MDS PREP
What is the primary mechanism of action of amphotericin B in treating systemic fungal infections?
(1) Inhibition of fungal cell wall synthesis
(2) Inhibition of fungal DNA replication
(3) Inhibition of fungal protein synthesis
(4) Alteration of fungal membrane potential
Amphotericin B is an antifungal agent that works primarily by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, leading to increased permeability and cell death. It is effective against a wide range of fungi and is often used to treat severe systemic infections.
A 45-year-old male with a history of alcoholism is admitted with a three-day history of fever, chills, and severe abdominal pain. His WBC count is elevated. What is the most likely cause of his symptoms?
(1) Pancreatitis
(2) Alcoholic hepatitis
(3) Peptic ulcer disease
(4) Gallstones
The history of alcoholism and symptoms of fever, abdominal pain, and elevated WBC count are more consistent with pancreatitis, which is commonly associated with alcohol abuse.
What is the most common risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis?
1) Cigarette smoking
2) High HDL cholesterol
3) Physical inactivity
4) Impaired fasting glucose
Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis as it damages the inner lining of the blood vessels, leading to the formation of plaques.
In a patient with gestational diabetes, which of the following is NOT a risk factor for the development of the condition?
(1) Advanced maternal age.
(2) Obesity.
(3) Previous history of gestational diabetes.
(4) Being a non-smoker.
The risk factors for gestational diabetes include advanced maternal age, obesity, previous history of gestational diabetes, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain ethnic groups (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American). Being a non-smoker is not a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes; rather, smoking is generally associated with a lower risk of developing the condition.
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?
1) 12-16 breaths/min
2) 16-20 breaths/min
3) 20-24 breaths/min
4) 24-30 breaths/min
The normal adult respiratory rate is typically between 12 and 16 breaths per minute.
What is the primary defect in familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis?
1) Marked increase in muscle potassium permeability
2) Marked decrease in muscle sodium permeability
3) Marked decrease in muscle potassium permeability
4) Impaired sodium-potassium pump function
In familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis, the primary defect is a decrease in muscle potassium permeability, leading to a reduced efflux of potassium from muscle cells.
What is the primary risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized patients?
1) Age over 65
2) Prolonged immobilization
3) Obesity
4) Cancer
Prolonged immobilization, such as during hospitalization or after surgery, is a significant risk factor for the development of DVT. Other risk factors include age over 65, obesity, and cancer, but among hospitalized patients, immobilization is the most common precipitating factor for venous thrombosis.
A patient with severe bronchospasm secondary to an asthma attack is administered a beta2 agonist. What is the primary mechanism of action of beta2 agonists?
(1) Stimulation of beta2 receptors in the heart
(2) Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles
(3) Constriction of bronchial blood vessels
(4) Stimulation of mucus production
Beta2 agonists, such as albuterol, work by binding to beta2 receptors on the smooth muscles surrounding the airways, leading to relaxation of these muscles and bronchodilation, which helps alleviate the bronchospasm characteristic of an asthma attack.