Question Easy: A 60-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pallor, and dyspnoea on exertion. Her blood tests reveal a microcytic, hypochromic anemia. Which is the most likely cause of her condition? 🤔
A) Vitamin B12 deficiency
B) Iron deficiency
C) Pyruvate kinase deficiency
D) Folate deficiency
E) Sickle cell disease
Question Medium: A 45-year-old man with hypertension and a history of smoking presents with calf pain when walking, which resolves with rest. What is the most likely diagnosis? 🚶♂️🦵
A) Deep vein thrombosis
B) Acute limb ischemia
C) Chronic venous insufficiency
D) Peripheral artery disease
E) Sciatica
Question Hard: A 35-year-old woman presents with swollen, painful legs that get worse at the end of the day. She has a history of high blood pressure and takes oral contraceptives. On examination, varicose veins and hyperpigmentation around the ankles are noted. What is the most appropriate initial treatment according to current UK guidelines? 🏥
A) Endothermal ablation
B) Sclerotherapy
C) Compression stockings
D) Surgical intervention
E) Lifestyle modification
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B) Iron deficiency
Question Easy Explanation: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of microcytic, hypochromic anemia. It typically presents with symptoms such as fatigue and pallor, and is often due to dietary insufficiency, chronic blood loss, or malabsorption. NICE guidelines recommend checking for underlying causes such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Question Medium Answer: D) Peripheral artery disease
Question Medium Explanation: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterised by intermittent claudication, which is pain in the muscles of the legs during exercise that goes away with rest. It is a common vascular condition, particularly among smokers and those with hypertension. NICE guidelines suggest managing PAD with lifestyle changes and medications to improve symptoms and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Question Hard Answer: C) Compression stockings
Question Hard Explanation: According to NICE guidelines, graduated compression stockings are the first-line treatment for symptomatic varicose veins, along with lifestyle modifications. While interventional procedures may be necessary in certain cases, compression stockings help alleviate symptoms and improve venous return. They are particularly helpful for managing venous hypertension and preventing further complications such as venous ulcers.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for vascular disease? Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing peripheral artery disease and improve overall vascular health.
Quote of the day: “In the art of healing, kindness and knowledge go hand in hand. Strive to nurture both in your journey.” 🌟