Question Easy:
A 56-year-old woman visits her GP with concerns of increased fatigue and swollen ankles. A urine dipstick test reveals significant proteinuria. Her blood pressure is 150/95 mmHg. What is the most likely underlying condition causing her symptoms?
A) Diabetic nephropathy
B) Hypertension
C) Nephrotic syndrome
D) Urinary tract infection (UTI)
E) Pyelonephritis
Question Medium:
A 65-year-old man presents with a history of nocturia, urgency, and a weak urinary stream. His PSA level is normal, and he has a smooth, enlarged prostate on digital rectal examination. Which of the following medications is most appropriate for initial management?
A) Tadalafil
B) Tamsulosin
C) Finasteride
D) Oxybutynin
E) Indapamide
Question Hard:
A 40-year-old male with a history of recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones presents with flank pain and hematuria. Renal ultrasound reveals nephrocalcinosis. Which of the following conditions is most likely contributing to his condition?
A) Hyperuricemia
B) Cystinuria
C) Hypercalciuria
D) Hyperparathyroidism
E) Renal tubular acidosis
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C
Question Easy Explanation: The patient’s symptoms, including proteinuria and leg oedema, are indicative of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and oedema. Nephrotic syndrome is a set of symptoms rather than a disease itself and can be caused by various underlying conditions.
Question Medium Answer: B
Question Medium Explanation: Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker used to relieve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as weak urinary stream and nocturia. It helps in relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow. NICE guidelines recommend alpha-blockers like tamsulosin as first-line treatment for men with moderate to severe LUTS secondary to BPH.
Question Hard Answer: D
Question Hard Explanation: Hyperparathyroidism can lead to hypercalcemia, which contributes to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones and nephrocalcinosis, the deposition of calcium in the renal parenchyma. This condition should be considered in patients with recurrent kidney stones and radiological evidence of nephrocalcinosis.
Medical fact of the day: The kidneys filter approximately 120 to 150 quarts of blood each day to produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine. This amazing process helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, remove waste products, and regulate blood pressure.
Quote of the day: “In the tapestry of medicine, each stitch of compassion, knowledge, and perseverance weaves hope and healing into the lives we touch.”