severe thrombocytopenia with prolonged bleeding time are less typical. *Typhoid* - Presents with **sustained high fever**, headache, bradycardia, and sometimes a **rose spot rash** (maculopapular), which is different from a petechial rash. - Typhoid typically causes **leukopenia** and can lead to gastrointestinal complications like intestinal bleeding, but severe thrombocytopenia and extensive petechiae are not common presenting features.
Question 12: A patient presents with polyuria following total hypophysectomy. Laboratory results show Na+ levels at 155 mEq/L and urine osmolarity at 200 mOsm/L. What is the definitive management for this patient?
- A. Lifelong DDAVP supplementation (Correct Answer)
- B. No treatment required as receptors are upset
- C. Thiazides for a limited duration of 2 weeks
- D. DDAVP for a limited duration of 2 weeks
Explanation: ### Lifelong DDAVP supplementation - The patient's **polyuria** after **total hypophysectomy**, coupled with **hypernatremia (Na+ 155 mEq/L)** and **low urine osmolarity (200 mOsm/L)**, strongly indicates **central diabetes insipidus (DI)** due to **ADH deficiency** [1]. - **Desmopressin (DDAVP)** is a synthetic analog of **ADH** and is the definitive treatment for central DI, replacing the missing hormone, and addressing the lifelong deficiency [1]. ### No treatment required as receptors are upset - This is incorrect as untreated **diabetes insipidus** can lead to severe **dehydration, hypernatremia, and neurological complications**, making intervention critical [2]. - The symptoms and lab findings indicate a clear deficiency, not merely "upset" receptors, which requires definitive management to prevent life-threatening complications. ### Thiazides for a limited duration of 2 weeks - **Thiazide diuretics** are used in **nephrogenic diabetes insipidus** to induce mild volume depletion, which can increase water reabsorption in the proximal tubule [1]. - However, they are not the definitive treatment for **central DI** where the primary problem is a lack of **ADH**, and using them for a *limited duration* would not address a lifelong condition. ### DDAVP for a limited duration of 2 weeks - While **DDAVP** is the correct treatment for **central DI**, the condition resulting from a total hypophysectomy is **permanent**. - Therefore, treatment for only a *limited duration* would lead to the recurrence of symptoms, and potentially life-threatening complications, making lifelong management essential.
Question 13: A young patient presents with a large retroperitoneal hemorrhage and a history of intermittent knee swelling after strenuous exercise. There is no history of mucosal bleeding. Which of the following clotting factors is primarily deficient in Hemophilia A?
- A. Von Willebrand factor
- B. Lupus anticoagulant
- C. Factor VIII (Correct Answer)
- D. Factor IX
Explanation: ***Factors VIII and IX*** - The symptoms indicate a **hemophilia**, where deficiencies in factors VIII or IX lead to a tendency for **retroperitoneal hemorrhage** and joint swelling, particularly after exercise [1]. - Intermittent swelling of the knees indicates **hemarthrosis**, a common manifestation in hemophilia, supporting the dysfunction of these factors [1]. *Factors XI and XII* - These factors are part of the **intrinsic pathway** but are not primarily associated with **joint bleeding** or sporadic retroperitoneal hemorrhage in young patients. - Deficiencies of these factors typically lead to a milder form of bleeding disorders and not the severe joint symptoms seen here. *Von Willebrand factor* - This factor is crucial for **platelet adhesion** and is associated with **mucosal bleeding**, which is not reported in this patient's history [2]. - The patient's **retroperitoneal hemorrhage** and knee swelling are not characteristic of von Willebrand disease, which typically involves more superficial bleeding [1,2]. *Lupus anticoagulant* - This is an **antiphospholipid antibody** associated with **thrombosis** rather than bleeding, and does not explain the joint swelling or hemorrhagic symptoms. - It leads to a false-positive on coagulation tests and can result in complications like recurrent **thromboembolic events**, rather than bleeding tendencies.
Question 14: A child presents with intermittent jaundice and splenomegaly. There is a history of similar complaints in the elder brother. Peripheral smear shows the following finding. What is the most appropriate investigation for this condition?
- A. Osmotic fragility test (Correct Answer)
- B. Coombs test
- C. G6PD deficiency testing
- D. Flow cytometry for PNH
Explanation: ***Osmotic fragility test*** - The image shows **spherocytes** (dense, small red cells lacking central pallor), a hallmark of **hereditary spherocytosis**. The clinical picture of intermittent jaundice, splenomegaly, and a family history further supports this diagnosis. - The **osmotic fragility test** measures the red blood cell's susceptibility to hemolysis in hypotonic solutions and is the most appropriate test to confirm hereditary spherocytosis. *Coombs test* - The Coombs test (direct antiglobulin test) detects **antibodies on the surface of red blood cells** or in the serum. It is primarily used to diagnose **autoimmune hemolytic anemia**. - Hereditary spherocytosis is a membrane defect, not an immune-mediated condition, so the Coombs test would typically be negative. *G6PD deficiency testing* - **Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency** leads to episodic hemolytic anemia triggered by oxidative stress (e.g., fava beans, certain drugs, infections). - While it causes episodic hemolysis and jaundice, the peripheral smear typically shows **Heinz bodies** and **bite cells** during hemolytic episodes, not spherocytes, and without specific triggers, it doesn't fit the clinical picture as well as hereditary spherocytosis. *Flow cytometry for PNH* - **Flow cytometry** is used to diagnose **paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)** by detecting the absence of GPI-anchored proteins (e.g., CD55, CD59) on blood cells. - PNH is characterized by dark urine (hemoglobinuria), thrombosis, and bone marrow failure, and its peripheral smear does not typically show spherocytes.
Question 15: A man presents with a history of dysuria and urethral discharge after having unprotected sexual intercourse. What is the treatment of choice for this infection?
- A. Erythromycin
- B. Azithromycin
- C. Ceftriaxone (Correct Answer)
- D. Penicillin G
Explanation: ***Ceftriaxone*** - The combination of **dysuria** and **urethral discharge** following unprotected sexual intercourse is highly suggestive of **gonorrhea**. - **Ceftriaxone** is the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated gonococcal infections due to increasing antibiotic resistance. *Erythromycin* - Erythromycin is primarily used for atypical bacterial infections, such as those caused by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* or *Chlamydia trachomatis*. - While it can be used for chlamydia, it is not the preferred treatment for suspected gonorrhea. *Azithromycin* - Azithromycin is often used in combination with ceftriaxone for gonorrhea to cover potential co-infection with **Chlamydia trachomatis**. - However, **monotherapy with azithromycin is not recommended for gonorrhea** due to concerns about emerging resistance and suboptimal efficacy. *Penicillin G* - Penicillin G was historically used to treat gonorrhea, but this is no longer the case due to widespread **resistance** of *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* strains. - Its primary use now is for susceptible bacterial infections, such as syphilis and certain streptococcal infections.
Question 16: A patient comes with abdominal pain, jaundice, and portal hypertension. Anastomosis between which of the following veins is seen?
- A. Left colic vein and middle colic veins
- B. Superior rectal and phrenic veins
- C. Sigmoid and superior rectal veins
- D. Esophageal veins and left gastric veins (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Esophageal veins and left gastric veins*** - This anastomosis is crucial in **portal hypertension**, as increased pressure in the **portal venous system** (e.g., due to liver cirrhosis) causes blood to back up into the **systemic venous circulation** through these collateral vessels. - This shunting creates **esophageal varices**, which can rupture and lead to life-threatening **upper gastrointestinal bleeding**, commonly presenting with **jaundice** and **abdominal pain** in liver disease. *Left colic vein and middle colic veins* - Both the left colic and middle colic veins are tributaries of the **inferior mesenteric vein** and **superior mesenteric vein**, respectively, and are part of the **portal system**. - While they form an anastomosis (via the **marginal artery of Drummond**), this connection is within the portal system and does not typically serve as a portosystemic shunt to decompress portal hypertension in the way esophageal varices do. *Superior rectal and phrenic veins* - The **superior rectal vein** drains into the **inferior mesenteric vein** (part of the portal system), and the **phrenic veins** drain into the **inferior vena cava** (part of the systemic system). - There is no direct significant portosystemic anastomosis between these two veins that would be clinically relevant in portal hypertension. *Sigmoid and superior rectal veins* - Both the **sigmoid veins** and the **superior rectal vein** are part of the **inferior mesenteric venous system**, which drains into the **portal circulation**. - While there are anastomoses between these veins within the mesenteric circulation, they are not a direct portosystemic shunt used to relieve pressure in portal hypertension causing the described symptoms.
Question 17: A young male came to the hospital with a clean-cut wound without any bleeding. The patient received a full course of tetanus vaccination 10 years ago. What is the best management for this patient?
- A. Single-dose tetanus toxoid (Correct Answer)
- B. Human tetanus immunoglobulin only
- C. Human tetanus immunoglobulin and a full course of vaccine
- D. No treatment required
Explanation: ***Single-dose tetanus toxoid*** - For a **clean-cut wound** in a patient who completed a **primary tetanus vaccination series** and received their last dose more than 5 years ago but less than 10 years ago, a **single booster dose** of tetanus toxoid is recommended. [1] - A booster ensures continued protection, as vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time, but the prior full course provides a robust anamnestic response with a single dose. *Human tetanus immunoglobulin and a full course of vaccine* - This regimen (tetanus immunoglobulin + vaccine) is typically reserved for patients with **unvaccinated status**, an **unknown vaccination history**, or a **severely contaminated wound** (e.g., rusty nail, soil contamination) who have not been fully vaccinated. - The patient had a **clean-cut wound** and completed a full course of vaccination 10 years ago, making immunoglobulin unnecessary and a full course of vaccine excessive. *Human tetanus immunoglobulin only* - Administering **tetanus immunoglobulin alone** is appropriate for immediate, passive immunity in situations where a patient is unvaccinated or has an unknown vaccination status and has a significant risk of tetanus from a contaminated wound. [2] - This patient has a clean wound and a history of full vaccination, so a booster is sufficient to stimulate active immunity. *No treatment required* - While the patient was fully vaccinated 10 years ago, the protection from tetanus vaccination can **wane over time**, especially after 5-10 years. - A **booster dose** is crucial to maintain adequate protection against tetanus, even for a clean wound, given the 10-year interval since the last dose.
Question 18: In a patient presented with a fever and a positive filarial antigen test, what is the next appropriate method of management?
- A. Bone marrow biopsy
- B. DEC provocation test
- C. Detection of microfilariae in the blood smear (Correct Answer)
- D. Ultrasound of the scrotum
Explanation: ***Detection of microfilariae in the blood smear*** - A positive **filarial antigen test** indicates the presence of adult worms, and the next step is to confirm active infection by identifying **microfilariae**. [1] - **Nocturnal blood samples** are crucial because microfilariae of *Wuchereria bancrofti* and *Brugia malayi* exhibit **nocturnal periodicity**, meaning they are most abundant in peripheral blood between 10 PM and 2 AM. [1] *Bone marrow biopsy* - This procedure is typically used to diagnose **hematological disorders**, such as leukemia or lymphoma, or investigate causes of unexplained fever, but it is not indicated for filariasis. - While filariasis can rarely lead to **eosinophilia**, a bone marrow biopsy is not a diagnostic tool for filarial infection itself. *DEC provocation test* - The **diethylcarbamazine (DEC) provocation test** is used to bring out microfilariae into the peripheral blood during the daytime for species that exhibit nocturnal periodicity. [1] - However, it carries a risk of severe adverse reactions due to rapid killing of microfilariae, especially in cases of heavy infection, and is generally avoided when antigen tests are positive. [1] *Ultrasound of the scrotum* - Scrotal ultrasound can detect the characteristic "filarial dance sign" (motile adult worms) in the **lymphatic vessels of the scrotum and epididymis**, confirming lymphatic filariasis. [2] - While useful for assessing advanced disease manifestations like **hydrocele**, it does not quantify microfilaremia or replace the need for microscopic confirmation of circulating microfilariae to guide treatment.
Question 19: A bronchial asthma patient on inhalational steroids presented with white patchy lesions on the tongue and buccal mucosa. What condition is likely to be present in this patient?
- A. Oral lichen planus
- B. Aphthous ulcers
- C. Oral leukoplakia
- D. Oral candidiasis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: **Oral candidiasis** - **Inhaled corticosteroids** can suppress the local immune response in the oral cavity, creating an environment conducive to the overgrowth of *Candida albicans*. - The classic presentation includes **white patchy lesions** on the tongue and buccal mucosa, which can often be scraped off. *Oral lichen planus* - Characterized by **reticular (Wickham's striae)**, papular, or erosive lesions, which are often bilateral and symmetric [1]. - While it can present with white lesions, they are typically not easily scraped off and are not primarily associated with inhaled corticosteroid use [1]. *Aphthous ulcers* - These are typically **painful, solitary, or multiple ulcers** with a red halo and a yellowish-gray center [2]. - They are distinct from widespread white patchy lesions and are not directly caused by inhaled corticosteroid use [2]. *Oral leukoplakia* - Defined as a **white patch or plaque** on the oral mucosa that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease, and which is not removable by scraping. - It is often associated with tobacco use and alcohol consumption, and carries a risk of malignancy; it does not typically appear as a direct side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.
Question 20: A male patient presents with sensory loss and weakness of limbs for 3 months. He also has angular stomatitis. On examination, there is loss of proprioception, vibration sensations, UMN type of lower limb weakness, and absent ankle reflex. What is the most probable diagnosis?
- A. Subacute combined degeneration of cord (Correct Answer)
- B. Extradural compression of the spinal cord
- C. Progressive muscular atrophy
- D. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Explanation: ***Subacute combined degeneration of cord*** - The combination of **sensory loss (proprioception, vibration)**, **UMN weakness**, **absent ankle reflex** (suggesting LMN involvement or peripheral neuropathy), and **angular stomatitis** (a sign of nutritional deficiency) is highly characteristic of **vitamin B12 deficiency**, leading to subacute combined degeneration. - This condition affects the **posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord**, explaining the broad neurological symptoms. *Extradural compression of the spinal cord* - While it can cause sensory loss and weakness, **extradural compression** typically presents with a more localized deficit and would not explain the **angular stomatitis** or the specific pattern of combined UMN/LMN signs without a clear lesion level. - Would primarily cause symptoms related to the compressed spinal cord segments, often with **radicular pain** or a **sensory level**, which are not explicitly described. *Progressive muscular atrophy* - This is a form of **motor neuron disease** characterized by **pure lower motor neuron (LMN) degeneration**, leading to **muscle weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations**. - It would not typically present with **UMN signs** (like UMN type weakness) or **sensory loss** (proprioception, vibration), nor angular stomatitis. *Cervical spondylotic myelopathy* - This condition involves **compression of the cervical spinal cord** due to degenerative changes, leading to **UMN signs below the level of compression** and sometimes LMN signs at the level of compression. - It would not typically cause widespread **proprioception and vibration loss** in a diffuse pattern or **angular stomatitis**, and the absent ankle reflex without other LMN signs is less typical for isolated cervical involvement.