NEET-PG 2013 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: In Wilson's disease, copper deposition primarily occurs in which part of the brain?

Basal ganglia. ***Basal ganglia*** - The **basal ganglia**, particularly the **putamen** and **globus pallidus**, are the most common sites for copper deposition in the brain in Wilson's disease [1]. - This deposition leads to **neurological symptoms** such as dystonia [2], tremor, and dysarthria. *Pons* - While copper can accumulate in various brain regions, the **pons** is not a primary or characteristic site of significant copper deposition. - Neurological symptoms associated with pontine damage are not typical presenting features of Wilson's disease. *Cerebellum* - The **cerebellum** can show some copper accumulation in advanced stages, but it is not the primary site. - Cerebellar signs like **ataxia** can occur in Wilson's disease, but usually secondary to more widespread pathology rather than primary cerebellar copper deposition. *Medulla* - The **medulla oblongata** is generally spared from significant copper deposition in Wilson's disease. - Involvement of the medulla would typically manifest with severe autonomic or brainstem dysfunction, which is not a hallmark of early Wilson's disease.

Q: Genitourinary complication of ulcerative colitis

Urinary calculi. ***Urinary calculi*** - Patients with ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk of developing **urinary calculi** due to several factors, including chronic dehydration, malabsorption of fats leading to increased oxalate absorption (enteric hyperoxaluria), and altered urine composition. - The inflammatory process and potential for surgical interventions (e.g., colectomy with ileostomy) can further predispose individuals to kidney stone formation. *Cystitis* - While cystitis (bladder inflammation) can occur in the general population, it is not considered a specific or significantly elevated genitourinary complication directly linked to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis itself. - It results primarily from bacterial infection, and there is no direct evidence suggesting UC patients have a higher intrinsic risk compared to the general population. *Pyelonephritis* - Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is not a direct or common complication of ulcerative colitis. - It is typically caused by bacterial ascent from the lower urinary tract and is not specifically promoted by the inflammatory processes or metabolic changes associated with UC. *Urethritis* - Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) is primarily associated with sexually transmitted infections or irritation and is not a recognized genitourinary complication directly caused by ulcerative colitis. - There is no increased incidence of urethritis in UC patients compared to the general population.

Q: A diabetic patient presents with sensory involvement, tingling, numbness, ankle swelling, and absence of pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Charcot's joint. ***Charcot's joint*** - This condition is characterized by **neuropathic arthropathy**, resulting from nerve damage (often due to **diabetes**), leading to sensory involvement, **numbness**, and **absence of pain** [1]. - The loss of protective sensation and repeated microtrauma contribute to joint destruction, often manifesting as **swelling** and deformity, particularly in the feet and ankles [1]. *Gout* - Gout typically presents with sudden, severe episodes of **pain**, redness, and swelling in a single joint, most commonly the **big toe**. - It is caused by **uric acid crystal deposition** and is not primarily associated with sensory deficits or chronic painless swelling. *Rheumatoid arthritis* - This is a **chronic autoimmune** inflammatory disease primarily affecting the **small joints** of the hands and feet symmetrically, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. - It does not typically present with sensory neuropathy or painless joint destruction in the way described. *Ankylosing spondylitis* - This is a **chronic inflammatory disease** primarily affecting the **spine and sacroiliac joints**, causing progressive stiffness and pain that improves with activity. - It is not associated with peripheral joint neuropathy, numbness, or painless ankle swelling [1].

Q: Which of the following is a sign of Bartter's syndrome?

Low potassium levels. ***Low potassium levels*** * Bartter's syndrome is characterized by **renal salt wasting** and subsequent volume depletion, which activates the **renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system** [1]. * This leads to increased aldosterone levels, causing increased potassium secretion in the collecting ducts, resulting in **hypokalemia** [2]. *High potassium levels* * **Hyperkalemia** is not a feature of Bartter's syndrome; instead, it is marked by persistent potassium loss [1]. * Conditions causing hyperkalemia typically involve impaired renal potassium excretion or increased potassium release from cells. *Acidic blood* * Bartter's syndrome usually presents with **metabolic alkalosis** due to hydrogen ion loss in the urine, not acidic blood [2]. * Acidic blood (**acidemia**) would imply a state of respiratory or metabolic acidosis. *High sodium levels* * Bartter's syndrome primarily involves **renal salt wasting**, leading to **normal or low sodium levels** rather than high sodium levels. * High sodium levels (**hypernatremia**) are usually due to inadequate water intake or excessive water loss.

Q: Use of spironolactone in liver cirrhosis is

Decrease edema. ***Decrease edema*** - Spironolactone is an **aldosterone antagonist** that blocks the effects of aldosterone, which is often elevated in liver cirrhosis. - By antagonizing aldosterone, spironolactone promotes **sodium and water excretion**, directly leading to a reduction in **ascites and peripheral edema** [1]. *May improve liver function indirectly* - While spironolactone manages complications of liver cirrhosis, it does **not directly improve liver function** or reverse liver damage. - Its primary role is in **symptom management**, particularly fluid retention, not in healing the underlying liver disease. *May decrease afterload* - Spironolactone's primary action is on the **kidneys** to promote diuresis; it is **not a vasodilator** and therefore does not directly decrease cardiac afterload. - Any effect on systemic vascular resistance would be minimal and secondary to volume changes rather than a direct vasodilatory property. *May decrease intravascular volume* - Spironolactone **decreases total body sodium and water**, leading to a reduction in extravascular fluid (edema and ascites) [1]. - While it decreases the total amount of fluid in the body, its main effect is on **extravascular volume**, and it's chosen over loop diuretics in cirrhosis to prevent **excessive intravascular depletion** which can worsen renal function.

Q: Metabolic change in severe vomiting is

Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of gastric acid. **Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of gastric acid** - Severe vomiting leads to the loss of **hydrochloric acid (HCl)** from the stomach, causing an increase in plasma bicarbonate and subsequently **metabolic alkalosis** [1], [3]. - This condition is often accompanied by **hypokalemia** due to renal compensation and increased aldosterone activity [1]. *Respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation* - **Hyperventilation** causes a decrease in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), leading to **respiratory alkalosis** [2]. - While vomiting can sometimes cause mild hyperventilation due to discomfort, the primary metabolic derangement from severe vomiting is related to acid loss, not CO2 expulsion [4]. *Hyperkalemia due to renal dysfunction* - **Hyperkalemia** is an elevated potassium level, typically associated with **renal failure** or certain medications. - In severe vomiting, the loss of gastric fluid and subsequent fluid shifts tend to cause **hypokalemia** as the kidneys try to conserve hydrogen and excrete potassium [1]. *Metabolic acidosis due to renal failure* - **Metabolic acidosis** is characterized by a decrease in blood pH and bicarbonate, often caused by the accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate [3]. - **Renal failure** is a common cause of metabolic acidosis due to impaired acid excretion, which is not the primary issue in severe vomiting.

Q: Acute orchitis is characterized by all of the following except:

Decreased blood flow. ***Decreased blood flow*** - **Acute orchitis** is an inflammatory process that typically leads to increased blood flow (hyperemia) to the affected testis due to the inflammatory response. - Decreased blood flow would be more characteristic of conditions like **testicular torsion**, which is an emergent condition causing ischemia. *Increased local temperature* - **Inflammation** is characterized by the classic signs of rubor (redness) and calor (heat), leading to an **increased local temperature** in the affected area. - This is a common finding in acute orchitis due to the inflammatory response. *Erythematous scrotum* - The inflammatory process in orchitis causes **vasodilation** and increased vascular permeability, leading to redness and swelling of the overlying scrotal skin. - An **erythematous scrotum** is a typical clinical sign of acute orchitis. *Raised TLC* - **TLC (Total Leukocyte Count)** is often elevated in cases of acute infection or inflammation, such as orchitis. - A **raised TLC** indicates a systemic inflammatory response to the infection.

Q: Which of the following is not a recognized complication of chronic pancreatitis?

Renal artery thrombosis. ***Renal artery thrombosis*** - **Renal artery thrombosis** is generally associated with conditions like **atherosclerosis**, atrial fibrillation, or vasculitis, not directly with chronic pancreatitis. - While chronic pancreatitis can lead to systemic complications, direct renal arterial clotting is an atypical and **uncommon sequela**. *Pancreatic pseudocyst* - **Pancreatic pseudocysts** are common complications of chronic pancreatitis, occurring when fluid collections around the pancreas become walled off by fibrous tissue [1]. - They can cause pain, obstruction, and even rupture if left untreated [2]. *Splenic vein thrombosis* - **Splenic vein thrombosis** can result from inflammation and compression of the splenic vein by the diseased pancreatic tissue in chronic pancreatitis [1]. - This can lead to **splenomegaly** and **gastric varices** due to increased pressure in the portal system. *Pancreatic fistula* - A **pancreatic fistula** occurs when pancreatic fluid leaks from the gland, often forming a connection to another organ or the skin [2]. - This is a well-recognized complication of both acute and chronic pancreatitis, usually due to ductal disruption.

Q: Impotence is a feature of which of the following:

Multiple sclerosis. ***Multiple sclerosis*** - **Erectile dysfunction** (impotence) is a common symptom in men with multiple sclerosis, often resulting from **demyelination** in nerve pathways controlling sexual function [1], [2]. - MS can affect various neurological functions, leading to problems with **autonomic nervous system** control, sensation, and motor coordination, all of which can impact sexual health. *Poliomyelitis* - Poliomyelitis primarily affects the **anterior horn cells** of the spinal cord, leading to acute **flaccid paralysis** of muscles. - While it can cause muscle weakness and atrophy, it is not typically associated with chronic impotence or sexual dysfunction as a primary feature. *Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis* - ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting **motor neurons**, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity. - It primarily impacts voluntary muscle movement and does not directly cause impotence, although the physical limitations and psychological stress can indirectly affect sexual function. *Meningitis* - Meningitis is an inflammation of the **meninges** (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by infection. - Its symptoms include headache, fever, and neck stiffness, and while severe cases can lead to neurological complications, impotence is not a typical direct consequence.

Q: All of the following are features of Obstructive jaundice except:

Normal alkaline phosphatase. ***Normal alkaline phosphatase*** - In obstructive jaundice, alkaline phosphatase is typically **elevated** due to bile duct obstruction [2]. - A **normal level** suggests that the jaundice may not be of obstructive origin. *Pruritis* - Often seen in obstructive jaundice due to **bile salts** accumulating in the bloodstream, leading to itching. - It is a common symptom associated with **cholestasis**. *Mildly elevated serum aminotransferases level* - In obstructive jaundice, serum aminotransferases are usually elevated, though may be mildly in early cases [1]. - This reflects liver involvement, which is consistent with biliary obstruction [2]. *Clay colour stools* - Clay-colored stools arise from the absence of **bile** in the intestines, indicative of obstruction [3]. - This is a direct result of blockage in the bile duct system affecting stool pigmentation [3].

Question 1

In Wilson's disease, copper deposition primarily occurs in which part of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Basal ganglia

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Pons

Answer

Medulla

Question 2

Genitourinary complication of ulcerative colitis

Accepted Answer

Urinary calculi

Answer

Pyelonephritis

Answer

Urethritis

Answer

Cystitis

Question 3

A diabetic patient presents with sensory involvement, tingling, numbness, ankle swelling, and absence of pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Charcot's joint

Answer

Gout

Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer

Ankylosing spondylitis

Question 4

Which of the following is a sign of Bartter's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Low potassium levels

Answer

High potassium levels

Answer

Acidic blood

Answer

High sodium levels

Question 5

Use of spironolactone in liver cirrhosis is

Accepted Answer

Decrease edema

Answer

May improve liver function indirectly

Answer

May decrease afterload

Answer

May decrease intravascular volume

Question 6

Metabolic change in severe vomiting is

Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of gastric acid

Answer

Respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation

Answer

Hyperkalemia due to renal dysfunction

Answer

Metabolic acidosis due to renal failure

Question 7

Acute orchitis is characterized by all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood flow

Answer

Increased local temperature

Answer

Erythematous scrotum

Answer

Raised TLC

Question 8

Which of the following is not a recognized complication of chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Renal artery thrombosis

Answer

Pancreatic pseudocyst

Answer

Splenic vein thrombosis

Answer

Pancreatic fistula

Question 9

Impotence is a feature of which of the following:

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Poliomyelitis

Answer

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Answer

Meningitis

Question 10

All of the following are features of Obstructive jaundice except:

Accepted Answer

Normal alkaline phosphatase

Answer

Clay colour stools

Answer

Pruritis

Answer

Elevated serum aminotransferases level

NEET-PG 2013 — Internal Medicine