Question Easy:
A 32-year-old man presents with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. Blood tests reveal low hemoglobin levels and a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Pernicious anemia
B) Iron deficiency anemia 🩸
C) Sickle cell anemia
D) Thalassemia
E) Vitamin B12 deficiency
Question Medium:
A 55-year-old woman presents with intermittent claudication. She has a 20-pack-year smoking history and is concerned about her risk of cardiovascular events. According to NICE guidelines, which of the following is the first-line antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of vascular events?
A) Clopidogrel
B) Aspirin 🏃♀️
C) Dipyridamole
D) Warfarin
E) Ticagrelor
Question Hard:
A 65-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. He develops signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Given his underlying conditions, which anticoagulation therapy is most appropriate according to NHS guidelines?
A) Apixaban
B) Heparin infusion
C) Warfarin
D) Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) 💉
E) Dabigatran
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B
Question Easy Explanation: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of microcytic anemia, characterised by fatigue and pallor. NICE guidelines emphasize the role of dietary iron intake and supplementation as part of the treatment.
Question Medium Answer: B
Question Medium Explanation: According to NICE guidelines, aspirin is the first-line antiplatelet therapy for individuals with a history of peripheral arterial disease and for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.
Question Hard Answer: D
Question Hard Explanation: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is preferred in the acute setting for patients with DVT, especially in those with additional complications like COPD, as per NHS guidelines. LMWH provides effective anticoagulation with a more predictable response and less frequent monitoring requirements compared to warfarin.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur even after a long flight, which is sometimes dubbed the “economy class syndrome.” Wearing compression stockings and staying hydrated can help reduce the risk!
Quote of the day: “In every wound, there is an opportunity for healing. In every challenge, the chance to learn. Keep pushing forward, for your work brings hope and health to many.”