MDS PREP
In a patient with gestational diabetes, which of the following is NOT a risk factor for the development of the condition?
(1) Advanced maternal age.
(2) Obesity.
(3) Previous history of gestational diabetes.
(4) Being a non-smoker.
The risk factors for gestational diabetes include advanced maternal age, obesity, previous history of gestational diabetes, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain ethnic groups (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American). Being a non-smoker is not a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes; rather, smoking is generally associated with a lower risk of developing the condition.
What is the role of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the treatment of pulmonary embolism?
1) Prevents thrombus formation
2) Dissolves existing thrombi
3) Inhibits platelet aggregation
4) Enhances fibrinolysis
tPA is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots. In the treatment of pulmonary embolism, it is administered to break down the clot in the pulmonary artery, thereby improving blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?
1) 12-16 breaths/min
2) 16-20 breaths/min
3) 20-24 breaths/min
4) 24-30 breaths/min
The normal adult respiratory rate is typically between 12 and 16 breaths per minute.
What is the typical age range for increased risk of coronary heart disease in women?
1) ? 45 years
2) ? 55 years
3) ? 65 years
4) ? 75 years
For women, the increased risk of coronary heart disease typically starts at the age of 55 years.
In a patient with suspected hyperparathyroidism, which of the following is the most sensitive diagnostic test for the disease?
(1) Serum calcium
(2) Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH)
(3) Urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio
(4) Serum phosphorus
The most sensitive diagnostic test for hyperparathyroidism is the measurement of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels. Elevated iPTH levels in the context of hypercalcemia are indicative of primary hyperparathyroidism. However, serum calcium levels are also typically high in this condition and are commonly measured in the initial workup.
A patient with a history of hypothyroidism presents with fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain. The most likely cause of these symptoms is:
1) Subclinical hypothyroidism
2) Hyperthyroidism
3) Thyroid cancer
4) Adrenal insufficiency
The symptoms of fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain are more consistent with hypothyroidism than hyperthyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a milder form of hypothyroidism where the patient may have a normal T4 level but an elevated TSH level.
A 25-year-old pregnant woman presents with complaints of mild abdominal pain and diarrhea. Her blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg and her urine output is decreased. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
(1) Gestational diabetes
(2) Urinary tract infection
(3) Hyperemesis gravidarum
(4) Intestinal obstruction
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The patient's symptoms and signs of dehydration (low blood pressure and decreased urine output) support this diagnosis.
In a patient with nephrotic syndrome, which of the following is true regarding plasma cholesterol levels?
(1) Plasma cholesterol levels are decreased due to increased LDL receptors in the liver.
(2) Plasma cholesterol levels are increased due to the loss of cholesterol in urine.
(3) Plasma cholesterol levels are normal as the condition is unrelated to lipid metabolism.
(4) Plasma cholesterol levels are decreased due to increased hepatic synthesis of bile salts.
Nephrotic syndrome is associated with hyperlipidemia, particularly increased levels of LDL and cholesterol. The underlying mechanism involves the loss of albumin in the urine, which leads to hypoalbuminemia. This causes an increased synthesis of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) by the liver to compensate for the loss of oncotic pressure. Additionally, the loss of proteins that normally bind to cholesterol in the blood, such as lipoproteins, results in decreased clearance of LDL.