Further Reading

Question 1

Suggest 5 local causes of pruritus

Answer 1

1. Urticaria
2. Scabies
3. Lichen Planus
4. Dermatitis herpetiformis
5. (Rarely) spinal cord tumours

Question 2

Pruritus that is exacerbated by a bath is characteristic of what condition?

Answer 2

Polycythaemia rubra vera

Question 3

Give an example of a hypnotic drug that can be given for a few days in patients suffering from severe insomnia

Answer 3

Zopiclone

Question 4

Name 2 conditions associated with subcutaneous nodules on physical examination

Answer 4

1. Rheumatoid

2. Neurofibroma

Question 5

Suggest 3 causes of hyperpigmentation

Answer 5

1. Addison’s
2. Haemochromotosis
3. Amiodarone

Question 6

Define a Stoke Adam’s attack

Answer 6

Transient arrhythmia e.g. bradycardia due to complete heart block leading to a reduction in CO and LOC

Question 7

What are the defining Hb levels for anaemia in men and non pregnant women respectively?

Answer 7

Men < 130g/L

Non pregnant women < 120g/L

Question 8

Give 2 clinical findings of iron deficiency

Answer 8

1. Koilonychia

2. Stomatitis

Question 9

Briefly outline the pathophysiology of Nelson’s syndrome

Answer 9

Increased ACTH secretion following removal of the adrenal glands in Cushing’s disease

Question 10

Name 2 cancers for which obesity is a recognised risk factor

Answer 10

1. Breast

2. Bowel

Question 11

Name 2 genetic conditions associated with obesity

Answer 11

1. Prader-Willi syndrome

2. Lawrence- Moon syndrome

Question 12

Suggest 3 causes of a midline thoracotomy scar in a cardiovascular physical examination

Answer 12

1. CABG
2. Valve replacement
3. Congenital heart disease

Question 13

What positive findings may you see on fundoscopy of a patient with infective endocarditis?

Answer 13

Roth spots - retinal infarcts