Emrapproved Monthly Medical Trivia - June 2011

Explanation
Painful urination is not a symptom of salmonellosis. Salmonellosis is an infection caused by the Salmonella bacteria, typically resulting in symptoms such as nausea, fever, and stomach cramps. Painful urination, on the other hand, is commonly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria such as E. coli. Therefore, it is not a symptom of salmonellosis.

Explanation
Egas Moniz was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1949 for the invention of frontal lobotomy surgery for schizophrenia. This surgical procedure involves removing or damaging certain parts of the frontal lobe of the brain in order to treat severe mental disorders. Although it was initially seen as a breakthrough treatment, frontal lobotomy later fell out of favor due to its significant side effects and ethical concerns.

Explanation
Syncope is the medical term for fainting. It refers to a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. This can occur due to various reasons such as low blood pressure, heart problems, or sudden changes in body position. During syncope, the person typically collapses and regains consciousness shortly after. Polyuria refers to excessive urination, while aura is a term used to describe a sensation that precedes a seizure or migraine.

Explanation
Auscultation is a medical procedure that involves the examination of the internal sounds of the body. This is typically done using a stethoscope to listen to the sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and other organs. By listening to these sounds, healthcare professionals can gather important information about the functioning of these organs and detect any abnormalities or conditions that may be present. Auscultation is a non-invasive and commonly used diagnostic technique in medicine.

Explanation
Myotomy is a surgical procedure performed on muscles. It involves cutting or dividing the muscle to relieve muscle spasms or to improve muscle function. This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions such as achalasia, a condition where the muscles of the esophagus do not relax properly, causing difficulty in swallowing. By performing a myotomy, the muscle is partially or completely cut, allowing the esophagus to relax and food to pass through more easily. Therefore, the correct answer is muscle.

Explanation
Dysphagia is the correct answer because it is a medical term that specifically refers to difficulty in swallowing. The prefix "dys" means difficulty or abnormal, and "phagia" refers to swallowing. Therefore, dysphagia accurately describes the condition of having difficulty in swallowing. Dyspepsia refers to indigestion, dysuria refers to painful urination, and dyspnea refers to difficulty in breathing.

Explanation
Vivien Thomas is the correct answer because he was a physician who made significant contributions to the field of gynecology. He invented the speculum, which is a medical instrument used for examining the vagina and cervix. His invention revolutionized the field of gynecology and allowed for more accurate and effective examinations. Thomas is often recognized as a pioneer in the field and is known as the "founder of modern gynecology."

Explanation
Red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days. They are constantly being produced in the bone marrow and then broken down and removed by the spleen and liver. This turnover ensures a constant supply of fresh red blood cells in the body.

Explanation
Pneumonia is not caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. Pneumonia is typically caused by other bacteria, viruses, or fungi, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Escherichia coli is a bacterium that can cause various infections, but it is not a common cause of pneumonia.

Explanation
Sulfur is the main component of ointments used for the treatment of fungal infections on the skin. Sulfur has antifungal properties that help to inhibit the growth of fungi and treat the infection. It is commonly used in various topical medications for its therapeutic effects on the skin, including treating fungal infections. Sodium, nitrogen, and potassium do not possess the same antifungal properties as sulfur, making sulfur the correct answer.