NEET-PG 2015 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is NOT part of the classic triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Headache. ***Headache*** - Headache is **not a typical symptom** of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and is generally absent, differentiating NPH from other forms of hydrocephalus. - While headaches can occur in other brain conditions, they are **not part of the classic diagnostic triad** for NPH. *Dementia* - **Cognitive impairment**, often manifesting as **subcortical dementia** with executive dysfunction and memory problems, is a core feature of NPH [1]. - This symptom typically progresses and can be a significant cause of disability in affected individuals. *Gait disturbance* - An **ataxic gait** or "magnetic gait" (difficulty lifting feet off the floor) is often the **earliest and most prominent symptom** in NPH. - It significantly impacts mobility and balance, contributing to falls. *Urinary incontinence* - **Urinary urgency and incontinence**, often appearing later than gait disturbance but earlier than dementia, is the third component of the classic triad [1]. - This symptom results from the pressure effects on the **sacral micturition centers** [1].

Q: Which of the following metal ions is associated with secondary Parkinsonisms?

Manganese (Mn). ***Manganese (Mn)*** - Chronic exposure to high levels of **manganese** can lead to **manganism**, a neurological disorder characterized by **Parkinsonian-like symptoms**, including bradykinesia, rigidity, and gait disturbances [1]. - This is due to manganese accumulation in the **basal ganglia**, particularly the **globus pallidus**, affecting dopaminergic pathways. *Magnesium (Mg)* - **Magnesium** is an essential mineral vital for numerous bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function. - While imbalances can cause neurological issues (e.g., tremors with hypomagnesemia), it is not directly associated with **secondary parkinsonism**. *Selenium (Se)* - **Selenium** is a trace element with antioxidant properties, important for thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function. - Both deficiency and toxicity can cause various health problems, but it is not known to cause **secondary parkinsonism**. *Molybdenum (Mo)* - **Molybdenum** is an essential trace element that functions as a cofactor for several enzymes. - No known association exists between molybdenum exposure, deficiency, or toxicity and the development of **secondary parkinsonism**.

Q: Which of the following is NOT typically associated with Kallmann's syndrome?

Excess stimulation of the HPO axis. ***Excess stimulation of the HPO axis*** - Kallmann's syndrome is characterized by **hypogonadotropic hypogonadism**, meaning there is a deficiency in the secretion of **gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)** [1] from the hypothalamus. - This deficiency leads to *reduced* stimulation of the **hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO)** axis, not excess stimulation. *Amenorrhea* - **Amenorrhea** (absence of menstruation) is a common presentation in females with Kallmann's syndrome due to the **hypogonadotropic hypogonadism**. - The lack of GnRH results in insufficient **follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)** and **luteinizing hormone (LH)**, preventing ovarian function and regular menstrual cycles. *Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism* - This is a **defining feature** of Kallmann's syndrome, where the **hypothalamus fails to produce enough GnRH**, leading to low levels of FSH and LH from the pituitary. - The low gonadotropin levels subsequently cause the gonads (testes or ovaries) to produce insufficient sex hormones, resulting in **delayed or absent puberty** [1]. *Anosmia* - **Anosmia** (the inability to smell) is a classic and diagnostic feature of Kallmann's syndrome, distinguishing it from other forms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. - It occurs because the **GnRH-producing neurons** originate in the olfactory placode and fail to migrate correctly into the hypothalamus during embryonic development, disrupting both smell and GnRH secretion.

Q: Most common precipitant of Raynaud's phenomenon is

Exposure to cold. ***Exposure to cold*** - **Exposure to cold temperatures**, even mild cold, is the most frequent and characteristic trigger for **vasoconstriction** in Raynaud's phenomenon. - This leads to the classic **triphasic color changes** (white, blue, red) in the digits due to restricted blood flow. *Exposure to heat* - **Exposure to heat** generally causes **vasodilation**, which would alleviate rather than precipitate the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. - While sudden temperature changes can sometimes be a factor, direct heat exposure is not a primary recognized trigger. *Psychosocial triggers* - **Emotional stress** and anxiety can indeed precipitate Raynaud's episodes in some individuals, as the **sympathetic nervous system** plays a role in vasoconstriction. - However, **cold exposure** remains the most common and potent precipitating factor across the majority of cases. *Exertion* - **Physical exertion** typically leads to **vasodilation** in working muscles and increased blood flow to the skin for heat dissipation. - It is not a common or direct precipitant of the localized vasoconstrictive attacks seen in Raynaud's phenomenon.

Q: What is the first symptom of Parkinson's disease?

Tremors. ***Tremors*** - A resting **tremor**, often starting unilaterally in a hand or foot, is frequently the **initial motor symptom** of Parkinson's disease [1]. - This tremor is typically **slow**, rhythmic, and may involve a "pill-rolling" motion of the fingers [1]. *Postural instability* - **Postural instability** tends to be a later symptom, emerging as the disease progresses and affecting balance and gait [2]. - It is not usually the **presenting complaint** in the early stages of Parkinson's disease [2]. *Rigidity* - **Rigidity**, characterized by increased muscle tone and resistance to passive movement, often develops after tremors or bradykinesia [1]. - It can manifest as **cogwheel** or **lead-pipe rigidity** and contributes to the stooped posture and reduced arm swing observed in Parkinson's patients [1]. *Bradykinesia* - **Bradykinesia** (slowness of movement) is a core motor symptom, often described as difficulty initiating or continuing movements [1]. - While present early, **tremors** are often the first symptom noticed by the patient or their family, making bradykinesia a close second in sequence [1].

Q: Which of the following statements about drug-induced SLE is NOT true?

Anti-histone antibodies are negative. ***Anti-histone antibodies are negative*** - **Anti-histone antibodies** are actually positive in approximately **95% of drug-induced SLE** cases, making this statement false. - The presence of **anti-histone antibodies** is a hallmark diagnostic feature that helps distinguish drug-induced lupus from other forms of lupus. *CNS involvement not common* - **Central nervous system manifestations** are indeed rare in drug-induced lupus, unlike idiopathic SLE. - This accurately reflects a key differentiating feature, as **neuropsychiatric symptoms** are uncommon in drug-induced variants. *Female:Male = 1:1* - Drug-induced SLE shows **equal gender distribution** (1:1 ratio), contrasting with idiopathic SLE's female predominance. - This lack of **gender predilection** is a characteristic feature that distinguishes it from systemic lupus erythematosus. *Renal involvement not common* - **Renal manifestations** are rare in drug-induced lupus erythematosus, making this statement accurate. - This absence of **lupus nephritis** helps differentiate it from idiopathic SLE, where kidney involvement is frequent and severe.

Q: A 23-year old woman has experienced episodes of myalgias, pleural effusion, pericarditis and arthralgias without joint deformity over course of several years. The best laboratory screening test to diagnose her disease would be -

Antinuclear antibody. ***Antinuclear antibody*** - The constellation of **myalgias**, **pleural effusion**, **pericarditis**, and **arthralgias without joint deformity** is highly suggestive of **systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)**. - **Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)** are present in over 95% of patients with SLE and are the primary screening test for this condition [1]. *CD4/CD8 lymphocyte count* - This count is more relevant for monitoring **immunodeficiency** conditions like **HIV infection**, where it helps assess immune status. - While lymphocytes can be affected in autoimmune diseases, a CD4/CD8 count is not a primary screening test for SLE. *Erythrocyte sedimentation rate* - An **elevated ESR** indicates general inflammation and is a **non-specific marker** [2]. - While it is often elevated in SLE, it doesn't confirm the diagnosis and can be high in numerous other inflammatory conditions [1]. *Assay for thyroid hormones* - An assay for thyroid hormones is used to diagnose **thyroid disorders** like **hypothyroidism** or **hyperthyroidism**. - There is no direct link between thyroid hormone levels and the symptoms described in the patient.

Q: Most common acute complication of dialysis is

Hypotension. ***Hypotension*** - **Intradialytic hypotension** is the most common acute complication, occurring in 15-30% of dialysis sessions. - It is often caused by rapid removal of fluid (ultrafiltration), leading to a significant drop in blood pressure [1]. *Bleeding* - While bleeding can occur due to **anticoagulation** used during dialysis or as a complication of vascular access, it is less common than hypotension. - It is not considered the most frequent acute complication of the dialysis procedure itself. *Dementia* - **Dementia** is a chronic neurological condition that is not an acute complication directly attributable to a single dialysis session. - It can be a long-term comorbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but not an immediate side effect. *Muscle cramps* - **Muscle cramps** are a relatively common acute complication during or immediately after dialysis, affecting about 5-20% of patients. - However, their frequency is generally lower than that of intradialytic hypotension [1].

Q: Which of the following is the most common type of multiple sclerosis?

Relapsing remitting type. ***Relapsing remitting type*** - **Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)** is characterized by clearly defined attacks of worsening neurological function (relapses) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions). - Approximately **85%** of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS, making it the most common form [1]. *Progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis* - This is a rare form of MS characterized by a **steady neurological decline** from the onset, with superimposed acute relapses. - Unlike RRMS, there are **no periods of remission** in PRMS. *Primary progressive multiple sclerosis* - **Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)** is characterized by slowly worsening neurological function from the onset, without early relapses or remissions [1]. - It accounts for roughly **15%** of all MS cases, making it less common than RRMS [1]. *Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis* - **Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)** typically develops in individuals who initially had RRMS, where the disease begins to progress steadily, with or without occasional relapses. - It is a **later stage** of MS and not the most common initial presentation.

Q: A patient presents with difficulty with swallowing liquids but not solids. The best investigation to make a diagnosis is

Manometry. ***Manometry*** - **Esophageal manometry** measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions in the esophagus, which is crucial for diagnosing motility disorders like **achalasia** [1] or **esophageal spasm** [2] that can cause difficulty swallowing liquids. - The symptom of difficulty swallowing liquids but not solids (**paradoxical dysphagia**) is characteristic of a primary esophageal motility disorder rather than a structural obstruction [1]. *Endoscopy* - **Endoscopy** is primarily used to visualize the esophagus and stomach for structural abnormalities such as **strictures**, **tumors**, or **inflammation** [1]. - While it can rule out structural causes, it is less effective for diagnosing purely functional or motility disorders [1]. *Endoscopic ultrasound* - **Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)** provides detailed imaging of the esophageal wall and surrounding structures, helping to stage cancers or identify extrinsic compression. - It is not the primary investigation for assessing **esophageal motility**. *PET CT* - **PET CT** is primarily used in oncology for **cancer staging**, recurrence detection, and assessing metabolic activity of lesions. - It has limited utility in the initial diagnosis of a **swallowing disorder**, especially one indicating a motility issue.

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT part of the classic triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Headache

Answer

Dementia

Answer

Gait disturbance

Answer

Urinary incontinence

Question 2

Which of the following metal ions is associated with secondary Parkinsonisms?

Accepted Answer

Manganese (Mn)

Answer

Magnesium (Mg)

Answer

Selenium (Se)

Answer

Molybdenum (Mo)

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT typically associated with Kallmann's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Excess stimulation of the HPO axis

Answer

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Answer

Anosmia

Answer

Amenorrhea

Question 4

Most common precipitant of Raynaud's phenomenon is

Accepted Answer

Exposure to cold

Answer

Exposure to heat

Answer

Psychosocial triggers

Answer

Exertion

Question 5

What is the first symptom of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Tremors

Answer

Rigidity

Answer

Postural instability

Answer

Bradykinesia

Question 6

Which of the following statements about drug-induced SLE is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Anti-histone antibodies are negative

Answer

CNS involvement not common

Answer

Female:Male = 1:1

Answer

Renal involvement not common

Question 7

A 23-year old woman has experienced episodes of myalgias, pleural effusion, pericarditis and arthralgias without joint deformity over course of several years. The best laboratory screening test to diagnose her disease would be -

Accepted Answer

Antinuclear antibody

Answer

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Answer

Assay for thyroid hormones

Answer

CD4/CD8 lymphocyte count

Question 8

Most common acute complication of dialysis is

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Bleeding

Answer

Dementia

Answer

Muscle cramps

Question 9

Which of the following is the most common type of multiple sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Relapsing remitting type

Answer

Progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis

Answer

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis

Answer

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Question 10

A patient presents with difficulty with swallowing liquids but not solids. The best investigation to make a diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Manometry

Answer

Endoscopy

Answer

Endoscopic ultrasound

Answer

PET CT

NEET-PG 2015 — Internal Medicine