PPQ Flashcards
- A 2y/o has episodes of falling to the ground whilst tightening and stiffening his hands, accompanied by screaming and sweating. During the episodes the child is inconsolable but between episodes the child is well with normal development. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Hyperactivity
b. Reflex anoxic seizure
c. Temper tantrum
d. Tonic-clonic seizure
e. Vasovagal syncope
c. Temper tantrum
Temper tantrums are common in young children and can involve intense emotional and physical reactions, including screaming, stiffening, and sweating. The child being inconsolable during the episodes but appearing well and developing normally between episodes supports this diagnosis.
- 5 y/o boy brought to GP with vague abdo pain. He has been having several loose bowel motions per day with occasional soiling of his underwear. His parents recall him passing a hard blood-streaked stool 5 days ago. Which is the most appropriate investigation?
a. Colonoscopy with biopsies
b. No investigations at this stage
c. Stool microscopy, culture, and sensitivity
d. Tissue transglutaminase antibody titres
e. Urgent abdominal x-ray
b. No investigations at this stage
Initial management often includes dietary advice, hydration, and possibly the use of laxatives. If symptoms persist or worsen, further investigations may then be warranted.
- Boy born at 40 weeks with male phenotype, but neither testicle can be palpated on examination. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Androgen insensitivity syndrome
b. Excess in utero oestrogen exposure
c. Klinefelter’s syndrome
d. Physiological delay in descent
e. Retractile testes
d. Physiological delay in descent
In newborn boys, it is common for the testes to not be fully descended at birth. While most boys have descended testes by the time they are born, a physiological delay in descent can occur, and the testes often descend within the first few months of life. This is a more likely and common scenario compared to other conditions listed.
NOTE: Androgen insensitivity syndrome typically presents with a phenotypically female appearance despite having a 46,XY karyotype.
- 22 m/o child had cough and coryza for 2 days, and is now struggling with breathing. She has subcostal and intercostal recessions and widespread wheeze. Her temperature is 37.3, HR 125, RR 45, O2 sats 98% on room air. What is the most appropriate next step in her management?
a. 0.5L/min supplemental oxygen
b. 2 puffs beclomethasone inhaler
c. 10 puffs salbutamol inhaler
d. Intravenous aminophylline
e. Oral prednisolone
c. 10 puffs salbutamol inhaler
Given the clinical presentation of respiratory distress with wheezing, this likely represents an acute exacerbation of asthma or a similar reactive airway disease. Salbutamol (a bronchodilator) is the first-line treatment to relieve bronchospasm and improve breathing in such cases.
- 3 month old boy has 2 days of fever and crying accompanied by reduced feeding and fewer wet nappies. Temperature 38.0, HR 170, RR 38, O2 sats 97% on room air. He has reduced movement in his right leg, chest is clear, urinanalysis is normal and anterior fontanelle is slightly sunken. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Developmental dysplasia of the hip
b. Non-accidental injury
c. Osteomyelitis
d. Reactive arthritis
e. Sickle cell crisis
c. Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, is consistent with the symptoms of fever, reduced movement in the affected limb, and systemic signs of infection such as irritability and decreased feeding. The sunken fontanelle indicates dehydration, likely secondary to the fever and reduced intake. Normal urinalysis helps rule out a urinary tract infection.
- 3 m/o boy presents in acute respiratory failure and is diagnosed with Pneumocystis pneumonia. His parents are first cousins from Pakistan. What is the most likely underlying cause?
a. Agammaglobulinaemia
b. Chronic granulomatous disease
c. Cystic fibrosis
d. HIV infection
e. Severe combined immunodeficiency
e. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a rare but serious infection that typically occurs in individuals with significant immune deficiencies. The following points support SCID as the most likely underlying cause:
- 6 y/o boy’s parents have noticed long-standing hearing difficulties and take him to GP. Teachers have commented on poor school performance and behaviour. Speech is normal and there is no otalgia. The ear canals are narrow with non-occluding wax. Which is the most appropriate next step in his management?
a. Aural olive oil drops
b. Grommet insertion
c. Pure tone audiometry
d. Referral for hearing aids
e. Review in 3 months
c. Pure tone audiometry
Pure tone audiometry is a key diagnostic test to assess the extent and nature of hearing loss. This objective assessment will help determine the severity of the hearing impairment and guide further management. Here’s why this is the best next step:
- 3 week old baby referred for prolonged jaundice, dark wet nappies, and pale stools. There are no developmental concerns and he is currently breastfed. Birth weight was 3.45kg and he currently weighs 3.2kg, Temperature is 37.1, HR 140, RR 45, O2 sats 98% on room air. Investigations:
Hb 110 (normal)
WCC 6 (normal)
Platelets 430 (slightly high)
Bilirubin 175 (high)
Conjugated bilirubin 100 (high)
ALP 160 (normal)
ALT 35 (normal)
Albumin 25 (lower end of normal)
Sodium 137 (normal
Potassium 4 (normal)
What is the most appropriate next step in management?
a. Feeding advice
b. Inpatient ultrasound
c. I.V. antibiotics
d. Outpatient ultrasound
e. Phototherapy
b. Inpatient ultrasound
The presence of prolonged jaundice with elevated conjugated bilirubin, pale stools, and dark urine raises concern for a biliary obstruction or other hepatobiliary pathology, such as biliary atresia. An inpatient ultrasound can help in the early diagnosis and management of these conditions, which is crucial for improving outcomes. Early identification and treatment of biliary atresia, for example, are essential for the effectiveness of surgical interventions like the Kasai procedure.
- 5 y/o boy with 2 days of fever, runny nose, cough, and sore throat. He developed a rash over the past 24 hours, temperature 39.2, HR 105, RR 30, capillary refill <2 seconds and O2 sats are 98% on room air. There is cervical lymphadenopathy, a red tongue, cracked lips, and a fine erythematous macular rash all over his body. Which is the most effective treatment?
a. Aciclovir
b. Aspirin
c. Co-amoxiclav
d. Paracetamol
e. Phenoxymethylpenicillin
B. Aspirin
Given the presentation described, which strongly suggests Kawasaki disease, the most effective treatment would involve aspirin in addition to IVIG. Aspirin is used in Kawasaki disease to reduce inflammation and the risk of coronary artery complications.
- 18 m/o presents to GP with 1 day history of left ear pain. There is no discharge and mum reports normal number of wet nappies for that day. There is a bulging erythematous left tympanic membrane with no perforation. Temperature 38, HR 135, RR 33, O2 sats 98 on room air. What is the most appropriate management?
a. Offer simple analgesia and an immediate prescription of amoxicillin
b. Offer simple analgesia and ciprofloxacin ear drops
c. Offer simple analgesia and delayed prescription of amoxicillin
d. Offer simple analgesia and gentamicin ear drops
e. Offer simple analgesia and reassurance
E
Acute otitis media is generally a self-limiting condition that does not require an antibiotic prescription. There are however some exceptions listed below. Analgesia should be given to relieve otalgia. Parents should be advised to seek medical help if the symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3 days.
ABx if > 4 days, younger than 2 with bilateral otitis media, otitis media with perf
If an antibiotic is given, a 5-7 day course of amoxicillin is first-line. In patients with penicillin allergy, erythromycin or clarithromycin should be given.
- A 2 y/o in GP has worsening painful rash behind the knee for 5 days. He has eczema managed with E45 cream. Temperature 37.2, HR 130, RR 30, O2 sats 98%. What is the most appropriate management?
a. Immediate referral to Paediatric A&E
b. Give oral Aciclovir for 1 week
c. Give oral Flucloxacillin for 1 week
d. Give topical dermovate
e. Give topical fusidic acid
E. Give topical fusidic acid
The description of a worsening painful rash suggests a possible secondary bacterial infection, especially considering the child’s eczema, which can predispose to bacterial skin infections. Fusidic acid is an antibiotic commonly used topically for skin infections, including those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is often implicated in eczema-related skin infections.
- A 3 y/o boy in GP has left-sided neck lump on a background of 6 days of coryza, cough, and mild fever, but no systemic symptoms. Temperature 37.0, HR 105, capillary refill <1s, RR 26, O2 sats 99% on room air. ENT exam is normal and chest is clear. He has a single enlarged lymph node in the left posterior chain. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
a. Arrange urgent ENT referral
b. Arrange USS
c. Arrange urgent FBC
d. Prescribe Amoxicillin 250mg TDS for 7 days
e. Reassurance and watchful waiting
e. Reassurance and watchful waiting
In a child with a recent upper respiratory tract infection (coryza, cough, mild fever) and a single enlarged lymph node in the posterior cervical chain, especially without systemic symptoms or concerning findings on examination, a conservative approach with reassurance and watchful waiting is often appropriate.
The likely diagnosis in Reactive cervical lymphadenopathy
- 7 y/o boy in GP with bedwetting for 2 months having previously been dry at night since age 4. Abdo exam is normal. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?
a. Abdominal USS
b. Abdominal x-ray
c. Finger prick glucose test
d. Renal function
e. Urine dipstick
e. Urine dipstick
Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) in a previously dry child may have various causes, including urinary tract infections, diabetes, constipation, or emotional stress. However, the most common cause is primary nocturnal enuresis, which is more likely if the child has never been dry at night consistently.
- 35 y/o man presents to A&E agitated and requesting medication. He has mild tremor, cool and clammy skin, and goosebumps (piloerection). Ambulance staff found him in the street with an empty bottle of cider. Temperature 36.8, BP 140/100, HR 100. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Alcohol intoxication
b. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
c. Opiate intoxication
d. Opiate withdrawal syndrome
e. Tricyclic antidepressant intoxication
b. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome typically occurs in individuals with a history of heavy or prolonged alcohol use who suddenly reduce or cease their alcohol intake. Common symptoms include agitation, tremors, autonomic hyperactivity (such as cool and clammy skin, piloerection), and in severe cases, hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens.
Given the presentation of agitation and physical signs such as tremor and autonomic hyperactivity, along with the history of alcohol consumption, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is the most likely diagnosis in this case.
- 20 y/o medical student attends A&E on the eve of an exam with difficulty breathing, palpitations, and chest tightness. She says she feels close to collapse, and feels like she is going to die. This has happened before and she was prescribed Propranolol but this is no longer effective, and she has routinely declined psychological interventions. Routine blood tests, ECG, and CXR are all normal. What is the most appropriate next step in her management?
a. Diazepam
b. Fluoxetine
c. Mirtazapine
d. Risperidone
e. Venlafaxine
B. Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant commonly used in the treatment of panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. It is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks and can provide long-term relief when taken regularly.
- 30 y/o white woman is on routine anti-psychotic medication for schizophrenia and has the following blood result:
Hb 140 (normal)
WCC (low)
Platelets 200 (normal)
Neutrophils 1.2 (low)
Lymphocytes 1.3 (normal)
Total cholesterol 5.3 (high)
Total cholesterol: HDL ratio 4.6 (high)
HbA1C 40 (normal)
What medication is she most likely taking?
a. Aripiprazole
b. Clozapine
c. Haloperidol
d. Quetiapine
e. Risperidone
B. Clozapine
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia, particularly in cases where other antipsychotic medications have been ineffective or poorly tolerated.
The blood results provided, specifically the low white cell count (WCC), low neutrophil count, and normal lymphocyte count, are consistent with potential hematological side effects of clozapine, such as agranulocytosis or neutropenia. Regular monitoring of blood counts is essential when using clozapine due to the risk of these adverse effects.
- 21 y/o woman admitted to psych ward for an acute episode. She has been prescribed Amisulpride for the past 3 weeks and is now worries she is pregnant because she has missed her period, however her pregnancy test is negative. Which blood test should be requested in addition to routine bloods?
a. Luteinising hormone
b. Progesterone
c. Prolactin
d. Thyroid stimulating hormone
e. Triglycerides
c. Prolactin
Amisulpride is an antipsychotic medication that can increase prolactin levels by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Elevated prolactin levels can lead to amenorrhea (missed periods) and galactorrhea (milk production from the breasts) in women.
Therefore, checking serum prolactin levels can help assess whether the missed period is due to elevated prolactin levels induced by Amisulpride. If prolactin levels are found to be elevated, this could explain the amenorrhea, and appropriate management or adjustment of medication can be considered.
- 15 y/o girl has 12 months of irritable mood, lack of pleasure, poor sleep, poor concentration, and low appetite. She is struggling to concentrate at school and is getting into trouble for low marks. What is the most appropriate first-line treatment?
a. Cognitive analytic therapy
b. Cognitive behavioural therapy
c. Family therapy
d. Fluoxetine
e. Sertraline
d. Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant commonly used in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents. It is one of the first-line pharmacological treatments for depression in this age group, as recommended by clinical guidelines.
- 19 y/o man with 1 day of fever, muscle stiffness, palpitations, and difficulty breathing. He has a history of psychotic depression for which he has been taking Fluoxetine for 6 weeks and Risperidone for 1 week. He is agitated with temperature of 39.8, HR 114, BP 172/89, and RR 30. Chest examination is otherwise clear, and neuro exam is normal except for globally increased tone. Which investigation would be most useful diagnostically?
a. CT head
b. ECG
c. EEG
d. Lumbar puncture
e. Serum creatine kinase
e. Serum creatine kinase (CK)
The presentation is suggestive of a potential serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonin activity in the central nervous system. Serotonin syndrome can occur as a result of the interaction between serotonergic medications such as Fluoxetine and Risperidone, leading to symptoms such as fever, muscle rigidity, agitation, and autonomic instability.
Serum CK levels can be elevated in serotonin syndrome due to the muscular hyperactivity and breakdown associated with the condition. Elevated CK levels can help support the diagnosis of serotonin syndrome and differentiate it from other conditions presenting with similar symptoms.
- 23 y/o man admitted for 3rd person auditory hallucinations, irritability, and beliefs that his neighbours are watching him. This is the first time he has experienced these symptoms and they have lasted for 3 weeks. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Acute and transient psychotic disorder
b. Adjustment disorder
c. Paranoid personality disorder
d. Schizoaffective disorder
e. Schizophrenia
a. Acute and transient psychotic disorder
Acute and transient psychotic disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, lasting for at least a day but less than a month. This diagnosis is appropriate when the symptoms do not meet the criteria for other psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Given the brief duration of symptoms (less than a month) and the absence of a clear history of recurrent psychotic episodes or chronicity, acute and transient psychotic disorder is the most likely diagnosis in this case.
- 15 y/o girl in A&E after fainting at school. BMI is 16, she has been restricting calorie intake for 1 year, she exercises every day and feels she is overweight. Which additional feature would be needed for a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?
a. Bradycardia
b. Fear of gaining weight
c. Laxative abuse
d. Muscle weakness
e. Thinning of hair on head
b. Fear of gaining weight
An essential diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa is a persistent fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite being underweight. This fear may manifest in various behaviors, including restrictive eating, excessive exercise, and avoidance of calorie-dense foods.
- 45 y/o man presents with worsening tremor for a few weeks. Has a history of schizophrenia in remission for which he is taking Haloperidol. There is bilateral tremor and cog-wheel rigidity in upper limbs. What is the most appropriate treatment for his symptoms?
a. Co-beneldopa
b. Entacapone
c. Pramipexole
d. Procyclidine hydrochloride
e. Selegiline hydrochloride
d. Procyclidine hydrochloride
The presentation of bilateral tremor and cog-wheel rigidity suggests parkinsonism, a movement disorder characterized by symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. Haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, can induce extrapyramidal symptoms such as parkinsonism as a side effect.
Procyclidine hydrochloride is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to alleviate extrapyramidal symptoms induced by antipsychotic medications like Haloperidol. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the central nervous system, which can help reduce tremor, rigidity, and other parkinsonian symptoms.
- 84 y/o man presents with gradual deterioration in memory for 3 years. He forgets details of conversations and to attend doctor’s appointments, though he can still manage his finances and cook and clean for himself. He regularly goes to the local shops and never gets lost. Which part of the brain is likely to be affected?
a. Cerebellum
b. Frontal lobe
c. Occipital lobe
d. Parietal lobe
e. Temporal lobe
e. Temporal lobe
The temporal lobes play a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval, particularly episodic memory, which involves the recollection of specific events and experiences. Damage or degeneration in the temporal lobes can lead to difficulties in forming new memories and retrieving past memories, resulting in symptoms such as forgetfulness and memory loss.
Given that the individual is experiencing memory problems but still retains functional abilities related to daily living (such as cooking, cleaning, managing finances, and navigating familiar environments), it suggests that the memory impairment is selective and not globally disabling. This pattern of impairment is often seen in conditions affecting the temporal lobes, such as Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of age-related memory decline and dementia.
- A 25 y/o man has tried Olanzapine and Haloperidol but continues to experience symptoms of schizophrenia. What is the most appropriate next step in his management?
a. Aripirazole
b. Clonazepam
c. Clozapine
d. Lithium
e. Quetiapine
Clozapine
Clozapine is considered the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It has been shown to be effective in patients who have not responded to other antipsychotic medications. However, it is typically reserved as a second-line or third-line option due to its potential for serious side effects, including agranulocytosis (a significant reduction in white blood cell count), which requires regular monitoring.