Question Easy:
A middle-aged woman comes to the GP complaining of itchy, red eyes 👀 with tearing, particularly during the spring months. She mentions that her symptoms improve indoors and calm significantly with over-the-counter antihistamines. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Bacterial conjunctivitis
B) Viral conjunctivitis
C) Allergic conjunctivitis
D) Keratitis
E) Dry eye syndrome
Question Medium:
A 45-year-old man with a long history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with gradually worsening vision, seeing “floaters,” and blurred vision in his right eye. On fundoscopy, there are microaneurysms, haemorrhages, and neovascularisation noted. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Cataract
B) Glaucoma
C) Macular degeneration
D) Diabetic retinopathy
E) Retinal detachment
Question Hard:
A 32-year-old woman complains of hearing loss in her left ear. An otoscopic exam reveals a perforated tympanic membrane. She has a history of recurrent otitis media and undergoes a Rinne’s test that shows air conduction is less than bone conduction in the affected ear. What is the most likely type of hearing loss she is experiencing?
A) Sensorineural hearing loss
B) Conductive hearing loss
C) Mixed hearing loss
D) Central hearing loss
E) Functional hearing loss
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) Allergic conjunctivitis
Question Easy Explanation: This condition is common and characterized by itchy, watery, and red eyes during certain times of the year, often linked to environmental allergens such as pollen. NICE guidelines suggest managing it with allergen avoidance and oral antihistamines.
Question Medium Answer: D) Diabetic retinopathy
Question Medium Explanation: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, causing retinal changes like microaneurysms and neovascularisation due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. The NHS recommends regular eye screening for diabetic patients to catch these changes early.
Question Hard Answer: B) Conductive hearing loss
Question Hard Explanation: This type of hearing loss occurs when sound doesn’t properly reach the inner ear. The Rinne’s test result, where bone conduction is greater than air conduction, indicates a conductive loss. This can be due to recurrent ear infections causing tympanic membrane issues.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that the human eye can distinguish approximately 10 million different colours? In conditions like macular degeneration, vision deteriorates, underscoring the importance of regular eye check-ups for early detection.
Quote of the day: “In every patient, there is a story waiting to unfold; your care can be the chapter that brings healing to life.”