Question Easy: 🧠 A 28-year-old woman presents with tremors. She also complains of weight loss, palpitations, and heat intolerance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Parkinson’s disease
C) Addison’s disease
D) Hypothyroidism
E) Polycystic ovary syndrome
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: A) Hyperthyroidism
Question Easy Explanation: The symptoms of tremors, weight loss, palpitations, and heat intolerance are classic signs of hyperthyroidism. According to NICE guidelines, these symptoms strongly suggest increased thyroid hormone levels.
Question Medium: 💉 A 45-year-old man with a history of hypertension suddenly develops severe headache and vomiting. He also experiences a brief episode of vision loss in the right eye. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Migraine
B) Subarachnoid hemorrhage
C) Transient ischemic attack
D) Intracerebral hemorrhage
E) Cluster headache
Question Medium Answer: B) Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Question Medium Explanation: The sudden onset of a severe headache described as “thunderclap,” vomiting, and brief vision disturbances are indicative of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. NHS guidelines suggest immediate investigation with CT and angiography for such symptoms due to the risk of rebleeding and complications.
Question Hard: 🔬 A 67-year-old woman presents with confusion, hyponatremia, and low plasma osmolality. She is a lifelong non-smoker and has no significant past medical history. Despite no obvious fluid overload, her urine osmolality and sodium are inappropriately high. What is the most likely underlying diagnosis?
A) Congestive heart failure
B) Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
C) Diabetes insipidus
D) Addison’s disease
E) Hypothyroidism
Question Hard Answer: B) Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
Question Hard Explanation: The combination of hyponatremia, low plasma osmolality, and inappropriately high urine osmolality and sodium indicates SIADH. According to BNF guidelines, this condition results from excessive release of ADH, often with no apparent cause, and needs careful management to prevent complications like cerebral edema.
Medical fact of the day: The pituitary gland, often termed the “master gland,” releases hormones that influence nearly every part of your body. Yet its size is no larger than a pea!
Quote of the day: “In the heart of medicine lies the spirit of resilience and hope, driving us to learn, heal, and inspire.”