Biomedical Science Multiple Choice Questions

The correct answer is "all of the above" because mental disorders can be influenced by a combination of factors, including heredity, trauma, and stress. Heredity plays a role in the development of mental disorders as certain genes can increase the risk. Trauma, such as abuse or a significant life event, can also contribute to the development of mental disorders. Additionally, high levels of stress can negatively impact mental health and increase the likelihood of experiencing a mental disorder. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to the development of mental disorders.

Some immunizations, such as tetanus, require a second application to strengthen the immune system in response to antigens. These subsequent injections are called booster shots. Booster shots help to enhance and prolong the immune response that was initiated by the initial immunization. They are necessary to ensure long-term immunity and protection against the specific disease or infection.

Dementia can be caused by various factors, including brain tumors, ischemia (restriction of blood flow to the brain), and trauma. All of these conditions can lead to damage or dysfunction in the brain, resulting in cognitive decline and the symptoms associated with dementia. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above."

The correct answer is "aII of the above". Children at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) include those with sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and who are premature infants. These factors contribute to an increased likelihood of SIDS as they can disrupt normal breathing patterns during sleep and compromise the respiratory system's ability to function properly.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to become crescent-shaped when exposed to low oxygen levels. This abnormal shape makes it difficult for the cells to flow smoothly through blood vessels, leading to various complications such as pain, organ damage, and an increased risk of infections. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Photophobia or visual aura preceding a severe headache is a characteristic symptom of migraines. Migraines are a type of headache disorder that often involve intense throbbing pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and visual disturbances (aura) such as seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines. While malnutrition, mastitis, and myasthenia gravis can cause various symptoms, they are not specifically associated with photophobia and visual aura preceding a severe headache.

Both first-degree burns (superficial) and second-degree burns (partial thickness) can cause pain. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin and can cause redness, swelling, and pain. Second-degree burns extend deeper into the skin and can cause blistering, along with more intense pain. Third-degree burns (full thickness) can actually damage nerve endings, leading to a loss of sensation in the affected area, so they do not typically cause pain.

An antagonistic effect refers to the opposing interaction between two drugs, where one drug decreases or cancels out the effects of the other. In other words, when two drugs have an antagonistic effect, they work against each other, resulting in reduced or nullified effects. This can occur when one drug blocks the receptors or actions of the other drug, leading to a decrease in the intended therapeutic effect.

The correct answer is "All of the above." Before the surgery, Margaret's surgeon will discuss the issues related to both mechanical and biological valves. A mechanical valve will require her to take a "blood thinner" for the rest of her life to prevent blood clots. A biological valve, usually made from porcine tissue, will last for 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Additionally, the surgeon will inform Margaret that a mechanical valve increases the risk of blood clots that can cause a stroke.

Most of the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients occur in the small intestine. This is because the small intestine is responsible for the breakdown of food into smaller molecules through the action of enzymes, and the absorption of these molecules into the bloodstream. The small intestine has a large surface area due to its numerous folds and villi, which increases its capacity for nutrient absorption. In contrast, the ascending colon primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, the esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach, and the stomach mainly functions in the initial digestion of food through the release of enzymes and acid.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It is characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The disease commonly affects the synovial joints, which include the small joints of the hands and feet, as well as the knees. Inflammation in these joints can lead to joint damage and deformity over time. While other joints, such as the hips and shoulders, can also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, the knees and small joints of the hands and feet are typically more commonly involved.

Based on the symptoms described, such as itching, erythema, respiratory distress, laryngeal edema, and vascular collapse, it can be inferred that Bobby is experiencing anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen, in this case, a bee sting. The administration of epinephrine is a common treatment for anaphylactic shock, as it helps to reverse the symptoms and stabilize the individual. Allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, and asthma do not typically cause the same severe symptoms as seen in anaphylactic shock.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in Canada. It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It accounts for approximately 60-80% of all dementia cases. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to the destruction of brain cells and the subsequent decline in cognitive function. Other causes of dementia, such as alcohol abuse and anxiety disorder, may contribute to cognitive impairment but are not as prevalent as Alzheimer's disease. Autism, on the other hand, is a developmental disorder that primarily affects social interaction and communication skills and is not a common cause of dementia.

The patient's symptoms of severe headache, nuchal rigidity, fever, and photophobia are consistent with meningitis. The ER physician performs a lumbar puncture (LP) to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. The provisional diagnosis is meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis, as indicated by a positive CSF culture for this bacteria. Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis, especially in young adults living in close quarters, such as college dormitories. Treatment with antibiotics and admission to the ICU is appropriate for this potentially life-threatening condition.

Tension pneumothorax is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space causing the lung to collapse and putting pressure on the heart and other structures in the chest. Common manifestations of tension pneumothorax include severe chest pain, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and shock (low blood pressure). However, clubbing, which is the swelling of the fingertips and nails, is not associated with tension pneumothorax. Clubbing is typically seen in conditions such as chronic lung disease or heart disease.

The presence of raised red or purple lesions on the skin, in the mouth, and throughout the body is a characteristic symptom of AIDS. AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the final stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system is severely damaged, making the individual susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer. Therefore, based on the symptoms described, the patient is in the AIDS stage of the disease process.

All of the above options can be used to treat Graves' disease. Antithyroid drugs are commonly prescribed to reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Radioactive iodine therapy involves the administration of radioactive iodine, which destroys the overactive thyroid cells. Surgery, known as thyroidectomy, may be recommended in severe cases where medication and radioactive iodine therapy are not effective or suitable. Therefore, all of these treatment options can be used individually or in combination, depending on the patient's condition and the severity of the disease.

The placebo effect refers to the phenomenon where a patient experiences a perceived improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment that has no active therapeutic effect. This effect is believed to be driven by the patient's positive belief and expectation in the treatment, which can influence their perception of their outcome. In other words, the placebo effect demonstrates the power of the mind in influencing health outcomes.

Gas exchange in the lungs takes place at the alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the ends of the bronchioles in the lungs. They are surrounded by a network of capillaries where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses across the walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, moves from the bloodstream into the alveoli to be exhaled. The large surface area and thin walls of the alveoli facilitate efficient gas exchange, allowing oxygen to be taken up by the body and carbon dioxide to be eliminated.

Impetigo
Bacterial inflammatory skin disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and crusted-over lesions

The correct answer is antibiotics. Peptic ulcer disease can be caused by the infection of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat this condition by eliminating the bacteria and allowing the ulcer to heal. Antivirals, antifungals, and antiemetics are not effective against bacterial infections and would not be suitable for treating peptic ulcer disease caused by H. pylori.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. This condition primarily affects females, although it can also occur in males. While there is no cure for Graves' disease, there are various treatment options available to manage the symptoms and control the overactive thyroid. Contrary to the statement, Graves' disease usually affects younger individuals, typically between the ages of 20 and 40.

Influenza immunizations must be developed and administered on an annual basis because the virus mutates significantly each year. This means that the strains of the virus circulating in one flu season may be different from the strains in the next season. Therefore, the previous year's vaccine may not provide adequate protection against the new strains. By developing and administering new vaccines each year, scientists can target the specific strains of the virus that are expected to be prevalent in that particular flu season, increasing the effectiveness of the immunization.

The correct answer is a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal throat infection. This is indicated by the symptoms of fever, painful cervical lymph nodes, purulent tonsillar exudate, and difficulty swallowing. The complete hemolysis around Streptococcus pyogenes bacterial colonies on the blood agar culture plate confirms the presence of group A streptococcus. Erythromycin is an appropriate antibiotic choice for treating this type of infection.

The Phalen's wrist flexor test is a noninvasive diagnostic method used to identify carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. The Phalen's test involves flexing the wrist for a prolonged period, which increases pressure on the median nerve. If the test reproduces the patient's symptoms, it suggests the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome. This test is commonly used by healthcare professionals to aid in the diagnosis of this condition.

A "pill-rolling" tremor of the hand refers to a specific type of tremor where the fingers move in a rolling motion, as if rolling a pill between the thumb and fingers. This type of tremor is a characteristic symptom of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The "pill-rolling" tremor is one of the hallmark signs of Parkinson's disease and is often one of the first symptoms to appear.

Folic acid is the common vitamin that should be taken by pregnant women to substantially reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in a developing fetus. Folic acid plays a crucial role in the development of the neural tube, which eventually becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects. Calcium, B12, and E are not specifically associated with reducing the occurrence of neural tube defects.

Fractures occur in patients with osteoporosis due to the loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones, which makes them more susceptible to fractures. As bone mass decreases, the bones become less dense and more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures even with minor trauma or falls. This is why individuals with osteoporosis are more prone to fractures, as their bones lack the necessary strength and density to withstand normal stress and impact.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. These ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, it can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Therefore, Lyme disease is the bacterial disease transmitted by way of a tick vector.

Sam Spade has suffered a severe injury in a motor vehicle accident because he was not wearing a seat belt. As a result, one of the organs in his body, located at the upper left of his abdominal cavity, under the ribs, has been ruptured and he is experiencing internal bleeding. The surgical procedure that Sam requires is called a splenectomy. A splenectomy involves the removal of the spleen, which is a part of the lymphatic system. This procedure is necessary to address the internal bleeding and prevent further complications.

Old age, obesity, and a family history of diabetes are all characteristics of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is more common in adults, especially those who are overweight or obese, and can be influenced by genetic factors. In contrast, type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or IDDM, is an autoimmune disease that typically develops in childhood or adolescence and is not associated with obesity or family history.

Direct transmission of a disease refers to the transfer of the infectious agent from one person to another through direct contact or close proximity. Contaminated foods, on the other hand, are typically associated with indirect transmission, where the disease-causing agent is transferred through contaminated objects or substances, such as contaminated water or food. Therefore, contaminated foods do not fall under the category of direct transmission of a disease.

A synergistic effect refers to the interaction of two drugs that work together to enhance each other's effects, resulting in a more powerful outcome than either drug could produce alone. In this case, both drugs complement each other and contribute to achieving a desired effect. This term is used to describe the positive interaction between drugs, unlike an antagonistic effect where drugs work against each other. The placebo effect, on the other hand, refers to the phenomenon where a patient experiences a perceived improvement in symptoms due to their belief in the treatment, even if it is an inactive substance.

Cervical cerclage is a procedure used to help prevent miscarriage. It involves stitching the cervix closed to provide support and prevent it from opening prematurely during pregnancy. This procedure is typically performed in women who have a history of cervical incompetence or previous miscarriages. By reinforcing the cervix, cervical cerclage can reduce the risk of miscarriage and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Genital warts are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. HPV can cause warts to develop on or around the genitals, and it can also lead to certain types of cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancer. Vaccines are available to protect against HPV and reduce the risk of developing genital warts and related cancers.

Memory cells are formed after vaccination and play a crucial role in preventing illness. These cells "remember" the specific pathogen encountered during vaccination and mount a rapid and effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen. This memory response helps to eliminate the pathogen before it can cause illness, providing long-term immunity.

Low dietary sodium intake is not a predisposing risk associated with essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is primarily influenced by factors such as age, cigarette smoking, and obesity. While a high dietary sodium intake can contribute to hypertension, a low intake of sodium does not increase the risk. In fact, a low sodium diet is often recommended as a way to manage and prevent hypertension.

Fluid in the alveoli of the lungs is not characteristic of Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and ulcers. It does not directly affect the lungs or cause fluid accumulation in the alveoli. On the other hand, fluid in the alveoli can be seen in conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, and tuberculosis, which are respiratory diseases.

Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium, not by bacteria, prions, or viruses. This parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasite multiplies in the liver and then infects red blood cells, leading to the symptoms of malaria.

A high-fiber diet would not be identified as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. In fact, a high-fiber diet is often recommended as a preventive measure for colorectal cancer. Fiber helps to promote regular bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation, which in turn reduces the exposure of the colon to potential carcinogens. Additionally, a high-fiber diet can help to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, which is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer. Therefore, a high-fiber diet is actually beneficial in reducing the chance of developing colorectal cancer.

When a decubitus ulcer has progressed to a stage in which osteomyelitis is present, it means that the infection has spread to the bone. Osteomyelitis is a serious condition where the bone becomes infected, usually due to bacteria entering through an open wound or sore. In this stage, the ulcer has penetrated through the layers of tissue and reached the bone, causing a potentially life-threatening infection.

Excessive breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs) can lead to high bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of heme in RBCs. Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted in bile. However, if there is an excessive breakdown of RBCs, the liver may not be able to process bilirubin efficiently, leading to its accumulation in the blood, resulting in high bilirubin levels. This can occur in conditions such as hemolytic anemia or liver disease.

Rickets is the correct answer because it refers to the softening and weakening of the bones in children, usually caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. This condition can lead to skeletal deformities and impaired growth. Raynaud's disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities, Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious illness that can cause brain and liver damage, and rubella is a viral infection that can cause rash and other symptoms.

The genetic tests reveal that the father carries the trait to produce abnormal hemoglobin, HbS, which causes crystallization in RBCs and deforms their shape when Oxygen is low. This condition causes painful crises. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped. This can lead to various complications including pain, organ damage, and an increased risk of infections.

The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood in the systemic circulation. After oxygen is exchanged in the lungs, the oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins and is then pumped out to the rest of the body through the systemic circulation. The right vena cava carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium, the renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys, and the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the body.

The correct sequence for the flow of blood through the heart to the lungs for gas exchange to occur is as follows: right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, lungs. Blood enters the heart through the right atrium, then flows into the right ventricle. From the right ventricle, the blood is pumped into the pulmonary artery, which carries it to the lungs for oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide.

B cells are responsible for producing antibodies. B cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response. When an antigen enters the body, B cells recognize it and differentiate into plasma cells. These plasma cells then produce and secrete antibodies, which are proteins that bind to specific antigens and help to neutralize or eliminate them. Therefore, B cells are directly involved in the production of antibodies, making them the correct answer to the question.

Being overweight is a risk factor involved in the etiology of gallstones. This is because excess body weight can lead to increased cholesterol levels in the bile, which can contribute to the formation of gallstones. Additionally, being overweight is often associated with other risk factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits, which further increase the risk of developing gallstones.

Mast cells are the cells that produce histamine in a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. Histamine is a chemical mediator that is released by mast cells in response to an allergen. It plays a key role in the inflammatory response by causing vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and smooth muscle contraction. This release of histamine leads to the symptoms associated with allergies, such as itching, redness, and swelling.

The given statement that BEST describes tuberculosis is "a chronic, systemic disease whose initial infection is in the lungs." This statement accurately captures the nature of tuberculosis, which is a long-term, widespread disease that initially infects the lungs. Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.