Question Easy:
A 25-year-old woman presents to the GP with fatigue and pallor. Her blood tests reveal low haemoglobin, low mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and low ferritin. What is the most likely condition? 🤔
A) Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
B) Iron deficiency anemia
C) Sickle cell anemia
D) Thalassemia
E) Anemia of chronic disease
Question Medium:
A 68-year-old man has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. He presents with pain in his right calf when walking, which is relieved by rest. What is the most appropriate initial investigation to confirm the diagnosis?
A) Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
B) Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
C) Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI)
D) Venous Doppler ultrasound
E) Echocardiogram
Question Hard:
A 58-year-old patient is admitted with acute shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. A CT pulmonary angiogram confirms a pulmonary embolism. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?
A) Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
B) Warfarin
C) Rivaroxaban
D) Thrombolysis
E) Aspirin
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B) Iron deficiency anemia
Question Easy Explanation: The presentation of fatigue, pallor, low haemoglobin, low MCV, and low ferritin is classic for iron deficiency anemia. In the UK, this is the most common form of anemia and is typically managed with dietary advice and oral iron replacement, in line with NICE guidelines. 🌾
Question Medium Answer: C) Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI)
Question Medium Explanation: The symptoms described suggest intermittent claudication, a common presentation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective initial test to confirm PAD by comparing the blood pressure in the ankle with that in the arm. 🚶♂️
Question Hard Answer: D) Thrombolysis
Question Hard Explanation: In the case of a massive PE with haemodynamic instability, thrombolysis is recommended to quickly dissolve the clot, in accordance with NICE and NHS guidelines. It’s crucial in life-threatening scenarios where rapid action is needed to resolve the embolism and stabilize the patient. 💉
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a vital diagnostic tool for detecting peripheral arterial disease and is routinely used in UK clinical practice to assess the severity of disease and need for further intervention?
Quote of the day: “Every heartbeat is a chance for kindness; in healthcare, every beat counts.” ❤️