Question Easy:
A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time 🥶. On examination, her skin is dry, and her thyroid is enlarged. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Hypothyroidism
C) Addison’s disease
D) Cushing’s syndrome
E) Pheochromocytoma
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer:
B) Hypothyroidism
Question Easy Explanation:
This patient exhibits classic symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and a goiter. According to NICE guidelines, these indicators strongly suggest reduced thyroid function.
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Question Medium:
A 29-year-old man is brought to A&E after experiencing a seizure. His partner mentions he’s been having severe headaches and recently noticed his hands and feet have increased in size 📏. What condition do these symptoms indicate?
A) Acromegaly
B) Migraines
C) Temporal arteritis
D) Cluster headaches
E) Epilepsy
Question Medium Answer:
A) Acromegaly
Question Medium Explanation:
The gradual enlargement of hands and feet, along with headaches and seizures, is indicative of acromegaly, typically caused by excess growth hormone production. NHS guidelines recommend considering this condition when dealing with signs of excessive growth hormone.
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Question Hard:
A 60-year-old woman is evaluated for persistent dizziness and unsteadiness. She describes “room spinning” episodes that occur with head movements and resolve within a few seconds. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Meniere’s disease
B) Vestibular neuritis
C) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
D) Labyrinthitis
E) Acoustic neuroma
Question Hard Answer:
C) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Question Hard Explanation:
BPPV is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position, matching the patient’s description. NICE and NHS guidelines affirm that BPPV is a common vestibular disorder in older adults.
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Medical fact of the day:
Did you know that migraine is more common in women than in men, especially during their reproductive years? This is often due to hormonal influences, and NICE guidelines provide specific recommendations for managing menstrual migraine.
Quote of the day:
“Compassion is the cure for the agitated mind; each act of kindness, a dose of healing.”