5. Human Body & Health
· General Science/Everyday Science
103 MCQs
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1–20
of 103 MCQs
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1
Which diagnostic test is considered the 'gold standard' for confirming a diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB)?
Answer:
Sputum Culture
While Sputum Smear Microscopy is often the first step due to its speed, Sputum Culture remains the gold standard because it can detect low numbers of mycobacteria and allows for drug sensitivity testing, though it takes several weeks for results.
2
A patient presents with 'polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia.' Which initial diagnostic test is most appropriate?
Answer:
Random Blood Glucose
In a symptomatic patient showing the classic '3 Ps' of diabetes (excessive urination, thirst, and hunger), a random blood glucose test of 200 mg/dL or higher is diagnostic for Diabetes Mellitus.
3
Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting early stages of Osteomyelitis?
Answer:
MRI
MRI is the preferred imaging modality for osteomyelitis because it can detect bone marrow edema as early as 1 to 2 days after the onset of infection, whereas X-ray changes may not appear for 10 to 14 days.
4
What is the primary diagnostic marker used to confirm an acute Myocardial Infarction?
Answer:
Cardiac Troponin I or T
Cardiac Troponins are highly specific and sensitive markers of myocardial necrosis. They begin to rise within 3–4 hours after injury and remain elevated for up to 10–14 days, making them superior to CK-MB.
5
Which of the following is the most definitive test for diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Answer:
Serum Ferritin
Serum Ferritin is the most sensitive and specific lab test for iron deficiency as it reflects total body iron stores. A low ferritin level is almost always diagnostic of iron deficiency, even before anemia develops.
6
In a patient suspected of having Acute Appendicitis, which clinical sign involves pain in the right lower quadrant upon palpation of the left lower quadrant?
Answer:
Rovsing's Sign
Rovsing's sign is positive when pressure applied to the left lower quadrant of the abdomen causes pain in the right lower quadrant. This occurs because the pressure shifts bowel gas, which irritates the inflamed peritoneum near the appendix.
7
Which laboratory finding is most characteristic of Nephrotic Syndrome?
Answer:
Proteinuria > 3.5g/day and Hypoalbuminemia
Nephrotic syndrome is defined by heavy proteinuria (exceeding 3.5 grams per 24 hours), hypoalbuminemia, generalized edema, and hyperlipidemia due to increased glomerular permeability.
8
Which screening test is recommended for the early detection of Cervical Cancer?
Answer:
Pap Smear
The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a cytological screening test used to detect precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix. It has significantly reduced cervical cancer mortality through early detection.
9
A 'butterfly rash' across the cheeks and bridge of the nose is a classic clinical finding of which disease?
Answer:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
The malar or 'butterfly' rash is a hallmark of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It is an erythematous, flat or raised rash over the malar eminences, often sparing the nasolabial folds.
10
Which test is used to screen for HIV infection before confirmation with more specific assays?
Answer:
ELISA (4th Generation)
Modern 4th generation ELISA tests detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen. It is the standard screening tool due to its high sensitivity; positive results are then confirmed with a Western Blot or differentiation assay.
11
What is the most common cause of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)?
Answer:
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) remains the leading bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia worldwide, typically presenting with sudden onset of fever, chills, and productive cough.
12
Which procedure is the definitive method for diagnosing most types of cancer?
Answer:
Biopsy
While imaging can suggest the presence of a mass, a biopsy (tissue sampling) is required for histological examination by a pathologist to confirm the presence of malignant cells and determine the cancer type.
13
A 'positive Homan's sign' was historically associated with which condition?
Answer:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Homan's sign is pain in the calf on dorsiflexion of the foot. Although once common in diagnosing DVT, it is now considered unreliable and insensitive, and has been replaced by Doppler ultrasound.
14
Which breath test is commonly used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection?
Answer:
Urea Breath Test
The Urea Breath Test utilizes the fact that H. pylori produces the enzyme urease, which breaks down urea into ammonia and CO2. The patient swallows labeled urea, and the labeled CO2 is detected in the exhaled breath.
15
What is the standard diagnostic criteria for Hypertension (Stage 1) according to many modern guidelines?
Answer:
130/80 mmHg
According to the ACC/AHA guidelines, Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure between 130-139 mmHg or a diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg, based on multiple readings.
16
Which vitamin deficiency is the leading cause of Scurvy?
Answer:
Vitamin C
Scurvy results from a prolonged deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is essential for collagen synthesis. Symptoms include bleeding gums, bruising, and poor wound healing.
17
What is the primary objective of a 'D-dimer' blood test in a patient with shortness of breath?
Answer:
To rule out Pulmonary Embolism
D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product. Because it is sensitive but not specific, a negative D-dimer test is highly useful for ruling out Pulmonary Embolism (PE) or DVT in patients with a low clinical probability.
18
Which neurological condition is characterized by a 'pill-rolling' tremor and bradykinesia?
Answer:
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting dopamine-producing neurons. Its cardinal motor features include resting tremor (pill-rolling), rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability.
19
What does a 'Shift to the Left' in a White Blood Cell differential count usually indicate?
Answer:
Acute Bacterial Infection
A 'left shift' refers to an increased proportion of immature neutrophils (band cells) in the blood. This occurs during acute bacterial infections as the bone marrow releases immature cells to fight the pathogen.
20
Which condition is diagnosed using the 'Goldmann Applanation Tonometry'?
Answer:
Glaucoma
Tonometry measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. Elevated IOP is a major risk factor and diagnostic indicator for Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve.