Australian Medical Council Quiz

Which of the following is the most appropriate site to palpate the radial pulse in a clinical examination?

• Anterior aspect of the wrist, lateral to the flexor carpi radialis tendon

• Medial aspect of the elbow, over the brachial artery

• Lateral side of the neck, over the sternocleidomastoid muscle

• Dorsum of the foot, lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon

Answer explanation

The radial pulse is best palpated on the anterior aspect of the wrist, lateral to the flexor carpi radialis tendon, as this location allows for easy access to the radial artery.

Which auscultatory finding is most suggestive of mitral regurgitation?

• A mid-systolic click

• A pansystolic murmur best heard at the apex, radiating to the axilla

• An ejection systolic murmur at the right upper sternal border

• A diastolic rumble at the left lower sternal border

Answer explanation

A pansystolic murmur best heard at the apex, radiating to the axilla, is characteristic of mitral regurgitation, indicating backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole.

Which cranial nerve is assessed by asking a patient to stick out their tongue?

• Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

• Facial nerve (CN VII)

• Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

• Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Answer explanation

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls tongue movements. Asking a patient to stick out their tongue assesses this nerve's function, making it the correct choice. The other nerves listed do not primarily control tongue movement.

Which of the following is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors?

• Bradycardia

• Dry cough

• Hyperglycaemia

• Constipation

Answer explanation

A common side effect of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough, which occurs in some patients due to the accumulation of bradykinin. Other options like bradycardia, hyperglycaemia, and constipation are not typical side effects.

A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed salbutamol. What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?

• Beta-2 adrenergic agonist causing bronchodilation

• Muscarinic antagonist causing bronchodilation

• Inhibits leukotriene receptors

• Blocks histamine H1 receptors

Answer explanation

Salbutamol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that primarily works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to bronchodilation. This helps relieve asthma symptoms by opening the airways.

Which of the following medications is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenicity?

• Paracetamol

• Amoxicillin

• Warfarin

• Metformin

Answer explanation

Warfarin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects, which can lead to fetal malformations. In contrast, Paracetamol, Amoxicillin, and Metformin are generally considered safer options during pregnancy.

A doctor is offered an expensive gift by a pharmaceutical company. According to Australian medical ethics, what is the most appropriate action?

• Accept the gift and declare it to the hospital

• Politely decline the gift

• Accept the gift and do not inform anyone

• Accept the gift and recommend the company’s products

Answer explanation

According to Australian medical ethics, accepting gifts from pharmaceutical companies can create conflicts of interest. The most appropriate action is to politely decline the gift to maintain professional integrity.

Which of the following is a breach of patient confidentiality?

• Discussing a patient’s case with another doctor involved in their care

• Sharing patient information with a friend without consent

• Providing information to a specialist after obtaining patient consent

• Discussing a case in a de-identified manner for educational purposes

Answer explanation

Sharing patient information with a friend without consent is a clear breach of patient confidentiality, as it violates the patient's right to privacy and requires explicit consent for disclosure.

In Australia, at what age can a person legally consent to medical treatment without parental involvement?

• 12 years

• 14 years

• 16 years

• 18 years

Answer explanation

In Australia, individuals can legally consent to medical treatment without parental involvement at the age of 16. This means that from this age, they can make their own healthcare decisions.

Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus?

• Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues

• Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells

• Excessive glucagon secretion

• Increased hepatic glucose production

Answer explanation

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to insufficient insulin production. This distinguishes it from type 2 diabetes, which involves insulin resistance.