Question Easy:
👂 A 6-year-old boy presents with ear pain and fever. On examination, his tympanic membrane is red and bulging. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Otitis externa
B) Otitis media
C) Tympanic membrane perforation
D) Glue ear
E) Eustachian tube dysfunction
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B) Otitis media
Question Easy Explanation: Acute otitis media is common in children and typically presents with ear pain, fever, and a red, bulging tympanic membrane. According to NHS guidelines, this condition is often self-limiting but may require antibiotics if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Question Medium:
👁️ A 37-year-old woman reports blurred vision and pain in her right eye, particularly on movement. This morning, she noticed her right eye is red. Her past medical history is significant for multiple sclerosis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Acute angle-closure glaucoma
B) Anterior uveitis
C) Optic neuritis
D) Conjunctivitis
E) Chronic open-angle glaucoma
Explanations & Answers:
Question Medium Answer: C) Optic neuritis
Question Medium Explanation: The symptoms described are classic for optic neuritis, especially in a patient with a history of multiple sclerosis. According to NICE guidelines, optic neuritis presents with painful eye movements and vision changes and may be associated with demyelinating diseases.
Question Hard:
👃 A 45-year-old man presents with a six-month history of progressively worsening anosmia. Recently, he has developed a headache and some nasal congestion. An examination reveals unilateral nasal polyps. What is the first-line treatment?
A) Oral steroids
B) Antibiotics
C) Intranasal corticosteroids
D) Surgical removal
E) Antihistamines
Explanations & Answers:
Question Hard Answer: C) Intranasal corticosteroids
Question Hard Explanation: According to BNF and NICE guidelines, intranasal corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for nasal polyps, providing symptomatic relief and reducing inflammation. Oral steroids or surgical intervention may be considered if symptoms persist or are severe.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that the most common cause of deafness in the UK is presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss? This condition affects nearly half of individuals over the age of 65.
Quote of the day: “In every challenge faced in healthcare, let your compassion be your compass and your knowledge the map guiding you through.”