General Surgery Principles Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is not a contributing factor in thoracic outlet syndrome?

Tumor arising from the middle lobe of lung. ### Explanation **Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)** is a clinical condition resulting from the compression of the neurovascular bundle (brachial plexus, subclavian artery, or subclavian vein) as it passes through the superior thoracic aperture. **Why Option A is correct:** A tumor arising from the **middle lobe of the lung** does not cause TOS because the middle lobe is located inferiorly and anteriorly in the chest. In contrast, a **Pancoast tumor** (superior sulcus tumor) arising from the **apex** of the lung is a well-known cause of TOS, as it directly invades the brachial plexus and the thoracic outlet. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Malunion of fracture clavicle (B):** The clavicle forms the anterior boundary of the thoracic outlet. A malunion with excessive callus formation can narrow the costoclavicular space, compressing the underlying neurovascular structures. * **Cervico-thoracic scoliosis (C):** Significant spinal curvature alters the musculoskeletal anatomy of the neck and upper thorax, leading to a narrowing of the interscalene triangle or costoclavicular space. * **Anomalies of the first thoracic rib (D):** Structural abnormalities such as a rudimentary first rib, a bifid rib, or an exostosis directly reduce the space available for the neurovascular bundle. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common cause:** A **Cervical Rib** (present in ~0.5% of the population) is the classic anatomical cause. * **Most common type:** **Neurogenic TOS** (95%) involving the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8-T1), leading to Gilliatt-Sumner hand (wasting of thenar/hypothenar muscles). * **Clinical Test:** **Adson’s Test** (loss of radial pulse on rotating the head to the affected side during deep inspiration) suggests compression. * **Paget-Schroetter Syndrome:** Effort-induced thrombosis of the subclavian vein, a form of Venous TOS.

Q: Rolled up edges are seen in which of the following ulcers?

Rodent. **Explanation:** The morphology of an ulcer's edge is a critical diagnostic feature in clinical surgery. **Rolled-out (or rolled-up) edges** are the hallmark of a **Rodent ulcer**, which is a clinical presentation of **Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)**. This occurs because the malignant epithelial cells at the periphery are proliferating and infiltrating the dermis, creating a raised, pearly, and beaded border. **Analysis of Options:** * **Rodent Ulcer (Correct):** Characterized by rolled-out, pearly edges. It is locally invasive but rarely metastasizes. * **Tubercular Ulcer:** Typically presents with **undermined edges**. This happens because the tubercular process destroys the subcutaneous fat more rapidly than the overlying skin. * **Venous Ulcer:** Usually found in the "gaiter area" and presents with **sloping edges**. These ulcers are shallow and heal by the inward migration of epithelium. * **Gummatous Ulcer:** Associated with tertiary syphilis, these are classically described as **punched-out ulcers** with a "wash-leather" slough base. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Everted Edges:** Characteristic of **Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)**. The rapid growth of malignant cells causes the edge to spill over the surrounding skin. * **Punched-out Edges:** Seen in **Trophic (Neuropathic) ulcers** and Syphilitic ulcers. * **Marjolin’s Ulcer:** A squamous cell carcinoma arising in a chronic scar or long-standing burn wound; it typically lacks a significant lymphatic spread because the scar tissue is avascular.

Q: Maximum lengthening is obtained if the angle of a Z-plasty is what?

90 degrees. **Explanation:** Z-plasty is a versatile transposition flap technique used in plastic surgery to increase the length of a scar (contracture) at the expense of width and to change the direction of a scar. **Why 90 degrees is correct:** The amount of theoretical lengthening achieved in a Z-plasty is directly proportional to the angle of the transposition flaps. As the angle increases, the gain in length increases. * A **60-degree angle** is the "standard" used in clinical practice because it provides a significant length increase (75%) while remaining easy to transpose without excessive tension. * However, mathematically and theoretically, a **90-degree angle** provides the **maximum possible lengthening** (approximately 120%). While 90-degree flaps are rarely used clinically because they are difficult to rotate and often result in "dog-ear" deformities or tip necrosis, they represent the maximum lengthening potential in a multiple-choice context. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **30 degrees:** Provides only a 25% increase in length. Flaps are easy to move but the gain is minimal. * **45 degrees:** Provides a 50% increase in length. * **60 degrees:** Provides a 75% increase. This is the **most common clinical choice**, but not the "maximum" possible. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** 1. **Standard Z-plasty:** Uses 60° angles and equal limb lengths. 2. **Limb Length:** All three limbs of the "Z" (the central limb and two side limbs) must be of equal length. 3. **Gain in length:** 30° = 25%; 45° = 50%; 60° = 75%; 75° = 100%; 90° = 120%. 4. **Primary Indication:** Release of linear scar contractures (e.g., post-burn contractures across joints). 5. **Orientation:** The central limb of the Z should be placed along the line of the contracture.

Q: In a patient experiencing shock, which of the following is the best clinical indicator of perfusion status?

Mixed venous oxygen saturation. **Explanation:** The goal of managing shock is to ensure adequate **tissue oxygen delivery ($DO_2$)** to meet **metabolic oxygen demand ($VO_2$)**. While vital signs and physical markers are helpful, they are indirect measures of perfusion. **Why Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation ($SvO_2$) is the best indicator:** $SvO_2$ (measured from the pulmonary artery) reflects the balance between systemic oxygen delivery and consumption. It represents the "leftover" oxygen returning to the heart. If tissues are poorly perfused or oxygen demand exceeds supply, the tissues extract more oxygen from the blood, causing $SvO_2$ to drop. A normal $SvO_2$ (approx. 65–75%) indicates that tissue perfusion is adequate. It is considered the "gold standard" for assessing the adequacy of the global circulatory status. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Urine Output:** While a sensitive indicator of renal perfusion, it can be delayed and influenced by pre-existing renal disease or the use of diuretics. * **Level of Consciousness:** This reflects cerebral perfusion. While critical, it is a late sign of shock and can be confounded by head injury, drugs, or metabolic encephalopathy. * **Central Venous Pressure (CVP):** CVP measures right atrial pressure and is an indicator of **fluid status/preload**, not tissue perfusion. A high CVP does not guarantee that tissues are being adequately oxygenated. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **ScvO2 vs. SvO2:** Central venous oxygen saturation ($ScvO_2$), measured from a standard central line, is often used as a surrogate for $SvO_2$ in clinical practice; it is usually 2–3% higher than $SvO_2$. * **Shock Index:** Heart Rate / Systolic BP (Normal: 0.5–0.7). An index > 0.9 suggests occult shock. * **Lactate:** Rising serum lactate is the best biochemical marker of anaerobic metabolism and "occult" tissue hypoxia.

Q: In hypovolemic shock, which of the following is characteristic?

The extremities are pale, cold, and sweating. **Explanation:** In hypovolemic shock, the primary pathology is a decrease in effective circulating volume. To maintain perfusion to vital organs (heart and brain), the body activates the **sympathetic nervous system**. This leads to a massive release of catecholamines, causing **peripheral vasoconstriction** (to shunt blood centrally) and activation of sweat glands. Consequently, the skin becomes **pale** (due to vasoconstriction), **cold** (due to reduced peripheral perfusion), and **clammy/sweating** (diaphoresis). **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Central Venous Pressure (CVP) is high:** In hypovolemia, there is reduced venous return to the heart. Therefore, CVP is characteristically **low**. High CVP is seen in cardiogenic or obstructive shock. * **C. There is always a site of bleeding:** While hemorrhage is the most common cause, hypovolemic shock can occur without bleeding due to **fluid loss** (e.g., severe vomiting, diarrhea, burns, or "third-spacing" in pancreatitis). * **D. Urine output is unaffected:** As a compensatory mechanism to preserve volume, the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and ADH are activated. This leads to **oliguria** (urine output 0.9 indicates significant hypovolemia. * **Class III Hemorrhage:** This is the stage where **blood pressure starts to fall** (decompensated shock), typically after 15-30% (1500ml) volume loss. * **Lethal Triad of Trauma:** Acidosis, Coagulopathy, and Hypothermia.

Q: Which of the following is true about a keloid?

It grows beyond the border of the original wound.. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: B. It grows beyond the border of the original wound.** **1. Why Option B is Correct:** A keloid is a pathological scar resulting from an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue. The hallmark clinical feature that distinguishes a keloid from a hypertrophic scar is its tendency to **extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound** and invade the surrounding healthy skin. This occurs due to an imbalance between collagen synthesis and degradation, specifically an overproduction of Type I and Type III collagen. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A:** Keloids **do not regress spontaneously**. Unlike hypertrophic scars, which often flatten and improve over 6–12 months, keloids persist and may even enlarge over years. * **Option C:** Keloids are **benign** overgrowths of connective tissue. They are not considered precancerous lesions and do not have a significant risk of malignant transformation. * **Option D:** There is no significant gender predilection; keloids affect men and women equally. However, they are significantly more common in individuals with **darker skin pigmentation** (African, Asian, or Hispanic descent). **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Common Sites:** Presternal area, deltoid, and earlobes (often following piercing). * **Histology:** Characterized by thick, disorganized, "glassy" **collagen bundles**. * **Treatment:** Intralesional **triamcinolone** (corticosteroid) is the first-line treatment. Excision alone has a high recurrence rate (>50%) and should be combined with adjuvant therapy (pressure garments, silicone sheets, or radiotherapy). * **Key Distinction:** * **Keloid:** Extends beyond wound, does not regress, low association with joint contractures. * **Hypertrophic Scar:** Stays within wound boundaries, often regresses, frequently associated with joint contractures.

Q: An elderly woman underwent a radical mastectomy with radiation to the axilla 20 years ago. For 25 years, she has had an open wound that has never healed. It is not a recurrence of breast cancer. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Squamous cell carcinoma. **Explanation:** The correct diagnosis is **Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)**, specifically presenting as a **Marjolin’s ulcer**. **Why it is correct:** A Marjolin’s ulcer refers to a squamous cell carcinoma arising in a site of chronic inflammation, long-standing non-healing wounds, or old scars (most commonly post-burn scars). In this patient, the combination of a chronic open wound (25 years) and previous radiation therapy (which causes tissue ischemia and chronic dermatitis) creates the ideal environment for malignant transformation. While the latency period is typically 30 years, any ulcer persisting for decades must be biopsied to rule out SCC. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):** While BCC is the most common skin cancer, it typically arises on sun-exposed areas (face) and presents as a "pearly" nodule with telangiectasia. It is less commonly associated with chronic scars compared to SCC. * **Hypertrophic granulation tissue:** This is a benign reactive process seen in healing wounds ("proud flesh"). It would not persist for 25 years without either healing or showing signs of malignancy. * **Malignant melanoma:** This arises from melanocytes, usually triggered by UV exposure or genetic factors. It does not typically arise from chronic non-healing ulcers or radiation scars. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Marjolin’s Ulcer:** Most common histological type is **well-differentiated SCC**. * **Characteristics:** It is more aggressive than typical SCC and has a higher rate of regional lymph node metastasis. * **Diagnosis:** Requires a wedge biopsy from the edge of the ulcer. * **Stewart-Treves Syndrome:** Do not confuse this with the clinical scenario. Stewart-Treves is **Angiosarcoma** arising in a limb with chronic lymphedema (post-mastectomy), not from a chronic ulcer or radiation scar itself.

Q: Which of the following is NOT an absolute indication for splenectomy?

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. **Explanation:** The decision for splenectomy is categorized into absolute and relative indications. **Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)** is a **relative indication** because the primary treatment is medical (corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or Rituximab). Splenectomy is reserved only for refractory cases where medical therapy fails or is contraindicated. **Why the other options are Absolute Indications:** * **Splenic Abscess:** This is an absolute indication because abscesses in the spleen rarely respond to antibiotics alone and carry a high risk of rupture and life-threatening peritonitis. * **Hereditary Spherocytosis:** This is the **most common** indication for elective splenectomy. Since the spleen is the primary site of destruction for the abnormal spherical RBCs, splenectomy is curative for the anemia (though it doesn't fix the genetic defect). * **Fibrosarcoma (Primary Splenic Malignancy):** Any primary malignant tumor of the spleen requires total splenectomy for oncological clearance and to prevent metastasis. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** 1. **Most common indication for Splenectomy:** Trauma (specifically blunt trauma to the abdomen). 2. **Most common elective indication:** Hereditary Spherocytosis. 3. **Vaccination Protocol:** To prevent OPSI (Overwhelming Post-Splenectomy Infection), patients must be vaccinated against *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, *Haemophilus influenzae type B*, and *Neisseria meningitidis* at least **2 weeks before** elective surgery or **2 weeks after** emergency surgery. 4. **Post-Splenectomy Blood Picture:** Look for **Howell-Jolly bodies** (most characteristic), Pappenheimer bodies, Heinz bodies, and target cells.

Q: Which statement is NOT true regarding bone removal during impacted third molar extraction?

A low speed, low torque drill is used for bone removal.. ### Explanation The surgical removal of an impacted third molar requires precise bone guttering to create a path of exit for the tooth. **1. Why Option A is the Correct Answer (The False Statement):** In modern oral surgery, bone removal is performed using a **high-speed, high-torque** handpiece (often air-driven or electric). High torque is essential to maintain cutting efficiency against dense cortical bone without stalling. Conversely, low-speed or low-torque drills are inefficient, cause more mechanical trauma, and increase surgical time, which leads to greater postoperative edema and pain. **2. Analysis of Other Options:** * **Option B:** Bone is traditionally removed from the **buccal and occlusal** surfaces to expose the crown. **Distal** bone removal is often necessary for distoangular impactions. This creates a "gutter" that allows for the application of elevators. * **Option C:** Bone removal from the **lingual aspect** is strictly avoided to prevent injury to the **lingual nerve**, which lies in close proximity to the lingual plate in the third molar region. * **Option D:** Continuous, copious irrigation with sterile saline or Ringer’s lactate is mandatory. It prevents **thermal osteonecrosis** (which occurs if bone temperature exceeds 47°C) and clears debris to maintain visibility. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Thermal Threshold:** Bone death occurs if heated above **47°C for 1 minute**. * **Bur Type:** Round burs (size 8) or fissure burs (702/703) are typically used for guttering. * **Lingual Nerve Protection:** The "Lingual Split Technique" (Ward’s) is an older method, but modern practice emphasizes protecting the lingual plate to avoid permanent paresthesia of the tongue. * **Handpiece Safety:** Surgical handpieces must not exhaust air into the wound to prevent **tissue emphysema**.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a contributing factor in thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Tumor arising from the middle lobe of lung

Answer

Malunion of fracture clavicle

Answer

Cervico-thoracic scoliosis

Answer

Anomalies of the first thoracic rib

Question 2

Rolled up edges are seen in which of the following ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Rodent

Answer

Tubercular

Answer

Venous

Answer

Gummatus

Question 3

Maximum lengthening is obtained if the angle of a Z-plasty is what?

Accepted Answer

90 degrees

Answer

30 degrees

Answer

45 degrees

Answer

60 degrees

Question 4

In a patient experiencing shock, which of the following is the best clinical indicator of perfusion status?

Accepted Answer

Mixed venous oxygen saturation

Answer

Urine output

Answer

Level of consciousness

Answer

Central venous pressure

Question 5

In hypovolemic shock, which of the following is characteristic?

Accepted Answer

The extremities are pale, cold, and sweating

Answer

Central venous pressure is high

Answer

There is always a site of bleeding

Answer

Urine output is unaffected

Question 6

Which of the following is true about a keloid?

Accepted Answer

It grows beyond the border of the original wound.

Answer

It regresses spontaneously.

Answer

It is a precancerous lesion.

Answer

It is more common in men.

Question 7

An elderly woman underwent a radical mastectomy with radiation to the axilla 20 years ago. For 25 years, she has had an open wound that has never healed. It is not a recurrence of breast cancer. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer

Hypertrophic granulation tissue

Answer

Malignant melanoma

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an absolute indication for splenectomy?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Answer

Splenic abscess

Answer

Hereditary spherocytosis

Answer

Fibrosarcoma

Question 9

To prevent pressure ulcers, which intervention should be included in the plan of care?

Accepted Answer

Post a turning schedule at the patient's bedside.

Answer

Vigorously massage lotion into bony prominences.

Answer

Turn and re-position the patient at least once every 8 hours.

Answer

Slide the patient, rather than lifting, when turning.

Question 10

Which statement is NOT true regarding bone removal during impacted third molar extraction?

Accepted Answer

A low speed, low torque drill is used for bone removal.

Answer

Bone is removed from the buccal, occlusal, and sometimes distal aspects of the impacted tooth.

Answer

Bone removal from the lingual aspect of the tooth is not advisable.

Answer

Bone removal is accompanied by continuous, copious irrigation to remove bone debris from the bur and keep the temperature under control.

General Surgery Principles — MCQs

General Surgery Principles — MCQs

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