FMGE 2023 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is not a component of qSOFA score?

LDH-Lactate dehydrogenase. ***LDH-Lactate dehydrogenase*** - The **quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score** is a rapid bedside tool used to identify adult patients with suspected infection who are at high risk for poor outcomes, but it does not include laboratory markers like LDH. - qSOFA only includes three simple, readily available clinical criteria (respiratory rate, mental status, and systolic BP), therefore **LDH** is not a component. *Respiratory rate >22* - A **respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute (or higher)** is one of the three components of the qSOFA score (a score of 1 point is given if RR ≥ 22) [1]. - This parameter indicates a potential compensatory mechanism for **metabolic acidosis** or severe underlying respiratory compromise due to infection. *Altered mental status* - **Altered mental status** (Glasgow Coma Scale score < 15 or any change from baseline) is a key component of the qSOFA score (1 point) [1]. - This reflects neurological **end-organ dysfunction** secondary to systemic inflammation and hypoperfusion (sepsis-associated encephalopathy). *Systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg* - A systolic blood pressure (SBP) **less than 100 mmHg** is the third component of the qSOFA score (1 point) [1]. - This criterion indicates **hemodynamic compromise** and potential **shock**, reflecting severe circulatory dysfunction associated with sepsis.

Q: An elderly male on bed rest for many months presented with breathlessness and chest pain. What is the next best step in the management of this patient?

CT pulmonary angiogram. ***CT pulmonary angiogram***- This is the **gold standard** imaging investigation for diagnosing **pulmonary embolism (PE)**, offering rapid confirmation of emboli within the pulmonary arteries [1].- The patient's history of prolonged **bed rest** (immobilization) makes them high-risk for **Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)**, predisposing them to PE, which manifests as acute breathlessness and chest pain [2].*ECG*- An ECG is a standard initial test (often alongside chest X-ray) to exclude cardiac causes like **myocardial infarction** and assess for features of right ventricular strain (e.g., **S1Q3T3 pattern**) associated with PE [1].- However, ECG findings are non-specific and cannot definitively confirm or exclude the diagnosis of PE; imaging is required.*CT thorax*- A standard non-contrast CT thorax is effective for evaluating lung parenchyma (e.g., pneumonia or malignancy).- It is inadequate for diagnosing PE, which requires intravenous contrast specifically timed to opacify the pulmonary arteries (a **CT pulmonary angiogram**).*Echocardiography*- Echocardiography is primarily used to assess the functional and prognostic impact of PE, specifically looking for **right ventricular (RV) dilation** and dysfunction.- It may be utilized in critically **hemodynamically unstable** patients suspected of PE (where immediate transport to CTPA is dangerous), but for a stable patient, CTPA provides the definitive anatomical diagnosis.

Q: A chronic smoker presented with bilateral pitting pedal edema, and abdominal distension. On examination, he had ascites and auscultation revealed an S3. Which of the following defects can be seen in this patient?

Tricuspid regurgitation. ***Tricuspid regurgitation*** - This patient presents with **classic signs of right heart failure**: bilateral pitting pedal edema, ascites, and abdominal distension indicating systemic venous congestion [1] - **Chronic smoking → COPD → pulmonary hypertension → functional tricuspid regurgitation** is a common pathophysiological sequence - **S3 gallop** indicates ventricular volume overload, which occurs in TR due to regurgitant flow - TR leads to **hepatic congestion** (causing ascites) and **peripheral edema** from elevated systemic venous pressure - Clinical triad: **elevated JVP, hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema** points to TR *Incorrect: Aortic stenosis* - Causes **left-sided heart failure**, not right-sided [2] - Classic presentation: **angina, syncope, and dyspnea** (not peripheral edema and ascites) [2] - Would not explain the systemic venous congestion seen in this patient *Incorrect: Mitral regurgitation* - Primarily causes **left-sided heart failure** with pulmonary congestion [1] - Initial presentation includes **dyspnea and pulmonary edema**, not peripheral edema [1] - While chronic MR can eventually lead to right heart failure, the **predominant right-sided signs** make this less likely *Incorrect: Aortic regurgitation* - Causes **left-sided heart failure** [3] - Classic signs include **wide pulse pressure, bounding pulses**, and water-hammer pulse [3] - Does not explain the **right-sided failure** picture with ascites and bilateral pedal edema

Question 1

Which of the following is not a component of qSOFA score?

Accepted Answer

LDH-Lactate dehydrogenase

Answer

Systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg

Answer

Respiratory rate >22

Answer

Altered mental status

Question 2

An elderly male on bed rest for many months presented with breathlessness and chest pain. What is the next best step in the management of this patient?

Accepted Answer

CT pulmonary angiogram

Answer

ECG

Answer

CT thorax

Answer

Echocardiography

Question 3

A chronic smoker presented with bilateral pitting pedal edema, and abdominal distension. On examination, he had ascites and auscultation revealed an S3. Which of the following defects can be seen in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Tricuspid regurgitation

Answer

Aortic stenosis

Answer

Mitral regurgitation

Answer

Aortic regurgitation

FMGE 2023 — Internal Medicine