Question Easy:
A 28-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath on exertion. Her blood test reveals a microcytic, hypochromic anemia. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms? 🩸
A) Vitamin B12 deficiency
B) Iron deficiency
C) Sickle cell disease
D) Aplastic anemia
E) Hemolytic anemia
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: B) Iron deficiency
Question Easy Explanation: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of microcytic, hypochromic anemia in young women, often due to menstrual blood loss or poor dietary intake. According to NICE guidelines, initial investigations should focus on confirming iron deficiency and ruling out other common causes of anemia.
Question Medium:
A 65-year-old man with a history of smoking and hypertension presents with swelling in his left leg. A Doppler ultrasound confirms a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What is the initial management step? 🚶♂️💊
A) Oral warfarin
B) Antiplatelet therapy
C) Thrombolytic therapy
D) Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
E) Inferior vena cava filter
Question Medium Answer: D) Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
Question Medium Explanation: NICE guidelines recommend the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as an initial treatment for DVT. It is preferred due to its ease of use, predictability, and fewer monitoring requirements compared to warfarin. Transitioning to an oral anticoagulant like warfarin may be considered after initial stabilization.
Question Hard:
A 54-year-old woman with a known history of atrial fibrillation and mitral valve replacement presents with sudden onset chest pain and dyspnea. On examination, she is tachycardic and hypoxic. Which of the following conditions should be immediately considered as a diagnosis? 🚨❤️
A) Acute coronary syndrome
B) Pulmonary embolism
C) Pericarditis
D) Heart failure
E) Aortic dissection
Question Hard Answer: B) Pulmonary embolism
Question Hard Explanation: Given her background of atrial fibrillation and heart valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis, the patient is at increased risk for thromboembolic events. The sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea, along with her cardiovascular history, strongly suggests a pulmonary embolism. Immediate assessment and intervention in line with NHS protocols are critical to managing her condition effectively.
Medical fact of the day: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism, and approximately 50% of untreated calf vein thromboses will extend to the proximal veins, significantly increasing the risk of embolization. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing these potentially life-threatening outcomes.
Quote of the day: “In every patient, there’s a community waiting to thank you. 🌟 Keep your compassion as boundless as your knowledge.”