Nephrology Practice Questions

Q: A 52 year old male has uncontrolled diabetes. Which one of the following tests will help in early detection of nephropathy?

Urine albumin. Urine albumin - **Microalbuminuria**, detected by measuring urine albumin, is often the earliest sign of **diabetic nephropathy**, occurring before changes in GFR or serum creatinine [1], [3]. - **Persistent albuminuria** indicates glomerular damage and is a key marker for monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness [3]. *Blood urea level* - **Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)** levels rise significantly only when there's a substantial decline in **renal function**, making it an insensitive marker for early damage [2]. - Factors like dehydration or protein intake can also influence BUN, reducing its specificity for early nephropathy [2]. *Ultrasonography* - **Renal ultrasonography** is useful for assessing kidney size, shape, and identifying structural abnormalities like hydronephrosis or stones. - It is not sensitive enough to detect early-stage changes in **renal function** or microvascular damage characteristic of early diabetic nephropathy. *Serum creatinine level* - **Serum creatinine** levels increase only after a significant portion of kidney function (typically >50%) has been lost [2]. - It is a marker of **reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR)**, but detecting elevated creatinine means the nephropathy is already more advanced than the microalbuminuria stage [1].

Q: Which one of the following conditions is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the sodium-potassium-2-chloride cotransporter (NKCC2), and presents with sodium wasting, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypercalciuria?

Bartter syndrome. ***Bartter syndrome*** - This syndrome is characterized by **loss-of-function mutations** in the **NKCC2 cotransporter** in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to impaired sodium and chloride reabsorption. - The resulting electrolyte imbalances include **sodium wasting**, **hypokalemia**, **hypomagnesemia**, and **hypercalciuria**. *Fanconi syndrome* - This syndrome involves a generalized defect in the **proximal renal tubules**, leading to impaired reabsorption of multiple substances including glucose, amino acids, phosphate, and bicarbonate. - It does not specifically involve a mutation in the NKCC2 cotransporter or present with the described electrolyte profile. *Gitelman syndrome* - This condition is caused by a mutation in the **thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC)** in the distal convoluted tubule. - While it shares some features like hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, it is typically associated with **hypocalciuria**, not hypercalciuria, and a different genetic defect. *Alport syndrome* - This is a genetic disorder affecting type IV collagen, primarily impacting the **glomerular basement membrane**, leading to hematuria, proteinuria, and progressive renal failure. - It is not associated with mutations in electrolyte transporters or the specific electrolyte abnormalities listed in the question.

Q: Which of the following can be used for the management of severe hyperkalaemia? I. Intravenous calcitonin II. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate III. Oral sodium polystyrene sulphate IV. Intravenous calcium gluconate

II, III and IV. ***II, III and IV*** - **Intravenous sodium bicarbonate** helps shift potassium into cells, primarily used in cases of metabolic acidosis. - **Oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate** (Kayexalate) is a cation-exchange resin that binds potassium in the gut, facilitating its excretion. - **Intravenous calcium gluconate** does not lower serum potassium but stabilizes the cardiac membrane, protecting against life-threatening arrhythmias. *I and II only* - **Intravenous calcitonin** is used in hypercalcemia to lower calcium levels and is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia. - While intravenous sodium bicarbonate is used, relying on it alone with calcitonin would be insufficient and inappropriate. *I and IV only* - **Intravenous calcitonin** is not a treatment for hyperkalemia. - Although intravenous calcium gluconate is crucial for cardiac stabilization, it does not address the underlying hyperkalemia directly, making this option incomplete and incorrect. *'I, II and IV* - **Intravenous calcitonin** has no role in the management of hyperkalemia. - While intravenous sodium bicarbonate and calcium gluconate are important, the inclusion of calcitonin makes this option incorrect.

Q: Which of the following are features of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease? 1. Cyst may also occur in liver, pancreas and arachnoid membrane. 2. Most commonly manifests between 20-30 years of age. 3. Clinical manifestations are renal and extrarenal. 4. Men tend to progress to renal failure more rapidly than women. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 3 and 4. ***1, 3 and 4*** - **Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)** is characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys [1], but can also lead to **extrarenal cysts** in organs such as the **liver, pancreas, and arachnoid membrane**. - **ADPKD** causes both renal and extrarenal manifestations, and **men typically progress to renal failure more rapidly than women**. *1, 2 and 4* - This option correctly identifies the presence of cysts in other organs and the rapid progression to renal failure in men, but it incorrectly states that the disease most commonly manifests between **20-30 years of age**. - While symptoms can appear at any age, **ADPKD** often manifests with symptoms such as pain due to cysts or hypertension later in life [1], and **renal function decline** is typically observed in middle age. *1, 2 and 3* - This option incorrectly includes the statement that the disease most commonly manifests between **20-30 years of age**. - Although the genetic defect is present from birth, significant clinical symptoms leading to diagnosis or renal failure often develop later, typically in the **4th to 6th decades of life**. *2, 3 and 4* - This option incorrectly states that the disease most commonly manifests between **20-30 years of age**. - It also omits the key feature that cysts can occur in other organs like the **liver, pancreas, and arachnoid membrane**, which is a crucial aspect of ADPKD.

Q: Which of the following are the causes of retroperitoneal fibrosis?

Drugs. ***Drugs*** - Various medications can induce retroperitoneal fibrosis, including **methysergide**, **beta-blockers**, and some **antibiotics**. - Drug-induced retroperitoneal fibrosis often resolves with **discontinuation of the offending agent**. *Lymphoma* - While lymphoma can cause retroperitoneal masses, it typically presents with distinct features such as **lymphadenopathy** and **B symptoms** (fever, night sweats, weight loss) rather than generalized fibrosis [1]. - Lymphoma involves neoplastic proliferation of lymphocytes, leading to **mass effect** and infiltration, which is distinct from the fibrotic process [1]. *Carcinoid tumours* - Carcinoid tumors can cause fibrosis, but typically in the **pericardium** or **pleura** (carcinoid heart disease) or **mesenterium**, not the retroperitoneum directly as a primary cause in this context. - The fibrosis associated with carcinoid syndrome is due to the release of **serotonin** and other vasoactive substances. *Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)* - CAPD can lead to **peritoneal fibrosis** (sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis), which affects the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity, not the retroperitoneum. - This complication is distinct from retroperitoneal fibrosis and involves changes to the **peritoneal membrane**, often due to bio-incompatible dialysate.

Q: Oliguria is defined as:

Less than 400 ml of urine excreted in a day. ***Less than 400 ml of urine excreted in a day*** - **Oliguria** is medically defined as a daily urine output that is **less than 400 ml** in adults. [1] - This level of urine production is often insufficient to effectively excrete metabolic waste products. [1] *600 ml to 700 ml of urine excreted in a day* - This range of urine output is generally considered within the **normal limits**, not oliguric. - Normal daily urine production for an adult typically ranges from **800 to 2000 ml**. *More than 900 ml of urine excreted in a day* - An output of **more than 900 ml** per day for an adult indicates normal urine production, well above the threshold for oliguria. - This level suggests adequate kidney function in terms of fluid excretion. *Absence of urine production* - The complete absence of urine production is known as **anuria**, which is a more severe condition than oliguria. [1] - Anuria is typically defined as **less than 50 ml of urine** per day. [1]

Q: A patient presented with complaints of pain in the flank region with hematuria. On investigation, X-ray shows multiple calcification (stones) in both kidneys. What is the probable diagnosis?

Renal calculi. ***Renal calculi*** - The presence of **flank pain**, **hematuria**, and **multiple calcifications (stones) in both kidneys** on X-ray directly points to a diagnosis of renal calculi (kidney stones) [1]. - These stones can cause pain due to obstruction and irritation, leading to blood in the urine [1]. *Polycystic kidney disease* - This condition is characterized by the development of numerous **cysts in the kidneys**, which are fluid-filled sacs, not calcifications or stones [2]. - While it can cause flank pain and hematuria, the imaging finding of **multiple calcifications** is inconsistent with typical PCKD presentation [2]. *Parathyroid Adenoma* - A parathyroid adenoma leads to **hyperparathyroidism**, which can cause **hypercalcemia** and subsequently increase the risk of **calcium kidney stones** [1]. - However, the diagnosis directly relates to the presence of stones as seen on X-ray, not the underlying cause of stone formation, and the question does not provide enough information to confirm hyperparathyroidism. *CKD* - **Chronic kidney disease (CKD)** is a progressive loss of kidney function over time, representing a *spectrum* of kidney damage. - While kidney stones can lead to CKD, and CKD can present with various symptoms, the direct finding of **multiple calcifications (stones)** on imaging is a specific indicator of renal calculi rather than CKD itself as the primary diagnosis.

Q: Which type of amyloidosis is seen in the patients going through dialysis?

A-beta 2. ***A-beta 2*** - **A-beta 2 microglobulin amyloidosis** (also known as dialysis-related amyloidosis) occurs because **beta-2 microglobulin** is not effectively cleared by dialysis and accumulates in tissues [1]. - This condition primarily affects **joints, bones**, and **tendons** in long-term dialysis patients, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome, arthropathy, and bone cysts. *A-beta* - **A-beta amyloidosis** refers to the accumulation of **amyloid-beta peptides** that are characteristic of **Alzheimer's disease**, primarily affecting the brain. - This type of amyloidosis is not directly associated with renal dialysis or systemic amyloid deposits in other organs. *AL* - **AL (light chain) amyloidosis** results from the deposition of **monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains** produced by plasma cells, often associated with multiple myeloma. - While it can affect the kidneys, it is a primary amyloidosis and not caused by dialysis itself, though it can occur in patients who also have kidney failure. *aTTR* - **aTTR (transthyretin) amyloidosis** involves the deposition of **abnormal transthyretin protein**, which can be hereditary (mutated TTR) or wild-type (aging-related) [1]. - This form primarily affects the heart and nervous system and is not typically associated with chronic dialysis as its direct cause.

Q: Calculate Anion Gap? Na: 145 K: 4 CI: 90 HCO3 : 15

40. ***40*** - The anion gap is calculated using the formula: **Na - (Cl + HCO3)**. - Plugging in the values: **145 - (90 + 15) = 145 - 105 = 40**. *28* - This value would result if there were a different **bicarbonate** or **chloride** level or a miscalculation. - For example, if the bicarbonate was 30 instead of 15, the calculation would be 145 - (90 + 30) = 145 - 120 = 25, which is closer but still not 28. *35* - This value is obtained if there's an error in summing the **anions** or subtracting from **sodium**. - For instance, if the bicarbonate was incorrectly taken as 20, the calculation would be 145 - (90 + 20) = 145 - 110 = 35. *12* - A value of 12 represents a **normal anion gap**, indicating that the patient in this scenario has a high anion gap [1]. - This result would only occur if the sum of **chloride and bicarbonate** were around 133, which is not the case here.

Q: Which of the following is not true about syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)?

Urinary sodium <20 mEq/L. ***Urinary sodium <20 mEq/L*** - In **SIADH**, the inappropriate secretion of ADH leads to increased water reabsorption, causing **dilutional hyponatremia**. [1] - The kidneys respond by trying to excrete excess water and dilute the urine, leading to **increased urinary sodium concentration**, typically *greater than* 20 mEq/L. *Patient can be clinically euvolemic to hypovolemic* - Patients with **SIADH** are typically **euvolemic** because the excess water is retained intracellularly and extracellularly in balanced proportions, without significant edema or dehydration. [1] - While fluid retention occurs, it's not enough to cause significant clinical volume overload, and they are never truly hypovolemic. *Urine osmolality >100 mOsm/kg* - In **SIADH**, the continued action of **ADH** despite hypotonicity results in the reabsorption of water, leading to the production of **concentrated urine**. [1] - This elevated urine osmolality, typically **greater than 100 mOsm/kg**, indicates an inability to adequately excrete free water. [1] *Serum sodium <135 mEq/L* - **SIADH** is defined by **hyponatremia**, a serum sodium concentration **below 135 mEq/L**, due to the excessive retention of water. - This dilutes the extracellular fluid, leading to a reduction in the relative concentration of sodium.

Question 1

A 52 year old male has uncontrolled diabetes. Which one of the following tests will help in early detection of nephropathy?

Accepted Answer

Urine albumin

Answer

Blood urea level

Answer

Ultrasonography

Answer

Serum creatinine level

Question 2

Which one of the following conditions is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the sodium-potassium-2-chloride cotransporter (NKCC2), and presents with sodium wasting, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypercalciuria?

Accepted Answer

Bartter syndrome

Answer

Fanconi syndrome

Answer

Gitelman syndrome

Answer

Alport syndrome

Question 3

Which of the following can be used for the management of severe hyperkalaemia?
I. Intravenous calcitonin
II. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
III. Oral sodium polystyrene sulphate
IV. Intravenous calcium gluconate

Accepted Answer

II, III and IV

Answer

I and II only

Answer

I and IV only

Answer

I, II and IV

Question 4

Which of the following are features of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease?

1. Cyst may also occur in liver, pancreas and arachnoid membrane.
2. Most commonly manifests between 20-30 years of age.
3. Clinical manifestations are renal and extrarenal.
4. Men tend to progress to renal failure more rapidly than women.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

1, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Question 5

Which of the following are the causes of retroperitoneal fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Drugs

Answer

Lymphoma

Answer

Carcinoid tumours

Answer

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Question 6

Oliguria is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Less than 400 ml of urine excreted in a day

Answer

600 ml to 700 ml of urine excreted in a day

Answer

More than 900 ml of urine excreted in a day

Answer

Absence of urine production

Question 7

A patient presented with complaints of pain in the flank region with hematuria. On investigation, X-ray shows multiple calcification (stones) in both kidneys. What is the probable diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Renal calculi

Answer

Polycystic kidney disease

Answer

Parathyroid Adenoma

Answer

CKD

Question 8

Which type of amyloidosis is seen in the patients going through dialysis?

Accepted Answer

A-beta 2

Answer

A-beta

Answer

AL

Answer

aTTR

Question 9

Calculate Anion Gap?
Na: 145 K: 4 CI: 90 HCO3 : 15

Accepted Answer

40

Answer

28

Answer

35

Answer

12

Question 10

Which of the following is not true about syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)?

Accepted Answer

Urinary sodium <20 mEq/L

Answer

Patient can be clinically euvolemic to hypovolemic

Answer

Urine osmolality >100 mOsm/kg

Answer

Serum sodium <135 mEq/L

Nephrology — MCQs

Nephrology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?