A pregnant woman is diagnosed with Graves' disease. The most appropriate therapy for her would be:
Hypophosphatemia is seen in:
Which of the following diseases is NOT associated with Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)?
Which of the following statements about Sickle Cell Anemia is FALSE?
Most common symptom of genitourinary TB
In a patient with suspected vitamin B12 deficiency, which condition would result in an abnormal Schilling test?
Secretory diarrhea is not typically associated with which of the following conditions?
What is the daily temperature variation in remittent fever?
Investigation of choice in pheochromocytoma is:
Which of the following is a characteristic of Yellow-nail syndrome?
NEET-PG 2012 - Internal Medicine NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 61: A pregnant woman is diagnosed with Graves' disease. The most appropriate therapy for her would be:
- A. Radioiodine therapy
- B. Total thyroidectomy
- C. Carbimazole parenteral
- D. Propylthiouracil oral (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Propylthiouracil oral*** - **Propylthiouracil (PTU)** is the preferred antithyroid drug during the **first trimester** of pregnancy due to a lower risk of teratogenicity compared to methimazole/carbimazole [1]. - It works by inhibiting both the synthesis of thyroid hormones and the peripheral conversion of **T4 to T3**. *Radioiodine therapy* - **Radioactive iodine** is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy as it can cross the placenta and cause **fetal hypothyroidism or athyreosis**. - It leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid gland and is not suitable for a temporary condition in a pregnant woman. *Total thyroidectomy* - While thyroidectomy can be considered for Graves' disease in pregnancy, it is generally reserved for cases where antithyroid drugs are not tolerated or ineffective, or for very large goiters causing compressive symptoms. - It carries risks associated with **surgery and anesthesia** during pregnancy, and requires **lifelong thyroid hormone replacement**. *Carbimazole parenteral* - **Carbimazole** (which is metabolized to methimazole) is generally avoided in the **first trimester** due to an increased risk of teratogenicity, particularly **aplasia cutis**, omphalocele, and choanal atresia [1]. - While it can be used in the second and third trimesters, **PTU is preferred in the first trimester**, and carbimazole is not typically administered parenterally.
Question 62: Hypophosphatemia is seen in:
- A. Hyperthyroidism
- B. Hypoparathyroidism
- C. Hyperparathyroidism (Correct Answer)
- D. Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Explanation: ***Hyperparathyroidism*** - In **primary hyperparathyroidism**, the excess **parathyroid hormone (PTH)** leads to increased phosphate excretion by the kidneys [1], [4]. - This results in **hypophosphatemia** as the body attempts to maintain **calcium-phosphate balance**, often at the expense of phosphate levels [1]. *Hyperthyroidism* - While hyperthyroidism can affect **bone metabolism**, it is typically associated with **normal or slightly elevated phosphate levels**, not hypophosphatemia [3]. - The main electrolyte disturbances are usually related to **calcium** (e.g., hypercalcemia) due to increased bone turnover [3]. *Hypoparathyroidism* - **Hypoparathyroidism** is characterized by **low or absent PTH**, leading to decreased renal phosphate excretion. - This results in **hyperphosphatemia**, along with **hypocalcemia** [2]. *Pseudohypoparathyroidism* - In **pseudohypoparathyroidism**, there is **PTH resistance** at target tissues, even with high or normal PTH levels [2]. - This leads to symptoms resembling hypoparathyroidism, including **hyperphosphatemia** and **hypocalcemia** [2].
Question 63: Which of the following diseases is NOT associated with Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)?
- A. Wegener's granulomatosis
- B. Henoch schonlein purpura (Correct Answer)
- C. Microscopic PAN
- D. Churg Strauss syndrome
Explanation: ***Henoch schonlein purpura*** - **Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)** is not associated with **ANCA**; it primarily involves IgA deposition [1]. - Commonly presents with **purpura**, **abdominal pain**, and **glomerulonephritis**, differentiating it from ANCA-associated vasculitides [1]. *Wegener's granulomatosis* - **Wegener's granulomatosis**, now known as **Granulomatosis with polyangiitis**, is strongly associated with **c-ANCA** and anti-PR3 antibodies. - It typically presents with **respiratory** and **renal symptoms** due to vasculitis [2]. *Microscopic PAN* - **Microscopic polyangiitis (PAN)** is associated with **p-ANCA** and myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies. - It leads to **glomerulonephritis** and **pulmonary hemorrhage**, indicating its vasculitic nature. *Churg Strauss syndrome* - **Churg-Strauss syndrome**, or **Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis**, is associated with **p-ANCA** and perinuclear staining [1]. - Often presents with **asthma**, **eosinophilia**, and systemic vasculitis affecting multiple organs [1].
Question 64: Which of the following statements about Sickle Cell Anemia is FALSE?
- A. There is a positive correlation between HBS and polymerization of HBS (Correct Answer)
- B. Recurrent infections is the most common cause of death
- C. Patients require frequent blood transfusions
- D. Patients usually present before the age of 6 months
Explanation: ***There is a positive correlation between HBS and polymerization of HBS*** - This statement is false because the polymerization of **hemoglobin S (HbS)** is reduced as HbS levels decrease and is increased as HbS levels increase. Therefore, there is a **direct correlation**, not a positive one, where higher levels of HbS lead to more polymerization and sickling. - The disease is caused by the **polymerization of deoxyhemoglobin S**, which distorts red blood cells into a sickle shape, leading to vaso-occlusion and hemolysis [1]. *Recurrent infections is the most common cause of death* - **Recurrent infections** are indeed a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in sickle cell anemia patients, particularly in children due to **functional asplenia**. [1] - **Splenic dysfunction** impairs the ability to clear encapsulated bacteria, increasing the risk of severe infections like **pneumonia** and **meningitis**. *Patients require frequent blood transfusions* - **Frequent blood transfusions** are a common treatment strategy for sickle cell anemia to manage complications such as severe anemia, acute chest syndrome, and stroke prevention [1]. - **Chronic transfusion therapy** helps to suppress abnormal sickle cell production and dilute existing sickle cells, thereby reducing vaso-occlusive crises. *Patients usually present before the age of 6 months* - Patients with sickle cell anemia typically become symptomatic after 6 months of age, when **fetal hemoglobin (HbF)** levels decline. - **HbF protects** against sickling, so symptoms like **dactylitis** and **splenic sequestration** usually manifest once HbF is replaced by HbS [1].
Question 65: Most common symptom of genitourinary TB
- A. Increased frequency
- B. Renal colic
- C. Painful micturition
- D. Hematuria (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Hematuria*** - **Gross or microscopic hematuria** is the most common symptom of genitourinary tuberculosis, often occurring early in the disease course. - It results from the **inflammatory and destructive changes** caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the urinary tract. *Renal colic* - Renal colic is typically associated with **acute obstruction of the ureter**, often by a renal stone. - While TB can cause strictures leading to obstruction, **colic** itself is not the most common initial symptom. *Increased frequency* - Increased urinary frequency is a common symptom in genitourinary TB, especially with **bladder involvement**. - However, it ranks below hematuria in terms of overall prevalence as the *most common* symptom. *Painful micturition* - **Dysuria** or painful micturition is frequently observed in genitourinary TB, particularly with **bladder or urethral inflammation**. - While common, it is generally less prevalent than hematuria as the presenting complaint.
Question 66: In a patient with suspected vitamin B12 deficiency, which condition would result in an abnormal Schilling test?
- A. Amylase deficiency
- B. Pancreatic endocrine insufficiency
- C. Lipase deficiency
- D. Intrinsic factor deficiency (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Intrinsic factor deficiency*** - The Schilling test assesses the absorption of **vitamin B12**. **Intrinsic factor** is crucial for B12 absorption in the ileum. - Deficiency of intrinsic factor, as seen in **pernicious anemia**, directly impairs B12 absorption, leading to an abnormal Schilling test result [1]. *Amylase deficiency* - **Amylase** is an enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrates, not vitamin B12 absorption [2]. - Its deficiency would primarily cause carbohydrate malabsorption symptoms, not an abnormal Schilling test. *Pancreatic endocrine insufficiency* - **Pancreatic endocrine function** relates to hormone production (e.g., insulin, glucagon), while exocrine function involves digestive enzymes. - Impairment of endocrine function does not directly affect vitamin B12 absorption or the Schilling test. *Lipase deficiency* - **Lipase** is an enzyme essential for the digestion of fats [2]. - Its deficiency would lead to fat malabsorption (steatorrhea) but would not affect vitamin B12 absorption or the Schilling test results.
Question 67: Secretory diarrhea is not typically associated with which of the following conditions?
- A. Phenolphthalein
- B. Cholera
- C. Celiac disease (Correct Answer)
- D. VIPoma
Explanation: ***Celiac disease*** [1] - Characterized by **malabsorption** due to immune-mediated damage to the intestinal mucosa, leading to **osmotic diarrhea** rather than secretory diarrhea [1]. - Symptoms include **bloating**, **weight loss**, and **steatorrhea**, which are not consistent with secretory processes. *Cholera* - Caused by **Vibrio cholerae**, leading to **massive secretory diarrhea** due to the action of cholera toxin on intestinal epithelial cells. - Presents with **watery diarrhea**, potentially leading to **dehydration** and electrolyte imbalances. *Addison's Disease* - This condition may cause **diarrhea** but typically results in **non-secretory diarrhea**, often associated with adrenal insufficiency symptoms. - Presenting features include **fatigue**, **weight loss**, and **hyperpigmentation**, not primarily secretory processes. *Phenolphthalein* - A laxative that can induce **secretory diarrhea** through its stimulant effects on the bowel. - Its mechanism leads to increased fluid secretion in the intestines, thus contributing to secretory diarrhea.
Question 68: What is the daily temperature variation in remittent fever?
- A. < 0.5 °C
- B. > 1.0 °C (Correct Answer)
- C. < 1.0 °C
- D. > 2.0 °C
Explanation: ***> 1.0 °C*** - In **remittent fever**, the temperature fluctuates by **more than 1.0 °C** (or 2°F) over a 24-hour period. [1] - Despite the significant variation, the temperature **never returns to normal** during the day. [1] *< 0.5 °C* - A variation of less than 0.5 °C (or 1°F) is more characteristic of a **sustained or continuous fever**, where the temperature remains elevated with minimal fluctuation. [1] - This pattern is seen in conditions like **typhoid fever** or **pneumonia**. *< 1.0 °C* - While reflecting some fluctuation, a variation of less than 1.0 °C is not sufficient to classify a fever as remittent. - Remittent fever specifically requires a **larger daily swing** in temperature. *> 2.0 °C* - While a variation greater than 2.0 °C would certainly fall under the definition of remittent fever (as it's > 1.0 °C), the defining lower limit for remittent fever is typically **> 1.0 °C (or 2°F)**. - A larger fluctuation might occur, but > 1.0 °C is the minimum threshold.
Question 69: Investigation of choice in pheochromocytoma is:
- A. CT scan
- B. Urinary catecholamines (Correct Answer)
- C. MIBG scan
- D. MRI Scan
Explanation: ***Urinary catecholamines*** - Measurement of **24-hour urinary fractionated metanephrines and catecholamines** is the initial **biochemical test of choice**. - These biochemical tests are preferred over plasma levels due to the **episodic release** of hormones from a pheochromocytoma, which can lead to high false-negative rates in single plasma measurements. *CT scan* - While a **CT scan** is a crucial **imaging modality** for localizing a pheochromocytoma once the biochemical diagnosis is established [1], it is not the *initial* diagnostic investigation. - Imaging should be performed only after **biochemical confirmation** to avoid unnecessary investigations of incidental adrenal masses [1]. *MIBG scan* - An **MIBG scan** (metaiodobenzylguanidine scan) is a **functional imaging study** used primarily for **localizing metastatic pheochromocytomas** [1] or for cases where CT/MRI is equivocal. - It is not the initial investigation but rather a **secondary imaging test** [1]. *MRI Scan* - **MRI** is an alternative **imaging modality** to CT for localizing pheochromocytomas [1], especially in pregnant women or when radiation exposure is a concern. - Like CT, it serves as a **localization tool** after biochemical confirmation, not the diagnostic test itself.
Question 70: Which of the following is a characteristic of Yellow-nail syndrome?
- A. Knee joint effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails
- B. Pericardial effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails
- C. Pleural effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails (Correct Answer)
- D. Peritoneal effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails
Explanation: ***Pleural effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails*** - Yellow-nail syndrome is characterized by the triad of **yellow, thickened, slow-growing nails**, **lymphedema**, and **pleural effusions**. - **Pleural effusions** are the most common respiratory manifestation, often chronic and recurrent. *Knee joint effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails* - While **lymphedema** is a feature of Yellow-nail syndrome, **knee joint effusion** is not a primary or defining characteristic of the syndrome. - Joint effusions can occur in various conditions, but Yellow-nail syndrome is specifically associated with serous effusions in cavities like the pleura. *Pericardial effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails* - **Pericardial effusion** is a rare manifestation of Yellow-nail syndrome, not a defining characteristic. - The classic triad includes **pleural effusions**, not pericardial. *Per peritoneal effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails* - **Peritoneal effusion** (ascites) is another rare manifestation of Yellow-nail syndrome, not typically included in its core diagnostic criteria. - The syndrome is predominantly associated with effusions in the **pleural space**.