NEET-PG 2015 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: What is the recommended postprandial capillary glucose level (in mg/dl) for adequate diabetes control?

< 180 mg/dl. ***< 180 mg/dl*** - This is the **recommended target** for postprandial (1-2 hours after a meal) capillary glucose levels in most non-pregnant adults with diabetes to achieve **adequate glycemic control** [1], [2]. - Maintaining levels below 180 mg/dl helps to minimize the risk of **long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications**. *< 100 mg/dl* - While this is an ideal fasting glucose level, it is generally **too low for postprandial glucose**, and attempting to maintain such levels might increase the risk of **hypoglycemia** in many patients with diabetes [1]. - This target is more appropriate for **fasting or pre-meal glucose** goals. *< 140 mg/dl* - This is a **more stringent target** that may be appropriate for some individuals with diabetes, particularly those who are carefully managed and at low risk of hypoglycemia. - However, for the general population with diabetes, **< 180 mg/dl is the more commonly accepted and achievable goal** for postprandial readings [2]. *< 200 mg/dl* - A postprandial glucose level of < 200 mg/dl is considered **good control** in some contexts, but it's often a **less strict target** than < 180 mg/dl for optimal long-term management. - While better than uncontrolled high levels, consistently approaching 200 mg/dl may still contribute to **increased risk of complications** over time compared to tighter control.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a criterion for the diagnosis of Primary Hyperaldosteronism?

Hyperkalemia. Primary hyperaldosteronism is typically characterized by **hypokalemia** due to excessive aldosterone-mediated potassium excretion in the urine, not hyperkalemia [1]. Hyperkalemia would suggest other conditions, such as **adrenal insufficiency** or kidney disease, rather than primary hyperaldosteronism [2]. *Diastolic Hypertension without edema* - **Diastolic hypertension** is a common presentation of primary hyperaldosteronism due to increased **sodium and water retention**, leading to expanded extracellular volume. - The absence of significant edema is also common, as the body often develops an **"escape phenomenon"** where natriuresis occurs despite high aldosterone, preventing overt fluid overload [3]. *Low Plasma Renin Activity* - In primary hyperaldosteronism, the high aldosterone levels **suppress renin secretion** through negative feedback mechanisms. - Therefore, a **low plasma renin activity** (PRA) or plasma renin concentration (PRC) is a key diagnostic feature [4]. *Hyperaldosteronism which is not suppressed by volume expansion* - Normally, volume expansion would suppress aldosterone secretion. However, in primary hyperaldosteronism, aldosterone production is **autonomous** and remains elevated even after volume expansion. - This lack of suppression is a critical diagnostic criterion, often assessed through various **confirmatory tests** like saline infusion or oral sodium loading.

Q: Most common cause of Addison's Disease in India is:

Tuberculosis. ***Tuberculosis*** - In India, **tuberculosis** is the most common cause of **Addison's disease** due to the high prevalence of TB infections. - Adrenal involvement in TB can lead to gradual destruction of the adrenal cortex, resulting in **adrenal insufficiency**. *Autoimmune* - **Autoimmune adrenalitis** is the leading cause of Addison's disease in developed Western countries. - It involves the destruction of adrenal cortical cells by the body's own immune system, often associated with other autoimmune conditions. *Malignancy* - **Malignancy**, particularly metastatic cancer to the adrenals, can cause adrenal insufficiency but is a less common primary cause of Addison's disease overall. - While possible, it is not the most prevalent cause in India compared to infectious etiologies. *HIV* - **HIV infection** can lead to adrenal dysfunction, but it's typically through opportunistic infections like CMV, cryptococcosis, or direct HIV effects, rather than being the direct cause of widespread adrenal destruction. - It increases the risk of adrenal insufficiency but is not the most common etiology in India for Addison's disease.

Q: Female with blood sugar of 600 mg% and sodium of 110 mEq. Insulin was given, what will happen to serum sodium levels ?

Sodium levels may appear to increase. ***Sodium levels may appear to increase*** - The patient's initial presentation with severe hyperglycemia (600 mg%) and hyponatremia (110 mEq/L) suggests **hyperglycemia-induced pseudohyponatremia**. - **Insulin administration** will lower blood glucose, causing water to shift back into the cells from the extracellular space, thereby correcting the dilutional effect and leading to an **apparent increase in serum sodium levels**. *Sodium levels decrease* - This is incorrect because the hyponatremia in this scenario is largely **dilutional** due to hyperglycemia. - As glucose levels decrease with insulin, the osmotic drive for water movement out of cells diminishes, leading to **normalization**, not further decrease, of sodium concentration. *Sodium levels remain unchanged* - This is incorrect because the underlying cause of the initial low sodium is dilution from high glucose. - Once **hyperglycemia is treated**, the osmotic gradient changes, and water shifts, directly impacting and changing the serum sodium concentration. *Relative sodium deficiency may occur* - This option is incorrect because the initial hyponatremia is not primarily due to an absolute lack of sodium in the body but rather a **dilutional effect** caused by the osmotic pull of glucose. - As hyperglycemia resolves, the extracellular fluid becomes less diluted, and the measured sodium concentration will **rise**, not indicate a deficiency.

Q: What condition is characterized by hypertension and hypokalemia?

Liddle's Syndrome. ***Liddle's Syndrome*** - This syndrome is characterized by **overactivity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)** in the collecting ducts, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. [1] - The resulting **sodium retention causes hypertension**, while the **potassium excretion leads to hypokalemia**. *Gitelman's Syndrome* - This is an **autosomal recessive kidney disorder** causing a defect in the **thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter** in the distal convoluted tubule. - It presents with **hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia**, but typically with **normal or low blood pressure**, not hypertension. *Bartter Syndrome* - This is a group of **autosomal recessive salt-wasting tubulopathies** affecting the **Na-K-2Cl cotransporter** in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. - It leads to **hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and normal or low blood pressure**, similar to chronic loop diuretic use. *All of the options* - While all mentioned conditions involve **hypokalemia**, only **Liddle's Syndrome** is consistently associated with **hypertension**. - **Gitelman's and Bartter syndromes** typically present with **normal or low blood pressure**.

Q: Which of the following is the MOST common condition caused by hypernatremia?

Seizure. ***Seizure*** - While not the *most* common initial symptom, **seizure** can be a severe manifestation of hypernatremia, particularly when the serum sodium levels rise rapidly or to very high concentrations leading to significant neuronal dehydration. - **Rapid correction of severe hypernatremia** can also induce seizures if the brain cells swell too quickly. *Altered mental status* - **Altered mental status** such as lethargy, confusion, or irritability, is a very common and often an earlier symptom of hypernatremia due to neuronal dehydration and intracellular water shifts, but it generally precedes more severe neurological complications like seizures.[1] - It is a broad term that encompasses a range of neurological dysfunctions, and while frequent, it is not as specific a severe endpoint as a seizure. *Brain hemorrhage* - **Brain hemorrhage** is a rare and severe complication of hypernatremia, primarily seen when extreme osmotic shifts cause significant brain shrinkage, leading to tension on bridging veins and potential rupture. - This is not a common presentation and typically occurs only in very severe cases of hypernatremia or during overly rapid correction. *Central pontine myelinosis* - **Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM)** is a neurological disorder caused by too rapid correction of *chronic hyponatremia*, not hypernatremia.[1] - It results from osmotic damage to myelin sheaths in the pons, leading to severe neurological deficits such as dysphagia, dysarthria, and even locked-in syndrome.[1]

Q: Which of the following symptoms is least likely to be associated with hyponatremia?

Myalgia. Myalgia - While muscle cramps can occur with electrolyte imbalances, generalized myalgia (muscle pain) is not a typical or primary symptom of hyponatremia. - Hyponatremia primarily affects neurological function due to osmotic shifts in the brain. anorexia - Anorexia (loss of appetite) is a common, non-specific symptom of many metabolic disturbances, including hyponatremia, and often accompanies nausea and vomiting. - It arises from the general malaise and gastrointestinal upset associated with the condition. Convulsions - Convulsions are a severe neurological symptom of acute and profound hyponatremia, resulting from cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure [1]. - This occurs when the brain swells due to the osmotic shift of water into brain cells. Drowsiness - Drowsiness is a frequent neurological manifestation of hyponatremia, indicative of altered mental status [1]. - It reflects impaired brain function due to the osmotic disturbances and potential cerebral edema [1].

Q: In cobalamin deficiency which is not seen

Microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia - Cobalamin deficiency typically leads to macrocytic anemia due to impaired DNA synthesis, not microcytic anemia [1]. - Microcytic anemia is usually associated with iron deficiency, thalassemia, or anemia of chronic disease [1]. Long tract signs - Long tract signs are common in cobalamin deficiency due to posterior column and corticospinal tract involvement leading to symptoms like spasticity. - They indicate involvement of pathways that are affected by vitamin B12 deficiency. Loss of proprioception - Loss of proprioception can occur in cobalamin deficiency due to damage to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. - It is a common clinical finding indicating the involvement of sensory pathways. Rhomberg sign - A positive Rhomberg sign indicates impaired proprioception, which can happen in cobalamin deficiency. - It reflects difficulty maintaining balance, emphasizing sensory dysfunction associated with the deficiency.

Q: What is the main contraindication for performing a liver biopsy?

Severe coagulopathy. ***Severe coagulopathy*** - **Severe coagulopathy** is the main contraindication for liver biopsy due to a significantly increased risk of **hemorrhage** [1]. - A **prothrombin time (PT)** or **activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)** significantly prolonged beyond the normal range, or an **INR > 1.5**, should be corrected before the procedure [1]. *Severe thrombocytopenia* - While **thrombocytopenia** (platelet count <50,000/µL) does increase bleeding risk, it is often correctable with a **platelet transfusion** prior to biopsy, making it a relative rather than an absolute contraindication [1]. - The risk of major bleeding is typically lower with isolated thrombocytopenia compared to severe coagulopathy. *Liver hemangioma* - The presence of a **liver hemangioma** at the biopsy site is a contraindication as biopsying it can lead to massive hemorrhage. - However, if the biopsy can be performed safely away from the hemangioma, it is not an absolute contraindication to the procedure itself. *Presence of ascites* - **Ascites** can complicate a liver biopsy by increasing the risk of **peritoneal bleeding** and difficulty in targeting the liver [1]. - However, it is often manageable by draining the ascites or using imaging guidance, making it a relative contraindication rather than an absolute one [1].

Q: A patient presents with difficulty with swallowing liquids but not solids. The best investigation to make a diagnosis is

Manometry. ***Manometry*** - **Esophageal manometry** measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions in the esophagus, which is crucial for diagnosing motility disorders like **achalasia** [1] or **esophageal spasm** [2] that can cause difficulty swallowing liquids. - The symptom of difficulty swallowing liquids but not solids (**paradoxical dysphagia**) is characteristic of a primary esophageal motility disorder rather than a structural obstruction [1]. *Endoscopy* - **Endoscopy** is primarily used to visualize the esophagus and stomach for structural abnormalities such as **strictures**, **tumors**, or **inflammation** [1]. - While it can rule out structural causes, it is less effective for diagnosing purely functional or motility disorders [1]. *Endoscopic ultrasound* - **Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)** provides detailed imaging of the esophageal wall and surrounding structures, helping to stage cancers or identify extrinsic compression. - It is not the primary investigation for assessing **esophageal motility**. *PET CT* - **PET CT** is primarily used in oncology for **cancer staging**, recurrence detection, and assessing metabolic activity of lesions. - It has limited utility in the initial diagnosis of a **swallowing disorder**, especially one indicating a motility issue.

Question 1

What is the recommended postprandial capillary glucose level (in mg/dl) for adequate diabetes control?

Accepted Answer

< 180 mg/dl

Answer

< 200 mg/dl

Answer

< 100 mg/dl

Answer

< 140 mg/dl

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for the diagnosis of Primary Hyperaldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Diastolic Hypertension without edema

Answer

Low Plasma Renin Activity

Answer

Hyperaldosteronism which is not suppressed by volume expansion

Question 3

Most common cause of Addison's Disease in India is:

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Autoimmune

Answer

HIV

Answer

Malignancy

Question 4

Female with blood sugar of 600 mg% and sodium of 110 mEq. Insulin was given, what will happen to serum sodium levels ?

Accepted Answer

Sodium levels may appear to increase

Answer

Sodium levels decrease

Answer

Sodium levels remain unchanged

Answer

Relative sodium deficiency may occur

Question 5

What condition is characterized by hypertension and hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

Liddle's Syndrome

Answer

Gitelman's Syndrome

Answer

Bartter Syndrome

Answer

All of the options

Question 6

Which of the following is the MOST common condition caused by hypernatremia?

Accepted Answer

Seizure

Answer

Altered mental status

Answer

Brain hemorrhage

Answer

Central pontine myelinosis

Question 7

Which of the following symptoms is least likely to be associated with hyponatremia?

Accepted Answer

Myalgia

Answer

anorexia

Answer

Drowsiness

Answer

Convulsions

Question 8

In cobalamin deficiency which is not seen

Accepted Answer

Microcytic anemia

Answer

Loss of proprioception

Answer

Rhomberg sign

Answer

Long tract signs

Question 9

What is the main contraindication for performing a liver biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Severe coagulopathy

Answer

Severe thrombocytopenia

Answer

Liver hemangioma

Answer

Presence of ascites

Question 10

A patient presents with difficulty with swallowing liquids but not solids. The best investigation to make a diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Manometry

Answer

Endoscopy

Answer

Endoscopic ultrasound

Answer

PET CT

NEET-PG 2015 — Internal Medicine