NEET-PG 2013 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Pseudomembranous colitis, all are true except:

Blood in stools is a common feature. ***Blood in stools is a common feature*** - While diarrhea is a hallmark of **pseudomembranous colitis**, **bloody stools** are uncommon and, if present, suggest severe disease or an alternative diagnosis [1]. - The typical presentation involves **watery diarrhea**, abdominal cramps, and fever, not usually overt bleeding [1]. *Toxin A is responsible for clinical manifestation* - **Toxin A (TcdA)** is one of the primary exotoxins produced by *Clostridioides difficile* and contributes significantly to the **inflammation** and fluid secretion seen in pseudomembranous colitis. - It acts as an **enterotoxin**, causing fluid secretion and mucosal damage in the colon [1]. *Summit lesions are early histopathological findings* - **Summit lesions**, also known as "summit pseudomembranes" or **"volcano lesions"**, refer to characteristic histological findings where inflammatory exudates effuse from the tips of damaged crypts. - These are typical early findings in pseudomembranous colitis, demonstrating the focal nature of the **mucosal injury**. *Toxin B is responsible for clinical manifestation* - **Toxin B (TcdB)** is another key exotoxin produced by *Clostridioides difficile*, and it is considered even more **cytotoxic** than Toxin A [1]. - It causes significant **cell damage** and **apoptosis**, playing a crucial role in the development of the pseudomembranes and clinical symptoms [1].

Q: If a claw hand develops in a patient with Leprosy, what is the classification of the deformity?

Grade II. A **claw hand** deformity, characterized by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of the interphalangeal joints, indicates a significant and **visible disability** but the affected part is still functional to a limited degree. In the context of leprosy, this observable and permanent deformity falls under **Grade II** on the WHO disability grading scale, signifying a clear and established disability. This grade indicates **no disability** or deformity related to leprosy. A patient with a claw hand has an obvious physical deformity and functional impairment, thus not fitting this classification. This grade refers to a **detectable impairment** but **no visible deformity**. A claw hand is a clearly visible deformity, making Grade I an inappropriate classification. While Grades are typically 0, I, and II in the WHO disability grading for leprosy, some classifications might refer to severe, non-functional deformities as higher grades. However, Grade II adequately captures **visible and significant deformities** like a claw hand, and a Grade III is not a standard or commonly used classification for a claw hand in leprosy in the WHO system.

Q: Which of the following conditions is least commonly associated with Pneumocystis carinii in AIDS?

Otic polypoid mass. ***Otic polypoid mass*** - While *Pneumocystis jirovecii* (formerly *carinii*) can cause **extrapulmonary disease** in immunocompromised patients, an **otic polypoid mass** is an extremely rare and atypical presentation. - Extrapulmonary manifestations usually involve organs with rich vascular supply, but ear involvement in this form is not a characteristic feature. *Pneumonia* - **Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)** is the **most common opportunistic infection** and AIDS-defining illness caused by *Pneumocystis jirovecii* in individuals with AIDS [1]. - It typically manifests as **fever, cough, and dyspnea** with characteristic imaging findings [1]. *Ophthalmic choroid lesion* - **Choroid lesions** due to *Pneumocystis jirovecii* are a recognized, albeit less common, **extrapulmonary manifestation** in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with AIDS. - These lesions are usually **asymptomatic** and discovered incidentally on funduscopic examination. *Meningitis* - Although *Pneumocystis jirovecii* causing **meningitis** is rare, it has been reported in severely immunocompromised individuals with AIDS, often as part of disseminated disease. - Central nervous system involvement signifies **widespread dissemination** and advanced immunosuppression.

Q: Site for injection of cell culture rabies vaccine-

Deltoid. Deltoid - The **deltoid muscle** is the recommended site for intramuscular injection of cell culture rabies vaccine due to its size and accessibility [1]. - Intramuscular administration in this area ensures optimal vaccine absorption and immunogenicity [1]. Gluteus - The **gluteus muscle** is not the preferred site for rabies vaccine due to the risk of injecting into fat, which can lead to reduced immune response [1]. - Additionally, there is a higher risk of **sciatic nerve injury** with gluteal injections. Subcutaneous - **Subcutaneous administration** is not the standard route for cell culture rabies vaccines as it can lead to slower absorption and potentially a less robust immune response. - This route is typically reserved for specific vaccine types or in situations where intramuscular injection is contraindicated. Anterior abdominal wall - The **anterior abdominal wall** is an unsuitable site for intramuscular injection of rabies vaccine. - This area is primarily used for **subcutaneous injections** (e.g., insulin) and lacks sufficient muscle mass for effective intramuscular vaccine delivery.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of systemic sclerosis?

Gottron's papules. ***Gottron's papules*** - **Gottron's papules** are pathognomonic for **dermatomyositis**, not systemic sclerosis. They are red, scaling papules found over the extensor surfaces of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints. - While both systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis are connective tissue diseases, their distinct cutaneous manifestations aid in differentiation. *Acroosteolysis* - **Acroosteolysis** refers to the resorption of the distal phalanges, a common feature in systemic sclerosis, particularly in severe cases. - This symptom contributes to the characteristic digital abnormalities seen in the disease. *Calcinosis cutis* - **Calcinosis cutis** is the deposition of calcium in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, often seen in subsets of systemic sclerosis, especially the CREST syndrome. - It can manifest as firm, white-yellow nodules or plaques and contribute to skin breakdown. *Digital ulcers* - **Digital ulcers** are a frequent and debilitating complication of systemic sclerosis, resulting from severe **vasculopathy** [1] and **ischemia** [1]. - They are often painful and can lead to significant tissue loss and infection.

Q: Subclavian steal syndrome is

Reversal of blood flow in the ipsilateral vertebral artery. ***Reversal of blood flow in the ipsilateral vertebral artery*** - Subclavian steal syndrome occurs due to a **proximal stenosis** or **occlusion of the subclavian artery**. - This causes blood to be "stolen" from the **ipsilateral vertebral artery**, flowing retrograde to supply the arm and thereby reducing blood flow to the brainstem. *Reversal of blood flow in the contralateral carotid artery* - The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain directly and are typically not directly involved in thesteal phenomenon in this specific syndrome. - Reversal of flow in the carotid artery would indicate a much more severe and different pathology, not characteristic of subclavian steal. *Reversal of blood flow in the contralateral vertebral artery* - The steal phenomenon specifically involves the vertebral artery on the **same side (ipsilateral)** as the subclavian artery obstruction. - The contralateral vertebral artery would typically continue to supply blood to the brain without a reversed flow in this syndrome. *B/L reversal of blood flow in vertebral arteries* - Subclavian steal syndrome is generally a **unilateral phenomenon**, affecting the vertebral artery ipsilateral to the subclavian artery stenosis. - Bilateral reversal would imply bilateral subclavian artery obstruction or other severe cerebrovascular disease, which is not the definition of subclavian steal syndrome itself.

Q: What are the key characteristics of Evans syndrome?

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia. ***Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia*** - **Evans syndrome** is defined by the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of **autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)** and **immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)** [1], [2]. - Both conditions involve the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying **red blood cells** and **platelets**, respectively [1], [2]. *Low lymphocyte and red blood cell counts* - While **red blood cell counts** are low in Evans syndrome due to AIHA, **lymphocyte counts** are not a defining characteristic; they can vary. - This option does not fully capture the dual autoimmune destruction of red blood cells and platelets specific to Evans syndrome. *High platelet and lymphocyte counts* - **Platelet counts** are **low** in Evans syndrome due to ITP, not high. - **Lymphocyte counts** are not characteristically high; a high count might suggest other conditions like leukemias or lymphomas. *A reduction in all blood cell types* - A reduction in all (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) is known as **pancytopenia**, which is not the defining feature of Evans syndrome. - Evans syndrome specifically involves the destruction of **red blood cells** and **platelets**, but not necessarily all white blood cell types.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of Cushing's triad?

Hypotension. ***Hypotension*** - Cushing's triad is an indicator of **increased intracranial pressure (ICP)** and classically presents with **hypertension**, not hypotension. - Hypotension would suggest a different problem, such as **spinal shock** or **hypovolemia**, which are not directly associated with Cushing's triad. *Bradycardia* - **Bradycardia** is a key component of Cushing's triad, resulting from vagal stimulation due to increased intracranial pressure. - This reflex reduces heart rate in an attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion. *Hypertension* - **Hypertension**, specifically a widened pulse pressure, is a cardinal feature of Cushing's triad, caused by systemic vasoconstriction to overcome increased ICP and maintain **cerebral perfusion pressure**. - It is a compensatory mechanism to push blood into the brain. *Irregular breathing* - **Irregular breathing patterns**, such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration or ataxic breathing, are characteristic of Cushing's triad, indicating brainstem compression [1]. - This irregular respiratory effort is due to direct pressure on the **respiratory centers** in the medulla [1].

Q: Which of the following is a feature of tumor lysis syndrome?

Hypocalcemia (a decrease in blood calcium levels). ***Hypocalcemia (a decrease in blood calcium levels)*** - **Hypocalcemia** in tumor lysis syndrome results from the precipitation of calcium with excessive phosphate released from lysed tumor cells. - The elevated phosphate levels bind to calcium, forming **calcium phosphate crystals** that can deposit in tissues, further lowering serum calcium. *Metabolic alkalosis (a rise in blood pH)* - Tumor lysis syndrome typically leads to **metabolic acidosis**, not alkalosis, due to the release of acidic intracellular metabolites like uric acid and phosphate. - The accumulation of these acidic compounds overwhelms the body's buffering systems, decreasing blood pH. *Hypokalemia (a decrease in blood potassium levels)* - Tumor lysis syndrome is characterized by **hyperkalemia**, an increase in blood potassium, as potassium is a major intracellular cation released during cell lysis. - The rapid breakdown of numerous tumor cells dumps vast amounts of intracellular potassium into the bloodstream. *Hypophosphatemia (a decrease in blood phosphate levels)* - Tumor lysis syndrome causes **hyperphosphatemia**, an elevation in blood phosphate levels, because phosphate is abundantly present within tumor cells and is released upon their destruction. - This excessive release of intracellular phosphate is a hallmark biochemical feature of the syndrome.

Q: All are seen in Samters triad except?

Bacterial infection. ***Bacterial infection*** - **Samter's triad**, also known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), consists of **asthma**, **nasal polyps**, and **aspirin sensitivity** (or NSAID sensitivity) [1]. - **Bacterial infection** is not a component of Samter's triad, although patients with nasal polyps may be more prone to secondary bacterial sinusitis. *Asthma* - **Asthma** is one of the three main components of Samter's triad, typically becoming more symptomatic after aspirin ingestion [1]. - Patients experience **bronchoconstriction** and worsening respiratory symptoms. *Nasal polyp* - **Nasal polyps** are a characteristic feature of Samter's triad, often extensive and recurrent [1]. - They contribute to nasal obstruction and chronic rhinosinusitis. *Aspirin sensitivity* - **Aspirin sensitivity** (or NSAID sensitivity) is the third key component, where ingestion of aspirin or other NSAIDs triggers severe respiratory reactions [1]. - This sensitivity is due to an abnormal arachidonic acid metabolism pathway involving **leukotrienes**.

Question 1

Pseudomembranous colitis, all are true except:

Accepted Answer

Blood in stools is a common feature

Answer

Toxin A is responsible for clinical manifestation

Answer

Summit lesions are early histopathological findings

Answer

Toxin B is responsible for clinical manifestation

Question 2

If a claw hand develops in a patient with Leprosy, what is the classification of the deformity?

Accepted Answer

Grade II

Answer

Grade 0

Answer

Grade I

Answer

Grade III

Question 3

Which of the following conditions is least commonly associated with Pneumocystis carinii in AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Otic polypoid mass

Answer

Meningitis

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Ophthalmic choroid lesion

Question 4

Site for injection of cell culture rabies vaccine-

Accepted Answer

Deltoid

Answer

Gluteus

Answer

Subcutaneous

Answer

Anterior abdominal wall

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Gottron's papules

Answer

Calcinosis cutis

Answer

Digital ulcers

Answer

Acroosteolysis

Question 6

Subclavian steal syndrome is

Accepted Answer

Reversal of blood flow in the ipsilateral vertebral artery

Answer

Reversal of blood flow in the contralateral carotid artery

Answer

Reversal of blood flow in the contralateral vertebral artery

Answer

B/L reversal of blood flow in vertebral arteries

Question 7

What are the key characteristics of Evans syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia

Answer

Low lymphocyte and red blood cell counts

Answer

High platelet and lymphocyte counts

Answer

A reduction in all blood cell types

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Cushing's triad?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Irregular breathing

Question 9

Which of the following is a feature of tumor lysis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia (a decrease in blood calcium levels)

Answer

Metabolic alkalosis (a rise in blood pH)

Answer

Hypokalemia (a decrease in blood potassium levels)

Answer

Hypophosphatemia (a decrease in blood phosphate levels)

Question 10

All are seen in Samters triad except?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial infection

Answer

Nasal polyp

Answer

Aspirin sensitivity

Answer

Asthma

NEET-PG 2013 — Internal Medicine