31reading Sets and Strategies
31reading Sets and Strategies
31reading Sets and Strategies
READING SUB-TEST
Updated Reading sub-test (60 Minutes):
The updated Reading sub-test will include:
A new task types such as matching, short-answer questions
A new broader range of documents, such as policy or procedure documents.
As per the old test, it will still be relevant for all professions and test your ability to:
Understand texts and source information from multiple texts (‘skim’ and ‘scan’).
The updated Reading sub-test consists of three separate parts with a total of 42 questions, and takes
60 minutes to complete.
The three different parts of the Reading Test are described below:
Part A : 4 Expeditious (fast) reading task (20 questions /15 minutes)
Test contains 4 extracts on the same topic that a healthcare professional might use in the
course of their work.
20 matching, sentence completion and short answer question.
You will have 15 min. to locate specific information in quick and efficient manner
Part B: 6 short workplace extracts ,careful reading task (100-150 word /10 min)
Identify the detail , gist or purpose from 6 extracts (policy, guideline)
1 three option mcqs X 1 = 6
You should aim to spend roughly 10 minutes on this section.
Part C, 2 long passage of healthcare topics ,careful reading task (800 word /35 min)
Identify detailed meaning and opinion
8 four option mcqs X 2 = 16
You should aim to spend roughly 35 minutes on this section.
READING STRATEGIES
Unlike the OET Listening Test – where you must keep pace with the recording to avoid falling behind –
you must pace yourself in the Reading Test. You should time yourself while you attempt the questions
within this chapter.
Make sure you are familiar with the Reading Test instructions in advance, so that on Test Day, you can
focus on answering the questions.
Familiarise yourself with the different parts of the Reading test, and be prepared for each question
type. Use this chapter to build your knowledge of the different tasks in the Reading test, then assess
your skills with the practice set of questions at the end of each part. Revisit and revise any questions
you struggled with, identify what caused you to struggle with the question, and practise answering
similar questions.
Look out for the important words in the question that can help you to locate the information in the
text.
Understand how writers construct their texts to communicate their message. Some functional
language will be useful to them in many contexts regardless of topic, e.g. to show:
– the order of events e.g. firstly, secondly; initially, subsequently, in the end.
– consequences e.g. due to, therefore, as a result.
– contrasting or alternative ideas e.g. however, on the other hand, despite.
– the extension of an idea e.g. in addition, furthermore.
As well as focusing on specific language, help your students to become familiar with common
features of academic and professional texts, such as:
– text references e.g. this, the other study, as noted above.
– nominalization: choosing nouns rather than verbs or adjectives, e.g. explanation [from
explain], detoxification, assessment.
– complex comparative structures e.g. The study found that women over 60 benefited from
the therapy almost twice as much as those aged between 20 and 35 did.
– long noun phrases e.g. The four-year study into the uptake and continuing use of the
drug-based treatment administered with appropriate medical supervision discovered that
– groups of words which relate to degree of certainty e.g. states, concludes, implies, suggests,
proposes, assumes, supposes, believes, considers, presumes
READING SUB-TEST: PART A (15 minutes)
Strategies
1. Know the Instructions
You should make sure you are familiar with what you have to do before you take the test.
The instructions for Reading Part A look like this:
Instructions to candidates: (there are 2 isolated Text Booklet and Question Paper)
- Look at the four texts, A – D, in the Text Booklet.
- For each question, 1 – 20, look through the texts, A – D, to find relevant information.
- Write your answers on spaces provided in the Question Paper.
- Answer all the questions within the 15-minute time limit.
- Your answers should be correctly spelt .
2. Know the Format: Skim each text to identify the title and text types of each of the texts.
Use headings and layout of short text to get quick initial idea of information type which are:
- A flow chart, table, graphs or diagram.
- Information in paragraphs and bullet-pointed lists.
- Research /abstract
- Report
- Case studies
- Extract from an article
- Question and answer
- Statistics
- Definition
- FAQs
3.Identify the Question Types: start reading the questions to identify the Types of the 1st question.
1. Matching (1st 7 question )
2. Short Answer
3. Sentence Completion
4. Pay attention to the words and meaning of the question
- Underline the key words in the task and locate these words in the text.
- Be on the lookout for synonyms and clues which indicate where the answer can be found.
5. Scanning the texts and locate the key words needed for the particular information
- Keep text Booklet open in front of you to see text and questions paper at same time.
- Don’t begin part A by simple read all text ,this will waste your time.
- According to types, words and question meaning, use it to guide you to which text read first.
- Don’t worry, If at first the topic of the texts are unfamiliar to you, you will not need to have prior
knowledge of the specific condition or treatment discussed in the texts. Simply focus on finding the
word or phrase in relevant text that allows you to answer question.
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from. You may use any
letter more than once.
Questions 8 -14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both.
8 .What type of tube used to a patient need feeding for short time? ------------
14. What device allow for delivery of feed via small bowel ? -----------
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both
15. if tube is not straight when you unwarp it ,you should ------------
20 .if child is receiving ……………… via NG tube, you should replace bottle after 4 hrs.
AFTER 15 MINUTES.
Strategies
To answer as many questions in this section correctly as possible, you need to focus your efforts on
understanding the main point of the information provided in each of the texts.
3. Scan the Question
Unlike the Listening Test, the OET Reading Test does not provide additional time to look through the
questions before answering them, so you should factor this into your total time. You should aim to
answer 6 questions in roughly 10 minutes, so don’t spend too long on any one question. If you can’t
find the answer, move on to the next question and come back to this one at the end.
In this section of the test, there are three different question types. We’ll go through each question
type now, and provide examples for each question type.
- Main Idea
- Detail
- Purpose
Main Idea
These questions ask for the main idea of the piece of information. To answer these questions, you will
need to assess what the main point is of what is being communicated.
For questions 1-6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best.
Example - Extracts 1
Detail questions will ask you to answer a question about a specific part of the text. They will often
include words in the question that you can use to skim the text for the relevant information.
Example - Extracts 2
For questions 2, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best.
Patient privacy is legally governed by HIPAA, which establishes strict standards for healthcare
providers when sharing patient information. Every hospital will have guidelines healthcare employees
must follow to avoid committing an HIPAA violation, which can result in termination from
employment and/or severe fines. Employees must avoid talking about identifiable patient information
with other people that are not involved in their care.
This also includes discussing patient details in a public setting like a hallway or elevator. When sending
information about patients to other providers, it is important to use secure forms of transmission
such as hospital email and fax. Avoid easy but unprotected methods like texting or personal email.
Dispose of any identifiable information in specially marked bins for later incineration.
What point does the training manual make about confidential documents?
(A) They must not be consulted in an open area.
(B) They must only be shared via work email.
(C) They must be destroyed after use
Purpose
Purpose questions require you to choose the answer that best explains the point of the text.
Think about why the text was written, what should healthcare professionals reading the text do as a
result of reading it?
Example - Extracts 3
For questions 3, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best.
Intravenous (IV) fluids are infused directly into the veins of patients via a cannula in cases of severe
dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, blood loss, and in surgery. Intravenous lines can also be used for
administration of drugs directly into the blood of a patient, resulting in faster action. The guidelines
below illustrate the correct procedure for setting up and administering IV therapy.
Firstly, always check that the fluid bag is not damaged and that
the liquid inside it is clear. Secondly, there have been reports of incomplete patient notes, so it is
crucial that you check for details such as fluid type and expiration date and record these in the patient
notes immediately. Thirdly, it is vital that all clinical
staff introduce themselves with their full name and role to all patients they engage with; only after
confirming patient details and obtaining their consent should one begin the IV set-up.
Finally, be extra diligent when calculating the drip rate as to avoid any errors. Feel comfortable to
approach a fellow colleague for assistance if uncertain at any stage.
Part C, 2 long passage of healthcare topics ,careful reading task (800 word /35 min)
Identify detailed meaning and opinion
8 four option mcqs X 2 =16
You should aim to spend roughly 35 minutes on this section.
Strategies
Instructions to candidates:
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7 to 22, choose the answer(A,B,C or D)which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers by filling in the circle using a 2B pencil on the separate Answer Sheet
Don’t fill in more than one circle.
Advice to candidates:
There is no thematic links between the two text ,don’t waste time for this.
Manage your time carefully, you should aim to spend most 45 min. in part C.
Read each question carefully and looking out for keywords.
Consider each option and ask yourself ,what makes each one right or wrong.
If you not sure about answer, consider moving on and coming back to it latter.
Don’t stuck on one question keep going and come to it at end.
Write your answers by filling in circle using a 2B pencil ,don’t fill in more than one.
2. Know the Format
Each question refers to a discrete part of the text, and the questions appear in the order of the
information in the text. You need to answer 8 questions on each of the 2 texts in this section of the
test. The questions will direct you to the part of the text which the question refers, so you don’t need
to skim the entire text to find the information. In addition, once you have answered a
question about one part of the text, you only need to look at the information that follows for the
remaining questions, you will not need to look at the previous information.
The first thing you should do, when tackling a Part C text, is to quickly look through the text, to
understand how the text is organised and what it's about.
As you skim through the text, you might find it helpful to make a few brief notes about the main idea
or topic of each paragraph, to help you to remember what the text discusses. Don’t worry about
understanding the text in detail at this point, just give yourself a general sense of the text. When you
come to answer the questions, the questions will guide you through the text.
Once you’ve scanned the text, you can begin to work through the 8 questions.
You should aim to spend one to one and a half minutes answering each question in this section, so
make sure to time yourself accurately as you complete the exercises in this chapter. When you come to
answer the questions in Part C, first look at what the question is asking you to do, then scan the
relevant paragraph of information, then look at the answer options. Mark any answer options that
definitely do not answer the question with a cross, and if you’re stuck between two answer choices,
read through the relevant information again, then if you still can’t find the answer, select one of the
answer choices as a guess and move on.
The questions in Part C of the Reading Test can be broadly divided into 3 different question types.
1. Detail, Attitude and Opinion
2. Vocabulary
3. Reference
Detail, Attitude and Opinion
Detail, Attitude and Opinion questions will ask you to identify information from a section of a text, and
will most often focus on the views and opinions of the writer. These questions are the most common
question type in Part C.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary questions will present you with a single word or phrase that will be underlined and
formatted in bold in the question and the text.
To answer these questions correctly, you will need to look at the surrounding words and deduce the
meaning added by the word or phrase. These questions are not testing your knowledge of the definition
of the word or phrase itself. You should expect to answer one Vocabulary question in each text in Part C.
Reference
Reference questions will ask you to decide what the word or phrase underlined and in bold in the
question and in the text relates to.
To answer these questions, you might need to be able to keep track of what is being
discussed in long sections of text with complex sentences. You should expect to answer one Reference
question in each passage in Part C.
We will go through each question type below, and provide examples for each question type.
Example - Text 1: SYNTHETIC VOICES
There are many reasons why a patient may lose their voice; indeed, many of us will already have
experienced partial loss of voice, when suffering from a cold or flu. While we tend to dismiss a hoarse
voice as a mild annoyance, when permanent voice loss occurs, it can be tremendously difficult for the
patient to deal with, both practically, and emotionally. When our voice works, we don’t spend too
much time thinking about what like would be like without it, but the truth is that our voice is an
integral part of who we are. Our voices define us, they allow our loved ones to identify us over the
phone, or when visibility is poor. They distinguish us as individuals from certain parts of the world,
and they can even indicate our social standing. Until recently, patients
who experienced permanent loss of voice would have had relatively few options at their disposal.
However, as technology advances, the range of speech replacement options available becomes
increasingly sophisticated.
Today, synthetic voices are the most common type of speech replacement device used by those who
have permanently lost their voice. The technology used to create this software can also be seen in
speech controlled home devices, and modern smartphones. As permanent loss of voice is often
caused by respiratory issues resulting from other illnesses, however, it’s important that speech
replacement devices for those who have lost their voice take the patient’s other disabilities into
account. Speech-to-text systems typically involve a system of levers or a simplified keyboard; the
latter tends to be easier for those with limited mobility to operate. Users are able to manipulate these
controls in order to select words from a computer interface and build them into sentences. Some
systems can also operate via eye movement alone, so that when a user stares at a particular word on
the screen for a certain amount of time, it is selected.
These systems show a remarkable advancement from one of the earliest speech-to-text mechanisms
designed in the sixties: a typewriter operated through an air pipe, known as a sip and puff typewriter.
The first electrical communication device for disabled people who could not speak, a sip and puff
typewriter called the POSM (Patient Oriented Selector Mechanism), was developed by Reg Maling, a
volunteer at a hospital for paralysed people, after he discovered that patients at the hospital who had
lost the use of their voice were only able to communicate using a bell. Throughout the rest of the
twentieth century, these technologies were gradually developed, and in the 1970s, the first portable,
commercially available, adaptive alternative communication devices (or AACs), were produced.
Although they were advertised as portable, these devices often weighed a hefty 15 – 20 pounds, and
tended to range from 20 to 25 inches in size. As many of the early portable AAC users also used a
wheelchair, in which it was relatively straightforward to design a holster at the back of the chair to
store these devices.
Thankfully, the technology continued to develop, and devices became smaller, easier to use and more
sophisticated. In the United States there are now over two million people who rely on such devices in
their day-to-day communications, yet many users still have to make do with a limited number of vocal
choices—often less than a dozen, with the majority of available voices sounding adult and/or male.
This is extremely problematic, as users need to choose a voice that they feel represents who they are.
Proponents of new digital voice banks are working toward raising the bar by steadily widening the
scope for self-expression among the many millions of diverse users of
AACs.
If patients are gradually losing their voice, but still able to speak, they may be able to record their own
voice to use with their AAC. Another alternative open to patients is to make use of the increasing
number of voices being donated.
Although voice donation does not require the contributor to physically give a part of themselves
away, as is the case with classic medical donations, donators certainly must go the extra mile. The
process of voice donation is much more extensive than, say, donating a kidney, or other physical
organ.
While the donation of an organ requires a relatively short stay in hospital, to donate a voice requires
many weeks of donor commitment. Donors must speak many thousands of preselected words,
phrases and sentences into a recording microphone. Some companies offer a service tailored to the
user, who can read science fiction or fantasy stories out loud—or texts according to their interests—in
order to remain more engaged in the process.
Once a voice has been comprehensively recorded, it then becomes part of the
software for AACs, and made available to any patient that needs it. Professor Stephen Hawking, the
famous Cambridge physicist, began to use an early text-to-speech system in 1986 called CallText.
Interestingly, the professor never changed his synthetic voice to a more sophisticated design that
better imitated natural speech. Instead, Hawking retained CallText, explaining that he felt the limited
modulations of the voice allowed his speech to be easier to hear and understand during lectures.
Clearly, Hawking also came to see it as a part of his identity. 30 years after he began using CallText,
the software was nearing breakdown, but rather than simply replace it, he had a team of
researchers reverse engineer the voice onto a more modern platform.
Questions (8 mcqs/ four option mcq)
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best
The following list gives examples of the types of Detail, Attitude and Opinion questions that occur in
this section:
7.In the first paragraph, the writer suggests loss of voice is difficult for patients because it is
A part of their identity.
B necessary for interaction.
C used to form relationship.
D an indicator of social class.
8. Why does the writer believe it is important that speech replacement devices be operated by a
variety of methods?
A The technology should be kept up to date.
B Patients often suffer from various conditions.
C Healthcare workers might also need to use them.
D The devices should be usable across a range of platforms.
9. In the third paragraph, we learn that Reg Malling developed the POSM due to
A the number of people who had permanently lost their voice.
B the lack of accessibility in previous sip and puff designs.
C the limited communication options for disabled people.
D the recent development of similar sound technology.
10. According to the writer, why were early portable AACs problematic for those not in wheelchairs?
A They were heavy and bulky.
B They were remarkably fragile.
C They could not be used while walking.
D They needed access to a power source.
The following list gives examples of Vocabulary questions:
11. The writer uses the phrase ‘raising the bar’ to underline the
A complexity of modern devices.
B need for a diverse range of voices.
C high quality of the sound recordings.
(D) number of new communication systems.
12. What is suggested about voice donation by the phrase ‘go the extra mile’?
A donation centers are often far away
B a large number of voices are rejected
C donators sacrifice more than organ donators
(D) the process is extremely time-consuming
14. What does the word ‘it’ refer to in the final paragraph?
A A presentation given by the professor.
B The research carried out for the professor.
C The synthetic voice used by the professor.
(D) The permanent loss of voice of the professor.
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals.
For questions 1-6, choose answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text.
Questions 1-6
Professional obligations
The Code of conduct contains guidance about the required standards of professional behaviour,
which apply to registered health practitioners whether they are interacting in person or online.
The Code of conduct also articulates standards of professional conduct in relation to privacy and
confidentiality of patient information, including when using social media. For example, posting
unauthorised photographs of patients in any medium is a breach of the patient’s privacy and
confidentiality, including on a personal Facebook site or group, even if the privacy settings are
set at the highest setting (such as for a closed, ‘invisible’ group).
2. Why does dysphagia often require complex management?
A. Because it negatively influences the cardiac system.
B. Because it is difficult contrast complex and non-complex cases.
C. Because it seldom occurs without other symptoms.
Dysphagia management may be complex and is often multi-factorial in nature. The speech
pathologist’s understanding of human physiology is critical. The swallowing system works with
the respiratory system. The respiratory system is in turn influenced by the cardiac system, and
the cardiac system is affected by the renal system. Due to the physiological complexities of the
human body, few clients present with dysphagia in isolation.
1- Documentation
1.1 Every place where dental care is provided must have the following documents in
either hard copy or electronic form (the latter includes guaranteed Internet access).
Every working dental practitioner and all staff must have access to:
a). a manual setting out the infection control protocols and procedures used in that
practice, which is based on the documents listed at sections 1.1(b), (c) and (d) of these
guidelines and with reference to the concepts in current practice noted in the documents listed
under References in these guidelines
b). The current Australian Dental Association Guidelines for Infection Control (available at:
http://www.ada.org.au)
4. Negative effects from prescription drugs are often
A. avoidable in young people.
B. unpredictable in the elderly.
C. caused by miscommunication.
Adverse drug effects can occur in any patient, but certain characteristics of the elderly make
them more susceptible. For example, the elderly often take many drugs (polypharmacy) and have
age-related changes in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics; both increase the risk of
adverse effects. At any age, adverse drug effects may occur when drugs are prescribed and taken
appropriately; e.g., new-onset allergic reactions are not predictable or preventable.
However, adverse effects are thought to be preventable in almost 90% of cases in the elderly
(compared with only 24% in younger patients). Certain drug classes are commonly involved:
antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedative-hypnotics.
In the elderly, a number of common reasons for adverse drug effects, ineffectiveness, or both are
preventable. Many of these reasons involve inadequate communication with patients or
between health care practitioners (particularly during health care transitions).
5. The guideline tries to use terminology that
A. presents value-free information about different social groups.
B. distinguishes disadvantaged groups from the traditional majority.
C. clarifies the proportion of each race, gender and culture.
Terminology
Terminology in this guideline is a difficult issue since the choice of terminology used to
distinguish groups of persons can be personal and contentious, especially when the groups
represent differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, culture or other characteristics.
Throughout the development of this guideline the panel end eavoured to maintain neutral and
non-judgmental terminology wherever possible. Terms such as “minority”, “visible minority”,
“non-visible minority” and “language minority” are used in some areas; when doing so the panel
refers solely to their proportionate numbers within the larger population and infers no value on
the term to imply less importance or less power. In some of the recommendations the term
“under-represented groups” is used, again, to refer solely to the disproportionate
representation of some citizens in those settings in comparison to the traditional majority.
6. What is the purpose of this extract?
A. To illustrate situations where patients may find it difficult to give negative feedback.
B. To argue that hospital brochures should be provided in many languages.
C. To provide guidance to people who are victims of discrimination.
Special needs
Special measures may be needed to ensure everyone in your client base is aware of your
consumer feedback policy and is comfortable with raising their concerns.
For example, should you provide brochures in a language other than English?
Some people are less likely to complain for cultural reasons. For example, some Aboriginal people
may be culturally less inclined to complain, particularly to non-Aboriginal people. People with
certain conditions such as hepatitis C or a mental illness, may have concerns about discrimination
that will make them less likely to speak up if they are not satisfied or if something is wrong.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
While GPs have many skills in the assessment and treatment of depression, they are often
faced with people with depression who simply do not get better, despite the use of proven
psychological or pharmacological therapies. GPs are well placed in one regard, as they often
have a longitudinal knowledge of the patient, understand his or her circumstances, stressors
and supports, and can marshal this knowledge into a coherent and comprehensive
management plan. Of course, GPs should not soldier on alone if they feel the patient is not
getting better.
In trying to understand what happens when GPs feel “stuck” while treating someone with
depression, a qualitative study was undertaken that aimed to gauge the response of GPs to
the term “difficult-to-treat depression”. It was found that, while there was confusion around
the exact meaning of the term, GPs could relate to it as broadly encompassing a range of
individuals and presentations. More specific terms such as “treatment-resistant depression”
are generally reserved for a subgroup of people with difficult-to-treat depression that has
failed to respond to treatment, with particular management implications.
One scenario in which depression can be difficult to treat is in the context of physical illness.
Depression is often expressed via physical symptoms, however it is also true is that people
with chronic physical ailments are at high risk of depression. Functional pain syndromes
where the origin and cause of the pain are unclear, are particularly tricky, as complaints of
pain require the clinician to accept them as “legitimate”, even if there is no obvious physical
cause. The use of analgesics can create its own problems, including dependence. Patients
with comorbid chronic pain and depression require careful and sensitive management and a
long-term commitment from the GP to ensure consistency of care and support.
It is often difficult to tackle the topic of depression co-occurring with borderline personality
disorder (BPD). People with BPD have, as part of the core disorder, a perturbation of affect
associated with marked variability of mood. This can be very difficult for the patient to deal
with and can feed self-injurious and other harmful behaviour. Use of mentalisation-based
techniques is gaining support, and psychological treatments such as dialectical behaviour
therapy form the cornerstone of care. Use of medications tends to be secondary, and
prescription needs to be judicious and carefully targeted at particular symptoms. GPs can
play a very important role in helping people with BPD, but should not “go it alone”, instead
ensuring sufficient support for themselves as well as the patient.
Another particularly problematic and well-known form of depression is that which occurs in
the context of bipolar disorder. Firm data on how best to manage bipolar depression is
surprisingly lacking. It is clear that treatments such as unopposed antidepressants can make
matters a lot worse, with the potential for induction of mania and mood cycle acceleration.
However, certain medications (notably, some mood stabilisers and atypical antipsychotics)
can alleviate much of the suffering associated with bipolar depression. Specialist psychiatric
input is often required to achieve the best pharmacological approach. For people with bipolar
disorder, psychological techniques and long-term planning can help prevent relapse. Family
education and support is also an important consideration.
Part C -Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. In the first paragraph, what point does the writer make about the treatment of depression?
A. 75% of depression sufferers visit their GP for treatment.
B .GPs struggle to meet the needs of patients with depression.
C .Treatment for depression takes an average of 11.7 days a month.
D .Most people with depression symptoms never receive help.
9. What do the results of the study described in the third paragraph suggest?
A. GPs prefer the term “treatment resistant depression” to “difficult-to-treat depression”.
B. Patients with “difficult-to-treat depression” sometimes get “stuck” in treatment.
C. The term “difficult-to-treat depression” lacks a precise definition.
D. There is an identifiable sub-group of patients with “difficult-to-treat depression”.
12. In paragraph 5, what does the phrase ‘form the cornerstone’ mean regarding BPD treatment?
A. Psychological therapies are generally the basis of treatment.
B. There is more evidence for using mentalisation than dialectical behaviour therapy.
C. Dialectical behaviour therapy is the optimum treatment for depression..
D. In some unusual cases prescribing medication is the preferred therapy.
13. In paragraph 6, what does the writer suggest about research into bipolar depression
management?
A. There is enough data to establish the best way to manage bipolar depression.
B. Research hasn’t provided the evidence for an ideal management plan yet.
C. A lack of patients with the condition makes it difficult to collect data on its management.
D. Too few studies have investigated the most effective ways to manage this condition.
14. In paragraph 6, what does the writer suggest about the use of medications when treating
bipolar depression?
A. There is evidence for the positive and negative results of different medications.
B. Medications typically make matters worse rather than better.
C. Medication can help prevent long term relapse when combined with family education.
D. Specialist psychiatrists should prescribe medication for bipolar disorder rather than GPs.
Text 2: Are the best hospitals managed by doctors?
Doctors were once viewed as ill-prepared for leadership roles because their selection and
training led them to become “heroic lone healers.” However, the emphasis on patientcentered
care and efficiency in the delivery of clinical outcomes means that physicians are
now being prepared for leadership. The Mayo Clinic is America’s best hospital, according to
the 2016 US News and World Report (USNWR) ranking. Cleveland Clinic comes in second.
The CEOs of both — John Noseworthy and Delos “Toby” Cosgrove — are highly skilled
physicians. In fact, both institutions have been physician-led since their inception around a
century ago. Might there be a general message here?
A study published in 2011 examined CEOs in the top-100 hospitals in USNWR in three key
medical specialties: cancer, digestive disorders, and cardiovascular care. A simple question
was asked: are hospitals ranked more highly when they are led by medically trained doctors
or non-MD professional managers? The analysis showed that hospital quality scores are
approximately 25% higher in physician-run hospitals than in manager-run hospitals. Of
course, this does not prove that doctors make better leaders, though the results are surely
consistent with that claim.
Other studies find a similar correlation. Research by Bloom, Sadun, and Van Reenen
revealed how important good management practices are to hospital performance. However,
they also found that it is the proportion of managers with a clinical degree that had the
largest positive effect; in other words, the separation of clinical and managerial knowledge
inside hospitals was associated with more negative management outcomes. Finally, support
for the idea that physician-leaders are advantaged in healthcare is consistent with
observations from many other sectors. Domain experts – “expert leaders” (like physicians in
hospitals) — have been linked with better organizational performance in settings as diverse
as universities, where scholar-leaders enhance the research output of their organizations, to
basketball teams, where former All-Star players turned coaches are disproportionately
linked to NBA success.
What are the attributes of physician-leaders that might account for this association with
enhanced organizational performance? When asked this question, Dr. Toby Cosgrove, CEO
of Cleveland Clinic, responded without hesitation, “credibility … peer-to-peer credibility.” In
other words, when an outstanding physician heads a major hospital, it signals that they have
“walked the walk”. The Mayo website notes that it is physician-led because, “This helps
ensure a continued focus on our primary value, the needs of the patient come first.” Having
spent their careers looking through a patient-focused lens, physicians moving into executive
positions might be expected to bring a patient-focused strategy.
In a recent study that matched random samples of U.S. and UK employees with employers,
we found that having a boss who is an expert in the core business is associated with high
levels of employee job satisfaction and low intentions of quitting. Similarly, physician-leaders
may know how to raise the job satisfaction of other clinicians, thereby contributing to
enhanced organizational performance. If a manager understands, through their own
experience, what is needed to complete a job to the highest standard, then they may be
more likely to create the right work environment, set appropriate goals and accurately
evaluate others’ contributions.
Finally, we might expect a highly talented physician to know what “good” looks like when
hiring other physicians. Cosgrove suggests that physician-leaders are also more likely to
tolerate innovative ideas like the first coronary artery bypass, performed by René Favaloro at
the Cleveland Clinic in the late ‘60s. Cosgrove believes that the Cleveland Clinic unlocks
talent by giving safe space to people with extraordinary ideas and importantly, that
leadership tolerates appropriate failure, which is a natural part of scientific endeavour and
progress.
The Cleveland Clinic has also been training physicians to lead for many years. For example,
a cohort-based annual course, “Leading in Health Care,” began in the early 1990s and has
invited nominated, high-potential physicians (and more recently nurses and administrators)
to engage in 10 days of offsite training in leadership competencies which fall outside the
domain of traditional medical training. Core to the curriculum is emotional intelligence (with
360-degree feedback and executive coaching), teambuilding, conflict resolution, and
situational leadership. The course culminates in a team-based innovation project presented
to hospital leadership. 61% of the proposed innovation projects have had a positive
institutional impact. Moreover, in ten years of follow-up after the initial course, 48% of the
physician participants have been promoted to leadership positions at Cleveland Clinic.
Part C -Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. In paragraph 1, why does the writer mention the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics?
A. To highlight that they are the two highest ranked hospitals on the USNWR
B. To introduce research into hospital management based in these clinics
C. To provide examples to support the idea that doctors make good leaders
D. To reinforce the idea that doctors should become hospital CEOs
16. What is the writer’s opinion about the findings of the study mentioned in paragraph 2?
A. They show quite clearly that doctors make better hospital managers.
B. They show a loose connection between doctor-leaders and better management.
C. They confirm that the top-100 hospitals on the USNWR ought to be physician-run.
D. They are inconclusive because the data is insufficient.
17. Why does the writer mention the research study in paragraph 3?
A. To contrast the findings with the study mentioned in paragraph 2
B. To provide the opposite point of view to his own position
C. To support his main argument with further evidence
D. To show that other researchers support him
20. In paragraph 6, the writer suggests that leaders promote employee satisfaction because
A. they are often cooperative.
B. they tend to give employees positive evaluations.
C. they encourage their employees not to leave their jobs.
D. they understand their employees’ jobs deeply.
21. In the seventh paragraph, why is the first coronary artery bypass operation mentioned?
A. To demonstrate the achievements of the Cleveland clinic
B. To present René Favaloro as an exemplar of a ‘good’ doctor
C. To provide an example of an encouraging medical innovation
D. To show how failure naturally contributes to scientific progress
22. In paragraph 8, what was the outcome of the course “Leading in Health Care”?
A. The Cleveland Clinic promoted almost half of the participants.
B. 61% of innovation projects lead to participants being promoted.
C. Some participants took up leadership roles outside the medical domain.
D. A culmination of more team-based innovations.
TEXT BOOKLET
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelled.
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelled.
The use of symptomatic medications for the treatment of opioid dependence has been found to
have (16)........ than tramadol.
Once it is decided that opioid taper is a suitable treatment the doctor and patient should create a
(18).........
Recent research indicates that (19)........ can work as well as combination analgesics including
codeine and oxycodone.
The ICD-10 defines a patient as dependent if they have (20)........ key symptoms simultaneously.
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals.
For questions 1-6, choose answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet.
1. The purpose of the memo about IV solution bags is to remind health practitioners
A. of the procedures to follow when using them.
B. of the hazards associated with faulty ones.
C. why they shouldn’t be reused.
IV fluids are administered via a plastic IV solution bag which collapses on itself as it empties.
When a bag is disconnected by removing the giving set spike, air can enter the bag. If it is then
reconnected to an IV line, air can potentially enter the patient’s vein and cause an air
embolism. For this reason, partially used IV bags must never be re-spiked. All IV bags are
designed for single use only - for use in one patient and on one occasion only.
All registered large volume injections, including IV bags, are required to have this warning (or
words to the same effect) clearly displayed on the labelling. In addition to the potential risk of
introducing an air embolus, re-spiking can also result in contamination of the fluid, which may
lead to infection and bacteraemia.
2. What do we learn about the use of TENS machines?
A. Evidence for their efficacy is unconfirmed.
B. They are recommended in certain circumstances.
C. More research is needed on their possible side effects.
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health has an expert panel which
could not find any reports suggesting that negative effects are produced when TENS has
been used during pregnancy. However, in clinical practice, TENS is not the first treatment of
choice for women presenting with musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. The initial
treatment should be aimed at correcting any joint or muscle dysfunction, and a rehabilitation
programme should be devised. However, if pain remains a significant factor, then TENS is
preferable to the use of strong medication that could cross the placental barrier and affect
the foetus. No negative effects have been reported following the use of this modality during
any of the stages of pregnancy. Therefore, TENS is preferable for the relief of pain.
3. If surgical instruments have been used on a patient suspected of having prion disease, they
A. must be routinely destroyed as they cannot be reused.
B. may be used on other patients provided the condition has been ruled out.
C. should be decontaminated in a particular way before use with other patients.
It is essential that patients suspected of suffering from prion disease are identified prior to any
surgical procedure. Failure to do so may result in exposure of individuals on whom any surgical
equipment is subsequently used. Prions are inherently resistant to commonly used
disinfectants and methods of sterilisation. This means that there is a possibility of transmission
of prion disease to other patients, even after apparently effective methods of decontamination
or sterilisation have been used. For this reason, it may be necessary to destroy instruments
after use on such a patient, or to quarantine the instrument until the diagnosis is either
confirmed, or an alternative diagnosis is established. In any case, the instruments can be used
for the same patient on another occasion if necessary.
4. The email suggests that POCT devices
A. should only be used in certain locations.
B. must be checked regularly by trained staff.
C. can produce results that may be misinterpreted.
Due to several recent incidents associated with POCT devices, staff are requested to read
the following advice from the manufacturer of the devices.
The risks associated with the use of POCT devices arise from Management of Point of Care
Testing Devices Version 4 January 2014, the inherent characteristics of the devices
themselves and from the interpretation of the results they provide. They can be prone to
user errors arising from unfamiliarity with equipment more usually found in the laboratory.
User training and competence is therefore crucial.
5. It’s permissible to locate a baby’s identification band somewhere other than the ankles when
A. the baby is being moved due to an emergency.
B. the bands may interfere with treatment.
C. the baby is in an incubator.
After a thorough analysis and review, our peri-operative services, in conjunction with the
Departments of Surgery and Anaesthesia, decided to change the protocols for the
administration of pre-operative antibiotics and established a series of best practice
guidelines. This has resulted in a significant improvement in the number of patients
receiving antibiotics within the recommended 60 minutes of their incision. A preliminary
review of the total hip and knee replacements performed in May indicates that 88.9% of
patients received their antibiotics on time.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text. W
answers on the separate Answer Sheet.
What's more, in an attempt to find the causative agent for the symptoms, many
unnecessary, and sometimes resource-intensive, diagnostics may be ordered, to no avail.
For example, because the symptoms of CO poisoning may mimic an intracranial bleed, the
time needed to obtain a negative result may hold up a proper diagnosis as well as
needlessly increasing healthcare costs. Of even greater concern, however, is that during
such delays patients may find that their symptoms abate and their health improves as the
hidden culprit, CO, is flushed from the blood during the normal ventilation patterns.
Indeed, multiple reports have shown patients being discharged and returned to the very
environment where exposure to CO took place. Take the case of a 67-year-old man who sought
medical help after three days of lightheadedness, vertigo, stabbing chest pain,cough, chills and
headache. He was admitted, evaluated and discharged with a diagnosis of viral syndrome. Ten
days later, he returned to the Emergency Department with vertigo, palpitations and nausea but
was sent home for outpatient follow-up. Four days later, he presented again with diarrhea and
severe chest pain, collapsing to the floor. This time, he was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit
with acute myocardial infarction. Among the results of a routine arterial blood gas analysis there,
it was found that his carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were 15.6%. A COHb level then obtained
on his wife was 18.1%. A rusted furnace was found to be the source.
There are two main types of CO poisoning: acute, which is caused by brief exposure to a
high level of carbon monoxide, and chronic or subacute, which results from long exposure to
a low level of CO. Patients with acute CO poisoning are more likely to present with more
serious symptoms, such as cardiopulmonary problems, confusion, syncope, coma, and
seizure. Chronic poisoning is generally associated with the less severe symptoms. Low-level
exposure can exacerbate angina and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and patients
with coronary artery disease are at risk for ischemia and myocardial infarction even at low
levels of CO.
Patients that present with low COHb levels correlate well with mild symptoms of CO
poisoning, as do cases that register levels of 50-70%, which are generally fatal. However,
intermediate levels show little correlation with symptoms or with prognosis. One thing that is
certain about COHb levels is that smokers present with higher levels than do non-smokers.
The COHb level in non-smokers is approximately one to two percent. In patients who
smoke, a baseline level of nearly five percent is considered normal, although it can be as
high as 13 percent. Although COHb concentrations between 11 percent and 30 percent can
produce symptoms, it is important to consider the patient's smoking status.
Regardless of the method of detection used in emergency department care, several other
variables make assessing the severity of the CO poisoning difficult. The length of time since
CO exposure is one such factor. The half-life of CO is four to six hours when the patient is
breathing room air, and 40-60 minutes when the patient is breathing 100 percent oxygen. If
a patient is given oxygen during their transport to the emergency department, it will be
difficult to know when the COHb level hit its highest point. In addition, COHb levels may not
fully correlate with the clinical condition of CO-poisoned patients because the COHb level in
the blood is not an absolute index of compromised oxygen delivery at the tissue level.
Furthermore, levels may not match up to specific signs and symptoms: patients with
moderate levels will not necessarily appear sicker than patients with lower levels.
In hospitals, the most common means of measuring CO exposure has traditionally been
through the use of a laboratory CO-Oximeter. A blood sample, under a physician order, is
drawn from either venous or arterial vessel and injected into the device. Using a method
called spectrophotometric blood gas analysis, this then measures the invasive blood
sample. Because the CO-Oximeter can only yield a single, discrete reading for each aliquot
of blood sampled, the reported value is a non-continuous snapshot of the patient's condition
at the particular moment that the sample was collected. It does, however, represent a step in
the right direction. One study found that in hospitals lacking such a device, the average time
it took to receive results of a blood sample sent to another facility was over fifteen hours,
compared to a ten-minute turnaround in CO-Oximeter equipped hospitals.
Part C – Text 1 : Questions 1 to 8
1. In the first paragraph, what reason for the misdiagnosis of CO poisoning is highlighted?
A. the limited experience physicians have of it
B. the wide variety of symptoms associated with it
C. the relative infrequency with which it is presented
D. the way it is concealed by pre-existing conditions
2. In the second paragraph, the writer stresses the danger of delays in diagnosis leading to
TEXT BOOKLET
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about.
1. the risks of feeding a child via a nasogastric tube? 1…………………………………….
2. the length of tube that will be required for a patient? 2…………………………………….
3. when alternative forms of feeding may be more appropriate than nasogastic? 3……………………
4. who to consult over a patient’s liquid food requirements? 4…………………………………….
5. the outward appearance of the tubes? 5…………………………………….
6. knowing when it is safe to go ahead with the use of a tube for feeding? 6……………………………
7. how regularly different kinds of tubes need replacing? 7…………………………………….
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include word, number or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. What type of tube should you use for patients who need nasogastric feeding for an extended
period? ……………………………………………………………………………………......
10. What should you use to keep the tube in place temporarily?…………………………......
11. What equipment should you use initially to aspirate a feeding tube?…………………......
12. If initial aspiration of the feeding tube is unsuccessful, how long should you wait before trying
again? ……………………………………………………………………………………......
13. How should you position a patient during a second attempt to obtain aspirate?……………......
14. If aspirate exceeds pH 5.5, where should you take the patient to confirm the position of the
tube? …………………………………
Questions 15 -20
Complete each of the sentences, 16-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. What device allows for the delivery of feeds via the small bowel?……………………......
16. If a feeding tube isn’t straight when you unwrap it, you should __________________ it.
17. Patients are more likely to experience ______ if they need long-term feeding via a tube.
18. If you need to give the patient a standard liquid feed, the tube to use is ____________ in size.
19. You must take out the feeding tube at once if the patient is coughing badly or is experiencing
__________________
20. If a child is receiving ______ via a feeding tube, you should replace the feed bottle after four
hours.
Questions 1-6
The cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the
temperature range of +2°C to +S°C from the place of manufacture to the point of
administration. Maintenance of the cold chain is essential for maintaining vaccine
potency and, in turn, vaccine effectiveness.
Purpose-built vaccine refrigerators (PBVR) are the preferred means of storage for
vaccines. Domestic refrigerators are not designed for the special temperature needs of
vaccine storage. Despite best practices, cold chain breaches sometimes occur.
Do not discard or use any vaccines exposed to temperatures below +2°C or above +S°C
Without obtaining further advice. Isolate vaccines and contact the state or territory public
health bodies for advice on the National Immunisation Program vaccines and the
manufacturer for privately purchased vaccines.
2. According to the extract, prior to making a home visit, nurses must
A. record the time they leave the practice.
B. refill their bag with necessary items.
C. communicate their intentions to others.
When the nurse is ready to depart, he/she must advise a minimum of two staff
members that he/she is commencing home visits, with one staff member responsible
for logging the nurse's movements. More than one person must be made aware of the
nurse's movements; failure to do so could result in the breakdown of communication
and increased risk to the nurse and/or practice.
On return to the practice, the nurse will immediately advise staff members of his/her
return. This time will be documented on the patient visit list, and then scanned and
filed by administration staff. The nurse will then attend to any specimens, cold chain
requirements, restocking of the nurse kit and biohazardous waste.
3. What is being described in this section of the guidelines?
A. changes in procedures
B. best practice procedures
C. exceptions to the procedures
All biological waste must be carefully stored and disposed of safely. Contaminated
materials such as blood bags, dirty dressings and disposable needles are also potentially
hazardous and must be treated accordingly. If biological waste and contaminated
materials are not disposed of properly, staff and members of the community could be
exposed to infectious material and become infected. It is essential for the hospital to have
protocols for dealing with biological waste and contaminated materials. All staff must be
familiar with them and follow them.
The disposal of biohazardous materials is time-consuming and expensive, so it is
important to separate out non-contaminated waste such as paper, packaging and nonsterile
materials. Make separate disposal containers available where waste is created so
that staff can sort the waste as it is being discarded.
4. When is it acceptable for a health professional to pass on confidential information given by a
patient?
A. if non-disclosure could adversely affect those involved
B. if the patient's treatment might otherwise be compromised
C. if the health professional would otherwise be breaking the law
Where a patient objects to information being shared with other health professionals
involved in their care, you should explain how disclosure would benefit the continuity
and quality of care. If their decision has implications for the proposed treatment, it will be
necessary to inform the patient of this. Ultimately if they refuse, you must respect their
decision, even if it means that for reasons of safety you must limit your treatment options.
You should record their decision within their clinical notes.
It may be in the public interest to disclose information received in confidence without
consent, for example, information about a serious crime. It is important that confidentiality
may only be broken in this way in exceptional circumstances and then only after careful
consideration. This means you can justify your actions and point out the possible harm to
the patient or other interested parties if you hadn't disclosed the information. Theft, fraud
or damage to property would generally not warrant a breach of confidence.
5. The purpose of the email to practitioners about infection control obligations is to
A. act as a reminder of their obligations.
B. respond to a specific query they have raised.
C. announce a change in regulations affecting them.
Dear Practitioner,
You may be aware of the recent media and public interest in standards of infection
control in dental practice. As regulators of the profession, we are concerned that there
has been doubt among registered dental practitioners about these essential standards.
Registered dental practitioners must comply with the National Board's Guidelines on
infection control. The guidelines list the reference material that you must have access
to and comply with, including the National Health and Medical Research Council's
(NHMRC) Guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare.
We believe that most dental practitioners consistently comply with these guidelines and
implement appropriate infection control protocols. However, the consequences for
noncompliance with appropriate infection control measures will be significant for you and
also for your patients and the community.
6. The results of the study described in the memo may explain why
A. superior communication skills may protect women from dementia.
B. female dementia sufferers have better verbal skills.
C. mild dementia in women can remain undiagnosed.
Women's superior verbal skills could work against them when it comes to recognizing
Alzheimer's disease. A new study looked at more than 1300 men and women divided into
three groups: one group comprised patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment; the
second group included patients with Alzheimer's dementia; and the final group included
healthy controls. The researchers measured glucose metabolic rates with PET scans.
Participants were then given immediate and delayed verbal recall tests.
Women with either no, mild or moderate problems performed better than men on the verbal
memory tests. There was no difference in those with advanced Alzheimer's.
Because verbal memory scores are used for diagnosing Alzheimer's, some women may be
further along in their disease before they are diagnosed. This suggests the need to have an
increased index of suspicion when evaluating women with memory problems.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text. W
answers on the separate Answer Sheet.
Text 1 : Asbestosis
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been linked to human lung disease.
It has been used in a huge number of products due to its high tensile strength, relative
resistance to acid and temperature, and its varying textures and degrees of flexibility. It
does not evaporate, dissolve, burn or undergo significant reactions with other chemicals.
Because of the widespread use of asbestos, its fibres are ubiquitous in the environment.
Building insulation materials manufactured since 1975 should no longer contain asbestos;
however, products made or stockpiled before this time remain in many homes. Indoor air
may become contaminated with fibres released from building materials, especially if they
are damaged or crumbling.
he complained of breathlessness on exertion. In view of this history and the fact that he
was a non-smoker, he was referred for a chest X-ray and to the local respiratory physician.
His doctor was surprised to learn that the patient had asbestosis, diagnosed by a highresolution
CT scan. The patient then began legal proceedings to claim compensation as he had worked in a
dockyard 25 years previously, during which time he was exposed to asbestos.
There are two major groups of asbestos fibres, the amphibole and chrysotile fibres. The
amphiboles are much more likely to cause cancer of the lining of the lung (mesothelioma)
and scarring of the lining of the lung (pleural fibrosis). Either group of fibres can cause
disease of the lung, such as asbestosis. The risk of developing asbestos-related lung
cancer varies between fibre types. Studies of groups of patients exposed to chrysotile
fibres show only a moderate increase in risk. On the other hand, exposure to amphibole
fibres or to both types of fibres increases the risk of lung cancer two-fold. Although the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a standard for workplace
exposure to asbestos (0.2 fibres/millilitre of air), there is debate over what constitutes
a safe level of exposure. While some believe asbestos-related disease is a 'threshold
phenomenon', which requires a certain level of exposure for disease to occur, others
believe there is no safe level of asbestos.
Depending on their shape and size, asbestos fibres deposit in different areas of the lung.
Fibres less than 3mm easily move into the lung tissue and the lining surrounding the lung.
Long fibres, greater than 5mm cannot be completely broken down by scavenger cells
(macrophages) and become lodged in the lung tissue, causing inflammation. Substances
damaging to the lungs are then released by cells that are responding to the foreign
asbestos material. The persistence of these long fibres in the lung tissue and the resulting
inflammation seem to initiate the process of cancer formation. As inflammation and damage
to tissue around the asbestos fibres continues, the resulting scarring can extend from the
small airways to the larger airways and the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the airways.
7. The writer suggests that the potential for harm from asbestos is increased by
A. a change in the method of manufacture.
B. the way it reacts with other substances.
C. the fact that it is used so extensively.
D. its presence in recently constructed buildings.
10. In the third paragraph, the writer highlights the disagreement about
A. the relative safety of the two types of asbestos fibres.
B. the impact of types of fibres on disease development.
C. the results of studies into the levels of risk of fibre types.
D. the degree of contact with asbestos fibres considered harmful.
11. In the fourth paragraph, the writer points out that longer asbestos fibres
A. can travel as far as the alveoli.
B. tend to remain in the pulmonary tissue.
C. release substances causing inflammation.
D. mount a defence against the body's macrophages.
Some patients have not been properly educated about the importance of their medications
in layman's terms. They have told me, for instance, that they don't have high blood pressure
because they were once prescribed a high blood pressure pill - in essence, they view an
antihypertensive as an antibiotic that can be used as short-term treatment for a short-term
problem. Others have told me that they never had a heart attack because they were taken to
the cardiac catheterization lab and 'fixed.' As physicians we are responsible for making sure
patients understand their own medical history and their own medications.
Not uncommonly patients will say, 'I googled it the other day, and there was a long list of side
effects.' But a simple conversation with the patient at this juncture can easily change their
perspective. As with many things in medicine, it's all about risks versus benefits - that's what
we as physicians are trained to analyse. And patients can rest assured that we'll monitor them
closely for side effects and address any that are unpleasant, either by treating them or by trying
a different medication.
But to return to the program in Philadelphia, my firm belief is that if patients don't have strong
enough incentives to take their medications so they can live longer, healthier lives, then the
long-term benefits of providing a financial incentive are likely to be minimal. At the outset, the
rewards may be substantial enough to elicit a response. But one isolated system or patient
study is not an accurate depiction of the real-life scenario: patients will have to be taking these
medications for decades.
Although a simple financial incentives program has its appeal, its complications abound. What's
worse, it seems to be saying to society: as physicians, we tell our patients that not only do we
work to care for them, but we'll now pay them to take better care of themselves. And by the
way, for all you medication-compliant patients out there, you can have the inherent reward of a
longer, healthier life, but we're not going to bother sending you money. This seems like some
sort of implied punishment.
But more generally, what advice can be given to doctors with non-compliant patients? Dr John
Steiner has written a paper on the matter: 'Be compassionate,' he urges doctors. 'Understand
what a complicated balancing act it is for patients.' He's surely right on that score. Doctors
and patients need to work together to figure out what is reasonable and realistic, prioritizing
which measures are most important. For one patient, taking the diabetes pills might be more
crucial than trying to quit smoking. For another, treating depression is more critical than treating
cholesterol. 'Improving compliance is a team sport,' Dr Steiner adds. 'Input from nurses, care
managers, social workers and pharmacists is critical.'
When discussing the complicated nuances of compliance with my students, I give the example
of my grandmother. A thrifty, no-nonsense woman, she routinely sliced all the cholesterol and
heart disease pills her doctor prescribed in half, taking only half the dose. If I questioned this,
she'd wave me off with, 'What do those doctors know, anyway?' Sadly, she died suddenly,
aged 87, most likely of a massive heart attack. Had she taken her medicines at the appropriate
doses, she might have survived it. But then maybe she'd have died a more painful death from
some other ailment. Her biggest fear had always been ending up dependent in a nursing home,
and by luck or design, she was able to avoid that. Perhaps there was some wisdom in her
'noncompliance.'
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. In the first paragraph, what is the writer's attitude towards the new programme?
A. He doubts that it is correctly named.
B. He appreciates the reasons behind it.
C. He is sceptical about whether it can work.
D. He is more enthusiastic than some other doctors.
16. In the second paragraph, the writer suggests that one category of non-compliance is
A. elderly patients who are given occasional assistance.
B. patients who are over-prescribed with a certain drug.
C. busy working people who mean to be compliant.
D. people who are by nature wary of taking pills.
17. What problem with some patients is described in the third paragraph?
A. They forget which prescribed medication is for which of their conditions.
B. They fail to recognise that some medical conditions require ongoing treatment.
C. They don't understand their treatment even when it's explained in simple terms.
D. They believe that taking some prescribed pills means they don't need to take others.
18. What does the writer say about side effects to medication?
A. Doctors need to have better plans in place if they develop.
B. There is too much misleading information about them online.
C. Fear of them can waste a lot of unnecessary consultation time.
D. Patients need to be informed about the likelihood of them occurring.
19. In the fifth paragraph, what is the writer's reservation about the Philadelphia program?
A. the long-term feasibility of the central idea
B. the size of the financial incentives offered
C. the types of medication that were targeted
D. the particular sample chosen to participate
20. What objection to the program does the writer make in the sixth paragraph?
A. It will be counter-productive.
B. It will place heavy demands on doctors.
C. It sends the wrong message to patients.
D. It is a simplistic idea that falls down on its details.
21. The expression 'on that score' in the seventh paragraph refers to
A. a complex solution to patients' problems.
B. a co-operative attitude amongst medical staff.
C. a realistic assessment of why something happens.
D. a recommended response to the concerns of patients.
Text A
Systemic sclerosis (SSc)
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disorder of the connective tissue characterized by fibrosis of
the skin, vascular abnormalities, and presence of autoantibodies. It is characterized by
excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Therefore, there is significant heterogeneity in
organ progression and prognosis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of
parenchymal lung disorders that share common radiologic, pathologic, and clinical
manifestations. It is characterized by lung parenchyma damage, accompanied by
inflammation and fibrosis, and fibrosis is often incurable. The fibrosing forms of ILD are
often incurable, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. SSc is often
accompanied by ILD. The incidence of SSc-ILD in the relevant literature ranges from 45%
to 90%. A recent European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and Research
analysis revealed in a cohort of 3,656 SSc patients that ILD was present in 53% of cases
with diffuse cutaneous SSc and in 35% of cases with limited cutaneous SSc.
Text B
NSIP is the more common subtype of inflammation in ILD. 77% of SSc-ILD is NSIP. A
large number of clinical and pathological studies have confirmed that a high-resolution CT
(HRCT) pattern in patients is correlated with pathologic NSIP and pathologic UIP. NSIP
pattern is associated with better patient outcome than UIP pattern. It includes reticular,
frosted glass shadows, hollow, thickened honeycomb lung nodules, emphysema, bronchial
vascular bundles, bullae, traction bronchiectasis, cobblestone-likeappearance, bronchial
tree, bronchiectasis and so on. The most common manifestation of NSIP is lobular reticular
formation in the pleural and basal regions. UIP is mainly represented by grid or honeycomb
shadow. Different patterns in HRCT can reflect NSIP and UIP. The extent of ILD lesions can be
graded according to HRCT. At present, the commonly used methods for clinical detection of
ILD are HRCT, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) (react as per sensitivity), bronchoalveolar
lavage fluid (BALF), lung biopsy. HRCT has now become the most common and sensitive
imaging method for diagnosing ILD as it offers the most detailed images of the lungs.
Text C
KL-6
Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is an important serum marker for ILD. It is a high molecular
weight, mucin-like glycoprotein secreted by type-II alveolar pneumocytes and bronchial
epithelial cells in response to cellular damage and regeneration in patients with ILD. KL-6 is a
mucin-associated glycoprotein, which may be a trigger for TGF-β signaling and fibrosis. The
level of KL-6 as a predictive factor could be used to identify the clinical development of ILD.
Hideaki et al retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 29 patients with SSc-ILD. They
found serum KL-6 correlated positively with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon
monoxide (DLCO)(% predicted) and disease extent on HRCT, and the changes in serum levels
of KL-6 were significantly related to the changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) in SSc -
associated ILD. Their study suggests KL-6 can be a useful monitoring tool of SSc-ILD activity.
Text D
SP-D
Surfactant, a lipoprotein complex, was originally described for its essential role in reducing
surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the lung. However, it is now recognized as being
a critical component in lung immune host defense. They include SP-B and SP-C and
hydrophilic proteins SP-A and SP-D . SP-D levels are more sensitive than SP-A in detecting ILD
as defined by CT. The sensitivities and specificities for detecting CT-positive ILD in 42
patients with SSc were 33% and 100% for SP-A and 77% and 83% for SP-D, respectively. In a
small but prospective study of 35 patients withSSc-ILD followed over 1-10 years, SP-D levels
were seen to definitely increase over time in 9 out of the 10 patients with worsening ILD, as
defined by changes in symptoms, lung function, and imaging, compared to mild increases in
only 3 out of 25 patients with stable or improving SSc-ILD. Therefore, SP-D is closely related
to SSc-ILD. In addition, Takahashi H et al. found a less-invasive and lung-specific clinical
biomarker. They found the levels of SP-D in sera were significantly higher in the CT-positive
ILD group than in the CT-negative ILD group.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
1. One of the major aspects of assessment of the how ILD may develop.________________
2. Detection or assessment of the ILD lesions._________________________________
3. Talk of naturally occurring molecule, gene, or characteristic by which a particular pathological or
physiological process, disease, etc. can be identified.____________
4.Common features of the disease._________________________
5. Production of the protein in response to damage to cell______
6. SSc more commonly occurs with the ILD______.
7. A more common form of interstitial lung disease_____________________________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
16._________ are recorded to have shown a remarkable increase with more deteriorating ILD
conditions.
17. As per HRCT, it can be easy to analyze the extent of the ___________
Questions 1-6
A. Effects of obesity.
B. Effects of weight loss.
C. How weight loss is correlated to other diseases
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is the clinical manifestation of a wide array of
different entities, which include primary or familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHLH)
and secondary forms and can lead to deteriorating conditions and eventually loss of proper body
mechanism. The hallmark is hemophagocytosis, appearance of activated macrophages that have
engulfed other haematopoietic elements. FHLH, mainly documented in early infancy, is related to
familiar inheritance or genetic causes. Secondary forms (SHLH), also called reactive HLH, are
frequently diagnosed in adults and refer to cases with underlying infection, malignancy or
autoimmune disease. Over the last decade immunosuppression, immunodeficiency,
autoinflammatory diseases and inborn errors of metabolism have been also described as
triggering diseases. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a secondary form, recently
reported in patients with autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases, especially patients with
systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA).
3. Granulomatousa Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease;
A. Complication of common variable immunodeficiency disorders.
B. Can effectively be cured by using drugs that can bring in great change in immune response.
C. Appears majorly due to activity of T and B lymphocytes
hemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). MCP-1 is a member of the C-C chemokines. In vivo studies
suggest that MCP-1 recruits monocytes/ macrophages to sites of inflammation in a wide
variety of pathological conditions, including ILD. The plasma level of CCL2 is correlated with
FVC value in SSc. However, there was no correlation between ILD severity and primary fibrotic
genes such as collagen. That might be because skin fibrosis peaks early during the course of SSc
and improves later, while fibrosis in pulmonary tissue continues to progress even at later
stages of disease. A study examined serum levels, spontaneous production by peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMC), and histological distribution in the affected skin, of MCP-1. Elevated
serum levels of MCP-1 significantly correlated with the presence of pulmonary fibrosis. MCP-1
was expressed in mononuclear cells or vascular endothelial cells in 41% (9/22) of SSc patients.
The frequency of infiltrating mononuclear cells and endothelial cells that produced MCP-1 was
significantly higher in SSc patients with early onset than in SSc patients with late onset.
5.What information does this table provide?
A. Shows the clinical decision outcomes of the FRAX 10-year Hip and Major Osteoporotic
fracture risk score thresholds.
B. The thresholds based on the FRAX MOF risk score with DXA.
C. The thresholds based on the FRAX HF risk score with or without DXA.
6. The table clearly shows that;
A. there are high differences in serum CXCL10 concentration between SSA positive and SSA
negative subjects.
B. The RF-positive group had significantly elevated score.
C. The RF-positive group had an average CXCL10 concentration for the RF-negative group.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet.
Generalized seizures are divided into absence seizures and tonic-clonic seizures. Absence seizures
were previously called petit mal seizures and usually have onset in childhood, but they can persist
into adulthood. Absence seizures present with staring spells lasting several seconds, sometimes in
conjunction with eyelid fluttering or head nodding. These seizures can be difficult to distinguish
from complex partial seizures that may also result in staring. Usually, absence seizures are briefer
and permit quicker recovery. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were previously called grand mal
seizures; these seizures start with sudden loss of consciousness and tonic activity (stiffening)
followed by clonic activity (rhythmic jerking) of the limbs. The patient’s eyes will roll up at the
beginning of the seizure and the patient will typically emit a cry, not because of pain, but because
of contraction of the respiratory muscles against a closed throat. Generalized tonicclonic seizures
usually last one to three minutes.
Seizures that begin focally can spread to the entire brain, in which case a tonic-clonic seizure
ensues. It is important, however, to distinguish those that are true grand mal, generalized from the
start, from those that start focally and secondarily generalize. Secondarily generalized seizures
arise from a part of the brain that is focally abnormal. Drugs used to treat primary and secondary
generalized tonic-clonic seizures are different: patients with secondarily generalized tonic-clonic
seizures may be candidates for curative epilepsy surgery, whereas primarily generalized tonic-
clonic seizures are not surgical candidates, because there is no seizure origin site (focus) to remove.
Atonic seizures are epileptic drop attacks. Atonic seizures typically occur in children or adults with
widespread brain injuries. People with atonic seizures suddenly become limp and may fall to the
ground and football helmets are sometimes required to protect against serious injuries. A
myoclonic seizure is a brief un-sustained jerk or series of jerks, less organized than the rhythmic
jerks seen during a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Other specialized seizure types are occasionally
encountered. Tonic seizures involve stiffening of muscles as the primary seizure manifestation:
arms or legs may extend forward or up into the air; consciousness may or may not be lost. By
definition, the clonic (jerking) phase is absent. Classification can be difficult, because stiffening is a
feature of many complex partial seizures. Tonic seizures, however, are much less common than
complex partial or tonic-clonic seizures. Patients can have more than one seizure type. One seizure
type may progress into another as the electrical activity spreads throughout the brain. A typical
progression is from a simple partial seizure, to a complex partial seizure (when the patient
becomes confused), to a secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizure (when the electrical activity
has spread throughout the entire brain). The brain has control mechanisms to keep seizures
localized. Antiepileptic medications enhance the ability of the brain to limit the spread of a seizure.
Part C -Text 1: Questions 7-14
8. In which type of seizure does the patient generally not remember what is happening around
them?
A. Simple partial
B. Complex partial
C. Complex partial seizures
D. Partial temporal lobe seizures
12. Which seizures arise from a focally abnormal part of the brain?
A. Petit mal seizures
B. Grand mal seizures
C. Secondarily generalized seizures
D. Both B and C
14. Which one of the following statements correctly describes tonic seizures?
A. Rhythmic jerking
B. Stiffening of muscles
C. Loss of consciousness
D. None
Part C -Text 2: Fascioliasis Infection
Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection typically caused by Fasciola hepatica, which is also known as "the
common liver fluke" or "the sheep liver fluke." A related parasite, Fasciola gigantica, can also infect
people. Fascioliasis is found in all 5 continents, in over 50 countries, especially where sheep or
cattle are reared. People usually become infected by eating raw watercress or other water-based
plants contaminated with immature parasite larvae. The immature larval flukes migrate through
the intestinal wall, the abdominal cavity, and the liver tissue, into the bile ducts, where they
develop into mature adult flukes, which produce eggs. Typically, the pathology is most pronounced
in the bile ducts and liver. A Fasciola infection is both treatable and preventable.
The standard way to be sure a person is infected with Fasciola is by seeing the parasite - this is
usually done by finding Fasciola eggs in stool (fecal) specimens examined under a microscope.
More than one specimen may need to be examined to find the parasite.
Sometimes eggs are found by examining duodenal contents or bile. Infected people don't start
passing eggs until they have been infected for several months; people don't pass eggs during the
acute phase of the infection. Therefore, early on, the infection has to be diagnosed in other ways
than by examining stool. Even during the chronic phase of infection, it can be difficult to find eggs
in stool specimens from people who have light infections.
Fasciola parasites develop into adult flukes in the bile ducts of infected mammals, which pass
immature Fasciola eggs in their feces. The next part of the life cycle occurs in freshwater. After
several weeks, the eggs hatch, producing a parasite form known as the miracidium, which then
infects a snail host. Under optimal conditions, the development process in the snail may be
completed in 5 to 7 weeks; cercariae are then shed in the water around the snail. The cercariae
lose their tails when they encyst as metacercariae (infective larvae) on water plants. In contrast to
cercariae, metacercariae have a hard outer cyst wall and can survive for prolonged periods in wet
environments.
Immature Fasciola eggs are discharged in the biliary ducts and in the stool. Eggs become
embryonated in water; eggs release miracidia, which invade a suitable snail intermediate host,
including the genera Galba, fossaria and pseudosuccinea. In the snail the parasites undergo several
developmental stages: sporocysts, rediae, and cercariae. The cercariae are released from the snail
and encyst as metacercariae on aquatic vegetation or othersurfaces. Mammals acquire the
infection by eating vegetation containing metacercariae whereas humans can become infected by
ingesting metacercariae-containing freshwater plants, especially watercress. After ingestion, the
metacercariaeexcyst in the duodenum and migrate through the intestinal wall, the peritoneal
cavity, and the liver parenchyma into the biliary ducts, where they develop into adult flukes.
No vaccine is available to protect people against Fasciola infection. In some areas of the world
where Fascioliasis is found (endemic), special control programs are in place or are planned. The
types of control measures depend on the setting (such as epidemiologic, ecologic, and cultural
factors). Strict control of the growth and sale of watercress and other edible water plants is
important. Individual people can protect themselves by not eating raw watercress and other water
plants, especially from endemic grazing areas. As always, travelers to areas with poor sanitation
should avoid food and water that might be contaminated (tainted). Vegetables grown in fields that
might have been irrigated with polluted water should be thoroughly cooked, as should viscera from
potentially infected animals
In the early (acute) phase, symptoms can occur as a result of the parasite's migration from the
intestine to and through the liver. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal problems such as nausea,
vomiting, and abdominal pain/tenderness. In addition, fever, rashes and difficulty breathing may
occur. During the chronic phase (after the parasite settles in the bile ducts), the clinical
manifestations may be similar or more discrete, reflecting inflammation and blockage of bile ducts,
which can be intermittent. Inflammation of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas can also occur.
Part C -Text 2: Questions 15 – 22
16. In which phase is it not easy to find the eggs in the stool?
A. Chronic phase
B. Infective phase
C. Acute phase
D. A and B
Text A
The mechanism of polycythemia in primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP) is due to
the truncated EpoR (genetic mutation) in which there is no inhibition of signalling pathways. In all
conditions of hypoxia HIF-1 is responsible for the polycythemia. Some patients with chronic lung
disease or congenital cyanotic heart disease do not develop polycythemia in spite of hypoxia, the
mechanism of which is not very clear. Polycythemia in smokers is due to increased blood carbon
monoxide (CO). CO displaces one molecule of O2 from hemoglobin and converts it to
carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). COHb has 200 times greater affinity than oxygen. This results in not
only occupation of one of the heme groups of haemoglobin but also increase in the oxygen affinity
of the remaining heme group resulting in tissue hypoxia. Polycythemia accompanying kidney and
liver diseases and neoplastic disorders, is usually associated with increased EPO production. In
tumours EPO production is shown to be autonomous of hypoxic stimulation .production is shown
to be autonomous of hypoxic stimuli.
Text B
Clinical Approach
Symptoms of polycythemia are very nonspecific like a headache, weakness, pruritus, dizziness,
sweating and visual disturbances. Some of the patients are seen initially with complications of
polycythemia like thrombosis (cerebral,peripheral) and haemorrhage. Thrombosis may occur at
unusual sites like hepatic vein. Polycythemia may be diagnosed when Budd Chiari syndrome is
being investigated. Hematocrit values above 51% in males and over 48% in females requires further
evaluation.
Diagnostic criteria laid down by PVSG and WHO require demonstration of an elevated red cell mass
as a must. This is practically not possible in most centres. So, WHO has revised the criteria (2008)
for the diagnosis of PV6 .
Accordingly, there are 2 major and 3 minor criteria.
Major criteria
1. Hemoglobin level above 18.5g/dl for men and 16.5g/dl for females OR Hemoglobin or
hematocrit > 99th percentile of reference range for age, sex, or altitude of residence OR elevated
red cell mass >25% above mean normal predicted value.
2. Presence of JAK2 gene mutation (V617F) or other functionally similar.
Minor criteria
1. Bone marrow showing hypercellularity for age and trilineage growth (panmyelosis)
2. Subnormal Epo level
3. EEC (endogenous erythroid colonies)
Diagnostic combinations - Major criteria + one minor criterion and first major criterion + 2 minor
criteria
Text D
Recommendations;
Low dose aspirin 75- 150 mg is recommended in all PV patients without history of major bleeding
or gastric intolerance, based on the results of the ECLAP study.
Patients with PV should be properly hydrated when they develop gastrointestinal disorders. The
spent phase occurs after about 15-20 years, when the phlebotomy requirement decreases and the
patient develops anaemia. The marrow fibrosis increases and spleen becomes greatly enlarged.
The treatment during this phase is purely symptomatic including blood transfusions. Other
treatment modalities tried are splenectomy, thalidomide and marrow transplantation in younger
patients. In the future we may have new JAK2 targeted inhibitors to treat PV. Some patients may
get transformed into acute leukaemia Any form of treatment during this phase is not at all
satisfactory. Currently, management of PV depends on the risk stratification
Age >60yrs or history Cardiovascular risk
Risk category
of thrombosis factors
Low No No
Intermediate No Yes
High Yes
Phlebotomy is the cornerstone of low-risk patients aimed at reaching and maintaining a target
hematocrit of 45% in males and 42% in females. Low dose aspirin may be added to the treatment.
High-risk patients should receive myelosuppressive treatment in addition to phlebotomy. The drug
of choice is hydroxyurea.PV may infrequently occur during childbearing years. There is an
increased incidence of abortion in about 30% of cases. Pre-eclampsia is also common. It is very
interesting that some of the women may even reduce their hematocrit. Their phlebotomy
requirement is also found to be decreased. The possible explanations are the erythropoietic
suppressive effect of the high estrogen levels, expansion of the plasma volume and nutritional
deficiencies. If needed, the patient should be treated with phlebotomy, low dose aspirin or
interferon. After delivery the blood count will drift back to the original polycythemic level.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8 .What is the term which refers to the use of the drug in the treatment of certain cancers?__
9 .What is found in a gene on chromosome 9p in patients? Answer ___________________
10 .When does a patient develop anaemia? Answer ______________________
11. What is the condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood
cells, white blood cells, and platelets? Answer __________________
12. What leads to the formation by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with
polycythemia vera? Answer _____________
13 .What is the hormone produced by the kidney that promotes the formation of red blood cells by
the bone marrow? Answer ______________
14. What is the recommended for treatment? Answer __________________________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. _________ is used with other medications or radiation therapy to treat some blood disorders.
16 . ____________mutations were found to have a high correlation with abnormal heart defects.
17 .________ cells can undergo rapid proliferation before differentiating into maturation stages.
19 .Polycythemia vera shows stable growth, majorly come into being from a single _____stem cell.
stimuli.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for dyslipidemia in children and
adolescents who have a family history of dyslipidemia or premature CVD, those whose family
history is unknown, and those youths with risk factors for CVD, such as being overweight or obese,
having hypertension or DM, or being a smoker 1 In 2011, the NHBLI Expert Panel recommended
universal dyslipidemia screening for all children between 9 and 11 years of age and again
between 17 and 21 years of age 23.Analysis of data from NHANES 1999 to 2006 showed that the
overall prevalence of abnormal lipid levels among youths 12 to 19 years of age was 20 3%. From
2005 to 2010, among adults with high LDL- C, age adjusted control of LDL-C increased from 22 3%
to 29 5% 25 The prevalence of LDL-C control was lowest among people who reported receiving
medical care less than twice in the previous year (11 7%), being uninsured (13 5%), being Mexican
American (20 3%), or having income below the poverty level (21 9%) 2.
2. Notice on debatable concepts gives information about;
A. Concepts which may have direct impact on splenectomy.
B. Conditions which might arise after splenectomy.
C. Situations requiring great effort.
The AED protocol is consistent with the guidelines recommended by the American
Heart Association (Guidelines 2005 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care
American Heart Association; Circulation vol 112, Issue 24 Suppl. Dec. 13, 2005) and the
International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR)). Upon detecting a shockable cardiac
rhythm, the AED advises the operator to press the SHOCK button (9390E only) to deliver a
defibrillation shock followed by performing 2 minutes of CPR. For the Powerheart AED G3
Automatic, upon detecting a shockable rhythm, the AED will automatically deliver defibrillation
shocks followed by performing 2 minutes of CPR.
Note: In alignment with the 2005 Guidelines, the default setting for the CPR time has been set to
allow for 5 cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
Increasing or decreasing the CPR time setting may increase or decrease the number of actual cycles
allowed during the CPR timeout period.
4. As per the given notice, GM levels of triglycerides is;
A. Higher among people who are 20+ years.
B. Common among men.
C. Common among women.
The geometric mean level of triglycerides for American adults ≥20 years of age was 103 5 mg/ dL in
NHANES 2011 to 2014. Approximately 24 2% of adults had high triglyceride levels (≥150 mg/dL) in
NHANES 2011 to 2014. Among males, the age adjusted geometric mean triglyceride level was 111 6
mg/dL. in NHANES 2011 to 2014, with the following racial/ethnic breakdown: — 113 2 mg/dL for
non-Hispanic white males — 86 7 mg/dL for non-Hispanic black males — 124 1 mg/dL for Hispanic
males — 115 3 mg/dL for non-Hispanic Asian males
Ultrasound is done during pregnancy to track the development of the fetus in the mother’s womb.
It is not only helpful in tracking down the development but also helps to find out any fetal
anomalies. Ultrasound reveals the heartbeat of the fetus, the radius of the head, the length of the
hands and feet and also his/her height and weight. There are various kinds of ultrasound which can
be done during pregnancy namely Transvaginal Ultrasound, 3-D Ultrasound, 4-D Ultrasound and
Fetal Echocardiography. While the Sonography reports in the first trimester provides
information about the fetal heartbeat, it also examines the placenta, uterus, ovaries, cervix, checks
for multiple pregnancies, the sonography done in the second and third trimester reveals much
important criteria like placental abruption, placenta previa, characteristics of Down’s syndrome if
there are any possibilities. The ultrasound in this stage also determines whether the fetus is
carrying any form of congenital disease whether hereditary or non-hereditary or not.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C ]
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Text 1: Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium anaplasmaphagocytophilum. It was
previously known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) and has more recently been called
human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Anaplasmosis is transmitted to humans by tick bites,
primarily from the black-legged tick (Ixodesscapularis) and the western blacklegged tick
(Ixodespacificus). Of the four distinct phases in the tick life-cycle (egg,larva, nymph, adult), nymphal
and adult ticks are most frequently associated with transmission of anaplasmosis to humans. Typical
symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. Usually, these symptoms which occur
within 1-2 weeks of a tick bite can’t be known and in many cases can’t even be averted.
Anaplasmosis, which often can’t be thwarted, is initially diagnosed based on
symptoms and clinical presentation, and later confirmed by the use of specialized laboratory tests.
The first line treatment for adults and children of all ages is doxycycline. Anaplasmosis and other
tick-borne diseases can be obviated.
The severity of anaplasmosis may depend in part on the immune status of the patient. Persons with
compromised immunity caused by immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., corticosteroids, cancer
chemotherapy, or long-term immunosuppressive therapy following an organ transplant), HIV
infection, or splenectomy appear to develop a more severe disease, and case-fatality rates for
these individuals are characteristically higher than case-fatality rates reported for the general
population.
Because A. phagocytophilum infects the white blood cells and circulates in the bloodstream, this
pathogen may pose a risk to be transmitted through blood transfusions.
Anaplasmaphagocytophilum has been shown to survive for more than a week in refrigerated blood.
Several cases of anaplasmosis have been reported associated with the transfusion of packed red
blood cells donated from asymptomatic or acutely infected donors. Patients who develop
anaplasmosis within a month of receiving a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant should be
reported to state health officials for prompt investigation.
There are several aspects of anaplasmosis that make it challenging for healthcare providers to
diagnose and treat. The symptoms vary from patient to patient and can be difficult to distinguish
from other diseases. Treatment is more likely to be effective if started early in the course of the
disease. Diagnostic tests based on the detection of antibodies will frequently appear negative in the
first 7-10 days of illness. For this reason, healthcare providers must use their judgment to treat
patients based on clinical suspicion alone. Healthcare providers may find important information in
the patient’s history and physical examination that may aid clinical diagnosis. Information such as
recent tick bites, exposure to areas where ticks are likely to be found, or history of recent travel to
areas where anaplasmosis is endemic can be helpful in making the diagnosis.
Part C -Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. According to paragraph 1, what is not anaplasmosis?
A. A bacterial disease
B. A disease that is transmitted by tick bites
C. A disease in which people suffer from muscle pain
D. A disease that can™t be prevented
Candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called “thrush” or oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Candidiasis in the vagina is commonly referred to as a “yeast infection.” Invasive candidiasis occurs
when Candida species enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. The infection is not
very common in the general population. It is estimated that between 5% and 7% of babies less than
one month old will develop oral candidiasis. The prevalence of oral candidiasis
among AIDS patients, (particularly women rather than men, although not yet an established fact) is
estimated to be between 9% and 31%, and studies have documented clinical evidence of oral
candidiasis in nearly 20% of cancer patients.
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat, also known as “thrush" or oropharyngeal candidiasis, is a
fungal infection that occurs when there is an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. Candida yeasts
normally live on the skin or mucous membranes in small amounts. However, if the environment
inside the mouth or throat becomes imbalanced, the yeasts can multiply and cause symptoms.
Candida overgrowth can also develop in the oesophagus, and this is called Candida
esophagitis, or esophageal candidiasis.
Candida infections of the mouth and throat can manifest in a variety of ways. The most common
symptom of oral thrush is white patches or plaques on the tongue and other oral mucous
membranes. Other symptoms include redness or soreness in the affected areas; difficulty
swallowing; cracking at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) etc.
Candida infections of the mouth and throat are infrequent among adults who are otherwise
healthy. Oral thrush presents itself most recurrently among babies less than one month old, the
elderly, and groups of people with weakened immune systems. Other factors associated with oral
and esophageal candidiasis include HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, organ transplantation, diabetes
etc. Good oral hygiene practices may sporadically help to prevent oral thrush in people with
weakened immune systems. Some studies have shown that chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash can
help to prevent oral candidiasis in people undergoing cancer treatment. People who use inhaled
corticosteroids may be able to reduce the risk of developing thrush by washing out the mouth with
water or mouthwash after using an inhaler.
Candida infections of the mouth and throat must be treated with prescription antifungal
medication. The type and duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and
patient-specific factors such as age and immune status. Untreated infections can lead to a more
serious form of invasive candidiasis. Oral candidiasis usually responds to topical treatments such as
clotrimazole troches and nystatin suspension (nystatin “swish and swallow”). Systemic antifungal
medication such as fluconazole or itraconazole may be necessary for oropharyngeal infections that
do not respond to these treatments. Candida esophagitis is typically treated with oral or
intravenous fluconazole or oral itraconazole. For severe or azole-resistant esophageal candidiasis,
treatment with amphotericin B may be necessary. For healthcare providers: the most up-to-date
clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of oropharyngeal / esophageal candidiasis are
available at the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Part C -Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. According to paragraph 1, the abode for candida yeasts is;
A. Intestinal tract
B. Mucous membrane
C. Skin
D. All of the above
Text A
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has wide variability in both its clinical presentation and its
autoantibody profile. Two well-known autoantibodies that are found in between 60-90% of RA
patients are rheumatoid factor (RF) and cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody. Seropositivity
for these antibodies is associated with more destructive joint pathology and radiographic
progression of RA. Anti-Sjogren’s Syndrome related Antigen A (SSA) is associated with numerous
autoimmune conditions, including most notably Sjogren’s Syndrome. Anti-SSA is also found in
between 3-16% of RA patients and it is believed to be a clinical indicator of poor prognosis in RA.
Several studies have shown that RA patients with this antibody have a lesser clinical response to
infliximab.
Anti-SSA seropositivity is also associated with secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome. RA with secondary
Sjogren’s Syndrome is associated with worse clinical manifestations and increased antinuclear
antibody (ANA) positivity. The prevalence of ANA and anti-SSA has been shown to be higher in
African American (AA) RA patients compared to Caucasian (CAU) RA patients in two established
RA cohorts.
Text B
In RA, inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferongamma
(IFN-γ) are the primary inducers of chemokine production. Chemokines then lead to increased
numbers of inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblast-like
synoviocytes, in inflamed synovial tissue. Chemokines also contribute to cartilage degradation
and pannus formation by stimulating the release of various inflammatory cytokines. Several
studies have shown that serum chemokines including CX3CL1, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10 are
increased in active RA patients compared to healthy controls.. Particularly, several studies have
found that CXCL10 could serve as a disease activity marker in RA. Elevated CXCL10 and CXCL13
levels have been shown to be predictive of a favorable response to TNF inhibitor therapy.
Studies have also shown that serum chemokine levels, including CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL16
decrease after treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or biologic agents.
Text C
Previous studies have shown a wide variation in anti-SSA prevalence across different RA
populations. It is possible that the increased frequency of anti- SSA in AA subjects may be due to
an increased frequency of secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome. Co-existent RA and SS may then
partially explain the increased disease activity and worse clinical outcomes seen in AA RA
patients. However, it was not possible to determine the prevalence of Sjogren’s Syndrome in our
cohort with the available data. The AA group also had a higher prevalence of anti-SSB than the
CAU group (4.26% vs. 1.08%). This was not a statistically significant difference; however, there
were only 5 total patients that were anti-SSB positive. The biological and clinical implications of
the increased prevalence of anti-SSA and ANA in AA RA patients are currently unknown.
However, several studies have suggested that autoantibody profiles may be clinically significant.
Specifically, antiSSA has been shown to be associated with more severe disease in multiple
connective tissue disease and it is also involved in the molecular pathogenesis of immune
dysregulation in Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Text D
In RA, a predominance of Th17 cytokines, including IFN-γ and TNF have been suggested to be of
pathological importance. IFN-γ induces several chemokines including CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11.
Increased CXCL10 has been detected in the serum and synovial fluid of RA patients and in the
saliva of Sjogren’s Syndrome patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, this chemokine
may have clinical significance as a human phase II clinical trial using an anti-CXCL10 monoclonal
antibody (MDX-1100) showed a significantly increased response rate in RA patients who had an
inadequate response to methotrexate therapy. The study revealed an association between RF
seropositivity and increased CXCL10 levels but it found no association between antiSSA positivity
and CXCL10. Therefore, while the increased clinical severity seen in AA RA patients may be
associated with a higher prevalence of anti-SSA, the presence of this autoantibody does not
appear to directly affect the expression of CXCL10.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from. You
may use any letter more than once.
3. doesn’t create a more effective response with respect to drug. Answer _______________
4. Their name is derived from their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells.
Answer ______________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. What is referred to as chemoattractant, which is induced by IFN-γ? Answer _______________
9. What is recommended to be of more importance pathologically? Answer ________________
10. What do previous studies indicate? Answer _______________
11. What is known to be more connected with the severity of multiple connective tissue disease?
Answer ________________
12. What can work as a disease activity marker in RA? Answer _________________
13. What usually increases in RA patients? Answer________________
14. What does the study suggest with respect to CXCL10? Answer _________________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
inhibitor therapy.
19 The reason for the increased frequency of ______________can be directly linked to enhanced
20 The research performed clearly indicate that there is no association between antiSSA
positivity and________________
Duodenal duplication
Duodenal duplication is an extremely rare pathology. It represents 4 % of all digestive tract
congenital malformations. It is often connected with intestinal malrotation, scalloped vertebras).
In one of the cases, the degeneration arose on mucous membrane of gastric type within the cyst of
duplication and in the second it was duodenal mucous membrane.The diagnosis of cancer was
made in both cases on the surgical pieces at anatomopathology. There had been no biopsy within
the cyst. This malformation appears in 70% of the cases before one year of the age but the late
revelation is possible. The digestive obstruction is the most frequent mode of revelation. Acute
pancreatitis was reported and sometimes the diagnosis can be delayed many years. The duodenal
duplication, the anomaly of the embryogenesis, is diagnosed most of the time in the childhood,
even by prenatal diagnosis. The average age at the time of the diagnosis is from four months to
nine years. Prevalence is lightly in favour of the male.
3. Anti-reabsorption medications
A. Comprised of agents which limit the rate of bone loss.
B. Decrease the rate at which osteoclasts resorb bone.
C. Can have a detrimental effect on elderly people.
Anti-reabsorption medications
Presently, anti-reabsorption medications are most widely used for treating osteoporosis.
Zoledronic acid (Aclasta) is a common clinical anti-reabsorption medication. As the third
generation of bisphosphonates (BPs), it outperforms the previous nitrogen-containing BPs in
improving patients’ balance and quality of life by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing bone
mineral density (BMD). It is administered via intravenous drip infusion once a year, which,
therefore, brings good compliance with treatment. However, those who have been treated with
zoledronic acid intravenously are likely to suffer from acute side effects, such as fever, bone and
joint pain and flu-like symptoms, especially after the first administration. Although the common
adverse reactions generally disappear within 72 h, or in rare cases, last 7 to 10 days without
recurrence, they have serious impacts on the aging population, especially those with underlying
diseases. Thus, the patients who are afraid of any adverse reactions or have suffered from any
side effects during the first administration may show poor compliance with the second dose and
refuse the clinical application of zoledronic acid.
4. The given notice talks about;
A. How cancer has successfully been dealt with in todays advanced scientific world.
B. Effective cancer treatment has resulted in many cancer patients.
C. Future course of action.
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Normally, as people age, their bones rebuild at a slower rate. For those with Paget's
disease, however, this process of rebuilding bones takes place at a faster rate. As a result,
the rebuilt bone has an abnormal structure. The involved bone can be soft, leading to
weakness and bending of the pelvis, lower back (spine), hips, thighs, head and arms. Or,
the rebuilt bone can enlarge, making it more susceptible to arthritis, hearing loss,
fractures and discomfort. Given that this takes place in those over the age of 40, the
symptoms are often mistaken for changes associated with aging.
The cause of Paget's disease is unknown. It does appear to be, at least partially,
hereditary, perhaps when activated by exposure to a virus. Indicative of the hereditary
consideration: Paget's disease occurs more commonly in European populations and their
descendants. In 30% of cases, disease incidents often involve more than one member of a
family. Paget's is rarely discovered in individuals before they reach the age of 40, and the
number of people identified increases in each progressive age group. Typically, it is the
appearance of the bones on an X-ray that prompts the physician to make the diagnosis. Blood
tests taken most often will indicate an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP), which is
reflective of the rapid new bone turnover. Urine test results will also indicate the speed at
which this rebuilding is taking place. Physicians usually obtain a non-invasive bone scan to
determine the extent of bone involvement. Only if cancer is suspected will it be necessary to
do a bone biopsy to examine it under a microscope.
Treatment approaches can focus on providing physical assistance, including the addition
of wedges in the shoe, canes as walking aids and the administration of physical therapy
(this is considered to be the best). Medications that help reduce the pain associated with
Paget's include acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) and anti-inflammatory drugs such as
ibuprofen and naproxen. In addition, a group of medications called bisphosphonates
reduce the pain and help the body regulate the bone-building process to stimulate more
normal bone growth. Your physician may prescribe an oral medication such as
Alendronate (Fosamax) or etidronate (Didronel) to be taken orally every day for 6
months; Tiludronate (Skelid) to be taken orally every day for 3 months, Risedronate
(Actonel) to be taken orally every day for 2 months. All oral medications should be taken
with a large glass of water (6-8 oz) upon rising in the morning. Patients should remain
upright for the next 30 minutes and not eat until that time has passed. Any of these
treatments can be repeated if necessary. Side effects of these medicines may involve
heartburn and sometimes an increase in bone pain for a short period of time.
There are also injectable medications that can be given to a patient for Paget's which
include Pamidronate (Aredia), which is injected into the vein once a month or once every
few months. The injection takes a few hours. Unusually, there is inflammation of the eye
or loss of bone around the teeth (osteonecrosis); Zoledronate (Reclast), which is injected
in the vein once a year. The injection takes less than 30 minutes; Calcitonin, a hormone
that is injected under the skin several times a week. Surgery for arthritis caused by
Paget's disease is effective in reducing pain and improving function. Medical treatment is
not expected to correct some of the changes of the Paget's disease that have already
occurred, such as hearing loss, deformity or osteoarthritis.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. Pagets disease;
A. Bone disorder.
B. Softening of bones.
C. Arthritis in its final stage.
D. None of the above.
A. If one member of the family is affected with Pagets disease then other members will also be
affected.
B. If one member of the family is known to have Pagets disease then others can also be
affected.
C. Pagets disease is highly hereditary.
D. Pagets disease, is both heritable and inheritable.
12. Pick the correct statement as per the given information in the passage;
A. Those who reach the age of 40 shall undergo blood tests and urine tests for the
identification of Pagets disease.
B. Physicians should always advise the patients to go for a non-invasive bone scan.
C. Increase is indicative of the development of the bone at a rapid speed.
D. It is necessary to do a biopsy of the bone to understand the nature of the disease.
14. Which of the following statements is incorrect as per the given information in the passage?
About 10% of pancreatic cancers are thought to be caused by inherited gene mutations.
Genetic syndromes that are associated with pancreatic cancer include hereditary breast
and ovarian cancer syndrome, melanoma, pancreatitis, and non-polyposis colorectal cancer
(Lynch syndrome).
Carcinogens are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA,
promoting or aiding cancer. Certain pesticides (dyes may also be included in this list
here), and chemicals used in purification of the metal are thought to be carcinogenic,
increasing the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. When our bodies are exposed to
carcinogens, free radicals have formed that try to steal electrons from other molecules in
the body. These free radicals damage cells, affecting their ability to function normally,
and the result can be cancerous growths. As we age, there is an increase in the number of
possible cancer-causing mutations in our DNA. This makes age an important risk factor
for pancreatic cancer, especially for those over the age of 60. There are several other
diseases that have been associated with an increased risk of cancer of the pancreas.
These include cirrhosis or scarring of the liver, Helicobacter pylori infection (infection of
the stomach with the ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori), diabetes mellitus, chronic
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and gingivitis or periodontal disease.
In order to detect pancreatic cancer, physicians will request a complete physical
examination as well as personal and family medical histories. The way in which cancer
presents itself will differ depending on whether the tumor is in the head or the tail of the
pancreas. Tail tumors present with pain and weight loss while head tumors present with
steatorrhea, weight loss, and jaundice. Doctors also look for recent onset of atypical
diabetes mellitus, Trousseau's sign, and recent pancreatitis. In general, when making a
pancreatic cancer diagnosis, physicians pay special attention to common symptoms
such as abdominal or back pain, weight loss, poor appetite, tiredness, irritability,
digestive problems, gallbladder enlargement, blood clots (deep venous thrombosis
(DVT) or pulmonary embolism), fatty tissue abnormalities, diabetes, swelling of lymph
nodes, diarrhea, steatorrhea, and jaundice.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. Pancreatic tumors can be;
A. Benign
B. Malignant
C. Benign and malignant
D. None
A. Endocrine gland
B. Exocrine gland
C. Cystadenomas
D. Adenocarcinomas
A. Endocrine gland
B. Exocrine gland
C. Pancreatic duct
D. None
A. Specific carcinogens
B. Family Genes
C. Genetic mutations
D. None
1 .C
2 .D
3 .A
4 .B
5 .A
6 .C
7 .B
8 .CXCL9
9 .Th17 cytokines
10 .variation in anti-SSA prevalence
11 .Anti SSA
12 .CXCL10
13 .serum chemokines
14 .relation between RF seropositivity & CXCL10 levels
15.Serum Chemokine
16 .3-16%
17.Correct Answer Is: Seropositivity
18 .Cxcl10 And Cxcl13
19 . Anti- Ssa In Aa
20 .Cxcl10
Reading test - Part B : Answer Key
1 .Steps to improving interpersonal communication with patients.
2 .is associated with various anomalies.
3 .Can have a detrimental effect on elderly people.
4 .Future course of action.
5 .The majority of patients remained hospitalized for 5 days or more
6 .The majority of the patients were females.
Text A
Reduction: A clinician can achieve a reduction by closed manipulation – in which the displaced
bone fragments are pulled into their anatomical position – restoring alignment or by open
reduction through a surgical incision.
Immobilisation can be achieved by internal or external fixation devices, which are available in
many forms. Internal fixation involves the patient undergoing a surgical procedure and includes
devices such as intramedullary nails, compression nails, plates and screws. Internal fixation is
used in certain pathological fractures, when sufficient reduction cannot be maintained by
external fixation, for example, when fractures involve joint surfaces, when it is important to allow
early limb or joint movement, or when trying to avoid long periods of immobilisation in bed.
External fixation can be achieved through surgical, as well as conservative techniques, and
includes slings, cast immobilisation, skin or skeletal traction and external fixator frames.
Text B
The complications associated with fractures can be classified as immediate, early or late.
Nurses must observe for complications and take preventive measures.
Text D
Pain assessment and management: Although pain is a useful sensation in alerting us to disease or
injury, it should not be accepted as a normal and inevitable part of recovery from injury or
surgery. Assessment of pain is essential to ensure that the correct analgesic for the condition is
prescribed and administered, and that it is having the desired effect with minimal side effects.
The nurse caring for the patient, who has sustained a fracture should have knowledge of
available medications and their actions, side effects and dosages. Pre-emptive analgesia should
be provided so that the patient's pain is sufficiently managed before and during rehabilitation
sessions. Non-pharmacological methods of pain control such as positioning, distraction
techniques and massage may also benefit patients.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about:
1. Necessary to take preventive measures. Answer___________________
3. Minimising the risk of deficit and in detecting early signs of the development. Answer __________
4 .At risk of death from a relatively simple transverse fracture of the tibia, if it is not detected. Answer_
6 .To ensure that the reduced position is maintained until the bone union takes place. Answer ______
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. Because of a period of immobilisation and the effects of surgery, patients are at a risk of
developing_____________
16. A _____________ may lead to osteoarthritis as a result of an abnormal distribution of load leading
to an early degenerative change.
17. There are _____________ that carry the risk of damage to particular arteries.
18. Pain is considered a ___________ which make one aware of the injury.
20. Besides the blood loss from the______________, the sharp bone ends found in a spiral or
comminuted fracture, for example, may damage the surrounding muscle or blood vessels.
Mercury-gravity Manometer
The mercury-gravity manometer consists of a calibrated cartridge glass tube that is optically clear,
easy to clean, and abrasion resistant. The mercury reservoir at the bottom of the tube
communicates with a compression cuff through a rubber tube. When air pressure is exerted on the
mercury in the reservoir by pumping the pressure bulb, the mercury in the glass tube rises and
indicates how much pressure the cuff applies against the artery. The manometer is connected to
the wall for ease of accurate visualization.
2 .The manual gives information about;
A. Indications of emergency treatment.
B. How the device can effectively be used?
C. Indications for using the Power heart AED G3
Automatic devices like Power heart AED are intended to be used by the personnel who are trained
in its operation. The user should be qualified by training in basic life support or other emergency
medical response authorized by physicians. The device is indicated for emergency treatment of
victims exhibiting symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, who are unresponsive and not breathing.
Post-resuscitation, if the victim is breathing, the AED should be left attached to allow for
acquisition and detection of the ECG rhythm. If a shockable ventricular tachyarrhythmia recurs, the
device will charge automatically and advise the operator to deliver therapy (G3) or automatically
deliver the shock (G3 Automatic). If the patient is a child or an infant up to 8 years of age, or up to
55 lbs (25kg), the device should be used with the Model 9730 Pediatric Attenuated Defibrillation
Electrodes. The therapy should not be delayed to determine the exact age or weight of the patient.
Delirium
The study of disease transmission of Delirium in sick patients is currently perceived as a general
well being issue, influencing the mechanically ventilated grown-up ICU patients up to 80%, and
costing $4 to $16 billion every year in the United States alone. Effect of Delirium, as a sign of
intense cerebrum brokenness, is a free critical indicator of negative clinical results in ICU patients
that includes expanded mortality, healing facility LOS, expense of consideration, and long-haul
psychological weakness reliable with a dementia-like state. Patients with long-haul presentation to
high-measurements sedatives or medications may create physiologic reliance, and unexpected
suspension may bring about medication withdrawal side effects. This session likewise incorporates
Impact of Delirium on ICU Patient Outcomes, Epidemiology of insanity in ICU patients, Preventing,
Detecting, and Treatment because of Alcohol and drug Withdrawal. Critical illness and appraisal of
incoherence, Risk element of wooziness.
5 .As per the report, what is correct?
A. Talk about 2050 neonates.
B. Major reason for admission into hospital was related to CMV.
C. Gestational age is taken as an important factor for the study conducted.
A Report
Two hundred and sixty-one neonates born at the hospital were admitted to the neonatal ICU
during the study period. Two patients were excluded because they had received transfusions of
blood products before urine collection (0.76%), two because the consent was not obtained (0.76%),
one because the urine sample was lost (0.38%), two died before collection (0.76%) and four were
lost because they were discharged early, before urine collection (1.5%).
The study population comprised 145 male NB (58%) and 105 female NB (42%).
The principal causes of admission to the ICU were prematurity (111 cases, 44.4%), respiratory
dysfunction (64 cases, 25.6%), sepsis (31 cases, 12.4%) and hypoglycemia (21 cases, 8.4%). The
mean weight of the newborn population studied was 2,412±900 g and mean gestational age was
35.7±3.7 weeks.
6. From the given manual, it is clear that;
A. The device will analyze ECG and can make shock deliverance simple.
B. Non-committed shock is possible through the device.
C. The device automatically shifts from one phase to other phase of operations as per the
rhythmic changes.
After the AED advises a shock, it continues to monitor the ECG rhythm of the patient. If the ECG
rhythm changes to a non-shockable rhythm before the actual shock is delivered, the AED will
advise that the rhythm has changed and issue the prompt “RHYTHM CHANGED.
SHOCK CANCELLED.” The AED will override the charge and continue ECG analysis. Synchronized
Shock:- The AED is designed to automatically attempt to synchronize shock delivery on the R-wave,
if one is present. If delivery cannot be synchronized within one second, a nonsynchronized shock
will be delivered.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Mu-opioid receptors, and to a lesser extent κ-opioid receptors, are expressed extensively
throughout the gastrointestinal tract and enteric nervous system.
When opioid receptors are stimulated they may alter or more precisely decrease peristalsis, inhibit
intestinal transit, increase intestinal fluid absorption and decrease intestinal secretions. All of these
effects combine to cause significant constipation. A clinical syndrome of opioid-induced bowel
dysfunction may occur with chronic opioid use that is characterized by abdominal pain, hard stools,
fecal impaction, anorexia, nausea and vomiting.
A 2009 study by Bell et al., examined the prevalence, severity and impact of OIC in 322 patients
taking daily opioids. The investigators found that 81% of the patients in their study reported OIC and
that the majority of patients with OIC reported at least a moderate negative impact on quality of life
and activities of daily living. One third of patients with OIC missed the doses, decreased dosage or
stopped using opioids completely in order to improve their bowel function. A second study by Bell
found that the patients with OIC were more likely to taketime off from work and were less
productive in both their work and home environments.
With continued opioid use, patients often become adept at dealing with the analgesic effects of the
opioids. The mechanism of opioid tolerance is likely related to down-regulation (decreased
numbers) or desensitization of µ-opioid receptors in the CNS. Binding of opioids to the µ receptor
activates numerous downstream intracellular pathways. Activated G-protein-dependent signaling
pathways appear involved in receptor desensitization while G- proteinin dependent signaling
pathways appear to facilitate µ receptor endocytosis and subsequent downregulation of receptors.
Fortunately, tolerance to the respiratory depressant effects of the opioids also develops in parallel
to the tolerance seen with the analgesic effects. Interestingly, however, tolerance does not occur to
the constipating effect of the opioids.
Opioid-induced constipation and opioid bowel dysfunction presents with a myriad of symptoms.
Diagnosis of OIC should begin with a detailed patient history that includes frequency of bowel
movements, the consistency of stool, and the presence of straining, pain, nausea and vomiting. A
physical examination should also be conducted including the bowel sounds, and abdominal
palpation for firmness, distention and the presence of pain. The possibility of fecal impaction
should also be assessed in patients with persistent and severe constipation. A number of
nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic options are available with respect to effective elimination of
this condition. Although current treatment recommendations support the prophylactic use of
various bowel regimens in patients receiving opioid therapy, definitive studies showing the
superiority of one treatment regimen over another are currently lacking.
The overall strategy to prevent OIC and to start with the onset of opioid therapy, include adequate
fluid and fiber intake, and increased physical activity. A recent study showed that patients with post-
operative constipation, who received bowel massage by nurses had reduced symptoms of
constipation, increased stool output and improved quality of life with no significant adverse side
effects. However, in another study, it is showed that while abdominal massage was useful for
decreasing the severity of constipation symptoms, it did not lead to curtailing down of laxative.
Bowel “diaries” which track the frequency of bowel movements might also be helpful for
determining the severity of the OIC that is occurring. While helpful, nonpharmacologic interventions
are seldom successful alone for the management of OIC.
Senior nurses should be ideally situated to identify patients at high risk for OIC and ruling out other
causes of chronic constipation. A detailed patient history should be obtained, which will include
physical activity, and a review of all medications the patient is currently taking. A thorough patient
examination should be conducted and accompanying signs and symptoms such nausea, vomiting or
abdominal pain/distention should be noted. Nurses should monitor patient bowel habits as well as
the quantity and quality of stools.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
11. What is not right as per the information given in the fifth paragraph?
A. A large number of symptoms arises that lead to OIC.
B. Detection of bowel sounds, presence of nausea are common.
C. Patients suffering from the disease will vomit, feel abdominal pain.
D. None of the above
Combining multiple related or unrelated antigens into a single vaccine is not a new concept and
the first combination vaccine licensed in the United States of America was trivalent influenza in
1945. Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) vaccine although developed in 1943, was not licensed
till 1948. Efforts to overcome the interference seen with simultaneous administration of three
live vaccines delayed the licensing of trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) till 1963. Measles,
Mumps,Rubella (MMR) was licensed in 1971 and quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine in 1978.
Combining multiple antigens into one injection requires demonstration that the combination will
not materially reduce the safety or immunogenicity of the component vaccines. Combination
vaccine trials should be prospective, randomised, double blinded and should have control
(comparison) groups.Identifying the control groups could be problematic when multicomponent
vaccine is evaluated. Other factors like sequence of administration of certain antigens may play
an important role in immunogenicity.
The interaction can enhance the immune response to individual components as it occurs in whole
cell pertussis vaccine, when combined with diphtheria toxoid.
Usually, a combination of vaccines results in no effect or a depression of immune response to one
or more vaccine component. It is an immunologic phenomenon relevant to combination vaccines,
antibody responses to hapten polysaccharide vaccine (e.g. H influenzae b) presented on a carrier
protein (e.g. tetanus toxoid,diphtheria toxoid) are inhibited by prior immunization with the
specific carrier.Combination live vaccines can interfere immunologically with each other, e.g., one
vaccine may stimulate interferon production that may inhibit replication of another virus.
Interest in combining DPT/IPV was generated when enhanced potency IPV became available,
thus eliminating the necessity of frozen shipments for OPV. In addition, administration of IPV
would eliminate the risk of vaccine-associated polio. Antibody responses to pertussis and
poliovirus components may be substantially reduced in combination than when given alone.
However, poliovirus seroconversion rates and absolute antibody levels remained high in
combined vaccines. Various studies have compared DPT combinations with unconjugated
Polyribose phosphate (PRP) or conjugated PRP Hib vaccine. A number of studies have evaluated
these combination vaccines and results are variable. In general, the groups with lower antibody
responses still attained levels considered protective. One study evaluated the effect of booster
dose of DPT/Hepatitis B/Hib given to subjects, who received DPT/Hepatitis B/ Hib for the primary
series. The group hadhigh antibody response and mean levels were higher in the group primed
with DPT/Hepatitis B/Hib, especially with PRP (Hib).
DTaP/HB combination vaccine retains the immunogenicity and safety profiles of the separate
components and delivers good antibody concentrations at a variety of schedules. A comparison
of combination vaccine at 2, 4, 6 months versus the currently recommended schedules-HB at
birth, 1 & 6 months and DPT at 6, 10 & 14 weeks, found similar or higher antibody responses for
combined vaccine for every component, which was significantly lower. However, the mean HB
antibody levels were high and 98% of subjects had levels greater than 10mIU/mL, which are
considered protective. A study comparing combination vaccine and separate vaccines given at 2,
4, 6 and booster between 12 and 15 months of age has shown that the antibody response to Hib,
were 72% and 76% at 6 months, increasing to 92% and 93% after booster dose with combination
and separate vaccines respectively.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
Questions 1-6
1: Wall sphygmomanometer
2: Indications for using the Powerheart AED G3
3: NAFLD is more prevalent in Middle East.
4: Delirium In Critical Care
5: Talk about 2050 neonates.
6: The device will analyze ECG and can make shock deliverance simple.
Text A
All EAA precursors for muscle protein synthesis in the post-absorptive state are derived from
muscle protein breakdown. It has been consistently reported that in normal post-absorptive
humans the rate of muscle protein breakdown exceeds the rate of muscle protein synthesis by
approximately 30%. Consumption of BCAAs alone (i.e., without the other EAAs) can only increase
muscle protein synthesis in the post-absorptive state by increasing the efficiency of recycling of
EAAs from protein breakdown back into protein synthesis, as opposed to either being released in
to plasma or oxidized. This is because all 9 EAAs (as well as 11 NEAAs) are required to produce
muscle protein, and EAAs cannot be produced in the body. If only 3 EAAs are consumed, as is the
case with consumption of BCAAs, then protein breakdown is the only source of the remaining
EAAs required as precursors for muscle protein synthesis. It is therefore theoretically impossible
for consumption of only BCAAs to create an anabolic state in which muscle protein synthesis
exceeds muscle protein breakdown. If the generous assumption is made that BCAA consumption
improves the efficiency of recycling of EAAs from muscle protein breakdown to muscle protein
synthesis by 50%, then this would translate to a 15% increase in the rate of muscle protein
synthesis (30% recycled in basal state X 50% improvement in recycling = 15% increase in
synthesis). Further, a 50% reduction in the release of EAAs into plasma from muscle would also
reduce the plasma and intracellular pools of free EAAs
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D), the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
4 .The rate of muscle protein synthesis will always be lesser than rate
6 .Synthesis of protein could have been curbed by presence of EAA. Answer __________
7 .When EAAs are in large quantity protein synthesis enhances. Answer ___________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
11 .What can lead to 15% increase in the rate of muscle protein synthesis? Answer______________
12 Muscle protein synthesis often get limited by the lack of availability of? Answer______________
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
16 .EAA which is needed for muscle protein synthesis can be obtained from increased ____________
17. EAAs derived from________________ which are not added to the muscle protein will be released
into plasma.
19. When there is curtailment of the amount of EAAs into plasma by 50% and more, there will be
reduction In _________________
20. When rate of muscle protein synthesis increases or goes above the levels of muscle protein
Heartbeat Sensor
The basic heartbeat sensor consists of a light emitting diode and a detector like a light detecting
resistor or a photodiode. The heartbeat pulses cause a variation in the flow of blood to different
regions of the body. When a tissue is illuminated by the light source, i.e., light emitted by the led, it
either reflects (a finger tissue) or transmits the light (earlobe). Some of the light is absorbed by the
blood and the transmitted or the reflected light is received by the light detector. The amount of
light absorbed depends on the blood volume in that tissue. The result as shown by detector based
on the electrical signal will be as per the changes in the heartbeat rate.
This signal is actually a DC signal relating to the tissues and the blood volume and the AC
component synchronous with the heartbeat and caused by pulsatile changes in arterial blood
volume is superimposed on the DC signal. Thus the major requirement is to isolate that AC
component as it is of prime importance.
2 .The notice talks about;
A. How BIS technology works?
B. BIS and Sedatives used.
C. Relation between Sedatives and BIS calculations.
BIS Technology
Raw EEG data are obtained through a sensor placed on the patient’s forehead.
The BI system processes the EEG information, and calculates a number between 0 and 100 that
provides a direct measure of the patient’s level of consciousness and response to sedation
A BIS value of 100 indicates the patient is fully awake.
A BIS value of 0 indicates the absence of brain activity.
Using BIS technology to Guide ICU Sedation Care.
Sedatives may be titrated to a variety of BIS values, depending on the goals for each patient.
Publications demonstrate that BIS values may be used as a measure of hypnotic drug effect in the
ICU. The movement may occur regardless of BIS values. Natural sleep cycles may affect the
hypnotic level.
3 .The word analogue may mean;
A. Similar in functioning.
B. Similar in structure.
C. Something that is similar to or can be used instead of something else.
An auricular hematoma is an injury to the outer ear. This injury can occur when the outer ear is
either hit directly or receives repetitive blows. Athletes involved in any contact sport can suffer a
contusion to the ear which may result in a "cauliflower" ear (also called an auricular hematoma). It is
a deformity of the outer ear most commonly seen in wrestling, rugby, boxing, football and judo.
Cauliflower ear occurs after someone gets a blow or repeated blows to the ear, enough for a large
blood clot (lump of blood) to develop under the skin or for the ear's skin to be stripped away from
the cartilage (the flexible material that gives the ear its shape). The body normally absorbs excess
fluid or blood at an injury site over time, but not always in the ear because of its special structure.
The cartilage of the ear has no blood supply except that supplied by the ear’s skin. When the
cartilage receives little or no blood flow because of tearing of the skin, bruising or a blood clot, it
eventually dies and is replaced by scar tissue. An acute cauliflower ear is often painful and causes
swelling. If left untreated, it results in deformation of the ear which may last a lifetime.
Unfortunately, most athletes do not seek care until the bleeding and swelling have stabilized and
resulted in deformity. By not seeking medical care immediately, they increase their risk of infection,
recurrence, scarring and deformity. After a cauliflower ear has formed and hardened, it will not
recover its normal shape without surgery. But if it is caught and treated early enough, a person
usually will not get a lifelong deformity. In high school and college wrestling, the rules requirethe use
of protective headgear, but problems still occur. Not wearing headgear or wearing poorly fitting
headgear is a big factor in causing cauliflower ear.
At first, the swelling will be soft and there will be mushy fluid. It is at this early stage that immediate
treatment can help decrease or avoid permanent scarring. If the fluid is allowed to solidify, it will
cause significant permanent disfiguration.
The use of ice on the affected area is suggestive of great pain management. A head wrap should also
be applied and elastic gauze with packing material in front and behind the ear, applying moderate
pressure, can be used. This wrapping should not cause a headache, block vision, or cover the other
ear. After that, the next step is one of the following: drainage (aspiration) and compression;
drainage and splinting with various materials; or incision and drainage with clot removal.
Sometimes stitches are needed if there is a tear in the skin. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to
prevent an infection.
A doctor can drain the blood from the ear either with a syringe or through a cut and then help the
skin reconnect to the cartilage by applying the pressure with a tight bandage. Splinting is a medical
procedure that keeps pressure on the area of hematoma formation. Sometimes sutures through the
ear keep the special gauze in place, or sometimes special materials (pediplast or silicone) are molded
to the ear.After a splint is in place, the ear should be rechecked by your doctor after seven days.
Sutures typically stay in for 14 days, but may be removed if redness or tenderness occurs. The risk of
recurrence decreases the longer the splint stays in place. Wrestlers may be able to return to
wrestling 24 hours after splint application. This is a surgical procedure for more serious cauliflower
ears, and should only be done by an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon (also called an ENT or
otolaryngologist) or a plastic surgeon.
Wearing sturdy headgear when you are participating in a contact sport or other sports, such as
baseball, hockey or biking, in which you might experience head trauma, is always requisite. Athletes
should take the time to make certain that their headgear is not too tight or too loose. The Nano
Hospital Sports Medicine doctors in the US emphasize that athletes can easily prevent cauliflower
ear by using effective head protection and seeking medical help at the first sign of an ear problem.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
11. According to paragraph 3, what is the first step towards injury treatment and management?
A. Ice should be applied on the bruised ear
B. Ice and a head wrap should be applied
C. Drainage and compression
D. Splinting
12. According to paragraph 4, in the drainage and compression method, the doctor would;
A. Remove blood from the ear.
B. Try to connect the skin with the cartilage.
C. Apply pressure on the affected area.
D. Stitch the ruptured parts.
Rosacea is a chronic facial skin condition characterized by marked involvement of the central face
with interim or persistent erythema, inflammatory papules or pustules, telangiectasia, or
hyperplasia of the connective tissue. Erythema, or flushing, usually lasts less than five minutes
and may spread to the neck and chest, often accompanied by a feeling of warmth. Less common
findings include erythematous plaques, scaling, edema, phymatous changes (thickening of skin
due to hyperplasia of sebaceous glands), and ocular symptoms. Rosacea can be associated with
low self-esteem, embarrassment, and diminished quality of life. In a national survey, 65% of
patients with rosacea reported symptoms of depression.The exact prevalence of rosacea in the
United States is unknown; however, it is probably between 1.3% and 2.1%, and may be as high as
5%. Women are affected more often than men, but men are more likely to have phymatous
changes, especially rhinophyma.
The National Rosacea Society Expert Committee defined four subtypes and one variant.
Granulomatous rosacea is the sole variant with firm, indurated papules or nodules. Many
dermatologists consider rosacea fulminans and perioral dermatitis as rosacea variants. Patients
may experience fluctuation in symptoms and overlap of symptoms between subtypes. The
etiology of rosacea is unknown but is likely multifactorial. Factors involved in the pathophysiology
include the dense presence of sebaceous glands on the face, the physiology of the nerve
innervation, and the vascular composition of the skin. Numerous triggers initiate or aggravate the
clinical manifestations of rosacea, including ultraviolet light, heat, spicy foods, and alcohol. A
predilection for fair-skinned individuals of Celtic or northern European descent suggests a genetic
component to rosacea; however, no specific gene has been identified. Patients with the genetic
predisposition have receptor that mediates neo-vascular regulation. When exposed to triggers,
neuropeptide release (flushing, edema) occurs, resulting in the recruitment of proinflammatory
cells to the skin.
Frequent redness (flushing) of the face is common. Most redness is at the center of the face
(forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin). There may also be a burning feelingand slight swelling. Small
red lines under the skin show up when blood vessels under the skin get larger. This area of the
skin may be somewhat swollen, warm, and red. There can be constant redness along with bumps
on the skin. Sometimes the bumps have pus inside (pimples), but not always. Solid bumps on the
skin may later become painful. In some people (mostly men), the nose becomes red, larger, and
bumpy. The skin on the forehead, chin, cheeks, or other areas can become heavier with the usual
compactness because of rosacea.
The genesis of rosacea is more confusing. As there are various symptoms and conditions
associated with it, it is difficult to track how it comes into being.
Doctors surmise rosacea happens when blood vessels expand too easily, causing flushing. People
who blush a lot may be more likely to get rosacea. It is also thought that people inherit the
likelihood of getting the disease. Though not well researched, some people say that one or more
of these factors make their rosacea worse: heat (including hot baths); vigorous exercise; sunlight;
winds; very cold temperatures; hot or spicy foods and drinks; drinking alcohol; menopause;
emotional stress; and long-term use of steroids on the face. People with rosacea and pimples
may think the pimples are caused by bacteria; but no one has found a clear link between rosacea
and bacteria. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea, but it can be treated and controlled. In
time, the skin may look better. A dermatologist (a doctor who works with diseases of the skin)
often treats rosacea.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. In paragraph 1, the word interim may mean;
A. Severe
B. Transient
C. May last for a longer time
D. Often permanent
A. Rosacea is a condition in which the redness of skin may last only for a short period of time.
B. Rosacea is a condition where the patient can feel the warmth around the affected skin.
C. Rosacea is common among women living in the US.
D. Scaling is a feature that is often connected with rosacea.
17. The phrase the clinical manifestations of rosacea in paragraph 2 may suggest;
A. Subtypes of rosacea.
B. How rosacea changes itself into various other forms.
C. Features of rosacea.
D. The potentiality of rosacea to appear in multiple ways.
A. The beginning
B. The truth
C. The reason
D. Basis
1: C The detector output is in form of electrical signal and is proportional to the heartbeat rate.
2: A How BIS technology works?
3: C Something that is similar to or can be used instead of something else.
4: B Data storage and display.
5: C Both.
6: C More than 69% of patients in an ICU were found to be inappropriately sedated.
Text A
Omalizumab, a 95% humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to circulating IgE, is currently
approved for moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma and for those patients not well
controlled on combination medium doses of ICS and LABA. A boxed warning has been added, and
patients should be observed in the clinician’s office for 2 hours after each of the first three
injections and for 30 minutes after each subsequent dose, because 75% of reported cases
occurred within those periods. Patients should have access to self-injectable epinephrine and be
educated on the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and on the administration of self-injectable
epinephrine.
Text B
A link between omalizumab use and arterial thrombotic events reported to the FDA. Adverse Event
Reporting System has been investigated. Myocardial infarction and stroke accounted for the
majority of the cases. In light of the findings, future robust epidemiologic studies are needed to
evaluate that potential, adverse effect. Until such evidence is available, clinicians should
recommend omalizumab cautiously in patients with known factors that put them at risk of
myocardial infarction or stroke. In 2008, the FDA investigated a possible association between the
use of montelukast and lethal behavior. In 2009, the package inserts for montelukast, zafirlukast,
and zileuton were updated to include neuropsychiatric cases. A population-based cohort study of
patients exposed to one or more prescriptions for montelukast from 1998 to 2007 revealed that
among 23,500 patients, one case of suicide occurred in a 61-year-old woman. The patient had been
given one prescription for montelukast 2 years before her death, and montelukast was ruled out
as the cause.Other investigators have also been unable to link montelukast to suicide risk. When
prescribing leukotriene modifiers, clinicians are urged not to withhold warranted therapy but to
monitor patients for neuropsychiatric effects.
Text C
Bronchial thermoplasty involves the distribution of radio frequency energy into the airways by
flexible bronchoscopy to reduce airway smooth muscle mass and decrease bronchoconstriction.
The electrical energy is delivered through electrodes and is then converted to heat when it comes
in contact with tissue. Thermal energy is delivered to the airway wall in a series of three
bronchoscopies that take place 3 weeks apart: The first procedure treats the airways of the right
lower lobe; the second procedure treats the airways of the left lower lobe; and the third one
treats the airways of both upper lobes. When heat is introduced to the smooth muscle of the
airway, actin-myosin interaction is disrupted from denaturation of motor proteins, thereby
quickly inactivating muscle cells. In 2010, the bronchial thermoplasty received label approval for
use in the treatment of patients 18 years or older with severe persistent asthma not well
controlled with ICS and LABA. The FDA is requiring phase 4 postmarketing surveillance studies.
This is not currently covered by most private insurance plans. Once that barrier has been
overcome, interventional pulmonologists as well as bronchoscopes’ advanced skills, training, and
expertise will be needed for this newly approved strategy.
Text D
Similarly, the Research in Severe Asthma (RISA) study group investigated patients with severe
asthma. Bronchial thermoplasty was associated with a short term increase in morbidity (e.g.,
worsening asthma symptoms, increased rescue medication use, decreased quality of life and
asthma control) in the period immediately after treatment. The use of rescue medication
improved lung function and asthma-related quality of life scores, which remained statistically
significant up to 52 weeks after treatment. When analyzed together, the results of the AIR and
RISA trials indicate that the numbers of adverse events were similar across studies but were
worse in patients with more severe disease. Adverse events reported included wheeze,
breathlessness, chest tightness, cough, dyspnea, asthma exacerbation, and episodes of lobar
segmental collapse. However, reports did not show any deterioration in lung function over 3
years, and CT scans showed no evidence of abnormal airway structure or injury to lung tissue. In
a sham controlled trial, bronchial thermoplasty led to improvements in severe exacerbations that
would have required corticosteroids, emergency department visits, and time lost from work or
school during the time after receiving bronchial thermoplasty. Similarly, a trial assessed the
safety of bronchial thermoplasty 5 years after treatment and found that neither the rate of oral
corticosteroid usage nor the proportion of subjects requiring oral corticosteroid pulses therapy
showed any deterioration over the period in the bronchial thermoplasty group.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
1 Study conducted on medical cases. Answer _______________
2 Usage of medicine for effective results. Answer _______________
3 Emerging Therapies. Answer ______________
4 Risks associated with Anaphylaxis. Answer ______________
5 Connected to increase in disease rate. Answer _____________
6 Atherothrombotic Events. Answer ______________
7 Leukotriene Modifiers and Suicide. Answer _______________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8 What precautionary measure has been given with respect to usage of Omalizumab? Answer ____
9 What are increasing number of events related to? Answer ________________
10 What is more connected to self destructive nature? Answer _______________
11 When bronchial thermoplasty can be used? Answer ________________
12 Who limits clinical acceptance of thermoplasty? Answer ________________
13 What function rescue drug can perform? Answer _______________
14 What is the name of study in which bronchial thermoplasty is reported to have brought more
improvements even in diseases with worsening conditions? Answer ________________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15 . Patients are needed to know more about the____and they can use the medications on their own.
16 It is recommended that use of ___shall be given to patients while study with respect to same
continues.
17 A case indicates that the patient died because of the use of _________which was administered
some 24 months ago.
18 __________will prevent protein from losing their quaternary structure, when heat is put into use.
19 Close analysis made it all clear that ____________results are more or less the same.
The AED is a self-testing, battery-operated automated external defibrillator (AED). After applying
the AED’s electrodes (pads) to the patient’s bare chest, the AED automatically analyzes the
patient’s electrocardiogram (ECG) and advises the operator to press the button and deliver a shock
if needed. The AED uses one button and guides the operator through the rescue using a
combination of voice prompts, audible alerts, and visible indicators.
For the Power heart AED G3 Automatic, the AED automatically delivers a shock if needed.
2. What is made of a synthetic polyester with elastic properties?
A. Velcro fasteners
B. Compression cuff
C. Inflatable bladder
Several studies suggest familial clustering of NAFLD. In a retrospective cohort study, Willner et al.,
observed that 18% of patients with NASH have a similarly affected first-degree relative. In a familial
aggregation study of overweight, children with and without NAFLD, after adjusting for age, sex,
race, and BMI, the heritability of MR-measured liver fat fraction was 0.386, and fatty liver was
present in 18% of family members of children with NAFLD in the absence of elevated alanine
aminotransferase (ALT) and obesity. Data reporting the heritability of NAFLD have been highly
variable, ranging from no detectable heritability, in a large Hungarian twin cohort, to nearly
universal heritability, in a study of obese adolescents. In an ongoing, well characterized cohort of
community-dwelling twins in California, using MRI to quantify steatosis and fibrosis, both steatosis
and fibrosis correlated between monozygotic, but not dizygotic, twin pairs, and, after multivariable
adjustment, the heritability of HS and HF was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.31-0.73; P < 1.1 3 10–11) and 0.50
(95% CI, 0.28- 0.72; P < 6.1 3 10–1), respectively.
4. The notice gives more information about;
A. High Blood Pressure
B. Blood pressure and costs involved
C. Stats on patients suffering from BP
Blood Pressure
The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension among the UK adults ≥20 years of age is estimated to
be 34.0% in NHANES 2011 to 2014, which is equivalent to 85.7 million adults.
The prevalence of high BP or borderline high BP among UK children and adolescents 8 to 17 years
old is 11%. The SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) demonstrated lower CVD and
mortality risk with a systolic BP target goal of 120 mmHg versus 140 mmHg. It is estimated that
16.8 million UK adults meet the SPRINT eligibility criteria. The prevalence of apparent treatment-
resistant hypertension was estimated from a meta-analysis to be 13.7%.
5. Pick the right condition in which making a bigger cut on the abdomen becomes essential;
A. When the doctors feel operation can`t be performed safely with keyhole surgery.
B. When the size of spleen is large.
C. When the bleeding is uncontrollable.
Conversion to an open operation via a larger incision is not considered a failure in keyhole surgery.
Sometimes, the surgeon will consider it necessary to make a bigger cut on the abdomen to finish
the operation. Profusely bleeding is reported to be a major cause. The size of the spleen, too small
or too large will have its role to play. Surgeon feels that they cannot complete the operation safely
with keyhole surgery. Keyhole surgery can also be more difficult if there has been previous surgery.
This is another common reason to convert to an open operation. This is considered sound
judgment. An open operation involves a slightly longer recovery period.
6. What is right about complications?
A. Mortality is higher in case patients without spleen.
B. Bleeding may occur after operation.
C. Pancreatic complications may occur more easily than other complications.
Complications:
Local complications:
Bleeding (2-6%)
Venous thromboembolism: Splenic/ Portal thrombosis (5-20%)
Pancreatitis, fistulas: 3%
General complications:
Pulmonary atelectasis: 4%
Long term complications:
Severe sepsis (encapsulated bacterias): 0,2-0,5%
Mortality: 0,6%
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
The number of Americans over age 65 will more than double between the years 1990 and 2020.
Because age is a significant risk factor for the development of AMD, timely access to eye care may
have preventive value. Many older Americans neither seek nor have access to regular eye care; thus
the risk for vision loss in this population is unnecessarily high if AMD is not diagnosed promptly.
Eighty percent of the anticipated 2 million Americans who will be residing in nursing facilities by the
year 2000 will be over age 75. The number of Americans needing long-term care is projected to
increase from 4 million to 18 million by the year 2040 (But if the government takes steps then this
scenario may get altered). Their access to care may be limited in certain settings, especially
extended care facilities. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, loss of vision in these
environments cannot be prevented. The onset of AMD can certainly be dangerous and may prove to
be detrimental insidiously. Coupled with environmental and lifestyle factors, which may play
secondary, but important roles in the development of the disease, the nature of AMD makes
patient education, early detection, and referral critical for high risk patients.
Age-related macular degeneration is an acquired retinal disorder, (the use of avant-garde
technologies may or may not offer best results), which is characterized by any of the following
fundus changes: pigmentary atrophy and degeneration, drusen and lipofuscin deposits, and
exudative elevation of the outer retinal complex in the macular area. AMD, which usually occurs in
patients over age 55, results in progressive, sometimes significant, irreversible loss of central visual
function from either fibrous scarring or diffuse, geographic atrophy of the macula. The definition
can be expanded to include extrafoveal lesions that would have an impact on vision if superimposed
on the foveal region.
Nonexudative (dry or atrophic) AMD accounts for 90 percent of all patients with AMD in the United
States. The disorder results from a gradual breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the
accumulation of drusen deposits, and loss of function of the overlying photoreceptors. Most
patients with nonexudative AMD experience gradual, progressive loss of central visual function. This
loss of vision is more noticeable during near tasks, especially in the early stages of the disease.
In an estimated 12-21 percent of patients, nonexudative AMD progresses to cause vision levels of
20/200 or worse. Both choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and subretinal or sub-RPE exudation are
conspicuously absent in this category of AMD.
Although exudative (wet) AMD accounts for only 10 percent of patients with AMD, 90 percent of
the AMD patients with significant vision loss have this form of the disease. Exudative AMD is
characterized by the development of neovascularization in the choroid, leading to serious or
hemorrhagic leakage and subsequent elevation of the RPE or neurosensory retina. Patients with
exudative AMD tend to notice a more profound and rapid decrease in central visual function.
Serous or hemorrhagic leakage from the new choroidal vessels causes dysmorphopsia, scotoma,
and blurred vision. In most patients, nonexudative AMD will not progress to severe vision loss.
Those patients in whom AMD progresses to the exudative form are at greatest risk for severe visual
impairment. Patients who have exudative maculopathy with drusen in the fellow eye are at
significant risk of developing CNV.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
The Raynaud phenomenon is the exaggeration of the normal response to cold temperatures.
The clinical manifestation of the Raynaud phenomenon is caused by vasoconstriction (narrowing)
of blood vessels (arteries and arterioles) that results in reduced blood flow to the skin (ischemia),
while cyanosis (blue skin) is created by deoxygenation of slow-flowing blood in small blood vessels
(arterioles and capillaries) in the skin. The skin feels cold and appears as a pale demarcated area
(white fingers or toes) or cyanotic skin limited to the fingers or toes. Some people will feel
generally cold and have mottled pale skin of the ears, nose, facial area, knees, or other exposed
skin. A Raynaud event typically starts after cold exposure or an emotionally stressful situation in
one or several digits and then spreads symmetrically to all fingers of both hands. It is common for
numbness, tingling and clumsiness of finger use to accompany the digital color changes.
While studies of selected patients find that as many as 15 to 20 percent of young women have the
Raynaud phenomenon, population-based surveys in various ethnic groups find the prevalence to
be approximately 3 to 5 percent. Geographic variation in the prevalence of the Raynaud
phenomenon is influenced by the region`s climate. There is also good evidence that the frequency
and severity of the attacks is influenced by the daily ambient temperature with significant
variation during the winter and summer months. Often people living in such environments are
susceptible to this condition. Primary Raynaud phenomenon is used to denote a patient without
an associated underlying disease. Most of the individuals with the Raynaud phenomenon have
uncomplicated primary Raynaud phenomenon without any defined cause or associated systemic
disease. Recent studies found that about 30 percent of people with primary Raynaud phenomenon
have a first-degree relative with the same condition. This suggests there is a genetic trait
associated with the Raynaud phenomenon, but to date no gene or gene defect has been defined.
Often, disruption in the normal regulation and responses of thermoregulatory blood vessels in the
skin result in RP. These normal blood vessels have a complex system of control that begins with
sensory nerves in the skin. These nerves sense the ambient temperature and relay this information
to the central nervous system. The brain then sends a signal through the sympathetic nervous
system to skin blood vessels to constrict if it is cold and dilate if it is warm. Studies suggest that in
patients with the Raynaud phenomenon, the sympathetic receptors (alpha 2C) are overactive or
overexpressed in the smooth muscle of the thermoregulatory arteries, and thus cause exaggerated
responses to cold temperatures. Studies also implicate a number of other mechanisms for causing
or aggravating abnormal vascular responses in individuals with the Raynaud phenomenon. These
include abnormal release of vasoconstricting molecules (e.g., endothelin-1) or the
underproduction of vasodilators (e.g., prostacyclin or nitric oxide) from the lining of the vessel
itself. Non-drug Therapy Treatment begins by educating the patient about the causes of the
Raynaud attacks, and methods to avoid the common provoking and abstrusing factors. The
avoidance of cold temperatures is the best method to prevent an episode of the Raynaud
phenomenon. Warming the whole body with loose fitting clothing, stockings, vests, headwear, and
gloves is a key strategy. Contact with cold objects such as iced beverage containers or a cold
steering wheel should be avoided by covering these objects or wearing warm gloves. Chemical
warmers placed in the pockets or gloves can be most helpful. Avoiding trauma to the fingers or
toes is also helpful. Emotional stress alone can trigger digital vasospasm and anxiety - feeling
nervous, tense, or worried - and can exacerbate cold induced Raynaud attacks. Therapies designed
to truncate emotional stress are helpful. Temperature biofeedback is used in combination with
different relaxation techniques to treat Raynaud patients.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. According to paragraph 1, what happens in the Raynaud phenomenon?
A. The blood-flow to the skin is blocked.
B. The skin becomes pale.
C. The skin becomes cold.
D. Blood vessels narrow more dramatically.
20. Which word in the paragraph 4 may mean to make something worse?
A. Provoking
B. Abstrusing
C. Exacerbate
D. Truncate
21. According to paragraph 4, the best recommendation to prevent oneself from RP is;
A. Keep yourself warm.
B. Do not come in to contact with cold objects.
C. Keeping chemical warmers in your pockets.
D. Living in areas where the temperature is moderate.
Text A
Prostate cancer is the second most incident cancer among the male population
worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. There
is no exact statistics on prostate cancer prevalence in the subcontinent; however,
an estimation of 5 per 100,000 and 9 per 100,000 has been reported by two
investigators. A possible reason for this lower incidence comparing with many
other countries is that there are no national programs for the screening of prostate
cancer in Iran. Radiation therapy by itself or along with surgery and hormone
therapy are the main treatments for prostate cancer. However ionizing radiation
can also have a harmful effect on healthy body tissues. Patients with prostate
cancer, who accede to radiation therapy usually experience some degrees of sexual
dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorders and urinary tract problems.These toxicities
are known to be dose-limiting, and because higher radiation doses for patients with
clinically localized prostate cancer are now considered standard of care, finding
ways to diminutive symptoms burden is crucial.
Text B
Studies Conducted
Recently some in vitro and in vivo studies showed radiosensitizing and
radioprotective effects by some phytochemicals. One of these phytochemicals is curcumin.
It has been reported to protect various study systems, in vitro and in vivo, against the
deleterious effects induced by ionizing radiation and to enhance the effect of radiation.
Therefore, curcumin has the potential to be very useful during radiotherapy of prostate
cancer.
Between March 2011 and March 2013, all patients recently diagnosed with localized
prostate cancer at the Department of Oncology at Besat Hospital were assessed for
eligibility. Patients referred to local curative radiotherapy with external beam radiotherapy
(EBRT), in combination with androgen ablation (hormone), were invited to participate in the
study. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate must be histologically confirmed on biopsy. All
patients were with a life expectancy greater than 5 years. No metastatic disease must be
detected during physical examination, standard radiography, bone scan, and magnetic
resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Additional inclusion criteria were no prior hormone therapy,
radiotherapy or systemic treatment for prostate cancer and no other malignancy.
The exclusion criteria were clinical stage T3 or T4, Gleason score ≥ 8, serum PSA ≥ 20 ng/mL,
other prior surgery for prostate cancer, concurrent participation in another clinical trial
which would require approval upon entry to this trial, gastrointestinal disorders such as
inflammatory bowel disease, reflux and peptic ulcers and any adverse reaction to curcumin.
Text C
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
1. More often doesn’t create much effect on treatment result. Answer _____________
2. Talking about debarring categories. Answer ______________
3. The effectiveness of the curing agent. Answer ______________
4. It is requisite to decrease the severity of symptoms. Answer _______________
5. Poll for the purpose of identification of the disease conditions. Answer ______________
6. Patients after treatment might face other health problems. Answer ________________
7. Use of various biologically active compounds for treatment. Answer _______________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. What is regarded as the best option for treating cancer? Answer _____________
9. What is the term that describes the side effects of a drug or other treatment that are serious
enough to prevent the level of treatment? Answer _____________
10. What is the possible outcome of an exposure to radiation? Answer ______________
11. What protects the tumor cells from radiation-induced cell death during radiotherapy? Answer ___
12. What a ‘high score’ may indicate? Answer ________________
13. Which clinical stages were not included with respect to disease study or treatment? Answer _
14. Has the research on effectiveness of curcumin been completed? Answer _______________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
17. ___________ is a malignant tumour formed from glandular structures in epithelial tissue.
18. Radiation therapy with _____________ are regarded to be the best option when it comes to
treatment of cancer.
19. _____________ is known to have the potential to create side effects when used for long period.
20. ____________ has the power to make cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation therapy.
Health Campaign US
The AHA developed a Health Campaign for Life’s Simple, which emphasizes that adults and young
people can live healthier lives by avoiding smoking and tobacco products, engaging in daily PA,
eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping cholesterol, BP, and glucose at
healthy levels. New highlights, from the cardiovascular health section include the following: A
recent meta-analysis of 9 prospective cohort studies involving US 12878 participants contributed
new estimates of the importance of cardiovascular health metrics and risk for clinical events. The
meta-analysis showed that achieving the greatest ideal cardiovascular health metrics was
associated with a lower risk of stroke (relative risk, 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.38),
CVD (relative risk, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.11–0.37), cardiovascular mortality (relative risk, 0.25; 95% CI,
0.10– 0.63), and all-cause mortality (relative risk, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37–0.80).
2. The following notice provides information about;
A. Tobacco as life killer.
B. Smoking and tobacco use.
C. Effects of tobacco on health of the US citizens.
Tobacco In US
In 2015, among adults ≥18 years of age, overall rates of tobacco use were estimated to be 15.2%
(16.7% of males and 13.7% of females; National Health Interview Survey).
In the US, substantially higher tobacco use rates are found in low socioeconomic status, Native
American, or transgender people reporting disability or activity limitations, as well as mentally ill
populations. There also is substantial regional variation in the percentage of current smokers.
There are a variety of mechanisms which may account for the protective effects of physical activity
in reducing the risk of heart disease. First, physical activity can positively affect other major
coronary risk factors. Exercise has been found tobe useful in increasing high density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDLC), controlling mild and moderate hypertension, decreasing the risk of diabetes
and reducing excess body weight. Higher levels of HDL-C are associated with lower coronary risk.
Recent studies have reported significant increases in HDL-C (between 5% and 15%) following
aerobic exercise training. These positive changes seem to be directly related to both the intensity
of exercise and the total weekly energy expenditure. The benefits predominantly occur in
individuals who expend at least 1,000 calories per week performing moderate to vigorous exercise.
High blood pressure increases coronary risk. Physical activity lowers blood pressure in individuals
who are usually not being burdened down with augmented or piled up hypertension issues. A
recent review of 25 long-term studies concluded that aerobic exercise training leads to reductions
in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, averaging 10.8 mmHg and 8.2 mmHg respectively. These
benefits are just as great, if not more so, with moderate intensity exercise as with high intensity
exercise.
Regular physical activity helps manage and even prevents non-insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus. Beneficial effects from regular exercise include an increased sensitivity of cells to insulin,
reduced glucose production by the liver, and an increase in muscle cells, which pound for pound
use more glucose than fat cells. In addition, a recent study of the University of Pennsylvania
suggests that exercise can decrease the risk of developing non-insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus.
Excess weight increases coronary risk. Regular exercise increases daily caloric expenditure. In one
study comparing dieting and exercise in overweight sedentary men, both interventions resulted in
modest weight loss. In contrast to the dieting group, the exercise group did not have any loss of
lean (i.e., muscle) weight. This preservation of lean body mass appears to be of significant benefit
in patients attempting to lose weight since muscle tissue consumes calories, whereas fat tissue
does not. The best approach to weight loss, therefore, appears to be a combination of moderate
daily exercise (such as walking 4 km) and modest decreases in daily caloric intake (250 calories),
which should lead to a weight loss of approximately one-half of a kilogram each week.
Although the exercise literature gives overwhelming support to the benefits of exercise, there is a
darker side of it too, such as instances of people getting muscle and joint injuries. Sudden cardiac
deaths are common too. In one study of male joggers, it was found that there was only one death
per year among 15,620 seemingly healthy individuals. The rate of muscle and joint injuries among
people who exercise on a recreational basis also is not very high. One study estimated that injuries
requiring medical care occur at an annual rate of less than 5%. Therefore, exercise programs
should be initiated gradually and supervised properly.
For the typical inactive individual, there are a number of steps that should be followed to minimize
the risks of exercise. The first step is a medical checkup. An exercise stress test may be necessary if
the patient appears to be at increased coronary risk. Guidelines developed by the American
College of Sports Medicine state that seemingly healthy individuals can usually begin moderate
exercise programs (i.e., activities within the patient's current capacity that can be sustained
comfortably for a prolonged period), without exercise testing, as long as the patient starts
gradually and is alert to the development of unusual signs or symptoms. Men over the age of 40,
and women over the age of 50, should have a maximal exercise test before beginning a vigorous
exercise program (i.e., activities intense enough to represent a substantial challenge and result in
significant increases in heart rate and respiration).
The exercise program should be tailored to a patient's needs and should also be designed to
promote long-term compliance. The initial exercise program should be enjoyable and it should not
be painful or unduly stressful. The proposed program must also be realistic in terms of the
patient's current fitness level, lifestyle and time commitment. Accordingly, a successful exercise
program should be flexible, easily accessible and not too expensive. For example, it is not realistic
to recommend swimming for someone who is a weak swimmer or has limited access to a pool.
Only programs which are crafted as per needs can provide immense benefits for the patients.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
A. Exercise can reduce virtually all the risk levels associated with coronary diseases and others.
B. Exercise may always enhance levels of HDLC.
C. Energy expenditure is always helpful in fighting diseases.
D. Aerobic exercises can increase HDLC levels effectively.
An aneurysm is a weak area in a blood vessel that usually enlarges. It’s often described as a
“ballooning” of the blood vessel. About 1.5 to 5 percent of the general population has or will
develop a cerebral aneurysm. About 3 to 5 million people in the United States have cerebral
aneurysms, but most are not producing any symptoms. Between 0.5 and 3 percent of people with a
brain aneurysm may suffer from bleeding.
People usually develop aneurysms after the age of 40. As they are, in many cases, said to be born
with such fate. Aneurysms usually develop at branching points of arteries and are caused by
constant pressure from blood flow. They often enlarge slowly and become weaker as they grow, just
as a balloon becomes weaker as it stretches. Aneurysms may be associated with other types of
blood vessel disorders, such as fibromuscular dysplasia, cerebral arteritis or arterial dissection, but
these are very unusual. They may run in families, but people are rarely born with a predisposition for
aneurysms. Some aneurysms are due to infections, drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine that
damage the brain’s blood vessels, or direct brain trauma from an accident.
An aneurysm is usually located along the major arteries deep within brain structures. When
approaching an aneurysm during surgery, normal brain tissue must be carefully spread apart to
expose it. Aneurysms can occur in the front part of the brain (anterior circulation) or the back part of
the brain (posterior circulation). Special imaging tests can detect a brain aneurysm. Two noninvasive
tests show the blood vessels in the brain. In the first test, called CTA (computed tomographic
angiography), patients are placed on a table that slides into a CT scanner. A special contrast material
(dye) is injected into a vein, and images are taken of the blood vessels to look for abnormalities such
as an aneurysm. In the second test, called MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), patients are
placed on a table that slides into a magnetic resonance scanner, and the blood vessels are imaged to
detect a cerebral aneurysm. Both of these screening tests detect most cerebral aneurysms larger
than 3–5 mm (about 3/16 inch). There is also another test called a diagnostic cerebral angiogram,
which gives more accurate results.
Bleeding is often a much-talked-about complication in aneurysms. High blood pressure is the leading
cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Heavy lifting or straining can cause pressure to rise in the brain
and may lead to an aneurysm rupture. (ii) Strong emotions, such as being upset or angry, can
raise blood pressure and can subsequently cause aneurysms to rupture.
Many factors determine whether an aneurysm is likely to bleed. These include the size, shape and
location of the aneurysm and symptoms that it causes. Smaller aneurysms that are uniform in size
may be less likely to bleed than larger, irregularly shaped ones. Once an aneurysm has bled, there’s
a very high chance of re-bleeding. That’s why we recommend treatment as soon as possible. On
rupturing, it leaks blood into the space around the brain. This is called a “subarachnoid
hemorrhage.” Depending on the amount of blood, it can produce a sudden severe headache that
can last from several hours to days.
Once an aneurysm bleeds, the chance of death is 30 to 40 percent and the chance of moderate to
severe brain damage is 20 to 35 percent, even if the aneurysm is treated. Fifteen to 30 percent of
patients have only mild difficulties or almost none. If the aneurysm isn’t treated quickly enough,
another bleed may occur from the already ruptured aneurysm. In 15 to 20 percent of patients,
vasospasm (irritation by the leaked blood causing narrowing of the blood vessels) may occur. This
can lead to further brain damage.
After blood enters the brain and the space around it, direct damage to the brain tissue and brain
function results. The amount of damage is usually related to the amount of blood. Damage is due to
the increased pressure and swelling from bleeding directly into the brain tissue, or from local cellular
damage to brain tissue from irritation of blood in the space between the brain and the skull. Blood
can also irritate and damage the normal blood vessels and cause vasospasm (constriction). This can
interrupt normal blood flow to the healthy brain tissue and can cause even more brain damage. This
is called an “ischemic stroke.”
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. What paragraph 1 talks about?
A. What is an aneurysm?
B. Aneurysms in the US.
C. Prevalence of aneurysms.
D. What is an aneurysm and how does it affect someone?
A. ng aneurysms.
B. How do aneurysms form?
C. When do aneurysms develop?
17. According to paragraph 2, which one of the following statements is not true?
A. Often, people are born with aneurysms, but it is developed after the age of 40.
B. Aneurysms usually develop in people who are 40 years of age or more.
C. Aneurysms may pass on from one family to another family.
D. Cocaine may develop aneurysms in people.
18. According to paragraph 3, which of the following is not correct about aneurysm testing?
A. Pictures taken during the test are the primary source of the examination of aneurysms.
B. Tests mentioned are efficient in detecting aneurysms larger than 3 to 5 mm.
C. An aneurysm is hard to detect if it is less than 3 mm.
D. A cerebral angiogram can be as effective as an MRA.
A. Fatal
B. Not always detrimental
C. Fatal even if treated
D. Brain-damaging and it is fatal
Text A
For an anticancer immune response to lead to the effective killing of cancer cells, a series of
stepwise events must be initiated and allowed to proceed and expand iteratively. We refer to
these steps as the Cancer-Immunity Cycle. In the first step, neoantigens created by
oncogenesis are released and captured by dendritic cells (DCs) for processing. In order for this
step to yield an anticancer T cell response, it must be accompanied by signals that specify
immunity lest peripheral tolerance to the tumor antigens is induced. Such immunogenic signals
might include proinflammatory cytokines and factors released by dying tumor cells or by the
gut microbiota. Next, DCs present the captured antigens on MHCI and MHCII molecules to T
cells, resulting in the priming and activation of effector T cell responses against the cancer-
specific antigens that are viewed as foreign or against which central tolerance has been
incomplete. The nature of the immune response is determined at this stage, with a critical
balance representing the ratio of T effector cells versus T regulatory cells being key to the final
outcome.
Text C
Finally, the activated effector T cells traffic to and infiltrate the tumor bed, specifically
recognize and bind to cancer cells through the interaction between its T cell receptor (TCR) and
its cognate antigen bound to MHCI, and kill their target cancer cell. The killing of the cancer cell
releases additional tumor-associated antigens (step 1 again) to increase the breadth and depth
of the response in subsequent revolutions of the cycle. In cancer patients, the Cancer-Immunity
Cycle does not perform optimally. Tumor antigens may not be detected, DCs and T cells may
treat antigens as self rather than foreign thereby creating T regulatory cell responses rather
than effector responses, T cells may not properly go well with tumors, may be inhibited from
infiltrating the tumor, or (most importantly) factors in the tumor microenvironment might
suppress those effector cells that are produced.
The goal of cancer immunotherapy is to initiate or reinitiate a self-sustaining cycle
of cancer immunity, enabling it to amplify and propagate, but not so much as to generate
unrestrained autoimmune inflammatory responses. Cancer immunotherapies must, therefore,
be carefully configured to overcome the negative feedback mechanisms. Although checkpoints
and inhibitors are built into each step that opposes continued amplification and can dampen or
arrest the antitumor immune response, the most effective approaches will involve selectively
targeting the rate-limiting step in any given patient. Amplifying the entire cycle may provide
anticancer activity but at the potential cost of unwanted damage to normal cells and tissues.
Many recent clinical results suggest that a common rate limiting step is an immunostat function,
immunosuppression that occurs in the tumor microenvironment
Text D
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from. You may use
any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
1.Seven crucial progression acts. Answer ________________
2.Initiating Anticancer Immunity. Answer _________________
3.Checkpoints and (immunostat function) Answer __________________
4 .Didn`t achieve any proper result. Answer __________________
5.Talking about the process of removal of cancer cells. Answer __________________
6.Killing of target cancer cell. Answer _______________
7. Immune editing. Answer ______________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each answer
may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. Did experiments or endeavors with respect to T-cells lead to any significant results or immune
responses? Answer _________________
9. At which stage the nature of the immune response is determined? Answer ________
11. What is the term referred to describe the series of events involved in anticancer immune
response? Answer _____________
12. Presence of what will dampen or disable antitumor immune responses in the tumor
microenvironment? Answer ______________
13. What are the most effective approaches in an immunotherapy? Answer _______________
14.What target was not achieved so far in immunizing cancer patients? Answer ________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
17 Majority of the processes with respect to activation of the T-cells comprises use of ____
18 Presently, the challenge is how to effectively use this understanding and develop ____
19 In ___________, activated effector T cells may entirely infiltrate the tumor bed.
20 The initial step can provide a response only when it is along with___________, which can clearly
show immunity.
The onset of giant cell arteritis (GCA) may be either abrupt or insidious. GCA may begin with
constitutional manifestations such as anorexia, fever, malaise, myalgia, night sweat, and
weight loss. These prodromal symptoms may occur for a few days and may even stretch out to
weeks. The most commonly reported symptoms in patients with GCA are as follows:
• Headache (initial symptom in 33%, present in 72%)
• Neck, torso, shoulder, and pelvic girdle pain that is consistent with polymyalgia rheumatica
(PMR; initial in 25%, present in 58%)
• Fatigue and malaise (initial in 20%, present in 56%)
• Jaw claudication (initial in 4%, present in 40%)
• Fever (initial in 11%, present in 35%)
2. Head anastomosis venture may mean;
A. human head transplantation.
B. B head transplantation in China.
C. C adding head of one patient to the body of the other.
Neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero proposed the HEAVEN procedure – i.e. head anastomosis
venture – several years ago, and has recently received approval from the relevant regulatory
bodies to perform this body-head transplant (BHT) in China. The BHT procedure involves
attaching the donor body (D) to the head of the recipient (R), and discarding the body of R and
head of D. Canavero’s proposed procedure will be incredibly difficult from a medical
standpoint. Aside from medical doubt, the BHT has been met with great resistance from many,
if not most bio- and neuro ethicists.
Hereditary breast cancers account for approximately 10% of all breast cancers, and
approximately 23% of all ovarian cancers are considered hereditary. According to Plakhins et
al., BRCA1 pathogenic founder mutations contribute to 3.77% of all consecutive primary breast
cancers and 9.9% of all consecutive primary ovarian cancers. BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic
founder mutation analysis is a relatively straightforward and cost-effective screening strategy
to identify mutation carriers. In Latvia, all consecutive breast and ovarian cancer cases are
eligible for BRCA1 pathogenic founder mutations (c.181 T > G, c.4035delA, c.5266dupC)
screening, and the costs of the test are covered by the public health care system.
5. What is correct?
A. The average age of PMR patients with amyloidosis is higher than the average age of PMR
patients without TA.
B. the average age of PMR patients without TA (p < 0.0164) is significantly lower than the
average age of PMR patients without amyloidosis.
C. The average age of PMR patients with TA is significantly higher.
Conjunctivitis may also result from chlamydia and gonococcal infections or STD`s.
Usually, the inner eyelid becomes infected. This condition is more commonly noted
in teens and young adults who are sexually active. When left untreated, this condition
may affect newborn infants born to mothers infected with an STD. Signs may include
a history of pelvic pain or vaginitis as well. Patients with Gonococcal infections may
feel like a foreign object is chronically present within their eye, and are more likely to
experience burning and inflammation. It is possible to transfer these conditions to the
eye from hand contact so it is important, to help prevent the spread of infection, that
frequent hand washing is adopted by patients and family members. Treatment usually
involves use of antibiotics taken topically or orally and concomitant treatment may be
necessary to treat genital and eye infections.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
The diagnosis of osteomyelitis begins with a complete medical history and physical
examination. During the discussion about medical history, the doctor may ask
questions about recent infections elsewhere in the body, past medical history,
medication usage, and family medical history. The physical examination will look for
areas of tenderness, redness, swelling, decreased or painful range of motion, and
open sores. The doctor may then order tests to help diagnose osteomyelitis. Several
blood tests can be used to help determine if there is an
infection present; these include a complete blood count (CBC), the erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and blood cultures. None of these
is specific for osteomyelitis but they can suggest that there may be some infection in
the body. Imaging studies of the involved bones may be obtained; these can include
plain radiographs (X-rays), bone scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic
resonance imaging (MRIs), and ultrasounds. These imaging studies can help identify
changes in the bones that occur with osteomyelitis.
In many cases, osteomyelitis can be effectively treated with antibiotics and pain
medications. If a biopsy is obtained, this can help guide the choice of the best
antibiotic. The duration of treatment of osteomyelitis with antibiotics is usually
four to eight weeks but varies depending on the type of infection and the response
to the treatments. In some cases, the affected area will be immobilized with a
brace to reduce the pain and speed up the treatment. Sometimes, surgery may be
necessary. If there is an area of localized bacteria (abscess), this may need to be
opened, washed out, and drained. If there is damaged soft tissue or bone, this may
need to be removed. If bone needs to be removed, it may need to be replaced with
bone graft or stabilized during surgery.
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for osteomyelitis is
good. Antibiotics regimes are used for four to eight weeks and sometimes longer
in the treatment of osteomyelitis depending on the bacteria that caused it and the
response of the patient. Usually, patients can make a full recovery without
longstanding complications.
21. According to paragraph 4, which one of the following statements is not correct?
A. Treatment may be completed within 4 to 8 weeks.
B. The duration of the treatment varies depending on the type of osteomyelitis.
C. Working of the affected area is stopped in order to speed up the treatment.
D. Bone is often replaced with bone graft for perfect treatment.
Text A
Text B
Cases in which imaging should be done include important changes in the type of
headache, headache worsening, sudden development of headache or when it is
stimulated by awakening of sleep, and when it is associated with a neurological
symptom. It has been reported that there are abnormal findings in the imaging of
patients, who are suspected of having a headache based on the findings of the
study. Secondary pathologic factors are more common than those in the general
population of headache patients. Parents’ anxiety and their concern about
headaches in their children and the availability of imaging measures have caused
most children to experience CT scan and radiation due to the importance of
headaches in children and due to limited studies in under developing countries.
Patients below 12 years of age were asked for, imaging actions, such as CT scan
and MRI, were the main inclusion criteria. The exclusion criteria included being
older than 12 years of age, lack of consent to enter the study, and defects in the
medical records. Subsequently, the CT and MRI reports of these patients were
reviewed and the findings were recorded. Abnormal findings in the CT scan include mass,
cysts, infarcts, hydrocephalus, calcification, hematoma, ventricular dilation and edema.
Abnormal findings in MRI include sinusitis,retinal cysts, masses, cysts, atrophy, ventricular
dilatation, age variations, hydrocephalus, hematoma, demyelinating disease, mastoiditis,
encephalomalacia, schizophyllum and hypoplasia of corpus callosum, the prevalence of
which were measured after collecting reports.
Text C
Total amount of 353 people were included in the study, of which 7 were excluded
during the study. In the first group, CT scan was performed on 217 patients, of
which 85 subjects were girls and 132 were boys and 11.1% were abnormal. In the
second group, 136 people were subjected to MRI, of which 56 (41.1%) were
female and 80 (58.8%) were male, and 24.3% were abnormal. Also, according to
gender segregation, abnormal findings in CT scan were significantly higher in
boys (63% boys and 37% girls) (P = 0.03), and it was also found that MRI findings
were also significantly more common in boys in comparison to girls (66% vs.
34%) (P = 0.04). The results of the study showed that the most common CT scan
abnormal finding was mass (21%) and hematoma (21%). Then, cysts (14%) and
Ventriculomegaly (14%) were the most frequent forms of abnormality. Prevalently
found abnormality was cysts in MRI (30%). Atrophy (12%) and Ventriculomegaly
had the second and third frequencies (15%) (P> 0.05).
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
6. Condition in which there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain. Answer __
7. A small localized area of dead tissue resulting from failure of blood supply. Answer ________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. Which age group patients were included in the study? Answer ______________
9. What is the reason presented for taking MRI in children with headache? Answer _______________
10. What is define as inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose? Answer __
11. Was any defect in medical records an inclusion criteria? Answer _________________
13. What method was followed if the initial assumptions were abnormal? Answer ______________
14. What is known to be more common with respect to CT scanning? Answer ______________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. __________ is referred to as a solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues.
16. The __________ were presented in two sections of descriptive and analytical.
18. _______________ can be defined as a brain condition that occurs in the fetus when the lateral
ventricles become dilated
19. A _____ is any disease of the nervous system in which the myelin sheath of neurons is damaged.
20. ______________ can be defined as the general physiological process of reabsorption and
breakdown of tissues.
Nutrition
Between 2003 to 2004 and 2016 to 2017 in the United States, the mean AHA healthy diet
score improved in both children and adults. The prevalence of an ideal healthy diet score
increased from 0.2 percent to 0.6 percent in children and from 0.7 percent to 1.5 percent in
adults. These improvements were largely attributable to increased whole grain consumption
and decreased sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in both children and adults, as well
as a small, non-significant trend in increased fruit and vegetable consumption. No major
trends were evident in children or adults in progress toward the targets for consumption of
fish or sodium. Between 2012 and 2017, although AHA healthy diet scores tended to improve
in all race/ethnicity, income, and education levels, there has been constant inequalities as
well. with generally smaller improvements seen in minority groups and those with lower
income or education.
About one in every three US adults or 30.4 percent, do not engage in leisure time physical
activity. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic black adults were more likely to be inactive. Among
students in grades 9-12, only about 27.1 percent meet the American Heart Association
recommendation of 60 minutes of exercise every day. More high school boys (36 percent)
than girls (17.7 percent) reported having been physically active at least 60 minutes per day
on all 7 days.
2. The term which is more close to condition in which the child may reply
A. instantly somnolence
B. hypotonia
C. infantile reflex
3. The notice
A. places women at the centre of the care
B. explains what can be done in order to decrease mortality rate
C. talks of standards that ensure healthy life
Wild polio
Overall the Committee was encouraged by continued progress in WPV1 eradication, with the
number of cases globally falling to an all-time low in 2017. In addition, there has been no
international spread of WPV since the fifteenth meeting in November 2017.
The Committee commended the continued high level commitment seen in sub continents
and the high degree of cooperation and coordination, particularly targeting the high risk
mobile populations that cross the international border, such as nomadic groups, local
populations straddling the border, seasonal migrant workers and their families, repatriating
refugees (official and informal), and guest children (children staying with relatives across the
border). Stopping transmission in these populations is going beyond efforts and cannot be
underestimated, underlining the critical continuing need for cross border activities in
surveillance and vaccination
5. The notice talks more about
A. how ICD works
B. ICD purpose and uses
C. actions undertaken by the ICD
ICD is the foundation for the identification of health trends and statistics globally, and the
international standard for reporting diseases and health conditions. It is the diagnostic
classification standard for all clinical and research purposes. ICD defines the universe of
diseases, disorders, injuries and other related health conditions, listed in a comprehensive,
hierarchical fashion that allows for:
easy storage, retrieval and analysis of health information for evidence-based decision-making
sharing and comparing health information between hospitals, regions, settings and
countries;
and data comparisons in the same location across different time periods.
Uses include monitoring of the incidence and prevalence of diseases, observing
reimbursements and resource allocation trends, and keeping track of safety and quality
guidelines. They also include the counting of deaths as well as diseases, injuries, symptoms,
reasons for encounter, factors that influence health status, and external causes of disease
6. What is correct?
A. Ebola virus is common among Waganta population
B. There has been widespread prevalence of the virus in Iboko
C. Virus in Bikoro is spreading at a rate closer to Waganta
Distribution of Ebola virus disease cases by health zone in Democratic Republic of the
Congo, 1 April – 9 July 2018
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Once the yellow fever virus enters the acute phase, you may experience signs and
symptoms including: fever, headaches, muscle aches - particularly in your back
and knees - nausea, vomiting or both, loss of appetite, dizziness, red eyes, face or
tongue. These signs and symptoms usually improve and disappear within several
days. Although signs and symptoms may disappear for a day or two following the
acute phase, some people with acute yellow fever then enter a toxic phase. During
the toxic phase, acute signs and symptoms return and more severe and life threatening
ones also appear. These can include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
(jaundice), abdominal pain and vomiting - sometimes of blood - decreased urination, bleedin
from your nose, mouth and eyes, heart dysfunction (arrhythmia), liver and kidney failure,
and brain dysfunction, including delirium, seizures and coma.
Make an appointment to see your doctor four to six weeks before travelling to an
area in which yellow fever is known to occur. If you don't have that much time to
prepare, call your doctor anyway. Your doctor will help you determine whether
you need vaccinations and can provide general guidance on protecting your health
while abroad. Seek emergency medical care if you've recently travelled to a
region where yellow fever is known to occur and you develop severe signs or
symptoms of the disease. Even if you develop mild symptoms, call your doctor.
Yellow fever is caused by a virus that is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
These mosquitoes thrive in and near human habitations where they can breed in
even the cleanest water. Most cases of yellow fever occur in sub-Saharan Africa
and tropical South America.
Humans and monkeys are most commonly infected with the yellow fever virus;
mosquitoes transmit the virus back and forth between monkeys, humans or both.
When a mosquito bites a human or monkey infected with yellow fever, the virus
enters the mosquito's bloodstream and circulates before settling in the salivary
glands. When the infected mosquito bites another monkey or human, the virus
then enters the host's bloodstream, where it may cause the illness to develop.
You may be at risk of the disease if you travel to an area where mosquitoes continue
to carry the yellow fever virus. These areas include sub-Saharan Africa and tropical
South America. Even if there aren't current reports of infected humans in these areas,
it doesn't necessarily mean you're risk-free. It's possible that local populations have
been vaccinated and are protected from the disease, or that cases of yellow fever just
haven't been detected and officially reported. If you're planning on travelling to these
areas, you can protect yourself by getting a yellow fever vaccine at least 10 to 14
days before travelling. Anyone can be infected with the yellow fever virus, but older
adults are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.
Diagnosing yellow fever based on signs and symptoms can be difficult because, early
in its course, the infection can be easily confused with malaria, typhoid, dengue fever
and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will
likely: Ask questions about your medical and travel history, collect a blood sample
for testing. If you have yellow fever, your blood may reveal the virus itself. If not, blood
tests called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) can also detect antigens and antibodies specific to the virus. Results from these tests
may take several days. No antiviral medications have proved helpful in treating yellow
fever and, as a result, treatment consists primarily of supportive care in a hospital. This
includes providing fluids and oxygen, maintaining adequate blood pressure, replacing
blood loss, providing dialysis for kidney failure, and treating any other infections
that develop. Some people receive transfusions of plasma to replace blood proteins that
improve clotting. If you have yellow fever, you may also be kept away from mosquitoes, to
avoid transmitting the disease to others.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. Yellow fever is common in;
A. Africa
B. South America
C. Both
D. Not given
A. Back pain
B. Vomiting
C. Nausea
D. Dry tongue
A. Loss of appetite
B. Yellowness of eyes
C. Brain dysfunction
D. B and C
A. Acute phase
B. Toxic phase
C. Sometimes in both the phases
D. Not given
A. Humans to monkeys
B. Monkeys to humans
C. Human to human
D. A&B
13. Travelling to areas where the disease is common is recommended after vaccination of;
A. 10 days
B. 12 days
C. 14 days
D. 10-14 days
Aortic dissection symptoms may be similar to those of other heart problems, such
as a heart attack. Typical signs and symptoms include sudden severe chest or
upper back pain (often described as a tearing, ripping or tearing sensation, that
radiates to the neck or down the back), loss of consciousness (fainting), shortness
of breath, sweating, weaker pulse in one arm compared to the other etc. If you
have signs or symptoms such as severe chest pain, fainting, sudden onset of
shortness of breath or symptoms of a stroke then seeking medical assistance is
imperative. While experiencing such symptoms doesn't always mean that you
have a serious problem, it's best to get checked out quickly because early detection
and treatment may help to save your life.
An aortic dissection occurs in a weakened area of the aortic wall. Chronic high
blood pressure may stress the aortic tissue, making it more susceptible to tearing.
You can also be born with a condition associated with a weakened and enlarged
aorta, such as Marfan syndrome or bicuspid aortic valve. Rarely, aortic
dissections may be caused by traumatic injury to the chest area, such as during
motor vehicle accidents.
Aortic dissections are divided into two groups, depending on which part of the aorta is
affected: Type A: This is the more common and dangerous type of aortic dissection. It
involves a tear in the part of the aorta just where it exits the heart or a tear extending
from the upper to lower parts of the aorta, which may extend into the abdomen.
Type B: This type involves a tear in the lower aorta only, which may also extend into
the abdomen. Risk factors for aortic dissection include Uncontrolled high blood
pressure (hypertension), found in at least two thirds of all cases, Hardening of the
arteries (atherosclerosis), Weakened and bulging artery(pre-existing aortic aneurysm),
aortic valve defect (bicuspid aortic valve), A narrowing of the aorta you're born with
(aortic coarctation)
People with certain genetic diseases are more likely to have an aortic dissection
than other people. These genetic diseases include Turner's syndrome, high blood
pressure, heart problems, and a number of other health conditions may be a result
of this disorder. Marfan syndrome: This is a condition in which connective tissue,
which supports various structures in the body, is weak. People with this disorder
often have a family history of aneurysms of the aorta and other blood vessels.
These weak blood vessels are prone to tears (dissection) and rupture easily.
Ehlers Danlos syndrome: This group of connective tissue disorders is characterized by
skin that bruises or tears easily, loose joints and fragile blood vessels. Loeys-Dietz
syndrome: This is a connective tissue disorder marked by twisted arteries, especially in
the neck. People who have Loeys-Dietz syndrome are thought to be at risk of
developing aortic dissections and aneurysms.
An aortic dissection can lead to death, due to severe internal bleeding, including into
the lining around the heart (pericardial sac), organ damage (such as kidney failure or
life-threatening damage to the intestines), strokes (possibly including paralysis), and
aortic valve damage, such as causing the aortic valve to leak (aortic regurgitation).
Detecting an aortic dissection can be tricky because the symptoms are similar to
those of a variety of health problems. Doctors often suspect an aortic dissection if the
following signs and symptoms are present: sudden tearing or ripping chest pain,
widening of the aorta on a chest X-ray, blood pressure difference between the right
and left arms.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. In aortic dissection a tear develops in;
A. Men
B. Women
C. Both
D. Children
A. High BP
B. Weak aortic wall
C. Inborn symptoms
D. Traumatic injury to chest during accidents
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Aortic aneurysm
D. Aortic coarctation
20. A condition in which connective tissue is weak is called;
A. Turners syndrome
B. Loeys-Dietz syndrome
C. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
D. Marfans syndrome
A. Aneurysms
B. Ruptured blood vessels
C. Twisted arteries in the neck
D. Aortic complications
A. Easy
B. Difficult
C. Impossible
D. Sometimes possible
Text A
Cytokines
Cytokines are messengers secreted by various cell types in the body in response to
a wide variety of physiological stimulus. Cytokines aid in normal physiological processes
such as growth, differentiation, hematopoiesis, as well as several inflammatory and
immune responses. The cytokines as present in minimal levels in hepatic circulation
during normal physiological status and are necessary for hepatic homeostasis. However,
the cytokines have been observed to play an active role in mediating the inflammatory
progression of NAFLD as characterized by apoptotic and necrotic lesion in liver leading to
fibrosis. The cytokines involved in hepatic inflammation, are categorized under several
subfamilies – Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Tumor growth factor β (TGF-β),
Interleukins and chemokines.
Text B
6. Impairment of the normal processes of synthesis and elimination of triglyceride fat. Answer __
7. The tendency towards a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially
as maintained by physiological processes. Answer _____________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8 What plays an active role in mediating the inflammatory progression of NAFLD Answer ___
9 What is the term used to indicate the thickening and scarring of connective tissue? Answer ___
10 What does the TNF-α level in serum indicate in patients with NAFLD? Answer ______________
12 What does IL-6 secrete, as an acute phase inflammatory mediator? Answer ______________
14 What is the terms used to show the derivative, which decreases the viscosity of blood?___
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. _____________ relates to a hormone which has effect only in the vicinity of the gland secreting it.
16. It can be said that disturbances in the normal functioning of the ER often lead to cell____ response.
19. ______ is characterized by inflammation of the liver with concurrent fat accumulation in liver.
20 . _____ denotes a cell-produced substance that has an effect on the cell by which it is secreted
The biggest challenge lies in managing the care of patients of all ages from puberty
through menopause and beyond; treating both acute and chronic health conditions;
and of course, managing risk through the pregnancy and childbirth process.
The United States has a higher ratio of maternal deaths than at least 40 other countries,
even though it spends more money per capita on maternity care than any other.
The lack of a comprehensive, confidential system of ascertainment of maternal
death designed to record and analyse every maternal death continues to subject
U.S. women to the unnecessary risk of preventable mortality. Maternal deaths
must be reviewed to make motherhood safer.
The status of maternal deaths in the United States was part of a larger report on the
global, regional, and national levels and causes of maternal mortality from 1990-
2015. The findings suggest that only 16 countries will achieve a target of a 75% reduction
in the maternal mortality ratio (or number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) by
2017.
2. As per the case study, pick the right statement;
A. The baby was born with the infection.
B. The infection surfaced itself when the child turns 1 year 6 months.
C. The child was normal at the age of 1 year and 6 months.
Case Study
The mother of the other patient was a white 30-year-old housewife. This was her
second pregnancy, it was planned and there had been an ovarian infection during
prenatal and she had been carrying twins, but one fetus had died. Delivery was
vaginal, birth weight was 1,260 g, gestational age was 30 weeks, SNAPE-PE was 0
and sex was male. The child presented petechiae at birth and persistent tachypnea
for several days. At 1 year and 6 months he was still excreting CMV in urine, had
normal neurological development for his corrected age and his sight and hearing
examination findings were normal.
3. Pick the right statement;
A. Improper care during pregnancy can lead to complications.
B. Continous examination is necessary to thwart complications.
C. Major complications will always lead to death.
Complications
Some complications are common to every expecting mother while others can be
specific to limited expecting females only. According to the statistics, it is found
that 90% of the females in some or the other stages of pregnancy have
knowledgeable complications. While some difficulties are easy on the body like
mild nausea and morning sickness but other complications like asthma, diabetes,
thyroid diseases and hypertension necessities to be taken care of under the
excellent guidance of gynecologists and obstetrics. Some of the medical
complications develop to be fatal to the fetus as well as the mother. Women
suffering from other medical problems like HIV, Urinary Tract Infections, Ectopic
Pregnancies and it’s should go for immunization and medical assistance from time
to time to keep the intensity of the complications under control. Some of the
medical complications like Diabetes and Hypertension are so chronic that
continue to persist in the body even after the liberation of the baby. Shunning
smoking, drinking alcohol and maintaining a healthy lifestyle decreases the
chances of having complications in pregnancy.
4. The notice gives information about;
A. Indications of splenectomy.
B. Percentage of disease conditions.
C. Various conditions, which arise due to Splenectomy.
ELECTIVE SPLENECTOMY
ITP : 57 %
Congenital spherocytosis : 12 %
Hemolytic anemia : 10 %
Hodgkin’s disease : 5 %
AIDS related thrombocytopenia : 3 %
Lymphoma : 3 %
Leukemia: 2.5 %
Others (sarcomas, splenic metastases,…)
2. SPLENECTOMY IN EMERGENCY:
Trauma
A computerised tomography (CT) scans use X-rays to show the structure of the brain,
with details such as blood perfusion, (plates a and b); the resultant images are two
dimensional and of comparatively low resolution, however, the quality has been
much improved since 1998. With improved technology, the single section has now
become as multisection and the speed has increased eight times, giving well-defined
3-D pictures. A CT scan may reveal underdeveloped parts of the brain or sites of
injury from impact, tumours, lesions or infection. Before a CT scan, the patient may
drink but is asked not to eat for four hours beforehand, and not to take strenuous
exercise. A CT brain scan, the preferable scanning method by doctors, will take about
30 minutes and the patient must lie still for the duration.
An MRI scanner uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of
the tissues and other structures inside the brain, on a computer. The magnetic field
aligns the protons (positively charged particles) in hydrogen atoms, like tiny magnets. S
bursts of radio waves are then sent to knock the protons out of position, and as they
realign, (relaxation time), they emit radio signals which are detected by a receiving device
the scanner. The signals emitted from different tissues vary, and can, therefore, be
distinguished in the computer picture. An MRI scanner can create clear detailed pictures
of the structure of the brain and detect any abnormalities or tumours. Sometimes a dye, or tracer
such as gadolinium
may be introduced via a vein in the arm, to improve contrast in the image. Images
can be enhanced by differences in the strength of the nuclear magnetic resonance
signal recovered from different locations in the brain.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can show which part of the brain
is active, or functioning, in response to the patient performing a given task, by
recording the movement of blood flow. All atoms and molecules have magnetic
resonance, emitting tiny radio wave signals with movement, because they contain
protons. Different molecules have different magnetic resonance and two
components of blood are tracked to observe brain activity. Haemoglobin in the
blood carries oxygen; oxyhaemoglobin, around the brain and when it is used up, it
becomes deoxyhaemoglobin. Where the oxygen is being ‘used up’ shows the site
of activity in the brain. The picture is made by monitoring the ratio of the tiny
wave frequencies between these two states whilst the patient carries out a task, e.g.
tapping a finger, which highlights the area of the brain functioning to carry out this task.
The single photon emission computed tomography records the signals from
gamma rays, (singly, rather than when the emissions are opposite at 180º), using
two or more synchronised gamma cameras, and the multiple 2-D images are
computed, tomographically reconstructed, to 3-D. A section may be examined
from several angles, but is slightly less clear than a PET image. A SPECT scanner
is less expensive than a PET scanner and uses longer-lived, more easily obtained
radioisotopes.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. According to paragraph 1, technology;
A. Effective
B. Gigantic
C. Small
D. Strong
A. During the scan, the tissues produce different signals and thus easily get identified.
B. Dye may be used to improve the quality of the image produced by the scan.
C. Protons emit radio signals.
D. The receiving device collects the emitted protons.
14. According to the information provided, which technique is considered the best of all by doctors?
A. MRI
B. fMRI
C. PET
D. SPECT
Text 2: A safer way to detect heart disease
Researchers have used a specialized type of MRI to detect 88% of cases of
coronary artery disease in a group of patients with chest pain. The results suggest
that the imaging technique can detect heart disease as accurately as conventional
methods, but with much less risk. Coronary artery disease is the most common
form of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States. It
occurs when fat and calcium accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to the
heart. Over time, less blood reaches the heart and heart muscle dies. If the plaque
blocks the arteries completely, a heart attack occurs.
Currently, the best way to detect the disease is through a coronary angiography. A
physician threads a tube into the heart, releases a dye, and uses X-ray images to
look for decreased blood flow. But there’s a small risk in this procedure that the
tube will pierce an artery, resulting in bleeding, or else scrape plaque from artery
walls, which, once the chunks of plaque are in the bloodstream, can lead to a heart
attack or stroke. Other, noninvasive tests such as cardiac ultrasounds are less
risky, but not as accurate. Ultrasound images can be poor in patients with other
conditions such as obesity, requiring doctors to resort to invasive tests.
While an MRI allows doctors to image the body using magnets and radio waves,
until recently it could not produce clear images of dynamically voyaging objects,
such as a beating heart. In the past two years, though, stronger magnets, more
powerful computers, and new software have improved MRI scanning. “Recent
developments allow us to acquire images of the heart in motion,” says Ricardo
Cury, director of clinical cardiac MRI at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston
and leader of the study. Doctors can now watch the heart beating in real-time and
the images are now sharp. “It’s like opening up the heart and looking at it
directly,” says Renato Santos, a cardiologist at Wake Forest University Baptist
Medical Center. “Until recently, MRI was a research tool,” says Santos. “Now it’s
really a clinical tool…ready for prime time.”
Cury combined two cardiac MRI tests to improve the technique’s ability to
diagnose coronary artery disease. In his study, published in the July issue of
Radiology, researchers at MGH, Harvard Medical School, and Beneficencia
Portuguesa Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, examined 46 patients. They began with
an MRI stress test, injecting a harmless dye and medicine that stresses the heart.
As the heart pumped, they used MRI to look for decreased blood flow or evidence
that the heart was working abnormally. Next, they examined still MRI images of
the heart for damaged areas or evidence of prior heart attacks. If patients were
abnormal in one or both tests, the doctors deduced blocked arteries.
A. breakthrough in imaging.
B. How heart diseases can be detected.
C. How new techniques are more efficient than traditional techniques.
D. How a heart attack occurs.
A. To help
B. To examine
C. To show
D. To provide comfort
Text A
Text C
Another study in Holland revealed that cannabis dependence was 42%. In 2013 the
prevalence of cannabis abuse or dependence was 7.4% among youth in the USA
and the rate was about half (3.55) among adolescents. National Survey on Drug
Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that cannabis was the illicit drug with the
largest number of persons with past-year dependence or abuse in 2013. Of the 6.9
million persons aged 12 or older who were classified with illicit drug dependence
or abuse in 2013, 4.2 million persons had cannabis dependence or abuse. Another
study conducted in the USA reported that 38.5% of daily cannabis users met
criteria for cannabis dependence. A longitudinal cohort study conducted in
Australia in 2002 among young adults shows a 7% prevalence of cannabis
dependence according to DSM-IV criteria for cannabis dependence. A community
household-based survey with a cross-sectional design in Rwanda that aimed to
determine the prevalence of cannabis dependence among adolescent and young
adults shows 2.54% prevalence of cannabis dependence.
Text D
A recently published (2015) cohort study which considered cannabis abuse and
dependence as cannabis use disorder (CUD) showed the prevalence of cannabis
use disorder throughout the life to be 19.1%, with an average age of onset of 18.6 years.
Cannabis availability, regular use of cannabis, peer pressure, and
common mental disorder were factors having a significant association with
cannabis use disorder in different studies. Gateway hypothesis developed by
Kandel explained that the sequence of drug use occurring starts with legal drug and
proceeds to illegal drugs. Above all, Shashemene is a town in which Rastafarians view
Ethiopia as a promised land live. Cannabis use is a commonpractice among Rastafarians
which brought a major challenge to both youth and law enforcement in the town.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
1.increase of the drug influence. Answer ____________
2.Use of the drug in the USA. Answer _____________
3.life time prevalence of cannabis use disorder. Answer ______________
4.use of cannabis despite clinically significant distress or impairment. Answer ________
5. common determinants of drug addiction. Answer ______________
6.addiction to drug common among young community. Answer ________________
7.Prevalence of the drug abuse, drug usage. Answer ________________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. From how many places data on cannabis addiction has been developed? Answer ____
9. As per the report, how many people in Canada are reported to be cannabis
addict in the first quarter of the 2nd decade of 21st century? Answer _______________
10. How many people are known to be addicted to cannabis as per the report of 2013? Answer _
11. Who are likely to be addicted more commonly? Answer _____________
12. Who are popular for making use of cannabis as its use is customary? Answer ____
13. As per the report, how many people in the USA are reported to be cannabis addict? Answer __
14. What revealed a 7 percent of young adults were cannabis dependent in Australia during 2002?
Answer ______________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. In the United States, in 2013, the drug was used by___________ of people.
16. Commonly, adults may have about_________ risk of becoming a drug addict
17. The studies in the landlocked East African country shows __________ of cannabis dependence.
19. It is very much likely that____________ is of higher level among drug addicts
20. _____________ explained that the sequence of drug use occurring starts with legal drug and
proceeds to illegal drugs.
1. Chronic urticaria;
A. Is caused by an allergic reaction to a food or drug.
B. Arises spontaneously and its cause is unknown.
C. Is a genetic disorder that is very rare.
Chronic urticarial
Arterial aneurysms
Pulmonary embolism
Clinically, the cephalic vein is preferred for haemodialysis in patients with chronic
renal failure (CRF), to remove waste products from the blood. The cut-down of the
cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove is preferred when superior vena caval
infusion is necessary. However, cephalic veins exhibit a wide array of developmental
variations in terms of formation, course, and termination.
During routine gross anatomy dissection of the neck of the patient, a rare case of
variation of the termination of the cephalic vein in both right and left upper limbs have
been observed. Knowledge of the variations of cephalic vein is important not only for
anatomists but also for surgeons and clinicians as the vein is frequently used for
different surgical procedures and for obtaining peripheral venous access as well.
5. What does the table indicate?
A. Tenofovir goes well in coordination with Cycloferon.
B. Cycloferon goes well in coordination with Tenofovir.
C. Adefovir goes well in coordination with Cycloferon.
Adefovir + Lamivudine
9 1.3% 7.1%
Cycloferon + Tenofovir
5 0.7% 4.0%
Tenofovir + Adefovir
4 0.6% 3.2%
Tenofovir + Lamivudine
4 0.6% 3.2%
Pegasys + Tenofovir
3 0.4% 2.4%
Pegasys + Adefovir
2 0.3% 1.6%
Entecavir + Tenofovir
1 0.1% 0.8%
Interferon + Cycloferon
1 0.1% 0.8%
Entecavir + Pegasys
1 0.1% 0.8%
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Most cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease occur for unknown reasons, and no risk
factors can be identified. However, a few factors seem to be associated with
different kinds of CJD: Age: sporadic CJD tends to develop later in life, usually
around the age of 60. The onset of familial CJD occurs only slightly earlier. On the
other hand, vCJD has affected people at a much younger age, usually in their late
20s. Genetics: people with familial CJD have a genetic mutation that causes the
disease. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, which means
you need to inherit only one copy of the mutated gene, from either parent, to
develop the disease. If you have the mutation, the chance of passing it on to your
children is 50 percent. Genetic analysis in people with iatrogenic and variant CJD
suggests that inheriting identical copies of certain variants of the prion gene may
predispose a person to develop CJD if exposed to contaminated tissue. Exposure to
contaminated tissue: people who`ve received HGH derived from human pituitary
glands or who`ve had dura mater grafts may be at risk of iatrogenic CJD. The risk
of contracting vCJD from eating contaminated beef is difficult to determine. In
general, if countries are effectively implementing public health measures, the risk
is virtually non-existent.
Only a brain biopsy or an examination of brain tissue after death (autopsy) can
confirm the presence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. But doctors can often make an
accurate diagnosis based on your medical and personal history, a neurological
exam, and certain diagnostic tests. The exam is likely to reveal such characteristic
symptoms as muscle twitching and spasms, abnormal reflexes, and coordination
problems. People with CJD may also have areas of blindness and changes in
visual-spatial perception. In addition, doctors commonly use the following tests to
help detect CJD: Electroencephalogram (EEG): using electrodes placed on your
scalp, this test measures your brain`s electrical activity. People with CJD and vCJD
show a characteristically abnormal pattern. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
this technique uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create cross-sectional
images of your head and body. It`s especially useful in diagnosing brain disorders
because of its high-resolution images of the brain`s white matter and gray matter.
Spinal fluid tests: cerebrospinal fluid surrounds and cushions your brain and spinal
cord. In a test called a lumbar puncture — popularly known as a spinal tap -
doctors use a needle to withdraw a small amount of this fluid for testing. The
presence of a particular protein in spinal fluid is often an indication of CJD or vCJD.
No effective treatment exists for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or any of its variants. A
number of drugs have been tested - including steroids, antibiotics and antiviral
agents - and have not shown benefits. For that reason, doctors focus on alleviating
pain and other symptoms and on making people with these diseases as comfortable
as possible.
Text 1 : Questions 7-14
7. Which disease progresses faster?
A. Alzheimers
B. Jakob
C. Both Alzheimer`s and Jakob
D. Not given
13. Confirmation of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can be done only after the death of the person.
A. True
B. False
C. True in some cases
D. Not given
The skin`s job is to protect the inside of the body from the outside world. It acts as
a preventive barrier against intruders that cause infection, chemicals, or ultraviolet
light from invading or damaging the body. It also plays an important role in the
body`s temperature control. One way that the body cools itself is by sweating, and
allowing that sweat or perspiration to evaporate. Sweat is manufactured in sweat
glands that line the entire body (except for a few small spots like fingernails,
toenails, and the ear canal). Sweat glands are located in the dermis or deep layer of
the skin, and are regulated by the temperature control centers in the brain. Sweat
from the gland gets to the surface of the skin via a duct. A heat rash occurs when
sweat ducts become clogged and the sweat can`t get to the surface of the skin.
Instead, it becomes trapped beneath the skin`s surface causing a mild inflammation
or rash. Heat rash is also called prickly heat or miliaria.
It is uncertain why some people get heat rashes and others don`t. The sweat gland
ducts can become blocked if excessive sweating occurs, and that sweat is not
allowed to evaporate from a specific area. Some examples of how blockage may
occur include the following: creases in the skin, for example the neck, armpit, or
groin which have skin touching adjacent skin, making it difficult for air to
circulate, therefore preventing sweat evaporation; tight clothing that prevents
sweat evaporation; bundling up in heavy clothing or sheets - this may occur when a
person tries to keep warm in the winter or when chilled because of an illness with
fever. Heavy creams or lotions can also clog sweat ducts. Babies have immature
sweat glands that aren`t able to remove the sweat they produce; they can develop
heat rash if they are exposed to warm weather, are overdressed, excessively
bundled, or have a fever. Heat rash may occur as a side effect of some medications,
for example, isotretinoin (Accutane) or clonidine (Catapres)
The most common symptoms of heat rash are red bumps on the skin, and an itchy
or prickly feeling to the skin. These are due to inflammation of the superficial
layers of the skin (the epidermis) and the prickly sensation is similar to the feeling
of mild sunburn. The symptoms of heat rash are the same in infants and adults;
however, since an infant can`t complain about the rash sensation, he or she may be
fussy. Newborns, infants, the elderly, and obese individuals with large areas with
skin-on-skin contact areas (for example, a large overlapping area of abdominal fat
or panniculus) are at risk of developing a heat rash. They are all especially at risk if
they are immobile for long periods of time and parts of the skin aren`t exposed to
circulating air, which results in the inability of the sweat ducts to "breathe"
(evaporative cooling). Heat rashes are more common in places with hot, humid,
climates because people sweat more. Intense exercise associated with lots of
sweating may cause a heat rash, especially if the clothing worn does not allow
adequate air circulation.
The appearance of a heat rash depends upon where the excess sweat gets
deposited in the skin. Tiny blisters that look like small beads of sweat are seen if the
sweat is blocked at the most superficial layers of the skin where the sweat duct
opens on the skin surface. Called miliaria crystallina, it has no symptoms other than
these "sweat bubbles." Classic heat rash or miliaria rubra occurs if the sweat causes
inflammation in the deeper layers of the epidermis. Like any other inflammation,
the area becomes red and the blisters become slightly larger. Because the sweat
glands are blocked and don`t deliver sweat to the skin`s surface, the area involved
is dry and can be irritated, itchy, and sore. This rash is also called prickly heat. Less
frequently, after repeated episodes of prickly heat, the heat rash may inflame the
deeper layer of the skin called the dermis, and cause miliaria profunda. This rash is
made up of larger, harder bumps that are more skin colored. The rash begins almost
immediately after exercise, and again no sweat can be found on the affected areas.
Rarely, this type of heat rash may potentially be dangerous if enough skin is
involved, since the lack of sweating can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat
cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
Heat rash or prickly heat is detected by physical examination. Knowing that the
rash appears during sweating or heat, appreciating the location on the body (in skin
creases or where clothes fit tightly) and seeing what the rash looks like is enough
to make the diagnosis. As with many rashes, the health care professional may look
at the involved skin and, because of previous experience, immediately make the
diagnosis. An effective recovery process may depend more on treating heat rash
with remedies such as over-the-counter creams and sprays. Medical treatment for
heat rash may involve antibiotics if the sweat glands become infected.
Text 2 : Questions 15-22
15. Heat rash develops when;
A. Sweat ducts become clogged
B. Sweat can`t come out onto the skin
C. Skin stops developing sweat
D. None
16. One of the most common reasons given for the blockage of the sweat glands is;
A. Excessive sweat is not allowed to evaporate from the skin
B. Creases in the skin which makes circulation difficult
C. Tight clothing
D. Heavy creams and lotions
Text A
Gaucher disease is the most common of the lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), which are
metabolic conditions caused by genetic defects in the lysosomal system. The lysosome is an
internal cell structure that contains numerous enzymes responsible for degrading complex
cellular components. LSDs result from the absence or deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme and
the subsequent accumulation of the enzyme's particular substrate in the body. The
incidence of LSDs is estimated to range from one in 5,000 to one in 7,000 live births.
Worldwide, Gaucher disease has a prevalence estimated to range from one in 40,000 to one
in 60,000 in the general population and, though it is a panethnic disorder, in the Ashkenazi
Jewish population its frequency is markedly higher, ranging from one in 400 to one in 1,000
live births. Carrier frequency in those of Ashkenazi descent is estimated to be as high as one
in 18.
Text B
Skeletal Manifestations
The skeletal manifestations of Gaucher disease are often the most debilitating, yet the
pathogenesis of bone changes are not fully understood. Between 70% and 100% of
patients with type 1 Gaucher disease have clinical or radiographic evidence of bone
disease. Irreversible complications may influence long-term mobility and quality of life.
The spine, pelvis, and femurs are usually affected; several different mechanisms of bone
injury have been identified. The displacement of yellow marrow with red marrow because
of Gaucher cell infiltration produces both physical and biochemical changes in the bone
marrow microenvironment that can affect bone marrow vascularity and pressure,
potentially causing thrombosis, infarction, and impaired hematopoiesis.
Text C
4. homicide of virtually all other parts of the cell by the enzymes Answer_________________.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8 .What is the common reason for Gaucher Disease? Answer_________________.
9. Is it still clear how disease appears in its various forms or not? Answer____________________.
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the
texts. Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. The__________ have the capacity to exterminate various other cell structures.
16. With the appearance of red marrow, the_______ and________ often get affected more badly and
may lead to infarction.
17 .The two of the common conditions that can occur due to Gaucher may include ___and __.
19. Enzyme replacement therapy is known to be more effective in curtailing down the_____ and
improving osteopenia.
20. Studies reveal that there are various other __________ which can make the conditions worse.
Emerging infectious diseases impact healthcare providers in the United States and
globally. Nurses play a vital role in protecting the health of patients, visitors, and
fellow staff members during routine practice and biological disasters, such as
bioterrorism, pandemics, or outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. One vital
nursing practice is proper infection prevention procedures. Failure to practice
correctly and consistently can result in occupational exposures or disease
transmission. Infection prevention education based on existing infection prevention
competencies is critical to ensure adequate knowledge and safe practice both every
day and in times of limited resources.
2. What is the risk of passing CMV to the baby during pregnancy?
A. Baby gets infected quickly
B. There is more risk if the infection is primary
C. Low risk in the first two trimester compared to the third trimester.
Transmission
In general, 1 of every 150 to 200 babies in the USA is born with congenital CMV.
This makes CMV the most frequent congenital viral infection. Though this seems like
a large percentage of births, only 1 in 5 of these infants born with congenital CMV
will experience any adverse symptoms or long-term issues.
The virus has the potential to travel through the mother’s blood and pass through
the placenta, infecting the developing baby. If the pregnant lady contracts the virus
(primary infection) during pregnancy: It is more likely to pass on CMV to the baby if
it is primary infection during the pregnancy. If the mother has a primary CMV
infection during pregnancy, there is approximately a 40% chance of passing the virus
to the baby. The risk of transmission from mother to baby is highest if she gets a
primary CMV infection in the third trimester (40-70%) and is lowest if the primary
infection begins in the first or second trimesters (30-40%).
3. The following table talks about
A. Medication
B. Preventive measure
C. Effects of Disease
Allergic Rhinitis
Indicated as immunotherapy for short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen
induced allergic rhinitis (with or without conjunctivitis) confirmed by positive skin
test or in vitro testing for ragweed-specific IgE antibodies Initiate treatment 12
weeks before the expected onset of ragweed pollen season and maintain it
throughout the season 18-65 years: 1 tablet SL qDay; give the 1st dose in physician’s
office and observe for 30 min > 65 years: Not approved
4. What is wrong?
A. Not effective with respect to QRS complex
B. Mental disease occurs more often
C. Medication shall be used again and again
Shortages of PPE
Multiple studies have found that the U.S. hospitals and healthcare agencies lack
sufficient PPE and even stockpiles have not provided adequate or correct supplies to
give healthcare personnel necessary PPE during past events. During the 2014 Ebola
outbreak, PPE availability was severely limited, leading to potential occupational
exposures and healthcare personnel infection. When respirators are limited,
remaining supplies can be worn for extended periods of time or re-used between
patients. However, extending the use or re-using respirators puts nurses at risk of
exposure due to auto-inoculation when removing contaminated equipment
or from reduced compliance during long-term wear.
6. According to the table given, which is correct?
A. The mean age in diabetics is significantly greater than that in non-diabetics
B. more than 60% are male
C. The difference of BMI in diabetics and non-diabetics is very less
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
One of the leading approaches to improving metabolic health and thereby preventing
diabetes is recommending to individuals that they lose weight.
However, because of homeostatic responses to energy loss, this lifestyle recommendation
may not always lead to desired long-term metabolic health. It is true that in the short
term, weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity. Consuming fewer carbohydrates,
increasing activity, and/or temporarily reversing leptin resistance by decreasing the size of
fat cells can improve glucose tolerance. Leptin is a long-term fullness hormone produced
by fat cells that also has euglycemic properties. When leptin signals the hypothalamus that
adequate fat stores are present, messages are sent to eat less, expend more energy, and
normalize glucose levels. However, too much fat triggers as yet unknown chemical
messengers, making the hypothalamus resistant to leptin.
Regaining lost weight after a diet often leads to another weight loss attempt. With
repetitive loss and gain of 10-50 pounds, a pattern of weight cycling emerges. Weight
cycling is a high-risk behavior for the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D), as regained
weight is more metabolically unhealthy because it preferentially deposits as visceral fat.
Visceral adipose tissue, as opposed to subcutaneous adipose tissue, produces more
inflammatory factors, as well as resistin and visfatin, hormones that are linked to insulin
resistance. In summary,while all weight gain can lead to negative metabolic changes,
regained weight is especially likely to promote insulin resistance and inflammation.
Emotional eating often results in consumption of excess food or poor food choices and
often leads to weight gain. Beginning a stressful new job or going through a divorce are
just two examples of life events that can spur emotional eating. Asking patients if they
have noticed a change in their eating habits, and if that coincided with any other changes
in their lives, should be part of the history if weight gain has occurred. If the patient
acknowledges overriding fullness cues and eating more than usual, the underlying stress,
emotional pain, depression, and/or anxiety could be helped in a variety of ways.
Sleep hygiene can help to get sleep on time as well as sleeping more deeply.
Patients should be apprised of the need to avoid caffeine for 7 hours, and
alcohol for 2 hours before bedtime. Also turning off of “blue light” an hour before
bedtime is a good way to help increase the natural sleep hormone melatonin. For
patients who still find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, recommending
melatonin supplements can help. If restorative sleep still evades the patient, it is
important to assess for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a major impediment of deep,
restful sleep and is associated with obesity.
A reduced activity could be a result of fatigue, chronic pain, old injuries, or newly
developing arthritis. For those suffering from pain, referral to an appropriate
specialist may be indicated. Physical therapy can also help to maximize their
mobility and to find an exercise that is also enjoyable, sustainable, and suitable for
their limitations. Research shows that threats to health, such as lack of food, sleep,
or long periods of exertion, are perceived by homeostatic sensors as threats to
human survival. Dieting, which often requires ignoring hunger may be perceived
as a threat, whereas intuitive eating, which honors internal cues is perceived as
reassuring to the body. This alternative approach to dieting was started by lay health
writers in the 1980’s and has dieticians more likely to use intuitive eating than restrictive
practices.
By having patients make sure they have healthy and delicious food available for when
ideal hunger sets in (neither starving nor hardly hungry) so they can eat until they are
satisfied, which is a key for visceral eating. Whether an advance practice nurse or a
nutritionist helpsguide the patient, this non-dieting approach to eating helps patients
replace an antagonistic relationship with the body for a nurturing one.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. The first paragraph talks about;
A. Fat Triggers
B .How to lose weight?
C. Healthy lifestyle
D. Nature of Leptin
The XDI scanner employs the Multiple Inverse Fan-Beam (MIFB) topology (Harding
et al, 2012). The MIFB topology is a multiple-focus, multiple-beam, multiple-
detector extension of that originally described by Harding. These extensions
increase the photon throughput by over five orders of magnitude relative to that of
the original system. The MIFB topology features an x-ray multisource, comprising a
linear array of 16 focal spots that are sequentially irradiated by a magnetically-
deflected electron beam. The accelerating voltage is 140 kV; whereas the tube DC
power is 6 kW and the beam dwell time for each focus is 200 µs.
The inherent contrast of molecular coherent scatter from body tissues is much
greater than that originating in the linear attenuation coefficient accessed by
transmission radiation, when the momentum dimension is included in tissue
discrimination. As each voxel is irradiated from several directions, a modest degree
of transmission tomosynthesis can be reconstructed from the transmission data;
The fusion of data from scatter and transmission sensors allows a significant
improvement in image quality relative to that obtained when each is separately
depicted; the conveyor belt speed is sufficient to allow an anatomical region, such
as head, thorax or abdomen, to be scanned in only a few seconds; the measured
dose imparted in an XDI scan is negligible compared with that of the natural
radiation background, taken as ~ 3 mGy / year.
The x-ray imparted by the XDI scanner was repeatedly measured with a PTW
Diados E dosimeter inserted into the center of a D100 QRM thorax phantom. The
thorax phantom, visible to the right of the picture, was inserted in a luggage bin
that was moved by conveyor belt through the scanner. The dosimeter signal was
read out through the cable. As the dosimeter was inserted into the center of the
phantom, it was shielded from radiation emitted by the x-ray multisource owing to
an overlying material; hence the skin dose will be significantly higher.
Text A
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system. It mostly affects the skin
and joints, but it may also affect the fingernails, the toenails, the soft tissues of the genitals
and the inner side of the mouth. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be associated with other
diseases and conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression.
Psoriasis Facts
Psoriasis is a serious medical condition.
Approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis and suffer from this
medical condition more helplessly.
Psoriasis can occur at any point of life time but primarily seen in adults. Up to 40 percent of
people with psoriasis experience joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis.
This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis patients also experience other arthritis symptoms.
Psoriasis usually occurs on the scalp, knees, elbows, hands and feet. Approximately 80
percent of those affected with psoriasis have a mild to moderate disease, while 20 percent
have moderate to severe psoriasis affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface area.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form affecting about 80 to 90 percent of psoriasis,
which is characterized by patches of raised, reddish skin covered with silvery-white scales.
Text B
Comorbidities Associated with Psoriasis;
The incidence of Crohn`s disease and ulcerative colitis, two types of inflammatory bowel
disease, is 3.8 to 7.5 times greater in psoriasis patients than in the general population.
Patients with psoriasis also have an increased incidence of lymphoma, heart disease,
obesity, type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Depression and suicide, smoking and
alcohol consumption are also more common in psoriasis patients.
Psoriasis can have a substantial psychological and emotional impact on patients.
The prevalence of lugubrious in patients with psoriasis may be as high as 50 percent.
Studies have shown that psoriasis patients experience physical and mental disabilities, just
like patients with other chronic illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, hypertension, heart disease
and diabetes.
Text C
Treatment Options for Psoriasis
• Topical treatments are helpful for mild to moderate psoriasis but do not tend to be
effective for treating moderate to severe psoriasis.
• Topical treatments include anthralin, coal tar, emollients, salicylic acid, tazarotene, topical
corticosteroids and forms of vitamin D. These topical medications can sometimes be used
together with other medications.
• Topical corticosteroids are available in many strengths and formulations.
• Psoriasis patients with moderate to severe psoriasis can be treated with traditional
systemics, phototherapy or biologic agents.
• In cases of more extensive psoriasis, topical agents may be used in combination with
phototherapy, or traditional systemic or biologic medications.
• Phototherapy treatment includes narrowband and broadband ultraviolet B (UVB) and
psoralen plus UVA (PUVA).
Regular systemic treatments include acitretin, cyclosporine and methotrexate. Since
biologic therapies, sporadically propounded, target the immune system, it is important to
prevent infections during therapy. Patients need to be monitored and evaluated periodically.
Text D
While mild cases of psoriasis can sometimes be treated with specific creams and ointments
(Anthralin. Topical retinoids, Calcineurin inhibitors, Coal tar and others are known to be very
much effective), many patients do not experience relief with these treatments. For those
patients, phototherapy can be a more successful option.
Phototherapy uses UV light to decrease inflammation in areas affected by psoriasis, assisting
in clearing the itchy lesions. Laser such as PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser allows doctors to
administer phototherapy in an especially effective way. This laser allows easy application of
highly-concentrated and customized UV light directly to the areas of affected skin, making
the treatment as effective as possible without affecting the surrounding skin.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
11. What is the initial treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis in its beginning stages?
Answer________________.
13. What is the advanced treatment option available for the patients? Answer________
14. What will the patients with psoriatic arthritis eventually develop? Answer________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
17. Psoriasis can be associated with other diseases such as diabetes, _________ and depression.
Questions 1-6
Blood counts
The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of red cells, white cells, and
platelets in the blood. The most common finding is a low red blood cell count (anemia).
Quantitative immunoglobulins
This test measures the blood levels of the different antibodies. There are several different types
of antibodies in the blood: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. The levels of these immunoglobulins are
measured to see if any are abnormally high or low. In multiple myeloma, the level of one type
may be high while the others are low.
2. What is right about immunoglobulin?
A. Finding a monoclonal immunoglobulin in the blood may be the first step in diagnosing
multiple myeloma.
B .Produces different types of proteins.
C .It will not produce all the exact same antibody.
Electrophoresis
This test measures the amount of light chains in the blood, being a possible sign of myeloma or
light chain amyloidosis. This is most helpful in the rare cases of myeloma in which no M protein
is found by SPEP. Since the SPEP measures the levels of intact (whole) immunoglobulins, it
cannot measure the amount of light chains.
This test also measures the light chain ratio which is used to see if one type of light chain is
more common than the other. Kappa and lambda, in most cases, are present in equal amounts
in the blood,. If one kind of light chain is more common than the other, the ratio will be
different, which can be a sign of myeloma.
Levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), albumin, calcium, and other
electrolytes will be checked. BUN and Cr levels show how well your kidneys are working.
Higher levels mean that kidney function is impaired. This is common in people with myeloma.
Albumin is a protein found in the blood. Low levels can be a sign of more advanced myeloma.
Calcium levels may be higher in people with advanced myeloma. High calcium levels can cause
severe symptoms of ennui, weakness, and confusion. Levels of electrolytes such as sodium and
potassium may be affected as well.
Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. Once it grips on anyone,
it will be difficult to free that person from its clutches. The redundant iron builds up in the
body`s organs and damages them. Without treatment, the disease can cause the liver, heart,
and pancreas to fail. Iron is an essential nutrient found in many foods. The greatest amount is
found in red meat and iron-fortified breads and cereals. In the body, iron becomes part of
haemoglobin, a molecule in the blood that transports oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues.
Healthy people usually take in about 10 percent of the iron contained in the food they eat,
which meets normal dietary requirements. People with hemochromatosis absorb up to 30
percent of iron. Over time, they absorb and keep in their body between five to 20 times more
iron than the body may be in quest of. Because the body has no natural way to rid itself of the
unwanted or superfluous iron, it is stored in body tissues, specifically the liver, heart, and
pancreas.
Hereditary hemochromatosis is mainly caused by a drawback, a flaw in a gene
called HFE, which helps regulate the amount of iron absorbed from food. The two
known mutations of HFE are C282Y and H63D. C282Y is the most important because it is this
which can lead to disturbance in taking the helm. In people who inherit C282Y from both
parents, the body absorbs too much iron and hemochromatosis can result. Those who inherit
the defective gene from only one parent are carriers for the disease but usually do not develop
it; however, they still may have a little than orderly iron absorption. Neither juvenile
hemochromatosis nor neonatal hemochromatosis are caused by an HFE defect. Juvenile and
neonatal hemochromatosis are caused by a mutation in a gene called hemojuvelin.
Hereditary hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United
States. It most often affects Caucasians of Northern European descent, although other ethnic
groups are also affected. About five people out of 1,000 - 0.5 percent - of the U.S. Caucasian
population carry two copies of the hemochromatosis gene and are susceptible to developing
the disease. One out of every 8 to 12 people is a carrier of one abnormal gene.
Hemochromatosis is less common in African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics/Latinos,
and American Indians. Although both men and women can inherit the gene defect, men are
more likely than women to be diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis at a younger age.
On average, men develop symptoms and are diagnosed between 30 to 50 years of age. For
women, the average age of diagnosis is about 50.
Joint pain is the most common complaint of people with hemochromatosis. Other common
symptoms include debility, abdominal pain and heart problems. However, many people have
no symptoms when they are diagnosed. If the disease is not detected and treated early, iron
may accumulate in body tissues and eventually lead to serious problems such as arthritis; liver
disease (including an enlarged liver); cirrhosis; cancer; liver failure; damage to the pancreas,
possibly causing diabetes; brain fog; heart abnormalities, such as irregular heart rhythms or
congestive heart failure; impotence; early menopause; abnormal pigmentation of the skin,
making it look gray or bronze; thyroid deficiency; damage to the adrenal glands; constant
fatigue etc.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. According to Paragraph 1, hemochromatosis occurs due to;
A. An excess of iron in the blood.
B .A decrease in the quantity of iron in the blood.
C. A genetic disorder.
D .Alcoholism
8. In one of the forms of hemochromatosis, which one of the following conditions occurs?
A. Anaemic people are more prone to hemochromatosis
B It can be more fatal as the quantity of the iron increases more and more
C. It can be the result of some genetic disorder but may not lead to death
D. None of this above
10. In paragraph 2, which word or phrase may mean the following: To cause someone or
something to be free from an unpleasant or harmful thing?
A. Superfluous
B. Free from clutches
C .Rid off
D. Grips on
CML has different phases of progression. Which phase the disease is in determines
the appropriate treatment. The phases are based on the number of blast cells present and
include: the chronic phase, the accelerated phase, and the blast crisis phase. The Chronic
Phase: This is the earliest stage of CML, and you may have some symptoms or none at all.
During this phase, your white blood cells can still fight infections in your body. The
Accelerated Phase: In this phase, your red blood cell counts are low, and anemia (not
enough iron in your blood) may occur.
Platelet levels are also reduced, which may cause easy bruising or bleeding because
platelets help to form blood clots. The amount of blast cells increases. A fairly common
complication at this point is a swollen spleen, which may cause stomach pain. The Blast
Crisis Phase: A large number of blast cells are present in this advanced phase. Symptoms
in this phase are more severe and can be life threatening.
Genetic mutation is known to be the driving factor for this disease. Doctors do not
know what implants this initial mutation but it does happen in an unusual way. In
humans, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes. In individuals with CML, part of
chromosome 9 is switched with a piece of chromosome 22. This makes a short
chromosome 22 and a very long chromosome 9. The short chromosome 22 is called the
Philadelphia chromosome, and is present in 90 percent of CML patients. Genes from
chromosomes 9 and 22 then combine to form a gene, the BCR-ABL gene that enables
specific blood cells to multiply uncontrollably, causing CML.
Because CML generally does not cause symptoms in its early stages, the cancer is
often detected during a routine blood test. When there are symptoms, they are
general and can be symptoms of other health conditions as well. Symptoms may
include fatigue, night sweats, fever etc. If tests suggest that you may have cancer, a
bone marrow biopsy is performed. This is to get a sample of bone marrow to send
to a lab for analysis. Once diagnosed, tests will be done to explore the extent of
disease in your body. A complete blood work-up is typically ordered, along with
genetic tests done in a laboratory. Imaging tests such as an MRI, ultrasound, and
CT scan can also be used to determine the extent of the disease.
Targeted therapies are typically used first in CML treatment. These are drugs that
attack a specific part of the cancer cell to kill it. In the case of CML, these drugs
block the protein made by the BCR-ABL gene. They may include imatinib,
dasatinib, or nilotinib. These are newer therapies that have been very successful;
they are truly far from being too perilous. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to
kill cancer cells. These drugs are systemic, which means they travel through your
entire body via your bloodstream. They can be given intravenously or orally,
depending on the specific drug. They are a common cancer treatment with side
effects that may be intense, but may not lead to precarious conditions. A bone
marrow transplant (also called a blood stem cell transplant) is used when other
treatments have failed; this is because those who opt for it go for broke in most of
the cases. There is a significant chance of adverse side effects. In this type of
transplant, chemotherapy is used to kill the cancerous cells in your bone marrow
before healthy donor cells are infused into your blood to replace them. Side effects
of this procedure vary widely but can include minor things such as chills and
flushing or major complications like anemia, infections, and cataracts.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
16. Which word in paragraph 2 may suggest the following meaning: slow in movement, showing
little energy or enthusiasm?
A. Momentum
B .Lackadaisical
C. Celerity
D .None of the above
Text A
Eczema / Dermatitis
The words `eczema` and `dermatitis` are often used synonymously to describe a
polymorphic pattern of inflammation, which in the acute phase is characterized by
erythema and vesiculation, and in the chronic phase by dryness, lichenification and
fissuring. Contact dermatitis describes these patterns of reaction in response to
external agents, which may be acting either as irritants, where the T cell-mediated
immune response is not involved, or as allergens, where cell-mediated immunity is
involved. Contact dermatitis may be classified into the following reaction types:
Subjective irritancy ± idiosyncratic stinging and smarting reactions that occur
within minutes of contact, usually on the face, in the absence of visible changes.
Cosmetic or sunscreen constituents are common agents. Acute irritant contact
dermatitis is often the result of a single overwhelming exposure or a few brief
exposures to strong irritants or caustic agents. Chronic irritant contact dermatitis
occurs following repetitive exposure to weaker irritants, which may be either `wet`,
such as detergents, organic solvents, soaps, weak acids and alkalis, or `dry`, such
as low humidity air, heat, powders and dust.
Text B
Patch testing
The mainstay of diagnosis in allergic contact dermatitis is the patch test. This test
has a sensitivity and specificity of between 70% and 80%15. Patch testing involves
the reproduction under the patch tests of allergic contact dermatitis in an individual
sensitized to a particular antigen(s). The standard method involves the application of
the antigen to the skin at standardized concentrations in an appropriate vehicle and
under occlusion. The back is most commonly used principally for convenience
because of the area available, although the limbs, in particular the outer upper arms,
are also used. Various application systems are available of which the most commonly
used are Finn chambers. With this system, the investigator adds the individual
allergens to test discs that are loaded on to adhesive tape. Available are available ±
the TRUE and the Epiquic tests. There are few comparative studies between the
different systems. Pre-prepared tests are significantly more reliable than operator-
prepared tests. There is also some evidence that larger chambers may give more
reproducible tests. However, this may only apply to some allergens.
The open patch test, not so common, is used where potential irritants or sensitizers
are being assessed. It is also useful in the investigation of contact urticaria and
protein contact dermatitis. The open patch test is usually performed on the forearm
but the upper outer arm or scapular areas may also be used. The site should be
assessed at regular intervals for the first 30±60 min and a later reading should be
carried out after 3±4 days. A repeated open application test, applying the suspect
agent on to the forearm, is also useful in the assessment of cosmetics, where
irritancy or combination effects may interfere with standard patch testing. This
usually involves the application of the product twice daily for up to a week,
stopping if a reaction develops.
Text C
Photopatch testing
Where photoallergic dermatitis is suspected, photopatch testing may be carried out.
Very briefly, the standard method of photopatch testing involves the application of
the photo allergen series and any suspected materials in duplicate on either side of
the upper back. One side is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) after an interval (1 or 2
days) and readings are taken in parallel after a further 2 days. The exact intervals
for irradiation and the dose of UVA given vary from centre to centre. The U.K.
multicentre study into photopatch testing has now been completed and published.
It is recommended that allergens be subjected to 5 J cm2 UVA and a reading to be
taken after 2 days. The incidence of photo allergy in suspected cases was low at
below 5%; however, further readings at 3 and 4 days increased the detection rate.
Text D
There are a number of aspects, which can have their effect on the accuracy of patch
testing. Principal among these are the characteristics of the individual allergens and
the method of patch testing. Some allergens are more likely to cause irritant
reactions than others. These reactions may be difficult to interpret and are easily
misclassified as positive reactions. Nickel, cobalt, potassium dichromate and carba
mix are the notable offenders in the standard series. As indicated above, preprepared
patch tests are better standardized in terms of the amount of allergen
applied and are therefore more reproducible, but are prohibitively expensive in the
U.K. Patient characteristics are also important. It is essential that the skin on the
back is free from dermatitis and that skin disease elsewhere is as well controlled as
possible. This will help to avoid the `angry back syndrome` with numerous false
positives. However, if a patient applies topical steroids to the back up to 2 days
prior to the test being applied or is taking oral corticosteroids or
immunosuppressant drugs, then there is a significant risk of false negative results.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. ___________ as the cumulative irritant is known to create more worsening conditions.
16. The open patch is carried in order to examine the potentiality of the _______ or irritants.
Questions 1-6
VKCFD
Inherited combined deficiency of the vitamin K dependent clotting factors is a very
rare inherited bleeding disorder that is caused by a problem with clotting Factors
II, VII, IX, and X. VKCFD can also be acquired later in life as a result of other
disorders, or certain medications such as the blood-thinning drug Coumadin.
Acquired VKCFD is more common than the inherited form. Some newborn babies
have a temporary vitamin K deficiency, which can be treated with supplements at
birth. In order to continue the chain reaction of the coagulation cascade, these four
factors need to be activated in a chemical reaction that involves vitamin K.
VKCFD is an autosomal recessive disorder, which means that both parents must
carry the defective gene in order to pass it on to their child. It also means that the
disorder affects both males and females.
2. What is correct?
A. All types of Factor I deficiency affect both males and females.
B. The fibrogen defect in impairment leads to disorder.
C. Genes can be both recessive or dominant.
Factor I deficiency
It is an umbrella term for several related disorders in males and females, known as
congenital Fibrinogen defects. Afibrinogenemia (a lack of Fibrinogen) and
hypofibrinogenemia (low levels of Fibrinogen) are quantitative defects, meaning
the amount of Fibrinogen in the blood is abnormal. Dysfibrinogenemia is a
qualitative defect in which Fibrinogen does not work the way it should.
Hypodysfibrinogenemia is a combined defect that involves both low levels of
Fibrinogen and impaired function. Afibrinogenemia is an autosomal recessive
disorder, which means that both parents must carry the defective gene in order to
pass it on to their child. Hypofibrinogenemia, dysfibrinogenemia, and
hypodysfibrinogenemia can be either recessive (both parents carry the gene) or
dominant (only one parent carries and transmits the gene).
3. What is referred to as weak muscle?
A. Chronic fatigue
B. Brachymesophalangy
C. Hypotonia
It is a condition that can affect many parts of the body. This condition is characterized
by hypotonia in infancy, mild to severe intellectual disability and developmental delay,
behavioral problems, characteristic facial features, and other physical abnormalities.
Most babies with 2q37 deletion syndrome are born with potentially chronic fatigue,
which usually improves with age. About 25 percent of people with this condition have
autism, a developmental condition that affects communication and social interaction.
The characteristic facial features associated with 2q37 deletion syndrome include a
prominent forehead, highly arched eyebrows, deep-set eyes, a flat nasal bridge, a thin
upper lip, and minor ear abnormalities. Other features of this condition can include
short stature, obesity, unusually short fingers and brachymesophalangy, sparse hair,
heart defects, seizures, and an inflammatory skin disorder called eczema. A few people
with 2q37 deletion syndrome have a rare form of kidney cancer called Wilms tumor.
4. The notice talks about;
A. Every kind of procedure is used in the process of sterilization to keep sterile the
objects or articles that are to be introduced into a wound or body cavity or that is
to penetrate the skin;
B. General overview of sterilization techniques;
C. The practices that the nurses will have to focus on; Sterile technique
Surgical asepsis is used to maintain sterilize. Use of effective sterile technique means
that no organisms are carried to the client. Microorganisms are destroyed before they
can enter the body. Sterile technique is used when changing dressings, administering
parenteral (other than the digestive tract) medications, and performing surgical and
other procedures such as urinary catheterization. With surgical asepsis, first articles
are sterilized, and then their contact with any unsterile articles is prevented. When a
sterile article touches an unsterile article, it becomes contaminated. It is no longer
sterile.
5. It is known to prevent viral infection;
A. PEG-IFN, RBV
B. Boceprevir
C. Sofosbuvir
Patients with genitourinary sarcomas are relatively in a bad state, when compared
with other soft tissue regions. Prognosis is relatively poor and can be explained by
the high proportion seen in high degree tumors, a large proportion of patients with
metastatic disease, large tumor and the area affected. In addition, the rarity and
heterogeneity of genitourinary sarcomas can explain the great variability in clinical
progress in different subgroups. Dissemination of urethral cancer follows the
anatomic subdivision. The anterior urethra has a lymphatic drainage system for
superficial and deep inguinal region. Posterior urethra drains the lymphatic
ganglion of the external iliac artery, hypogastric, and internal obturator muscle.
Late diagnosis is seen in one third of patients with inguinal lymphatic ganglion
metastasis and in 20% of those with pelvic ganglion metastasis.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
The body is made up of trillions of living cells. Normal body cells grow, divide,
and die in an orderly fashion. During the early years of a person`s life, normal cells
divide faster to allow the person to grow. After the person becomes an adult, most
cells divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells or to repair injuries.
Cancer begins when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. There are
many kinds of cancer, but they all start due to out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.
Cells become cancer cells because of damage to DNA. DNA is in every cell and directs all
its actions. In a normal cell, when DNA gets damaged the cell either repairs the damage
or the cell dies. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired, but the cell doesn`t die
like it should. Instead, this cell goes on making new cells that the body does not need.
These new cells will all have the same damaged DNA as the first cell does.
No matter where cancer may spread, it is always named after the place where it
started. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the liver is still called breast
cancer, not liver cancer. Likewise, prostate cancer that has spread to the bone is
metastatic prostate cancer, not bone cancer. Different types of cancer can behave
very differently. For example, lung cancer and breast cancer are very different
diseases. They grow at different rates and respond to different treatments. That is
why people with cancer need the treatment that is aimed at their particular kind of
cancer. Not all tumors are cancerous. Tumors that aren`t cancer are called benign.
Benign tumors can cause problems ± they can grow very large and press on healthy
organs and tissues. But they cannot grow into (invade) other tissues. Because they
can`t invade, they also can`t spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). These
tumors are almost never life threatening.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). It is sometimes called the uterine
cervix. The body of the uterus (the upper part) is where a baby grows. The cervix
connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). The part of the cervix
closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix. The part next to the vagina is
the exocervix (or ectocervix). The 2 main types of cells covering the cervix are squamous
cells (on the exocervix) and glandular cells (on the endocervix). The place where these 2
cell types meet is called the transformation zone. Most cervical cancers start in the
transformation zone and in the cells lining the cervix. These cells do not suddenly change
into cancer. Instead, the normal cells of the cervix first gradually develop pre-cancerous
changes that turn into cancer. Doctors use several terms to describe these pre-cancerous
changes, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous intraepithelial lesion
(SIL), and dysplasia. These changes can be detected by the Pap test and treated to
prevent the development of cancer.
Cervical cancers and cervical pre-cancers are classified by how they look under a
microscope. There are 2 main types of cervical cancers: squamous cell carcinoma and
adenocarcinoma. About 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
These cancers are from the squamous cells that cover the surface of the exocervix. Under
the microscope, this type of cancer is made up of cells that are like squamous cells.
Squamous cell carcinomas most commonly begin where the exocervix joins the endocervix.
Eating raw oysters and undercooked clams can increase your chances of
contracting the virus. If you are traveling in a country where Hepatitis is common
make sure you wash your hands often and well, eat cooked oysters and clams, and
use an antiviral essential oil such as Lemon to help protect yourself. Hepatitis B is
a viral liver infection. Again, most adult bodies are able to fight off the virus. In
this case, it is referred to as Acute (something that does not last long) Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected
person. This can include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing drug needles,
getting a tattoo with instruments that were not properly cleaned, or by sharing a
personal item such as a razor or toothbrush with an infected person.
A mother who is infected can pass the virus on to her baby during delivery. Again,
the symptoms are flu-like in nature, so it often goes undiagnosed. A person who
has Chronic (lasting three months or more) Hepatitis B may show no symptoms
until liver damage has occurred. Hepatitis B can lead to liver damage or cancer; your
doctor may want to do a biopsy to determine the amount of damage your liver has
experienced. Hepatitis C is also a viral liver infection. A few people will contract Hepatitis C
and get better. This is called Acute Hepatitis C. Most, however, will develop Chronic
Hepatitis C and go on to deal with liver damage,
cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, and possibly liver failure. Hepatitis C is the
number one reason for liver transplants in the USA.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with contaminated blood. This can occur by
sharing a needle, receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant (blood and organs have
been screened for Hepatitis in the USA since 1992), getting a tattoo with equipment that
has not been properly cleaned, and, in rare cases, a mother can pass the virus on to her
baby during birth. Scientists are not sure, but think there may be a slim possibility that the
virus may be passed through unprotected sexual intercourse.
Symptoms generally do not occur until the virus is causing damage. Again, the
symptoms are flu-like; you may also experience jaundice (yellowish eyes and skin)
after the flu-like symptoms go away. Most people discover they are infected by
having routine tests done or by donating blood or organs and the standard tests
show the infection. There is also a home test you can purchase and do if you
suspect you are infected.
If you are infected with a Hepatitis virus, or if you have been in the past, one of the
most important things that you can do is strengthen your liver. The easiest way to
do this is the Be Young Liver Cleanse: in the morning, take 1 drop of Be Young
Lemon essential oil, 1 drop of Be Young Peppermint essential oil, and 1 teaspoon
to 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, followed by a glass of water. “Be Young essential
oils” are absolutely 100% pure, EOBBD tested and guaranteed to be free of synthetics and
extenders. Do not try this with an essential oil that you are not certain has been properly
cared for and tested as you do not want to increase challenges to your liver. When
properly supported, the liver has a remarkable capacity for regeneration.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
17. Most adult bodies are able to fight off this virus;
A Hepatitis A virus
B Hepatitis B virus
C Both
D Can`t say
Text A
Individuals diagnosed with ASD show a chronic lack of sensory motor integration
and delay of skills concerning the early motor milestones. They show a wide range
of immature reflex patterns such as Hands Pulling, Hands Supporting, Hands Grasp,
Crawling, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Babkin
Palmomental, Ocular-Vestibular, and other patterns. The MNRI program utilizes
non-invasive intervention to support the development of the neuro-sensory-motor
aspects of those reflex patterns through specific techniques and procedures that
allow restoration of links between reflex circuit components and the protection
function of a reflex to normalize their over-freezing and fight or flight reactions
seen, for example, in tactile defensiveness or deprivation. Thus, the MNRI program
works particularly with the autonomic nervous system – its sympathetic and
parasympathetic processes.
Text C
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
1. Represents the resistance to passive movement of a joint. Answer _______________
2. Associated with pupillary function. Answer ________________
3. Utilization of information and clinical experience from neurodevelopment in different ways.
Answer_____________
4. Development of autism. Answer______________
5. Possibility of development of strange characteristics as one grows. Answer ______________
6. Not existing or occurring at the same time with respect to movements or reactions. Answer____
7. Primitive reflex that normally emerges during the first year of an infant's life. Answer __
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. What MNRI will operate with? Answer _____________
9. How eye movements may appear? Answer ___________
10. What is the term which defines activation of the vestibular system which causes eye movement?
Answer ____________
11 ..What is related to tendency to act on a whim, displaying behaviour characterized by little or no
forethought, reflection? Answer ____________
12. What is the term used to define healthy stress? Answer__________
13. What is known to be activated as a result of turning the head to one side? Answer______
14. What is the impact visual chaos of the children with ASD? Answer ___________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. The term _______ is used to describe a rapid movement of the eye between fixation points.
18. In many of the cases, reflex in affected children may turn out to be more __________ .
19. Almost all of the children with ASD show various signs of ____________ .
20 .The complexities in _______can be the result of the regulation changes in muscle tone.
Questions 1-6
The 31st UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) meeting took place in Geneva
from 11-13 June 2018. There were more than 700 000 less new HIV infections estimated
globally in 2016 than in 2001. The road from 2.5 million new HIV infections in 2011 to zero
new HIV infections is a long one and significant efforts are required to accelerate HIV
prevention programmes. Sustained investments for access to antiretroviral therapy by
donors and national governments have led to record numbers of lives being saved in the
past six years.
In 2011 more than half a million fewer people died from AIDS-related illnesses than six
years earlier. It’s a dramatic turning point. Numbers can quantify, but alone cannot
express the impact of each averted death on the whole community, including its children.
The number of people dying from AIDS-related causes began to decline in the mid-2000s
because of scaled up antiretroviral therapy and the steady decline in HIV incidence since
the peak of the epidemic in 1997. In 2011, this decline continued, with evidence showing
that the drop in the number of people dying from AIDS-related causes is accelerating in
several countries.
2. The given notice explains the procedure of;
A. Use of radix Sophorae samples.
B. Ultrasonic treatment - obtaining radix.
C. Preparing radix Sophorae tonkinensis samples.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is produced by the liver and is involved in several biochemical metabolic
reactions. It promotes the repair of damaged skin mucous membranes and vascular
endothelial cells, reduces spasm and occlusion of blood vessels, improves local blood flow
and prevents the deterioration of wound infection. In addition, it reduces the excitability of
pain fibers C and AG, leading to an analgesic effect. Vitamin B12 injections to the skin in the
radiation field benefit the wound by reducing irritation and pain, preventing rupture and
enhancing new epithelial resistance to radiation, thereby promoting healing of the skin.
Chen et al used a vitamin B12 solution to treat radiation-induced moist dermatitis. The cure
rate at 10 days was 100%, which was significantly different from the control group.
6. What is correct about the given table?
A. The age wise male patients population ranges from 4.
B. 18.18 patients were in the age group of 50-70 years.
C. 32.72 patients were in the age group of 50-60 years.
The Ebola virus and Marburg virus are related viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers; illnesses
marked by severe bleeding (hemorrhage), organ failure and, in many cases, death. Both the
Ebola virus and Marburg virus are native to Africa, where sporadic outbreaks have occurred
for decades. The Ebola virus and Marburg virus both live in animal hosts, and humans can
contract the viruses from infected animals. After the initial transmission, the viruses can
spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated needles.
No drug has been approved to treat the Ebola virus or Marburg virus. People diagnosed with
the Ebola or Marburg virus receive supportive care and treatment for complications. Scientists
are coming closer to developing vaccines for these deadly diseases. In both the Ebola virus and
Marburg virus, signs and symptoms typically begin abruptly within the first five to 10 days of
infection. Early signs and symptoms include fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle aches,
chills, sore throat and weakness. Over time, symptoms become increasingly severe and may
include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody), red eyes, raised rash, chest pain and
coughing, stomach pain, severe weight loss, bleeding from the nose, mouth, rectum, eyes and
ears.
The Ebola virus has been found in African monkeys, chimps and other nonhuman primates. A
milder strain of Ebola has been discovered in monkeys and pigs in the Philippines. The
Marburg virus has been found in monkeys, chimps and fruit bats in Africa. The virus can be
transmitted to humans by exposure to an infected animal's bodily fluids, including blood.
Butchering or eating infected animals can spread the viruses; scientists who have operated on
infected animals as part of their research have also contracted the virus. Infected people
typically don't become contagious until they develop symptoms. Family members are often
infected as they care for sick relatives or prepare the dead for burial.
Medical personnel can be infected if they don't use protective gear such as surgical masks and
latex gloves. Medical centers in Africa are often so poor that they must reuse needles and
syringes and some of the worst Ebola epidemics have occurred because contaminated
injection equipment wasn't sterilized between uses. There's no evidence that the Ebola virus
or Marburg virus can be spread via insect bites.
Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers are difficult to diagnose because many of the early
signs and symptoms resemble those of other infectious diseases, such as typhoid and malaria.
But if doctors suspect that you have been exposed to the Ebola virus or Marburg virus, they
use laboratory tests that can identify the viruses within a few days.
Most people with Ebola or Marburg hemorrhagic fever have high concentrations of the virus
in their blood. Blood tests known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect specific genes or the virus or
antibodies to them. No antiviral medications have proved effective in treating the Ebola virus
or Marburg virus infections. As a result, treatment consists of supportive hospital care; this
includes providing fluids, maintaining adequate blood pressure, replacing blood loss and
treating any other infections that develop.
As with other infectious diseases, one of the most important preventive measures for the Ebola
virus and Marburg virus is frequent hand-washing. Use soap and water, or use alcohol-based
hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water aren't available. In
developing countries, wild animals, including nonhuman primates, are sold in local markets;
avoid buying or eating any of these animals. In particular, caregivers should avoid contact with
the person's bodily fluids and tissues, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva.
People with Ebola or Marburg are most contagious during the later stages of the disease. If
you're a healthcare worker, wear protective clothing — such as gloves, masks, gowns and eye
shields - keep infected people isolated from others. Carefully disinfect and dispose of needles
and other instruments; injection needles and syringes should not be reused. Scientists are
working on a variety of vaccines that would protect people from Ebola or Marburg viruses.
Some of the results have been promising, but further testing is needed
A. America
B. Japan
C. Africa
D. China
A. Five days
B. Ten days
C. Five to seven days
D. Five to ten days
A. Chimpanzees
B. Human primates
C. Non-human primates
D. Monkeys
13. Pick one of the best preventive measures stated in the passage here;
Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin disease. It is also called atopic eczema.
Atopic is a term used to describe allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever.
Both dermatitis and eczema mean inflammation of the skin. People with atopic
dermatitis tend to have dry, itchy and easily irritated skin. They may have times
when their skin is clear and other times when they have rash. In infants and small
children, the rash is often present on the skin around the knees and elbows and the
cheeks. In teenagers and adults, the rash is often present in the creases of the
wrists, elbows, knees or ankles, and on the face or neck.
Atopic dermatitis usually begins and ends during childhood, but some people
continue to have the disease into adulthood. If you have ever had atopic dermatitis,
you may have trouble with one or more of these: dry, sensitive skin, hand
dermatitis and skin infections. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown.
Research suggests that atopic dermatitis and other atopic diseases are genetically
determined; this means that you are more likely to have atopic dermatitis, food
allergies, asthma and/or hay fever if your parents or other family members have ever
had atopic dermatitis. These diseases may develop one after another over a period of
years. This is called the “atopic march”.
Knowing that a child with a slight wheeze has had a history of atopic dermatitis,
for example makes it easier to diagnose the subtle onset of asthma. There are many
things that make the itching and rash of atopic dermatitis worse. When you learn
more about atopic dermatitis and how to avoid things that make it worse, you may
be able to lead a healthier life.
If you have a reaction to something you touch, breathe or eat, you might have an
allergy. Allergies can trigger or worsen your atopic dermatitis symptoms. Common
causes of allergy are: dust mites, furry and feathered animals, cockroaches, pollen,
mold, foods, chemicals. Your healthcare provider may recommend allergy testing
and food challenges to see if allergies worsen itching or rashes. Allergy testing
may include skin testing, blood tests or patch tests. Many measures can be taken to
avoid things to which you are allergic. Although many of the measures can be done
for the entire home, the bedroom is the most important room to make skin friendly.
Talking with healthcare provider about what measures you can take to avoid your
allergens can be very beneficial.
Food allergies may be the cause of itching or rashes that occur immediately after
eating, especially in children. Some common food allergens include milk, eggs,
peanuts, wheat, nuts, soy and seafood. Most people are allergic to only one, two or
at the most three foods. Be aware that diet restrictions can lead to poor nutrition and
growth delay in babies and children. Talk with your healthcare provider about
maintaining a well-balanced diet.
Emotions and stress do not cause atopic dermatitis, but they may bring on itching
and scratching. Anger, frustration and embarrassment can cause flushing and
itching. Day to day stresses as well as major stressful events can lead to or worsen
the itch-scratch cycle.The medications used in atopic dermatitis include topical
steroids, topical immunomodulators, tar products, anti-infectives and
antihistamines. Steroid medicines that are applied to the skin are called topical
steroids. Topical steroids are drugs that fight inflammation; they are very helpful
when a rash is not well controlled. Topical steroids are available in many forms
such as ointments, creams, lotions and gels. It is important to know that topical
steroids are made in low to super potent strengths. Steroid pills or liquids, like
prednisone, should be avoided because of side effects and because the rash often
comes back after they are stopped.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. People with atopic dermatitis suffer from;
A. Hay fever
B. Asthma
C. Dry, itchy and irritated skin
D. Rashes
A. Around elbows
B. On the face
C. On the neck
D. Around the knees
A. Dry skin
B. Skin infections
C. Hand dermatitis
D. All of the above
A. Allergic diseases
B. Asthma and hay fever.
C. Allergic conditions like hay fever.
D. Allergic conditions like asthma.
A. Allergies
B. Pollen
C. Dust
D. Mold
20. According to the information given in the passage, avoiding allergens is;
A. Easy
B. Difficult
C. Sometimes easy and sometimes difficult
D. Can say
21. Allergic conditions like asthma in patients who have had a history of atopic
dermatitis can be easily diagnosed by health professionals, this statement is;
A. Gel tubes
B. Ointments
C. Lotions
D. Ointments, creams, lotions and gels.
Text A
Galectin-3
It is well known that there is a close relation between obesity-induced insulin
resistance, immune cells accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) and
inflammation. Indeed, in obesity WAT is characterized by an increased production
and secretion of a wide range of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha and
interleukin (IL)- 6, which may have local effects on endothelial, vasculature and
target adipose tissues. Therefore, activated macrophages and other antigen
presenting cells that are accumulated in elevated number in fat tissue in both types
of obese actively secrete a broad spectrum of locally produced pro-inflammatory
cytokines including galectin-3 (Gal-3). Gal-3 is a beta-galactoside-binding lectin
belonging to a multifunctional protein family, which enhances chemotaxis of
immune and antigen presenting cells, reduces insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in
myocytes and adipocytes and impairs insulin-mediated suppression of glucose
output in hepatocytes. Gal-3 may bind directly to the insulin receptor (IR) and
thereby inhibit downstream insulin resistance signaling via diminishing
interleukin-1 beta production. Therefore, Gal- 3 is a modulator of apoptosis,
necrosis and fibrosis associated with extracellular remodeling.
Text B
Gal-3 is increased in obesity and mediates inflammation and fibrosis in the heart
and vessels, as well as in the WAT. The most preclinical and clinical studies
suggest that this protein protects from inflammation in obese, while there is a large
body of evidence regarding the ability of Gal-3 to deteriorate glucose homeostasis,
modulate cell adhesion and induce pro-oxidant pathways. Interestingly, the low
serum Gal-3 concentrations are closely associated with insulin resistance in
patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In contrast, an inverse correlation between
serum Gal-3 and glycosylated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus was
found. In clinical settings Gal-3 strongly independently predicts all-cause
mortality and CV mortality in the general population and in patients with known
CV disease. In fact, in cross-sectional analyses of 2946 Framingham Heart Study
participants circulating Gal-3 was associated well with abdominal adiposity,
dyslipidemia, and hypertension, but Gal-3 did not predict incident CV and
metabolic diseases after adjusting for cardiometabolic risk factors. Whether Gal-3
could be a predictive marker of the metabolically unhealthy obese is not clear,
although Gal-3 deserves further large clinical trials to understand its role in
different obese phenotypes’ development.
Text C
Text D
Brutsaert et al. have reported that higher levels of brain NP have associated with
decreased risk of diabetes in middle-aged adults and that the interrelation has
remained after adjustment for waist circumference, low physical activity, estimated
glomerular filtration rate and high sensitive C-reactive protein level. In contrast, it
is suggested that the low brain NP levels observed in obesity could causally
associated with the incidence of diabetes in obese individuals. The effect of brain
NPs might relate to an ability of natriuretic peptides to activate a thermogenic
program in brown and white fat tissues, increase energy expenditure and inhibit
food intake. Thus, NPs might play several metabolic roles in the development of
different phenotypes of obesity, but their predictive role in CV disease
development in obese patients is uncertain.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
4. Known to affect the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Answer _______
7 .May have a direct impact on hemoglobin to which glucose is bound. Answer _____________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
10. What can have the potential to have direct impact on insulin resistance? Answer ____
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. ___________ can be associated with a significantly increased risk for coronary heart disease.
16 .higher levels of brain NP can be connected with the decreased risk of___________
18. It is still not clear that Gal-3 is a ______________ of the metabolically unhealthy obese
19. Excretion of sodium in the urine is a common condition and is called ______________
Liver toxicity from sulfasalazine is a rare but serious side effect. It can range from
mild elevation in LFTs to hepatic failure and cirrhosis. The occurrence of severe
liver toxicity such as acute hepatitis as seen in our patient is <1%. After reaching
the gut, sulfasalazine is broken down by the colonic bacteria into its metabolites,
i.e., sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid. Sulfapyridine is absorbed in the gut
and eliminated after acetylation by enzyme N-acetyltransferase which can have
variable activity based on the patient's genotype. Patients who have genotypes for
slow acetylation are found to be more predisposed to sulfasalazine-induced liver toxicity.
Injury can be hepatocellular which presents with disproportionate elevation in serum
aminotransferases or cholestasis which presents with disproportionate elevation in
alkaline phosphatase. Both patterns of liver injury can have elevation in bilirubin and
abnormal tests for liver synthetic function.
2. Adiponectin;
A. Is a protein hormone which is involved in regulating glucose levels.
B. Can have positive impact on CAD.
C. Plays a role in the development of insulin resistance.
Adiponectin
Adiponectin accounts for 0.01% of plasma protein with a half-life of 2.5 h; normal
adiponectin plasma level is 5-10 µg/mL with higher levels in females than males
due to sexual dimorphism. Adiponectin plasma forms are of two types, highmolecular-
weight and low-molecular-weight. In addition, high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels
are positively associated with CAD and negatively associated with risk of type 2 diabetes
mellitus (DM), but this is not true to the lowmolecular-weight adiponectin. Adiponectin
serum levels are inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI), visceral obesity, and
insulin resistance (IR); thus, it is regarded as an indicator and predictor of noninsulin
dependent DM, insulin resistant, and overt hyperglycemia.
3. NF induced pulmonary toxicity;
A. Is more common among women.
B. Is rare, but a serious toxic side effect may occur.
C. Can have the potential to negatively affect lungs.
NF induced pulmonary toxicity can be seen in three different forms, that is, due
to acute, subacute or chronic reaction. The acute form is the most common. Side
effects occurring up to the 1st month of receiving the first treatment are classified
as the acute form. Acute form develops secondary to hypersensitivity reaction
with peripheral demonstrating eosinophilia and thoracic CT showing ground glass opacity.
Chronic NF induced lung disease is seen predominantly in older women who present with
respiratory symptoms after a year or more of NF therapy. Characteristic pathologic finding
in chronic NF pulmonary toxicity is diffuse interstitial fibrosis, vascular sclerosis, fibrosis,
and thickening of the alveolar septa, interstitial inflammation, and bronchiolitis obliterans
with organising pneumonia.
4. Case Study gives information about;
A. A rare case of bilateral lower extremity edema in a young patient.
B. Talks of the effects of the low dose gabapentin therapy.
C. Worsening condition and management of the disease.
Case Study
Occupational lung diseases are a group of illnesses that are caused by either repeated,
extended exposure or a single, severe exposure to irritating or toxic substances that leads
to acute or chronic respiratory ailments. The rate of occupational lung conditions was
highest for education and health service workers in the private sector and local government
workers at 3 .8 and 5 .9 per 10,000 fulltime workers, respectively. There are two broad
categories of occupational lung diseases: (i) Diseases that are not occupation-specific, but
are aggravated at work, such as occupational asthma (ii) Diseases related to a specific
occupation, such as asbestosis, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (black lung), berylliosis
(brown lung), and farmer’s lung. Common occupational lung diseases include
mesothelioma, occupational asthma, silicosis, asbestosis, and sick building syndrome.
Adult-onset asthma can be triggered by occupational exposures.
The estimated yearly cost of occupational injuries and illnesses is between $128
and $150 billion. Although, occupational lung diseases are often incurable, they are always
preventable. Improving ventilation, wearing protective equipment, changing work
procedures, and educating workers are key factors for prevention.
Occupational Asthma (OA) is the most common form of occupational lung disease.
Occupational asthma (also known as work-related asthma) is asthma that is caused by or
made worse by exposures in the workplace. Estimates suggest that 15 to 23 percent of new
asthma cases in adults are work related. Four states (California, New Jersey, Massachusetts,
and Michigan) tracked cases of occupational asthma over a seven-year period. During this
time, the occupations with the highest percentage of asthma cases were operators,
fabricators, and laborers (32.9%); managerial and professional specialty (20.2%), and
technical, sales, and administrative support jobs (19.2%). The four most common agents
associated with occupational asthma were miscellaneous chemicals (19.7%), cleaning
materials (11.6%), mineral and inorganic dust (11.1%), and indoor air pollutants (9.9%).
Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Millions of construction and general industry workers have been exposed to
asbestos while on the job. Occupations associated with significantly higher
mesothelioma deaths include plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters; mechanical
engineers; electricians; and elementary school teachers. In the U.S., asbestos use
peaked in 1973 but had declined by 99.8 percent in 2007. Because mesothelioma
usually does not show up until 20 to 40 years after exposure, most of the deaths
from the disease are the result of exposures that occurred decades ago. This long
lag time means that mesothelioma deaths are expected to peak around 2010,
despite the much lower current use of asbestos. From 1999 to 2005, 18,068
malignant mesothelioma deaths were reported in the U.S. Men (81%) and
Caucasians (95%) accounted for the majority of these cases.
Silicosis is a disabling, dust-related disease and is one of the oldest occupational lung
diseases in the world. Silicosis is caused by exposure to and inhalation of airborne
crystalline silica. Dust particles from silica can penetrate the respiratory system and land
on alveoli (air sacs). This causes scar tissue to develop in the lungs and impair the
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Though symptoms of silicosis rarely
develop in less than five years, progression of the disease can lead to extreme shortness
of breath, loss of appetite, chest pains, and respiratory failure, which can cause death.
Silicosis also makes a person more susceptible to infectious diseases of the lungs, such as
tuberculosis. The death rate is generally low, but still too high considering that every one
of these deaths could have been prevented. Because of the low number of overall deaths
due to silicosis, multiple years of data are combined to provide a more accurate estimate
of the burden of this disease.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. The rate of OLC is reported to be higher in;
A. Incurable
B. Curable
C. Preventable but not curable
D. Curable and preventable
11. Common agents which are associated with OA in the lowest percentage are;
A. Air pollutants
B. Mineral and inorganic dust
C. Cleaning materials
D. Miscellaneous chemicals
12. The root cause of malignant mesothelioma is associated with the;
13. The use of the asbestos was almost next to naught in the year;
A. 1997
B. 1973
C. 2007
D. 2010
Inflammation—swelling, redness and heat—is part of the immune system’s first response to
microbial infections, but this defensive response is not limited to the bodily site of infection.
Soon after infection, a pattern develops that includes what is called the “acute phase
response (APR)” and “sickness behavior.” Fever is the most prominent feature of the APR
and for good reason: many microorganisms reproduce best at humans’ normal core body
temperature, and many of the immune system’s agents for killing them are bolstered by
elevated temperature. Sickness behaviors are well known to anyone who has had the flu.
They include reductions in activity, food intake, social interaction, mood sags; difficulty in
forming new memories; sleep changes; and sensitivity to pain increases (just think of how
even a light touch hurts when you have the flu). These changes also reduce the energetic
costs of behavior to free available energy stores to fight the infection. Fever, for example, is
quite energy intensive, requiring an extra 10 to 12 percent in energy for each degree rise. It
is obvious how all the sickness behaviors, with the exception of memory disruption, fit the
scheme of keeping us away from our usual activities. Memory disruption serves a different
purpose.
We now understand that all of the changes described above are accomplished
through the CNS. Fever, for example, occurs because the set point of temperature sensitive
cells in the hypothalamus is increased. Of course, behavior, mood, and pain are all products
of the CNS. This raises two issues: a) How does the CNS “know” what is going on in the
peripheral immune system, and b) What kinds of changes are produced in the CNS that
mediate fever and sickness behaviors? The same cytokines that participate in producing the
inflammatory response in the body also initiate the communication process to the CNS.
They accumulate in the bloodstream and thereby travel to the brain, where, although they
are large proteins and cannot readily cross the blood-brain barrier, these chemical signals
are carried across the barrier by active transport. They cross into the brain in regions where
the barrier is weak, and they bind to receptors on the insides of the cerebral vascular
blood vessels, thereby inducing the production of soluble mediators within the epithelial
cells that can cross into the brain.
Often, a set of mechanisms that evolve to handle acute emergencies lead to outcomes that
nature did not intend if they are engaged too long. During a normal infection,
neuroinflammation and the resulting adaptive sickness behaviors persist only for several
days. However, if these responses become exaggerated or prolonged, the outcomes may
well become established, leading to cognitive impairment instead of brief memory
disruption, depression instead of reduced mood, fatigue instead of inactivity, and chronic
pain instead of acute pain. That is, physiology can become pathology when a set of
processes designed to be relatively brief becomes prolonged.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. The first line of defense implies;
A. Macrophages
B. Immune system
C. Inflammation
D. All of the above
A. Messenger cells.
B. Protein bodies and messenger cells.
C. Immune response bodies.
D. None
1: Hepatotoxicity can arise either from direct toxicity of the drug or its metabolites.
2: Plays a role in the development of insulin resistance.
3: Can have the potential to negatively affect lungs.
4: Talks of the effects of the low dose gabapentin therapy.
5: 71% were practicing as pharmacists
6: The majority of the patients were between the age bracket of 29 days to 24 months and
Text A
Milroy disease
Lymphoedema distichiasis
Case Study
A 29-year-old woman with a history of renal cysts, hypertension and lymphoedema
distichiasis syndrome, was referred to ophthalmology, with bilateral blurred vision,
hyperaemia and ocular pain, developed over months.
The patient had no positive family history for lymphoedema-distichiasis or other diseases.
Clinical examination revealed stunted height (144 cm), neck webbing, bilateral
and asymmetric lymphoedema, bilateral distichiasis and keratitis. Other ocular
manifestations of lymphoedema-distichiasis, such as ptosis and strabismus, were
excluded through ophthalmological examination.
The patient`s symptoms regressed with bilateral electrolysis of the abnormal
follicles after unsuccessful attempts at epilation and follicle removal using an argon laser.
Lymphoedema-distichiasis syndrome is a rare condition, associated with
diminished quality of life, being linked with chronic keratitis, conjunctivitis and
photophobia in 75% of cases.
Distichiasis, which may be present at birth, is observed in 94% of affected individuals.
The FOXC 2 gene is the only gene in which mutations are known to cause
lymphoedema distichiasis syndrome. Its protein has a role in a variety of
developmental processes, such as formation of veins, lungs, eyes, kidneys, urinary
tract, cardiovascular system and lymphatic vessels. Any pathogenic variant of this
gene could lead to varicose veins, absence of lymphatic valves, lymphoedema, and
cardiovascular and kidney malformations.
The patient did not have a family history for this syndrome. For this reason,
lymphoedema-distichiasis syndrome in this case was a probable phenotypic
manifestation of a de novo mutation in the FOXC 2 gene.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the
texts. Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
20. It is advisable that ______ shall undergo testing as this can minimize risk of transfer of genes
Infected babies may have health problems that are apparent at birth or may develop
later during infancy or childhood. Although not fully understood, it is possible for
CMV to cause the death of a baby during pregnancy (pregnancy loss). Some babies
may have signs of a congenital CMV infection at birth. These signs include:
Premature birth, Liver, lung and spleen problems,
Small size at birth, Small head size, and Seizures.
Babies with congenital CMV infection at birth may have long-term health
problems, such as: Hearing loss, Vision loss, Intellectual disability, Small head size etc.
3. What is right about risks, specific to Laparoscopic Splenectomy?
A. Swelling on the stomach.
B. May damage lungs completely.
C. Blood vessels may rupture.
Risks Involved
Injury to the tail of the pancreas, resulting in a collection of fluid in the abdomen that may
require a further operation or drainage procedures. Bleeding from the blood vessels that
flow to the spleen requiring a return to the operating theatre. Significant distention of the
stomach that may lead to a large vomit. Occasionally some of this vomit may be inhaled
into the lungs and cause life threatening pneumonia. This is why a tube will be placed via
your nose into the stomach for the first day after the operation.
Splenunculi. Many people have tiny `extra` spleens. After the spleen is removed
they may grow and patients with blood diseases may have a recurrence of their
disease. This may require further surgery. Because the spleen is very close to the lung,
collapse of the left lung, to some measure, is quite common after splenectomy. A
physiotherapist will work with you to prevent this. It is very common to have a slight fever
on the first 1 ± 2 days after the operation because of this lung collapse.
Pediatric Trauma
The field has made major advances in the areas of sepsis, lung injury, traumatic
brain injury and postoperative care. The pediatric intensives role in the Trauma
Events is to give steady care during cardiorespiratory or multi-organ failure or
recuperation from surgical medications or a traumatic injury that happens to an
infant, child or adolescent. It manages the medicinal consideration of infants,
children, and teenagers, and as far as possible as a rule ranges from birth up to 18
years old. It is a zone inside a healing center, spends significant time in the
consideration of critically ill infants and children. The risk of death for injured
children is significantly lower when care is provided in pediatric trauma, which
focuses as opposed than non-pediatric trauma which is incorporated into the
Critical Care Meetings.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
The condition might also develop in infants due to hormonal changes that occur in
the mother during pregnancy. The fluctuating hormone levels are believed to
stimulate the infant`s oil glands, leading to an overproduction of oil that may
provoke this condition, begin to peeve the skin. Seborrheic eczema is a long-term
skin condition that requires ongoing treatment. However, developing a good skin
care routine and learning to recognize and eliminate triggers can help you manage
the condition effectively. The symptoms of seborrheic eczema are often aggravated
by various factors, including stress, change of seasons, and heavy alcohol use. The
types of symptoms that thrive enormously can vary from person-to-person. It`s also
possible for symptoms to occur in different parts of the body.
Seborrheic eczema tends to develop in oily areas of the body. It most often affects
the scalp, but it can also occur in the following areas: in and around the ears, on the
eyebrows, on the nose, on the back, on the upper portion of the chest etc.
Seborrheic eczema has a distinct appearance and set of symptoms: skin develops
scaly patches that flake off; the patches may be white or yellowish in color (this
problem is commonly known as dandruff and it can occur in the scalp, hair,
eyebrows, or beard); skin in the affected area tends to be greasy and oily; skin in
the affected area may be red; skin in the affected area may be itchy; hair loss may
occur in the affected area.
Doctors aren`t exactly sure why some people develop seborrheic eczema while
others don`t. However, it does appear that it develops more quickly if a close
family member has it. Other factors that contribute to its growth may include:
obesity, fatigue, poor skin care, stress, environmental factors, such as pollution, the
presence of other skin issues, such as acne etc. The symptoms are similar to those of
other skin conditions, including rosacea. To make an accurate diagnosis, a
doctor will perform a physical examination and carefully inspect the affected
areas. The doctor may also want to perform a biopsy before making a diagnosis.
During this procedure, the doctor will scrape off skin cells from the affected area;
these samples will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results will help to
rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms.
The doctor will likely recommend the patients to try some home remedies before
considering medical treatments. Dandruff shampoos are frequently used to treat
seborrheic eczema on the scalp; they usually need to be used every day for optimal
results and it is important to follow all instructions on the bottle carefully. Other
home treatments that may help manage seborrheic eczema include: using over-thecounter
(OTC) antifungal and anti-itch creams; using hypoallergenic soap and
detergent; thoroughly rinsing soap and shampoo off the skin and scalp; shaving off
a moustache or beard; and wearing loose cotton clothing to avoid skin irritation.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
9. According to paragraph 2, which one of the following statements is true about seborrheic
eczema?
A. Infants may get this disease from their parents.
B. This disease occurs due to secretion of excess of oil by the oil glands, during
pregnancy.
C. There is no specific treatment available for this disease.
D. This disease can spread to various parts of the body as well.
10. According to paragraph 2, which word would mean: to make a bad situation worse?
A. Provoke
B. Peeve
C. Aggravate
D. Thrive
Fibromyalgia is often associated with areas of tenderness, which are called trigger
points or tender points. These are places on your body where even light pressure
can cause pain. Today, these points are rarely used to diagnose fibromyalgia.
Instead, they may be used as one way for doctors to narrow their list of possible
diagnoses. The pain caused by these trigger points can also be described as a
constant dull ache affecting many areas of your body. If you were to experience
this pain for at least three months, doctors may consider this a symptom of
fibromyalgia. People with this disorder may also experience: fatigue, trouble
sleeping, sleeping for long periods of time without feeling rested, headaches, depression etc.
A person used to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they had widespread pain and
tenderness in at least 11 of the known 18 trigger points. Doctors would check to
see how many of these points were painful by pressing firmly on them. Trigger
points are no longer the focus of diagnosis for fibromyalgia. Instead, doctors may
make a diagnosis if you report widespread pain for more than three months and
have no diagnosable medical condition that can explain the pain. Medical
researchers and doctors don`t know what causes fibromyalgia. However, thanks to
decades of research, they`re close to understanding factors that may work together
to cause it which include: Infections: Prior illnesses may trigger fibromyalgia or
make symptoms of the condition worse. Fibromyalgia often runs in families. If you
have a family member with this condition, your risk for developing it is higher.
Researchers think certain genetic mutations may play a role in this condition; those
genes haven`t yet been identified. People who experience physical or emotional
trauma may develop fibromyalgia. The condition has been linked with posttraumatic stress
disorder. Like trauma, stress can create long-reaching effects your
body deals with for months and years. Stress has been linked to hormonal
disturbances that could contribute to fibromyalgia. Doctors also don`t fully
understand the factors that cause people to experience the chronic widespread pain
associated with the condition. Some theories suggest it may be that the brain
lowers the pain threshold. Although the causes are unclear, fibromyalgia flare-ups
can be the result of stress, physical trauma, or an unrelated systemic illness like the
flu. It`s believed the brain and nervous system may garble or overreact to normal
pain signals. This incorrect interpretation could be due to an imbalance in brain chemicals.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
Text A
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It affects >33 million
individuals worldwide, and its prevalence is projected to double by 2050. AF is
associated with a 5- and 2-fold increased risk of stroke and mortality, respectively.
Furthermore, AF-related strokes are associated with higher morbidity, mortality, and
health care costs compared with non-cardioembolic strokes.
The mainstay of stroke prevention remains oral anticoagulation (OAC), with vitamin K
antagonists and more recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), reducing the risk of
ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality in patients with AF. However, more than onethird
of AF patients at high risk for stroke still fail to receive effective stroke prophylaxis
in contemporary practice. Although the introduction of DOAC has overcome some of the
limitations of warfarin therapy, persistent barriers including costs, ongoing bleeding risks
with no reversal agent for most DOACs, noncompliance and high discontinuation rates
may preclude a broader use of DOAC in clinical practice.
Text B
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a remnant of the embryonic left atrium and is
considered the main reservoir for left atrial thrombi in >90% of patients with non valvular
AF. In recent years, percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) has rapidly grown worldwide as
an appealing alternative for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients at high risk
for stroke, with a specific focus on patients ineligible for OAC. While no specific
recommendation on LAAC was given in the 2014 American guidelines, the 2016
European guidelines for the management of AF provided a class IIb recommendation for
percutaneous LAAC in patients with AF and contraindications for long-term OAC, based
on data from the PROTECT-AF and PREVAIL trials, the only LAAC randomized trials
to date. Although none of these studies included patients ineligible for OAC, most of the
real-world registries conducted to date have focused on this target population, which
currently represents the majority of LAAC recipients. This review provides an updated
overview of current transcatheter LAAC devices and reviews the main clinical data from
LAAC randomized trials and registries, focusing on procedural and late outcomes, as
well as on future directions.
Text C
WATCHMAN and WATCHMAN FLX
The WATCHMAN device (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) was the second dedicated
LAAC device and remains the only device studied in randomized clinical trials to date. It
consists of a self-expanding nitinol 10-strut frame, with a 160 µm permeable
polyethylene terephthalate membrane fabric cap facing the left atrium. The open distal
end is fixed by 10 active fixation anchors in 1 row. The tool will be of different
dimensions 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33 mm. The transseptal access sheath will have crucial
specifications, and may show 14F with respect to width or breadth and is available in 3
different preformed curve shapes: anterior curve, double curve (used in >90% of
procedures), and single curve. Three proximal radio-opaque markers correspond to the
approximate level of deployment for 21, 27, and 33 device sizes, respectively.
Text D
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both.
8. What is generally recommended with respect to device sizing? Answer ___________
9. When will the catheter be introduced into the left upper pulmonary vein? Answer ____
10. In how many sizes, the WATCHMAN device is available? Answer ___________
11. What will be the outer diameter of the transseptal access sheath? Answer _______________
12. What is recommended for the effective use of the Watchman Device? Answer ____
13. What is taken into account to measure the size of the device? Answer _______________
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. The best defending procedure is more connected to the use of the ___________.
16. All three ____________ are needed to be adjusted as per the levels of the device deployed.
18. With DOAC being introduced, the scope for the __________ enhanced more.
Nursing care of the heart transplant patient is similar to the care of any cardiac surgery
patient. Bleeding is a major concern in the early postoperative period. Chest tube
drainage is frequently monitored (initially every 15 minutes), as are the cardiac output,
pulmonary artery pressures, and CVP. Cardiac tamponade can develop, presenting as
either a sudden event or a gradual process. Chest tubes are gently milked (not stripped)
as needed to maintain patency. Atrial dysrhythmias are relatively common following
cardiac transplant. Temporary pacing wires are placed during surgery because surgical
manipulation or postoperative swelling may disrupt the conduction system.
Hypothermia is induced during surgery; postoperatively, the patient is gradually re-
warmed over a 1- to 2-hour period. Cardiac function is impaired in up to 50% of
transplanted hearts during the early postoperative period. Inotropic agents such as low-
dose dopamine, dobutamine, or milrinone may be required to bring more stability.
2. The given notice explains;
A. Why medical professionals shall join the conference?
B. What medical professionals will learn?
C. How this is different from others.
Cardiology Conference
With people from around the world focused on getting some answers concerning
Cardiology, this is your single most obvious opportunity to accomplish the greatest
accumulation of individuals from the mending focuses, Universities, bunch, etc. This
Cardiology conference rather European Cardiology Congress in 2017 will coordinate
appears, disperse information, meet with recurring pattern and potential investigators
and get name affirmation at this 3-day event. Broadly acclaimed speakers, the most
recent frameworks, methodologies, and the most current updates in Cardiology field
are indications of this conference. This World Cardiology Congress will help in
frameworks organization, B2B uniting amidst specialists and academicians.
DVT
The problem occurs when a part of the clot breaks off and travels through the
bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage called pulmonary embolism (PE). If the clot
is small, and with appropriate treatment, people can recover from PE. However, there
could be some damage to the lungs. If the clot is large, it can stop blood from reaching
the lungs and is fatal. In addition, nearly one-third of people who have a DVT will have
long-term problems caused by the damage the clot does to the valves in the vein called
post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). People with PTS have symptoms such as swelling,
pain, discoloration, and in severe cases, scaling or ulcers in the affected part of the
body. In some cases, the symptoms can be so severe that a person becomes disabled.
The Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily
through the bite of an infected mosquito (aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus). The illness
is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have
symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, a Zika virus infection during
pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.
Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected aedes species mosquito
(aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus). A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her fetus
during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Also, a person with Zika can pass it to his
or her sexual partners. We encourage people, who have traveled to or live in places with
Zika to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.
Many people infected with Zika will have no symptoms or mild symptoms that last
several days to a week. However, a Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious
birth defect called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. Current research
suggests that Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an uncommon sickness of the nervous
system, is strongly associated with Zika; however, only a small proportion of people with a
recent Zika virus infection get GBS. Once someone has been infected with Zika, it`s very
likely they`ll be protected from future infections. There is no evidence that past Zika
infection poses an increased risk of birth defects in future pregnancies.
Going to places where Zika is common is often not recommended. Travellers who go to
places with outbreaks of Zika may or may not get infected with Zika. Moreover, in
pregnant women, if the virus is caught from such places, it can cause microcephaly and
other severe fetal brain defects.
Any pregnant women who have recently travelled to an area with Zika should talk to
their doctor about their travel, even if they don`t feel sick. Pregnant women should see a
doctor if they have any Zika symptoms during their trip or within 2 weeks after
travelling. All pregnant women can protect themselves by using plenty of prevention
measures, which include but are not limited to: avoiding travel to an area with Zika;
preventing mosquito bites; and following recommended precautions against getting Zika.
The most common symptoms of the Zika virus disease are fever, rashes, joint pain, and
red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain and headaches. Many people infected with
Zika won`t have symptoms or will have mild symptoms, which can last for several days
to a week.
Currently, there is no evidence that a woman who has recovered from the Zika virus
infection (the virus has cleared her body) will have Zika-related pregnancy complications
in the future. Based on information about similar infections, once a person has been
infected with the Zika virus and has cleared the virus, he or she is likely to be protected
from future Zika infections. If you`re thinking about having a baby in the near future and
you or your partner live in or travelled to an area with Zika, talk with your doctor or
another healthcare provider. Men who have travelled to any areas with Zika or who have
had a Zika infection should wait at least 6 months after travel (or 6 months after
symptoms started if they get sick) before trying to conceive with their partner. Women
should wait at least 8 weeks after travel (or 8 weeks after symptoms started if they get
sick) before trying to get pregnant.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
11. In paragraph 5, how many methods of prevention from Zika are described?
A. Plenty of prevention measures
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
12 Can a person who is completely recovered from Zika virus infection, get Zika infection again?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Depends from person to person
D. Not given
Although avian influenza A viruses usually do not infect humans, rare cases of human
infection with these viruses have been reported. Infected birds shed the avian influenza
virus in their saliva, mucus and feces. Human infections with bird flu viruses can happen
when enough of the virus gets into a person`s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can
happen when the virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it
in, or when a person touches something that has the virus on it and then touches their
mouth, eyes or nose. Rare human infections with some avian viruses have occurred most
often after unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated with avian
influenza viruses. However, some infections have been identified where direct contact
was not known to have occurred.
The reported signs and symptoms of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A virus
infections in humans have ranged from conjunctivitis to influenza-like illness (e.g., fever,
cough, sore throat, muscle aches) to lower respiratory disease (pneumonia) requiring
hospitalization. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) LPAI H7N9 and HPAI Asian
H5N1 have been responsible for most human illness worldwide to date, including the
most serious illnesses and deaths. A virus infections in people have been associated with
a wide range of illness from conjunctivitis only to severe respiratory illness (e.g.
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral
pneumonia, respiratory failure) with multi-organ disease, sometimes accompanied by
nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and sometimes neurologic changes (altered
mental status, seizures).
Analyses of available avian influenza viruses circulating worldwide suggest that most
viruses are susceptible to oseltamivir, peramivir, and zanamivir. However, some evidence
of antiviral resistance has been reported in HPAI Asian H5N1 viruses and influenza A
H7N9 viruses isolated from some human cases. Monitoring for antiviral resistance among
avian influenza A viruses is crucial and ongoing. This data directly informs WHO
antiviral treatment recommendations.
The best way to prevent an infection of the avian influenza A virus is to avoid sources of
exposure. Most human infections with avian influenza A viruses have occurred following
direct or close contact with infected poultry. People who have had contact with infected
birds may be given expert-formulated influenza antiviral drugs preventatively. While
antiviral drugs are most often used to treat flu, they can also be used to prevent infection
in someone who has been exposed to influenza viruses. When used to prevent seasonal
influenza, antiviral drugs are 70% to 90% effective. A seasonal influenza vaccination will
not prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses, but can play hardball in effectively
reducing the risk of co-infection with human and avian influenza A viruses. It`s also
possible to make a vaccine intellectually that can protect people against avian influenza
viruses. For example, the United States government always have access to the stockpiled
vaccine to protect against avian influenza A H5N1 vaccine. The stockpiled vaccine could
be used if a similar H5N1 virus were to begin transmitting easily from person to person.
Creating a candidate vaccine virus is the first step in producing a vaccine.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. According to paragraph 1, the virus enters the human body through.
A. The nose
B. The eyes
C. The mouth
D. Contact with an infected bird
16. According to paragraph 1, human infection with avian influenza A virus is;
A. Uncommon
B. Common
C. Rare
D. Frequent in infected places
17. According to paragraph 2, people may suffer from flu if they have been infected by
A. LPAI
B. HPAI
C. H5N1
D. LPAI H7N9
21. According to paragraph 5, which word may give the meaning of experience?
A. Exposure
B. Expert
C. Intellectualism
D. None of the above
Text A:
Changes in gastrointestinal function
The process of aging brings about changes in gastrointestinal function such as
increase in gastric pH, deferment in process of expulsion of gastric, decreased
motility, and decreased intestinal blood flow. The intake of substances that are
actively transported from the intestinal lumen including some sugars, minerals and
vitamins may therefore be decreased in elderly patients. Apart from the
pathological or surgical alterations in gastrointestinal function such as gastrectomy,
pyloric stenosis, pancreatitis, regional enteritis and concurrent administration of
other drugs like cholestyramine and antacids may cause changes. Cholestyramine
binds and decreases the effectiveness of many drugs including thiazides,
anticoagulants, thyroxine, aspirin, PCM, and penicillin, while antacids decrease the
efficiency of the process of taking in of drugs such as chlorpromazine, tetracycline,
isoniazid.
Plasma protein concentrations may also be altered in elderly patients. Plasma
albumin concentrations are causing less increase in free concentration of acidic
drugs such as naproxen, phenytoin and warfarin. In contrast, the concentration of
α1-acid glycoprotein may be increased in the presence of chronic diseases that
frequently occur in the elderly population, potentially increasing the binding of
drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs and β-blockers, which are
mainly bound to this protein.
Text B:
Aging Factor
Body composition, plasma protein binding, and organ blood flow help in
determining how effectively the drug is getting into every nook and corner. The
total body water and lean body mass decreases, whereas, the body fat as a
percentage of body weight increases with aging. The increased body fat is
associated with the increase in volume of distribution of fat-soluble drugs such as
the benzodiazepines, which leads to a more prolonged drug effect. Thus, it was
demonstrated that the elimination half-life of diazepam was prolonged with age
despite the fact that systemic clearance was unaltered. Change in organ blood flow
with aging may also affect the rate of its efficient movement. In most of the cases,
peripheral vascular resistance get enhanced more and more. The same goes with the
enhancement of the heart rate or cardiac output.
Text C:
Toxicity In Drugs
Renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate and tubular function all decline with
aging. In addition to physiological decline in renal function, the elderly patient is
particularly liable to renal impairment due to dehydration, congestive heart failure,
hypotension and urinary retention, or to intrinsic renal involvement, e.g., diabetic
nephropathy or pyelonephritis. As lean body mass decrease with aging, the serum
creatinine level becomes a poor indicator of (and tends to overestimate) the
creatinine clearance in older adults.
The Cockroft-Gault formula20 should be used to estimate creatinine clearance in
older adults: Creatinine clearance = {140 - age) x weight (kg) / 72 X serum creatinine
in mg/dl (For women multiplied by 0.85)
Drugs with significant toxicity that have diminished renal excretion with age
include allopurinol, aminoglycosides, amantadine, lithium, digoxin, procainamide,
chlorpropamide and cimetidine. These agents have reduced clearance, prolonged
half-lives and increased steady-state concentrations if dosages are not adjusted for
renal function.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the
texts. Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
16. In most of the adults, the____________ will help signal the pathway for creatinine.
17. With steady increase in__________ , there can be increase in volume of distribution of fat-
soluble drugs.
18.__________ pathways may not show any kind of change though age increases.
19 .Many of these substances, when they are not altered as needed, are recorded to
be effective and known to enhance __________
CMV Infection
About one out of every 150 babies are born with a congenital CMV infection.
However, only about one in five babies with a congenital CMV infection will be
sick from the virus or will have long-term health problems.
If a woman is newly infected with CMV while pregnant, there is a risk that her
unborn baby will also become infected (congenital CMV). Infected babies may,
but not always, be born with a disability.
Infection during one pregnancy does not increase the risk for subsequent
pregnancies. However, if primary infection occurs, consideration should be given
to wait for at least 12 months for next pregnancy.
Studies conducted in Australia have shown that out of 1,000 live births, about 6
infants will have congenital CMV infection and 1-2 of those 6 infants (about 1 in
1000 infants overall) will have permanent disabilities of varying degree. These can
include hearing loss, vision loss, small head size, cerebral palsy, developmental
delay or intellectual disability, and in rare cases, death.
Sometimes, the virus may be reactivate while a woman is pregnant but reactivation
does not usually cause problems to the woman or to the fetus.
2. What is more related to defects?
A. SARS Co-V
B. MERS Co-V
C. Zika
The stethoscopes used for listening to Korotkoff sounds are Littmann Cardioscope III
for adults and Littmann Classic II pediatric for children.
They have a bell and diaphragm chest piece, and an acoustical rating by the manufacturer of
9 on a scale of 1-10, with a rating of 10 having the best acoustical attributes.
The construction uses a single-lumen rubber tubing connection between the ear tubes and
the chest piece. The ear tubes can be adjusted to fit the particular user at an anatomically
correct angle, and the plastic ear covers come in different sizes allowing the user to match
the best ear canal size to achieve an acoustically sealed ear fit. All parts of the stethoscope
can be cleaned for use between SPs. The bell of the stethoscope is used to auscultate the
Korotkoff sounds for blood pressure measurements.
5. Which word may indicate a plant a sapling?
A. Zygote
B. Blastocyst
C. Poppy
Implantation
Implantation takes place, when ovulation and fertilization occur. Implantation occurs in early
stage of pregnancy when the fertilized egg (zygote) treks down the fallopian tube to the
uterus and ascribes to the epithelium or uterine lining. It takes about 8 to 10 days for the
fertilized egg to reaches to the uterus. During this time, it develops into a blastocyst through
different stages of transformation instigation as a single cell dividing into 150 cells with an
outer layer the trophoblastic, a fluid filled cavity the blastocoel, and a cluster of cells on the
interior the inner cell mass. The tiny ball of cells is more or less like poppy generator. It
attaches to the epithelium during 4th week of gestation. Once it is firmly adheres, this’s
called as an embryo. The embryo then again allocates into two parts, which will become the
placenta and the fetus. An ultrasound done during the 5 to 6 weeks of gestation period that
may show the amniotic sac and yolk sac, which are forming during this time. The amniotic sac
is where baby will develop. The yolk sac will later be incorporated in a baby’s digestive tract.
This ultrasound approves that implantation has taken place.
6. The given notice gives information about;
A. Women who are now more aware of health conditions.
B. Industry insights.
C. The global gynecology devices market size.
The market size was valued at USD 10,984.1 million in 2014. Introduction of
minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy and high definition imaging
devices such as 3D endoscope is primarily boosting market growth. In addition,
rising prevalence of diseases, such as uterine fibrosis and sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), associated with female reproductive organs are anticipated to
support market growth during the forecast period.
According to the United Nations, the global female population accounted for more
than 3.64 billion in 2015. Every woman visits a gynecologist at least once in her
lifetime either for pregnancy or other complications related to menstrual cycle. The
growing number of patients is likely to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Moreover, healthcare agencies are now promoting routine-checkups for early
cancer detection and other gynecological conditions. For example, The American
Cancer Society recommends annual breast cancer screening with mammography
for women aged between 40 to 44 years. Increase in routine check-ups has helped
these devices gain usage rates.
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are an assortment of different conditions that can
occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include
physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD
has a mix of these problems.
FASDs are caused by a woman drinking alcohol during pregnancy when alcohol in
the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. When a woman
drinks alcohol, so does her baby. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during
pregnancy or when trying to get pregnant.
To curtail down the risks of FASDs, a woman should not drink alcohol while she is
pregnant, or when she might get pregnant. This is because a woman could get
pregnant and be asymptomatic for up to 4 to 6 weeks. In the United States, nearly
half of pregnancies are unplanned. If a woman is drinking alcohol during
pregnancy, it is never too late to stop drinking. Because brain growth takes place
throughout the pregnancy, the sooner a woman stops drinking, the safer it will be
for her and her baby.
FASDs can affect every person in different ways, and can range from mild to
severe. It may not be difficult to assess why certain problems occur, however, still
they have their own appearance time and pattern. A person with an FASD might
have: abnormal facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper
lip (this ridge is called the philtrum); small head size; shorter-than-average height;
low body weight; poor coordination etc.
Different terms are used to describe FASDs, depending on the type of symptoms.
(i) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): FAS represents the most involved end of the
FASD spectrum. Fetal death is the most extreme outcome from drinking alcohol
during pregnancy. People with FAS might have abnormal facial features, growth
problems, and central nervous system (CNS) problems. People with FAS can have
problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or
hearing. They might have a mix of these problems. People with FAS often have a
hard time in school and trouble getting along with others. (ii) Alcohol-Related
Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND): People with ARND might have
intellectual disabilities and problems with behavior and learning. They might do
poorly in school and have difficulties with math, memory, attention, judgment, and
slow, lethargic behaviour (iii) Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD): People with
ARBD might have problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones, or with hearing;
they might have a combination of these.
Diagnosing FAS can be hard because there is no medical test, like a blood test, for
it. And other disorders, such as ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
and Williams syndrome, have some symptoms like FAS. To diagnose FAS,
doctors look for: heteroclite facial features (e.g., smooth ridge between nose and
upper lip); lower-than-average height, weight, or both; central nervous system
problems (e.g., small head size, problems with attention and hyperactivity, poor
coordination); prenatal alcohol exposure; although confirmation is not required to
make a diagnosis etc.
FASDs last a lifetime. There is no cure for FASDs, but research shows that early
intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development. There are many
types of treatment options, including medication to help with some symptoms,
behavior and education therapy, parent training, and other alternative approaches. No
single treatment is effective for every child. Good treatment plans will include close
monitoring, follow-ups, and changes as needed along the way.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
Healthcare providers rely on your medical and travel history, symptoms, physical
examinations, and laboratory tests to diagnose Valley fever. The most common
way that healthcare providers test for Valley fever is by taking a blood sample and
sending it to a laboratory to look for Coccidioides antibodies or antigens.
Healthcare providers may do imaging tests such as chest x-rays or CT scans of
your lungs to look for Valley fever pneumonia. They may also perform a tissue
biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the body and examined
under a microscope.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
PART C
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7: Are A Collection Of Diseases, Which Occur Only In Women.
9: Common Features Of Fasds
10: People Affected With The Fas Show Uneven Growth.
11: Arbd
12: Problems With Brain Functioning
13: When The Features Such As Abnormal Facial Features, Low Body
Weight And Lower Height Become Obvious.
14: Specific
Text A
Battens Disease
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL's), also known as Battens disease, are a
collection of congenital neurodegenerative conditions that span from prenatal life
to late adulthood with an incidence of 1:12,500. They comprise of at least 8
autosomal recessive disorders defined by having a mutation in a CLN gene, either
coding for an enzyme (CLN1 and CLN2) or a transmembrane protein (CLN3,
CLN5, CLN6 and CLN8) with all disorders having common clinical features,
including progressive visual loss to blindness, seizures, speech disturbances, motor
degeneration and intellectual decline, leading to early death LINCL has an
incidence of 0.36-0.46 per 100,000 with an age of onset of between 2-4 years, and
death commonly anticipated in the early teenage years. LINCL is caused by a
mutation of the CLN2 gene on chromosome 11p15, of which 98 mutations are
known, three of which account for the majority of cases.
Text B
One human trial evaluated the use of AAV2 vector to transfer human cCLN2
cDNA to the CNS of 10 children with LINCL aged between 3 and 10 with five
different mutation types. The study was an 18-month follow-up to vector
administration with a primary outcome measure being neurological assessment of
disease status using the modified Hamburg LINCL scale. Secondary measures
were quantitative CNS Magnetic Resonance Imaging assessment of the brain
including grey matter and ventricular volume. Control comparisons were made
with data from 4 independent untreated LINCL children who had been assessed
twice at 1-year intervals. Participants received an average dose of 2.5 × 1012
particles (1.8-3.2 × 1012) of the AAV2Hcln2 vector. The dose was shared equally
through 6 burr holes (3 in each hemisphere) of the cranial vault, and 12 cortical
locations were targeted. Assessments were made on days 7 and 14 and at 1, 6, 12
and 18 months after therapy. Adverse effects were assessed at 2 and 3 months.
Text D
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
1. It is not currently known to cause disease, but causes a very mild immune response. Answer___
2. A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. Answer ___
3. Not so prevalent disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. Answer ___
4. Degeneration of the neurons. Answer _____________
5. Recent studies conducted on evaluation of the disease. Answer ______________
6 .After effects of the treatment. Answer _____________
7. Affected person may not be in a state to use mental power effectively. Answer ____________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the
texts. Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris, whose common type is Qi-blood stagnation type is one of chest
congestion in TCM. The main cause of this type of angina is damage due to an
excess of seven emotions. The heart governs the mind and blood circulation, liver
stores of blood and controls catharsis. There is close relationship between the two.
Only if liver function is normal can Qi-blood of the heart can be calm. For elderly
individuals, who lack Qi-blood, yin and yang of the heart, spleen and kidney, are
of cold invasion, consume an inappropriate diet, have emotional disorders and
excessive fatigue, among others, can also lead to blood stasis stagnation, which can
consequently cause coronary angina pectoris of Qi-blood stagnation. The
‘Suwen Yujizhen zang’ theory has described “blockage of vessel, inability of QI to
flow freely”, which illustrates that blood stagnation can lead to Qi depression.
Therefore, accelerating blood circulation, removing blood stasis and promoting the
circulation of Qi are the main therapies.
2. The notice gives information about;
A. two different technologies used in treatment.
B. ineffectiveness of the SCS.
C. DRG and SCS comparison.
For many years, Spinal cord stimulation has been used as a salvage treatment for
intractable CRPS even though many studies have not proven long-term benefit. In
multiple studies published by a European neurosurgical group, there has been great
benefit from this technology in the first year but the vast majority of patients experience a
return of symptoms by year six. Newer dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation technology
may be more promising. In the most recent DRG stimulation trial, patients with CRPS have
been shown to decrease pain by fifty percent or greater in 93% of patients with chronic
intractable pain at three-month follow-up, versus 72% of patients with an SCS implant.
Unfortunately, this product is currently only FDA approved for treatment in the lower
extremity.
3 .SGB is known;
A. to be more effective in treatment.
B. to provide temporary relief from pain.
C. to be a proven medicine in certain instances.
Stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) are the most commonly performed interventional
procedure for patients with upper extremity CRPS. The stellate ganglion is located
anterior to the 7th cervical transverse process on the anterior surface of the longus
coli muscle. It lies medial to the vertebral artery and anterolateral to the ipsilateral
common carotid artery. This ganglion can be accessed either through fluoroscopy,
CT, or ultrasound guidance. In a study published in 2006 by Ackerman and Zhang,
25 subjects underwent SGB at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. At 6 months, 40% of
patients had complete symptom relief while 24% of patients had no pain relief. In a
second study, published in 2009, three weekly blockades were completed at weekly
intervals in 22 patients with CRPS type I of the hand. Pain intensity and range of motion
were assessed two weeks after treatment. In this study patients had statistically significant
improvement in wrist ROM (P>0.001) and an overall decrease in VAS values from 8 to 1.
While most physicians do not believe that SGB alone is effective in curing the disease, we
do know that stellate ganglion blocks at least offer temporary benefits that last well
beyond the effects of local anesthetic.
4 .What is correct about metabonomics?
A. High-throughput metabolomic approach revealed the acupuncture exerting
intervention effects.
B. Metabolomics has seen a surge in popularity in recent scientific research.
C. The ultimate aim of metabonomics is to detect every small-molecule metabolite.
Metabonomics
Addison's disease symptoms usually develop slowly, often over several months,
and may include muscle weakness and fatigue, weight loss and decreased appetite,
darkening of skin (hyperpigmentation), low blood pressure (even fainting), salt
cravings, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, muscle or
joint pains etc. Sometimes, however, the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease
may appear suddenly. In acute adrenal failure (Addisonian crisis), the signs and symptoms
may also include pain in your lower back, abdomen or legs, severe vomiting and diarrhea,
leading to dehydration, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
Your adrenal glands are composed of two sections: the interior (medulla) produces
adrenaline-like hormones; the outer layer (cortex) produces a group of hormones
called corticosteroids, which include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and male
sex hormones (androgens). Glucocorticoids: These hormones, which include cortisol,
influence your body's ability to convert food fuels into energy, play a role in your immune
system's inflammatory response and help your body respond to stress. Mineralocorticoids:
These hormones, which include aldosterone, maintain your body's balance of sodium and
potassium to keep your blood pressure normal. Androgens, male sex hormones, are
produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands in both men and women. They cause
sexual development in men and influence muscle mass, libido and a sense of well-being in
men and women.
Addison's disease occurs when the cortex is damaged and doesn't produce its hormones in
adequate quantities. Doctors refer to the condition involving damageto the adrenal glands
as primary adrenal insufficiency. The failure of your adrenal glands to produce
adrenocortical hormones is most commonly the result of the body attacking itself
(autoimmune disease). For unknown reasons, your immune system views the adrenal
cortex as foreign, something to attack and destroy. Other causes of adrenal gland failure
may include tuberculosis, other infections of the adrenal glands, spreading of cancer to the
adrenal glands and bleeding into the adrenal glands. Adrenal insufficiency can also occur if
your pituitary gland is diseased. The pituitary gland produces a hormone called
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce its
hormones. Inadequate production of ACTH can lead to insufficient production of
hormones normally produced by your adrenal glands, even though your adrenal glands
aren't damaged. Doctors call this condition secondary adrenal insufficiency. Another more
common cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when people who take
corticosteroids for treatment of chronic conditions, such as asthma or arthritis, abruptly
stop taking the corticosteroids. If you have untreated Addison's disease, an Addisonian
crisis may be provoked by physical stress (such as an injury), infection or illness. All
treatment for Addison's disease involves hormone replacement therapy to correct the
levels of steroid hormones your body isn't producing. Some options for treatment include
oral corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections and androgen replacement therapy.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
13. Doctors refer to the damage to the cortex of the kidney as;
A. Primary adrenal insufficiency.
B. Secondary adrenal insufficiency.
C. Other fatal infections.
D. Not given
Carpal tunnel syndrome has been around for a long time; meatpackers began
complaining of pain and loss of hand function in the 1860s. Back then, these
complaints were largely attributed to poor circulation. The nature of work has
changed over the years; today, more jobs are highly specialized and require use of
only a small number of muscles repeatedly. With the growing numbers of people
using computers and keyboards, plus the focus on better healthcare for workers,
carpal tunnel syndrome is of real concern to both employers and health-care
professionals. Recent studies have shown that carpal tunnel syndrome, like all
other cumulative trauma disorders, is on the rise while other workplace injuries
have leveled off. Many companies are turning to physical therapists for help with
designing and implementing health promotion and injury prevention programs to
protect their employees from CTS.
People with CTS usually experience feelings of numbness, weakness, tingling, and
burning in their fingers and hands. If not treated, the symptoms may escalate into
acute, persistent pain. CTS can become so crippling that people can no longer do
their work or even perform simple tasks at home. At its most extreme, carpal
tunnel syndrome forces people to undergo surgery and miss many days of work, or
prevents them from working at all because their hand functions are permanently
impaired. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in men and women of all ages, and is
often found in workers whose tasks require repeating the same motion in the
fingers and hand for long periods of time. CTS has surfaced among meat packers,
assembly line workers, jackhammer operators, and employees who spend hours
working at a computer or typewriter. Carpal tunnel syndrome shows up in athletes
as well as homemakers.
The U.S. Department of Labor has cited carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as other
cumulative trauma disorders, as the cause of 48 percent of all industrial workplace
illnesses. The disease affects more than five million Americans. CTS’s impact on
American businesses is devastating. It shows up in the workplace in the form of
fatigue, poor work performance, discomfort and pain, and poor
employer/employee relations. The high cost of treatment for an employee with
CTS, plus the lost productivity when that employee is absent for a long period of
time, strains the company’s ability to operate efficiently and can lead to morale
problems when other employees have to take over the absent workers’
responsibilities. Physical therapists with specialized training in cumulative trauma
disorders have been working in industrial and corporate settings for many years to
meet the health-care needs of America’s workforce. They work closely with
employers to educate employees about CTS—what causes it and how to avoid it
through proper use of the musculoskeletal system.
Physical therapists can target and correct poor work habits and improper work
designs, such as tools, furniture, equipment, and workspace. They can also assess
the potential risks of an individual and determine if that person is physically
unsuited to a particular job. Among their many responsibilities, physical therapists
teach health awareness and job safety. A typical education program includes
exercises employees can do at work and at home, adjustments to the overall work
environment and individual workstations, plus early detection of symptoms to
avoid painful and costly surgery. Physical therapists also work with employers and
their engineering departments to design and modify the work environment, helping
to remove the causal factors of CTS. If anyone has symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome, then consulting a physical therapist or other qualified healthcare
practitioners for an evaluation and individualized treatment is always
recommended.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
TEXT A
In the modern era, whole world has experienced tremendous boost in the field of
molecular diagnosis by use of DNA sequencing technology. The human genome contains
more than 3 billion base pairs that contain all the information about our health and
wellbeing.
The first whole genome sequence of human was published successfully before
decades. It was very expensive and paid billion dollars to complete. The cost paid for,
was much more worthy as it was providing the first fundamental understanding of the
structure and biology of human genome and relation with diseases. Initially, Next
Generation Sequencing technology was generated huge amount data of human variant
later it was proved that this NGS technology is much more effective in the diagnosis
human diseases by use of bioinformatic tools to select pathogenic variants. In present
days, sequencing costs have dramatically declined and therefore it is now routinely using for
diagnosis of many rare inherited diseases including hematology and blood disorder.
Genome Wide sequence analysis is already playing an important role in the hematology
field. This new sequencing technology is going to solve the challenges that researchers in the
field of hematology are going forward.
Text C
Nowadays researchers are making disease-specific targeted NGS panel, which is helping
more quickly and precise diagnosis of specific disease in the field of hematology.
Keeping in mind the growing research in the area of molecular diagnosis, how genome
wide analysis has unlocked new avenues of research, diagnosis, and therapy for benign
hematologic disorders. Recent advances in molecular technologies, mainly next
generation sequencing, inspire us to apply these technologies as a first-line approach for
the identification of potential mutations and to determine the novel causative genes in
patients with blood disorders. Researcher have started preparing targeted NGS panels
for diagnosis of hematologic malignancies, Red cell congenital hemolytic anemia for
diagnosis of all rare cause of haemolytic anemia which covers around 70-80 genes
associated with hemoglobinopathies, which will cover gene related alpha (HBA1/2) and
beta (HBB) globin gene locus analysis, HBD sequence analysis, gene related to RBC
membrane protein disorders, RBC enzymopathies genes, congenital dyserythropoietic
anemia (CDA) and the inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a group of
rare genetic blood disorders in which there is usually some form of aplastic anemia
associated with a family history of the similar disorder.
Text D
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. What is generally analyzed in a large population? Answer ____________
9. What is the term which defines a method in which an electric field pulls molecules across a gel
substrate or hairlike capillary fiber? Answer ____________
10. Which term may mean "performed on the computer or via computer simulation? Answer ___
11. What is known to make up the backbone of the strands of nucleic acid? Answer ____
12. What is characterized by failure of the bone marrow to produce blood? Answer ____________
13. Which method of sequencing usually comprises use of polymerase enzyme for the purpose of
building different types of chains of varied lengths? Answer ____________
14. Which sequencing technology is regarded to be more result-oriented? Answer ____________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. Red blood cell ____________ affect genes encoding red blood cell enzymes..
16. Today, researchers are busy developed targeted NGS panels which can effectively be used for the
purpose of diagnosis of_____________.
17. The variants obtained were studied by mapping in the______ of the human reference genome.
18. The key feature of the Sanger method reaction mixture is the inclusion of____________.
19.______________ analysis is effective and can solve challenges which researchers grappling with
Questions 1-6
Primary infection of muscle is usually regarded as a tropical disease, and is rare although
becoming more common in temperate climates. A review of the 230 cases of primary
obturator myositis which have been reported, shows that 82% were in children under 18
years of age. The median age was 9.5 years (3 to 46), with a male:female ratio of
approximately 3:2. The median duration of symptoms prior to presentation was three
days, and the most common symptoms were fever, hip or thigh pain, and inability to fully
bear weight. In 41% there was a history of recent trauma to the hip, such as a fall or
strenuous exercise. Local trauma is a recognised initiating factor for pyomyositis and is
documented in between 21% and 66% of cases.
2. According to the notice given, what is correct?
A. Treatment cost has not gone down yet.
B. CAR-T is considered more effective.
C. After chemotherapy, CAR-T is more reliable.
In the year 2017, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the first approval of a
CAR-T cell therapy for kids and young adults with B-cell ALL. This approval was much
celebrated and brought new hope for a more specific and efficient therapy for ALL. This
result has come through many years of research and is expected to improve the quality of
treatment of patients. It is worth noting that in addition to side effects, the high cost of
treatment is still an obstacle and the side effects. Although there are challenges to be
overcome as in any innovative research, CAR-T cell therapy seems to be the most
promising therapeutic tool against cancer, including ALL, since chemotherapy
introduction in the 1940s.
3. Huntington`s disease;
A. may result in the death of brain cells.
B. may result in loss of intelligence.
C. may result in involuntary movements.
Adequate changes in lifestyle are the cornerstone for the prevention and treatment of
hypertension. Although rapid medical initiation is necessary for the patients in a high
level of risk, lifestyle changes are fundamental for the therapy. According to the previous
report, lowering effects for stable blood pressure can be equivalent to monotherapy of
medicine. Contrarily, the weak point would be the low level of compliance or adherence
associated with necessary time for adequate action. Adequate changes in lifestyle would
be effective for some group of subjects. For grade 1 hypertensive patients, it can prevent
or delay medical therapy. Moreover, for hypertensive patients continuing on medical
therapy, it can contribute to BP reduction of blood pressure and allow reduction of the
number and doses of antihypertensive agents. Appropriate changes in lifestyle would
decrease other cardiovascular risk factors and improve several clinical conditions.
5. What does the table indicate?
A. Major significant differences were observed in 24-h, daytime and nighttime SBP or DBP
when using the conventional or custom-made pillow.
B. No significant differences were observed in 24-h, daytime and nighttime SBP or DBP
when using the conventional or custom-made pillow.
C. There are significant changes in Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure.
Events
Initial presentation at the emergency room …………..
3-h chest pain
Respiratory failure and the need for advanced airway support
Electrocardiogram with broad R waves, 4 mm ST-segment downsloping in right
precordial leads, right bundle branch block (RBBB), and ST-segment elevation in
posterior leads
Coronary angiography with total thrombotic occlusion in the proximal segment of
the circumflex artery
Bare metal stent was placed
The patient developed cardiogenic shock and intra-aortic balloon pump was placed;
norepinephrine, vasopressin, and dobutamine were administered with
clinical improvement
48 h post-arrival
Electrocardiogram with disturbance of repolarization only attributable to RBBB
The patient developed acute renal failure and haemodialysis was initiated
After 5 days.
During a haemodialysis session, he developed sustained ventricular tachycardia
with degeneration in asystole
CPR was initiated, there wasn’t a return of spontaneous circulation
Patient decease
READING SUB-TEST : PART C
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Renal artery stenosis (narrowing) is a decrease in the diameter of the renal arteries. The
resulting restriction of blood flow to the kidneys may lead to impaired kidney function
(renal failure) and high blood pressure (hypertension), referred to as renovascular
hypertension, or RVHT ("reno" for kidney and "vascular" for blood vessel).
Renovascular hypertension is as likely to occur with bilateral stenosis (when arteries to
both kidneys are narrowed) as with unilateral stenosis (when the artery to one kidney is
narrowed). The decreased blood flow to the kidneys impairs renal function. Renal artery
stenosis may cause renal failure in some patients. There is no predictable relationship
between renal failure and renal artery stenosis. Some patients have very severe bilateral
stenosis and normal renal function. Most cases of renal failure are related to diabetes,
hypertension, glomerular sclerosis, contrast nephropathy, drug toxicity and other causes
In general, renal artery stenosis is not associated with any obvious or specific symptoms.
Suspicious signs for renal artery stenosis include high blood pressure that responds
poorly to treatment; severe high blood pressure that develops prior to age 30 or greater
than age 50; an incidental finding (discovered through routine tests or tests performed for
another condition) of one small kidney compared to a normal sized one on the other side.
Typically, unilateral (one-sided) renal artery stenosis may be related to high blood
pressure whereas bilateral (two-sided) renal artery stenosis is more often related to
diminished kidney function.
Several tests exist to detect any evidence of renal artery stenosis, which can be divided
into imaging tests and functional tests. The imaging tests provide a picture of the blood
vessel and its anatomy and reveal the degree of narrowing. The functional tests provide
information about whether the narrowing is significant enough to cause the high blood
pressure or kidney dysfunction. Each of these tests has advantages and disadvantages.
In bilateral (both-sided) and unilateral (one-sided) renal artery stenosis associated with
high blood pressure, controlling the blood pressure with usual blood pressure medications
is the first and the safest treatment. ACE inhibitors or ARB medications with or without a
diuretic (water pill) may be tried first. In some patients, this approach may be associated
with worsening of their kidney function. Therefore, kidney function needs to be followed
closely and if worsening of kidney function is evident, these medications may need to be
stopped. It is worth noting that if renal artery stenosis is found incidentally when
performing a test for another disease and there is no evidence of kidney dysfunction or
high blood pressure then no treatment may be necessary. Sometimes even significant
stenosis may not be associated with high blood pressure or kidney dysfunction. In these
situations, periodic monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function may be advised.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
13. The best possible treatment for renal artery stenosis is;
A. Controlling the blood pressure.
B. Using ARB medications for the quality functioning of the kidneys.
C. Improving the function of the kidney through proper medications.
D. None
Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) is used to describe the presence of blood with a bowel
movement. That blood, whether it fills the toilet bowl, or is a streak on the toilet paper
when wiping, or just a few drops in the toilet bowl, is not a normal finding and should not
be ignored. The source of bleeding can be anywhere in the digestive tract, from the nose
and mouth to the rectum and anus. The color can range from bright red to maroon to
black or any shade in between, depending on how much the blood has been exposed to the
digestive juices. Anytime there is blood within the gastrointestinal system, it will
eventually be excreted in stool (feces, bowel movement, BM). The color of the stool will
depend upon the amount of blood, the source of the bleeding and how quickly the stool
moves through the digestive tract. Sometimes, the bleeding is too little to be seen by the
naked eye but can be tested for by a healthcare professional.
Depending upon where and why the bleeding has taken place in the digestive tract, the
stool consistency and color may vary greatly: the stool color may be bright red, maroon,
dark red or black. The bleeding might be hidden, unseen to the naked eye, but able to be
detected by a fecal occult blood test. There may be blood just in the bowel movement or
there may be associated feces. If the feces are formed, the blood may be mixed in with the
stool or it may just coat the surface. The stool may be well-formed or it may lose and
diarrhea like. It may be normal in shape in size or it may become pencil thin. There may
be associated with abdominal pain or the bleeding may be painless.
Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of blood in the stool. Blood vessels located in
the walls of the rectum can swell, become inflamed and bleed. Hemorrhoids can be
caused by straining at stool, diarrhea, pregnancy, obesity and prolonged sitting on the
commode. All these factors increase the pressure within the hemorrhoidal vessels,
causing them to swell. The bleeding is often associated with anal burning or itching.
Bleeding can also occur because of an anal fissure, or a split in the skin of the anus. Hard
constipated stool may cause the skin to split; other causes include pregnancy and anal
intercourse. Anal fissures are also associated with other diseases including inflammatory
bowel disease (Crohn`s disease, ulcerative colitis), cancer and infections. Anal fissures
tend to be very painful, even when sitting. The blood in the stool can also be due to
swallowed blood from a nosebleed, dental work, or other mouth injuries that cause
bleeding.
Rectal bleeding is often diagnosed by history. The health care professional may ask
questions about the circumstances surrounding the rectal bleeding including the color, the
amount of bleeding, any associated symptoms and past medical history. A variety of
medications and food can mimic blood in the stool. Iron supplements and bismuth
(Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) can turn stool black, as can beets and licorice. Red food
coloring and beets can turn stool into a reddish hue. Patients who take blood thinners
(anticoagulation medications) are more prone to rectal bleeding. Examples of blood
thinners include warfarin (Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), aspirin and other
antiplatelet drugs including clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
Physical examination is important to assess the patient`s stability. Vital signs are
important and may include orthostatic vital signs, where the blood pressure and pulse rate
are taken both lying and standing. In a patient with reduced blood volume, the blood
pressure may fall, the pulse rate may rise, and the patient may become lightheaded and
weak when standing. Palpation of the abdomen is performed to look for tender areas,
masses or enlarged organs, especially the liver and spleen. Rectal examination is
performed by inserting a finger into the rectum, with the purpose of feeling for a mass or
other abnormality. The stool color and consistency may be examined when the finger is
withdrawn. The anus also may be examined. Blood tests may be considered if there is
concern about the amount of bleeding or other associated diseases. A complete blood
count (CBC) measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Blood clotting tests include PT (protime), INR (international normalized ratio) and PTT
(partial thromboplastin time). Depending upon the situation, other tests may be ordered to
measure electrolytes, and kidney and liver functions.
Most diseases which cause rectal bleeding are likely preventable, but it is not often
possible. Hemorrhoids can be avoided with proper diet and hydration to prevent
constipation and straining to pass stool, but normal pregnancy increases the risk of
hemorrhoid formation as does the patient with an acute diarrheal illness. Avoiding
constipation also decreases the risk of diverticulosis, outpouchings in the lining of the
colon, and the risk of a diverticular bleed but this may be a consequence of a Western
diet. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of rectal bleeding in a variety of ways, from
directly irritating the lining of the GI tract, to decreasing clotting capabilities of blood.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
17. Blood in the stool can originate anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
A. False
B. True
C. Not given
D. Sometimes true and sometimes false
1: C Most common in tropical areas but can also occur in temperate zones.
2: B CAR-T is considered more effective.
3: C may result in involuntary movements.
4: A For subjects with normal or subnormal hypertension, it can prevent or delay hypertension.
5: A Major significant differences were observed in 24-h, daytime and
nighttime SBP or DBP when using the conventional or custom-made pillow.
6: B The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed broad R waves.
7: A Bilateral stenosis.
8: C A patient may have normal renal function even if there is higher bilateral stenosis
9: D Hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels from inside.
10: B Women
11: C Untreatable high BP can be the cause of the renal artery stenosis.
12: B A clear idea of whether narrowing is significant to cause high BP or kidney dysfunction.
13: A Controlling the blood pressure.
14: D A & B
Text A
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about;
1 .Occurs in two different phases. Answer ________
2. All patterns are gradual. Answer_________
3. He believed that ME is more complicated. Answer___________
4. Controversy over the disease conditions. Answer__________
5 .No clear definition. Answer__________
6. Theory which suggests beginning of body weakening. Answer __________
7 .Causes a spike in symptoms and a massive energy crash. Answer___________
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the
texts. Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. Who thinks that ME is long lasting and ant it can be acquired extreme onset? Answer______
9 .Who defined onset as incurable? Answer_______
10. According to which principle, CFS involves a definite onset & clear evidence of infection?
Answer_____________
11. Who specified that the CFS symptoms must occur over a few hours or days, indicating an acute
onset? Answer ____________
12 .Who described that sudden onset for CFS as an unrecoverable viral-like illness? Answer__
13 .Whose statement signifies that the affected patient may go through a highly secretive and
detrimental beginning? Answer ___________
14 .Who described onset as more debilitating fatigue? Answer___________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the
texts. Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
16. ME may follow ___________ infections in patients with not-so-strong immune system
17 .CFS criteria are said to have much more similarity with respect to____________
18. CFS may comprise a___________ onset and strong evidence of infection when there are first
signs of symptoms.
19. The distinction is made between _____________ and insidious/gradual onset, but the duration
length prescribed to each category differs.
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals .
For questions 1-6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Questions 1-6
Gait disturbance
Gait disturbance is the most common problem after stroke. This problem is related
to poor ADL and mobility, and increases the risk of fall in severe cases. The body
alignment of stroke patients becomes asymmetric if they have a hemi-paralysis,
muscle weakness, motor and sensory function decrease. These problems produce a
hemiplegic gait in stroke patients. It may include poor equilibrium reaction, and
impaired selective motor control. Good body alignment is very important clinically
because asymmetry leads to inefficient energy during walking, the risk of
musculoskeletal injury in the unaffected side, and loss of bone density. Excessive
pelvic elevation and the pelvic tilt angle is directly connected to hemiplegic gait
and poor motor function in stroke patient causes an excessive pelvic tilt during gait
2. The notice is talking about;
A. Postoperative care.
B. functions of IV insulin
C. insulin dosage
IV Insulin Infusions
Patients that have required IV insulin infusions can be transitioned to subcutaneous
insulin once infusion rates are stable and glucose controlled, particularly if a diet has
been initiated. Because IV insulin has a very short half-life, the subcutaneous insulin
should be administered prior to discontinuation of IV insulin. The basal infusion rate
during fasting is a good predictor of basal subcutaneous insulin requirements, however,
providers often reduce the amount by 20% upon transition. For instance, if a patient
required 1.5 unit/hour of IV insulin overnight, this would suggest a basal need of
approximately 36 units of insulin daily. However, reducing this by 20% would result in a
starting basal dose of 30 units of insulin daily.
Molecule-altering technologies
The advent of molecule-altering technologies and improved synthetic methods has
led to the finding of newer proteins and peptides that resemble human proteins and
peptides. Although, capable of producing potential therapeutic benefits, protein
molecules have serious biopharmaceutical concerns such as, poor shelf- life, rapid
degradation in the physiological environment, poor solubility, immunogenicity and
antigenicity. These concerns can be overcome by utilizing the beneficial properties of
polyethylene glycols and PEGylation. ‘PEGylation’ is the process of chemical attachment
of PEG to bioactive proteins and peptides, to modify their pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic properties.
4. The notice is talking about;
A. when to perform the exercise
B. best exercise timing
C. benefits of exercise
Zidovudine
Nausea is another common side effect that may be present in early zidovudine use.
Other side effects of zidovudine may include granulocytopenia, myopathy, lactic
acidosis, hepatomegaly with steatosis, headache. Myopathy may occur within 6-12
months of initiating zidovudine, and has an insidious onset that involves proximal
muscle weakness and exercise-induced myalgias. The mechanism of myopathy is
believed to be mitochondrial toxicity within myocytes. Zidovudine should be used
with caution in patients who have anemia (hemoglobin less than 9.5
grams/deciliter). Reduction of hemoglobin may occur as early as 2 to 4 weeks.
Severe anemia may require dose adjustment, discontinuation, and/or blood
transfusions. Doses should be reduced until bone marrow recovers if the anemia is
significant (hemoglobin less than 7.5 grams/deciliter or reduction of greater than
25% of baseline).
6. The table
A. doesnt show a much significant difference in gentamicin doses between two groups
of patients
B. Use of gentamicin dose is significantly lower
C. Dose of 2 mg/kg is higher in noncritically ill patients.
There are many things which can be done to prevent the infection or the spread of
the infection: Avoid eating raw or undercooked pork. Consume only pasteurized milk or
milk products. Wash hands with soap and water before eating and preparing food, after
contact with animals, and after handling raw meat. After handling raw chitterlings,
clean hands and fingernails scrupulously with soap and water before touching
infants or their toys, bottles, or pacifiers. Someone other than the food handler
should care for children while chitterlings are being prepared. Prevent
crosscontamination in the kitchen - use separate cutting boards for meat and other foods,
carefully clean all cutting boards, counter-tops, and utensils with soap and hot
water after preparing raw meat. Dispose of animal feces in a sanitary manner.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
10. One of the following is not a common form of transmission of the parasite;
A. Contaminated unpasteurized milk
B. Blood transfusion
C. Raw or undercooked pork products
D. After contact with infected animals
An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses
magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures.
The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is
placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a
strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then
exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and
they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI
scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is
produced. The image and resolution produced by MRI are quite detailed and can
detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast
agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.
All metallic objects on the body are removed prior to obtaining an MRI scan.
Occasionally, patients will be given a sedative medication to decrease anxiety and
relax the patient during the MRI scan. MRI scanning requires that the patient lies
still for best accuracy; patients lie within a closed environment inside the magnetic
machine. Relaxation is important during the procedure and patients are asked to
breathe normally. Interaction with the MRI technologist is maintained throughout
the test and there are loud, repetitive clicking noises which occur during the test as
the scanning proceeds. Occasionally, patients require injections of liquid
intravenously to enhance the images which are obtained. The MRI scanning time
depends on the exact area of the body studied, but ranges from half an hour to an
hour and a half.
After the MRI scanning is completed, the computer generates visual images of the
area of the body that was scanned. These images can be transferred to film (hard
copy). A radiologist is a physician who is specially trained to interpret images of
the body. The interpretation is transmitted in the form of a report to the practitioner
who requested the MRI scan. The practitioner can then discuss the results with the
patient and/or family.
Text 2: Questions 15-22
1: A hemiplegic gait may include body asymmetry, decreased weight bearing on the affected side.
2: Postoperative care.
3: has flared up more concerns.
4: best exercise timing
5: Lead to fatty change
6: Use of gentamicin dose is significantly lower
7: Children
8: 1-3 weeks
9 : Y. pestis
10: Blood transfusion
11: How common the infection of Y. enterocolitica is
12: A & B
13: None
14: Washing hands with soap before touching infants or their toys is vital
15: Only when the information, detected by the receiver is processed by a computer.
16 : Dense
17: All
18: All
19: Risks of an MRI scan.
20: A & B
21: How a patient prepares for an MRI scan and how it is performed.
22: All of the above.
READING TEST 29
READING SUB-TEST : PART A
Look at the four texts, A-D, in the separate Text Booklet.
For each question, 1-20, look through the texts, A-D, to find the relevant information.
Write your answers on the spaces provided in this Question Paper.
Answer all the questions within the 15-minute time limit.
Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Text A
Clinical Manifestations
A major problem associated with recognizing DVT is that the signs and symptoms are
nonspecific.
Edema: With obstruction of the deep veins comes edema and swelling of the extremity
because the outflow of venous blood is inhibited Phlegmasiaceruleadolens: Also called
massive iliofemoral venous thrombosis, the entire extremity becomes massively swollen,
tense, painful, and cool to the touch.Tenderness: Tenderness, which usually occurs later, is
produced by inflammation of the vein wall and can be detected by gently palpating the
affected extremity.
Pulmonary embolus: In some cases, signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolus are the
first indication of DVT
Medical Management
The objectives for treatment of DVT are to prevent thrombus from growing and
fragmenting, recurrent thromboemboli, and post thrombotic syndrome.
Endovascular management; Endovascular management is necessary for DVT when
anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated, the danger of pulmonary
embolism is extreme, or venous drainage is so severely compromised that permanent
damage to the extremity is likely.
Vena cava filter: A vena cava filter may be placed at the time of thrombectomy;
this filter traps late emboli and prevents pulmonary emboli.
Discharge and Home
Care Guidelines The nurse must also promote discharge and home care to the patient.
Text C
Heparin (Rx)
Strengt Route of Recommende FIRST PTT
Drug
h Administration d dosage CHECK
80 units/kg IV bolus,
THEN continuous
infusion of 18
units/kg/hr,
1unit/mL OR
2units/mL 5000 units IV bolus, 6 hours after
10units/mL Sc/IV THEN continuous starting
100units/m infusion of 1300 infusion
L units/hr, OR
250 units/kg
(alternatively, 17,500
units) SC, THEN 250
units/kg q12hr
Drug education: The nurse should teach about the prescribed anticoagulant, its
purpose, and the need to take the correct amount at the specific times prescribed.
Blood tests: The patient should be aware that periodic blood tests are necessary to
determine if a change in medication or dosage is required.
Avoid alcohol: A person who refuses to discontinue the use of alcohol should not
receive anticoagulants because chronic alcohol intake decreases their effectiveness.
Activity: Explain the importance of elevating the legs and exercising adequately.
Text D
Nursing Interventions
The major nursing interventions that the nurse should observe are:
Provide comfort; Elevation of the affected extremity, graduated compression
stockings, warm application, and ambulation are adjuncts to the therapy that can
remove or reduce discomfort.
Positioning and exercise: When patient is on bed rest, the feet and lower legs
should be elevated periodically above the level of the heart, and active and passive
leg exercises should be performed to increase venous flow.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from. You
may use any letter more than once
Questions 8-14
Answer each questions, 8-4, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, number or the both. Your answers should be correctly spelled.
Complete each of the sentences, 15- 20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, number or both. Your answers should be correctly spelled
15. A major problem is associated with recognizing DVT is that the signs and symptoms are……
16.Tenderness which usually occurs later is produced by……………….of the vein wall
17.In some cases, signs and symptoms of a…………are the first indication.
20.The patient should be aware of periodic blood tests which are necessary to determine if a change
in…………………or dosage is required.
Questions 1-6
The PMDD is a protective Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care which is available from
the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. In the PMDD the signer
names a trusted person to make health care decisions in the event that the signer is
temporarily or permanently unable to make such decisions.
The PMDD, which specifically prohibits assisted suicide and euthanasia, is available in a Multi-
State version for use in most states. It is also available in statespecific versions for states
where particular requirements make a state-specific version necessary.
2. The paragraph is giving information about;
a. Types of bronchodilators
b. Uses of bronchodilators
c. Definition of bronchodilator
Bronchodilator
A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing
resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs.
Bronchodilators may be endogenous (originating naturally within the body), or they may be
medications administered for the treatment of breathing difficulties.
They are most useful in obstructive lung diseases, of which asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease are the most common conditions. Although this remains somewhat
controversial, they might be useful in bronchiolitis and bronchiectasis. They are often
prescribed but of unproven significance in restrictive lung diseases.
Neonates, infants who are exposed to stressors or chilling (e.g., from undergoing numerous
procedures), and infants who have an underlying condition that interferes with
thermoregulation (e.g., prematurity) are highly susceptible to heat loss. Therefore, radiant
warmers are used for infants who have trouble maintaining body temperature. In addition,
use of a radiant warmer minimizes the oxygen and calories that the infant would expend to
maintain body temperature, thereby minimizing the effects of body temperature changes on
metabolic activity. An overhead radiant warmer warms the air to provide a neutral thermal
environment, one that is neither too warm nor too cool for the patient. The incubator
temperature is adjusted to maintain and anterior abdominal skin temperature of 36.5C
(97.7F), but at least 36C (96.8F), using servocontrol (automatic thermostat)
5. What should be done if the patient is not able to maintain flat position till the end of
Doppler ultrasound?
a. Elevate the legs of patient
b. Provide flat position according to patients comfort and document the position given
c. Educate the patient regarding the importance of maintaining flat position throughout the
procedure
To ALL staff
Subj: PROCEDURE FOR VASCULAR ASSESSMENT BY DOPPLER ULTRASOUND
The procedure should be explained to the patient and informed and understood
consent gained. Although it is not invasive it can be uncomfortable and for some
painful because the blood pressure cuff may squeeze the leg over existing
ulceration and/or oedema. Patients need to know what to expect so they can stop
the nurse from continuing should the pain become unbearable. This information
and patient’s comments on the procedure must be recorded in the patient health
record. Before carrying out the procedure the patient should rest for 10 to 20
minutes (Carter 1969 et al). The emphasis is upon obtaining the resting systolic
pressure. Time should be allowed within the nursing schedule for the patient to be
rested. The patient should also lie flat in order to minimize hydrostatic pressure
variables (Vowden and Vowden 2001). However, many patients will not be able to
lie flat and for some having their legs elevated is difficult e.g. in the case of
patients with breathing problems or arthritis. In these cases lie the patients as flat as
comfortably tolerated and/or with legs elevated as much as possible. The patient’s position
should be documented. This will contribute to consistency for future
readings and put the ABPI within a context which relates to patient positioning.
6.Antibiotics
a. Are used to treat viral infections.
b. Act by killing bacteria.
c. Are used to treat common cold or influenza.
Antibiotic
There's no specific treatment for yellow fever. But getting a yellow fever vaccine before
travelling to an area in which the virus is known to exist can protect you from the disease.
During the first three to six days after you've contracted yellow fever — the incubation
period — you won't experience any signs or symptoms.
After this, the virus enters an acute phase and then, in some cases, a toxic phase that can
be life threatening.
Once the yellow fever virus enters the acute phase, you may experience signs and
symptoms including: Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, particularly in your back and knees,
Nausea, vomiting or both, Loss of appetite, Dizziness, Red eyes, face or tongue These signs
and symptoms usually improve and are gone within several days.
Although signs and symptoms may disappear for a day or two following the acute phase,
some people with acute yellow fever then enter a toxic phase. During the toxic phase,
acute signs and symptoms return and more-severe and life-threatening ones also appear.
These can include: Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice),
Abdominal pain and vomiting, sometimes of blood, Decreased urination, Bleeding from
your nose, mouth and eyes, Heart dysfunction (arrhythmia), Liver and kidney failure, Brain
dysfunction, including delirium, seizures and coma. The toxic phase of yellow fever can be
fatal.
Make an appointment to see your doctor four to six weeks before travelling to an area in
which yellow fever is known to occur. If you don't have that much time to prepare, call
your doctor anyway. Your doctor will help you determine whether you need vaccinations
and can provide general guidance on protecting your health while abroad.
Seek emergency medical care if you've recently travelled to a region where yellow fever is
known to occur and you develop severe signs or symptoms of the disease. If you develop
mild symptoms, call your doctor.
Yellow fever is caused by a virus that is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
These mosquitoes thrive in and near human habitations where they breed in even the
cleanest water. Most cases of yellow fever occur in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South
America.
Humans and monkeys are most commonly infected with the yellow fever virus.
Mosquitoes transmit the virus back and forth between monkeys, humans or both.
When a mosquito bites a human or monkey infected with yellow fever, the virus
enters the mosquito's bloodstream and circulates before settling in the salivary glands.
When the infected mosquito bites another monkey or human, the virus then enters the
host's bloodstream, where it may cause illness.
You may be at risk of the disease if you travel to an area where mosquitoes continue to
carry the yellow fever virus. These areas include sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South
America. Even if there aren't current reports of infected humans in these areas, it doesn't
mean you're risk-free. It's possible that local populations have been vaccinated and are
protected from the disease, or that cases of yellow fever just haven't been detected and
officially reported. If you're planning on travelling to these areas, you can protect yourself
by getting a yellow fever vaccine at least 10 to 14 days before travelling. Anyone can be
infected with the yellow fever virus, but older adults are at greater risk of getting seriously
ill.
Diagnosing yellow fever based on signs and symptoms can be difficult because early in its
course, the infection can be easily confused with malaria, typhoid, dengue fever and other
viral hemorrhagic fevers.
If you have yellow fever, your blood may reveal the virus itself. If not, blood tests
known as enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) also can detect antigens and antibodies specific to the virus. Results
of these tests may not be available for several days.
13.Taking vaccine …………… days before travelling to areas where the disease is common is
recommended
A. 10 days
B. 12 days
C .14 days
D. 10-14 days
14. “It does not mean you are risk free in paragraph 8 refers to?
A. there is a greater chance of infection in some areas even though there is no recent report of
infection
B. even thought there are no current reported cases of yellow fever in some areas, there is still a
risk of getting injection
C. it is always recommended to take vaccines before travelling to Africa and South America
D. local population is not affected by yellow fever because of vaccination
Text 2: Aortic Dissection or Dissecting Aneurysm
Aortic dissection symptoms may be similar to those of other heart problems, such
as a heart attack. Typical signs and symptoms include: Sudden severe chest or
upper back pain (often described as a tearing, ripping or shearing sensation, that
radiates to the neck or down the back), Loss of consciousness (fainting), Shortness
of breath, Sweating, Weak pulse in one arm compared to the other etc.
If you have signs or symptoms such as severe chest pain, fainting, sudden onset of
shortness of breath or symptoms of a stroke then taking medical assistance is of
preliminary importance. While experiencing such symptoms doesn't always mean
that you have a serious problem, it's best to get checked out quickly. Early
detection and treatment may help save your life.
An aortic dissection occurs in a weakened area of the aortic wall. Chronic high blood
pressure may stress the aortic tissue, making it more susceptible to tearing.
You can also be born with a condition associated with a weakened and enlarged aorta,
such as Marfan syndrome or bicuspid aortic valve. Rarely, aortic dissections may be caused
by traumatic injury to the chest area, such as during motor vehicle accidents.
Aortic dissections are divided into two groups, depending on which part of the aorta is
affected:
Type A: This is the more common and dangerous type of aortic dissection. It
involves a tear in the part of the aorta just where it exits the heart or a tear extending
from the upper to lower parts of the aorta, which may extend into the abdomen.
Type B: This type involves a tear in the lower aorta only “ which” may also extend into the
abdomen.
Risk factors for aortic dissection include: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension),
found in at least two-thirds of all cases Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
Weakened and bulging artery (pre-existing aortic aneurysm) An aortic valve defect
(bicuspid aortic valve) A narrowing of the aorta you're born with (aortic coarctation)
People with certain genetic diseases are more likely to have an aortic dissection than are
people in the general population.
These include: Turner's syndrome. High blood pressure, heart problems and a
number of other health conditions may result from this disorder.
Marfan syndrome; This is a condition in which connective tissue, which supports various
structures in the body, is weak. People with this disorder often have a family history of
aneurysms of the aorta and other blood vessels. These weak blood vessels are prone to
tears (dissection) and rupture easily.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; This group of connective tissue disorders is characterized
by skin that bruises or tears easily, loose joints and fragile blood vessels.
Loeys-Dietz syndrome; This is a connective tissue disorder marked by twisted arteries,
especially in the neck. People who have Loeys-Dietz syndrome are thought to be at risk for
developing aortic dissections and aneurysms.
An aortic dissection can lead to death, due to severe internal bleeding, including into the
lining around the heart (pericardial sac), Organ damage, such as kidney failure or life-
threatening damage to the intestines, Stroke, possibly including paralysis, Aortic valve
damage, such as causing the aortic valve to leak (aortic regurgitation)
Detecting an aortic dissection can be tricky because the symptoms are similar to those of a
variety of health problems. Doctors often suspect an aortic dissection if the following signs
and symptoms are present: Sudden tearing or ripping chest pain, Widening of the aorta on
chest X-ray, Blood pressure difference between right and left arms.
Text 2: Questions 15 to 22
1. A
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. B
15. B
16. A
17. C
18. D
19. A
20. D
21. A
22. D
READING TEST 30
READING SUB-TEST : PART A
Look at the four texts, A-D, in the separate Text Booklet.
For each question, 1-20, look through the texts, A-D, to find the relevant information.
Write your answers on the spaces provided in this Question Paper.
Answer all the questions within the 15-minute time limit.
Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Text A
Hemophilia results from mutations at the factor VIII or IX loci on the X chromosome and
each occurs in mild, moderate, and severe forms.
A similar level of deficiency of factor VIII or IX results in clinically indistinguishable disease
because the end result is deficient activation of factor X by the factor Xase complex
(FVIIIa/FIXa/calcium and phospholipid).
Hemophilia A is an X-linked, recessive disorder caused by the deficiency of
functional plasma clotting factor VIII (FVIII), which may be inherited or arise
from spontaneous mutation.
Hemophilia B, or Christmas disease, is an inherited, X-linked, recessive disorder
that results in the deficiency of functional plasma coagulation factor IX.
Text B
Hemophilia A
Primary sites of factor VIII (FVIII) production are thought to be the vascular endothelium
in the liver and the reticuloendothelial system.
FVIII deficiency, dysfunctional FVIII, or FVIII inhibitors lead to the disruption of the normal
intrinsic coagulation cascade, resulting in excessive hemorrhage in response to trauma
and, in severe cases, spontaneous hemorrhage.
Human synovial cells synthesize high levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor,
resulting in a higher degree of factor Xa (FXa) inhibition, which predisposes
hemophilic joints to bleed.
This effect may also account for the dramatic response of activated factor VII (FVIIa)
infusions in patients with acute hemarthroses and FVIII inhibitors.
Bleeding into a joint may lead to synovial inflammation, which predisposes the joint to
further bleeds; a joint that has had repeated bleeds (by one definition, at least 4 bleeds
within a 6-month period) is termed a target joint.
Approximately 30% of patients with severe hemophilia A develop alloantibody inhibitors
Hemophilia B
Factor IX deficiency, dysfunctional factor IX , or factor IX inhibitors lead to
disruption of the normal intrinsic coagulation cascade, resulting in spontaneous
hemorrhage and/or excessive hemorrhage in response to trauma.
Hemorrhage sites include joints (eg, knee, elbow), muscles, central nervous system
(CNS), GI system, genitourinary (GU) system, pulmonary system, and cardiovascular
system.
Factor IX, a vitamin K–dependent single-chain glycoprotein, is synthesized first by
the hepatocyte; the precursor protein undergoes extensive posttranslational
modification before being secreted into the blood.
The intrinsic system is initiated when factor XII is activated by contact with
damaged endothelium.
In the extrinsic system, the conversion of factor X to factor Xa involves tissue
factor (TF), or thromboplastin; factor VII; and calcium ions.
FVIII and FIX circulate in an inactive form; when activated, these 2 factors
cooperate to cleave and activate factor X, a key enzyme that controls the
conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.
Therefore, the lack of either of these factors may significantly impair clot
formation and, as a consequence, result in clinical bleeding.
Medical Management
The treatment of hemophilia may involve prophylaxis, management of bleeding
episodes, treatment of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors, and treatment and
rehabilitation of hemophilia synovitis.
Ryan White was an American hemophiliac who was infected with HIV from a
contaminated blood treatment (factor VIII).
Prehospital care. Rapid transport to definitive care is the mainstay of prehospital
care; prehospital care providers should apply aggressive hemostatic techniques,
assist patients capable of self-administered factor therapy, and gather focused
historical data if the patient is unable to communicate.
Emergency department care. Use aggressive hemostatic techniques; correct
coagulopathy immediately; include a diagnostic workup for hemorrhage, but never
delay indicated coagulation correction pending diagnostic testing; acute joint
bleeding and expanding, large hematomas require adequate factor replacement for
a prolonged period until the bleed begins to resolve, as evidenced by clinical
and/or objective methods; life-threatening bleeding episodes are generally initially
treated with FVIII levels of approximately 100%, until the clinicalsituation
warrants a gradual reduction in dosage.
Factor VIII and FIX concentrates. Various FVIII and FIX concentrates are
available to treat hemophilia A and B; besides improved hemostasis, continuous
infusion decreases the amount of factor used, which can result in significant
savings; obtain factor level assays daily before each infusion to establish a stable
pattern of replacement regarding the dose and frequency of administration.
Desmopressin.Desmopressin vasopressin analog, or 1-deamino-8-D-arginine
vasopressin (DDAVP), is considered the treatment of choice for mild and moderate
hemophilia A; DDAVP stimulates a transient increase in plasma FVIII levels;
DDAVP may result in sufficient hemostasis to stop a bleeding episode or to
prepare patients for dental and minor surgical procedures.
Management of bleeding Immobilization of the affected limb and the application
of ice packs are helpful in diminishing swelling and pain; early infusion upon the
recognition of initial symptoms of a joint bleed may often eliminate the need for a
second infusion by preventing the inflammatory reaction in the joint; prompt and
adequate replacement therapy is the key to preventing long-term complications.
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
3. The information regarding frequency of bleeding sites in factor XIII deficiency. …………
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
10.What is initiated when factor XII comes in contact with damaged endothelium?……………
12.Which is the least bleeding site in factor VIII deficiency cases? ………………….
13.What is the treatment of choice for mild and moderate hemophilia A? ……………
14.Which is the most common factor deficiency disorder around the globe?……………………..
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
18. The incidence of hemophilia B is predicted to be nearly, one case per………………. births.
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals .
For questions 1-6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Questions 1-6
Elements of malpractice
To prove malpractice, all 4 of the following elements must be proven by the
plaintiff: the nurse had a duty to the patient, the nurse breached the duty, a patient
injury occurred, and there was a causal relationship between the breach of duty and
the patient injury (Reising, 2012). Therefore, in determining if malpractice has
occurred, these 4 elements must be carefully considered. First, did the nurse have a
duty to the patient? This means that the nurse was actively engaged in providing
nursing care to the patient. Second, was there a breach of that duty? In other words,
did the nurse commit an act or omission in the act of taking care of the patient and
did that act or omission result in harm to the patient. The third element is
“proximate cause.” The question here is whether the action or omission caused any
harm to the patient. If the action did not result in harm or injury, there was no
malpractice. Finally, the fourth element is damage. What harm occurred as a result
of the action of omission during the delivery of nursing care? A nurse might have a
duty to a patient and commit an action or omission during the course of nursing
care, and it might not constitute malpractice if the action or omission did not result
in harm to the patient.
2. Nasal cannula
A. Is an air delivering device for the patients
B. In a disposable plastic device, used for patients with oxygen insufficiency
C. can be used easily at home and disrupt the eating and speaking of the patient
Nasal Cannula
A variety of devices are available for delivering oxygen to the patient. Each has a
specific function and oxygen concentration. Device selection is based on the
patient’s condition and oxygen needs. A nasal cannula, also called nasal prongs, is
the most commonly used oxygen delivery device. The cannula is a disposable
plastic device with two protruding prongs for insertion into the nostrils. The
cannula connects to an oxygen source with a flow meter and, many times, a
humidifier. It is commonly used because the cannula does not impede eating or
speaking and is used easily in the home. Disadvantages of this system are that it
can be dislodged easily and can cause dryness of the nasal mucosa. A nasal
cannula is used to deliver from 1 L/minute to 6 L/minute of oxygen. Table 14-1
compares amounts of delivered oxygen for these flow rates.
3. An expressed consent to be taken during certain situations except;
A. when there is no risk involved in the treatment.
B . surgical operations and invasive procedures.
C. administration of high risk drugs.
Expressed Consent
An express consent is one the terms of which are stated in distinct and explicit
language. It may be oral or written. For the majority of relatively minor examinations or
therapeutic procedures, oral consent is employed but this should preferably be obtained
in the presence of a disinterested party. Oral consent, where properly witnessed, is as
valid as written consent, but the latter has the advantage of easy proof and permanent
form. It should be obtained when the treatment is likely to be more than mildly painful,
when it carries appreciable risk, or when it will result in diminishing of a bodily function.
Consent may be confirmed and validated adequately by means of a suitable
contemporaneous notation by the treating physician in the patient’s record.
Expressed consent in written form should be obtained for surgical operations and
invasive investigative procedures. It is prudent to obtain written consent, also where
never analgesic, narcotic or anesthetic agents will significantly affect the patient’s level of
consciousness during the treatment.
4. Irrational use of medicines is a major global problem because?
A. Medicine are over used by 50% of all patients
B. inappropriate use of medicine results in destruction of insufficient resources and
prevalent health hazards.
C. Injections are over used instead of oral formulations to treat non-bacterial infections.
To :All staff
SEROTONIN
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Addison's disease symptoms usually develop slowly, often over several months,
and may include: muscle weakness and fatigue, weight loss and decreased appetite,
darkening of skin (hyperpigmentation), low blood pressure (even fainting), salt
cravings, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, muscle or
joint pains etc. Sometimes, however, the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease
may appear suddenly. In acute adrenal failure (addisonian crisis), the signs and
symptoms may also include: pain in your lower back, abdomen or legs, severe
vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration, low blood pressure and loss of
consciousness.
Your adrenal glands are composed of two sections: the interior (medulla) produces
adrenaline-like hormones; the outer layer (cortex) produces a group of hormones
called corticosteroids, which include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and male
sex hormones (androgens).
Some of the hormones the cortex produces are essential for life (glucocorticoids
and mineralocorticoids). Glucocorticoids: These hormones, which include cortisol,
influence your body's ability to convert food fuels into energy, play a role in your
immune system's inflammatory response and help your body respond to stress.
Mineralocorticoids: These hormones, which include aldosterone, maintain your
body's balance of sodium and potassium to keep your blood pressure normal.
Androgens, male sex hormones, are produced in small amounts by the adrenal
glands in both men and women. They cause sexual development in men and
influence muscle mass, libido and a sense of well-being in men and women.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has been around for a long time; meat packers began complaining
of pain and loss of hand function in the 1860s. Back then, these complaints were largely
attributed to poor circulation. The nature of work has changed over the years; today, more
jobs are highly specialized and require use of only a small number of muscles repeatedly.
With the growing numbers of people using computers and keyboards, plus the focus on
better health-care for workers, carpal tunnel syndrome is of real concern to both employers
and health-care professionals.
Recent studies have shown that carpal tunnel syndrome, like all other cumulative trauma
disorders, is on the rise while other workplace injuries have leveled off.
Many companies are turning to physical therapists for help with designing and
implementing health promotion and injury prevention programs to protect their employees
from CTS.
People with CTS usually experience feelings of numbness, weakness, tingling, and
burning in their fingers and hands. If not treated, the symptoms may escalate into
acute, persistent pain. CTS can become so crippling that people can no longer do
their work or even perform simple tasks at home. At its most extreme, carpal
tunnel syndrome forces people to undergo surgery and miss many days of work, or
prevents them from working at all because their hand functions are permanently impaired.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in men and women of all ages, and is often found
in workers whose tasks require repeating the same motion in the fingers and hand
for long periods of time. CTS has surfaced among meat packers, assembly line
workers, jackhammer operators, and employees who spend hours working at a
computer or typewriter. Carpal tunnel syndrome shows up in athletes as well as
homemakers.
The U.S. Department of Labor has cited carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as other
cumulative trauma disorders, as the cause of 48 percent of all industrial workplace
illnesses. The disease affects more than five million Americans.
Physical therapists can target and correct poor work habits and improper work
designs, such as tools, furniture, equipment, and work space. They also can assess
the risk potential of an individual and determine if that person is physically
unsuited for a particular job. Among their many responsibilities, physical therapists
teach health awareness and job safety.
A typical education program includes exercises employees can do at work and at
home, adjustments to the overall work environment and individual work stations,
plus early detection of symptoms to avoid painful and costly surgery.
Physical therapists also work with employers and their engineering departments to
design and modify the work environment, helping to remove the causal factors of
CTS. If anyone has symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome then consulting a
physical therapist or other qualified health care practitioner for an evaluation and
individualized treatment is always recommended
Part C -Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. According to the passage, CTS
A. is a cumulative trauma disorder
B. is caused due to weakness in musculoskeletal system
C. occurs due to weakness in ligaments between joints
D. all of the above
15. A
16. D
17. B
18. C
19. A
20. B
21. B
22. A
READING TEST 31
READING SUB-TEST : PART A
Look at the four texts, A-D, in the separate Text Booklet.
For each question, 1-20, look through the texts, A-D, to find the relevant information.
Write your answers on the spaces provided in this Question Paper.
Answer all the questions within the 15-minute time limit.
Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Text A
Treatment overview
Although a diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on the results of your bone mineral
density scan (DEXA or DXA scan), the decision about what treatment you need, if
any, is also based on a number of other factors. These include your:
age
sex
risk of fracture
previous injury history
If you've been diagnosed with osteoporosis because you've had a fracture, you
should still receive treatment to try to reduce your risk of further fractures.
You may not need or want to take medication to treat osteoporosis. However, you
should ensure you're maintaining sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D. To
achieve this, your healthcare team will ask you about your diet and may
recommend making changes or taking supplements.
You should always take bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with a full glass of
water. Stand or sit upright for 30 minutes after taking them. You'll also need to
wait between 30 minutes and 2 hours before eating food or drinking any other
fluids. Bisphosphonates usually take 6 to 12 months to work, and you may need to
take them for 5 years or longer. You may also be prescribed calcium and vitamin D
supplements to take at a different time to the bisphosphonate.
The main side effects associated with bisphosphonates include: irritation to the oesophagus
(the tube that food passes through from the mouth to the stomach) swallowing problems
(dysphagia) ,stomach pain. Not everyone will experience these side effects.
Raloxifene is the only type of SERM available for treating osteoporosis. It's taken as a daily
tablet.
Side effects associated with raloxifene include:hot flushes, leg cramps a potential increased
risk of blood clots
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-4, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, number of the both. Your answers should be correctly spelled.
Complete each of the sentences, 15- 20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, number or both. Your answers should be correctly spelled
18. Hot flushes, leg cramps and blood clots are the side effects of………………….
19. …………………….million osteoporotic fractures are noted with the aging of population every year.
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals .
For questions 1-6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text. Write
your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Questions 1-6
CORTICOSTEROIDS
Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal
cortex of vertebrates, as well as the synthetic analogues of these hormones. Two
main classes of corticosteroids, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, are
involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including stress response,
immune response, and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism,
protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior
RESTRAINT
A restraint is any manual method, physical or mechanical device, material or equipment that
immobilizes or reduces the ability of a patient to move his/her arms, legs, body or head
freely (e.g. –Safe keeper bed, Posey bed, safety mitt, locked belt, or soft limb restraint); or a
restraint is a drug or medication when it is used as a restriction to manage the patient’s
behavior or restrict the patient’s freedom of movement and is not standard treatment or
dosage for the patient’s condition A restraint does not include devices, such as
orthopedically prescribed devices, surgical dressings or bandages, protective helmets, or
other methods that involve the physical holding of a patient for the purpose of conducting
routine physical examinations or tests, or to protect the patient from falling out of bed, or
to permit the patient to participate in activities without the risk of physical harm.
5. The purpose of this email is to
a. Report on how the confidential information is accessed in health care system
b. The importance of considering the security of patient documentation in any circumstances
c. Remind staff about the unimportance of maintaining confidentiality
To All Staffs
Subject: DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES
ANALGESICS
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a build-up of scar tissue in the lungs. This
scar tissue damages the lungs and makes it hard for oxygen to get in. Not getting
enough oxygen to the body can cause serious health problems and even death.
“Idiopathic” is the term used when no cause for the scarring can be found; in
these cases, doctors think the scarring starts by something that injures the lung.
Scar tissue builds up as the lungs try to repair the injury and, in time, so much
scarring forms that patients have problems breathing.
IPF usually worsens over time. However, while some patients get sick quickly,
Reading Test 3 others may not feel sick for years. Unfortunately, there is no cure
for IPF, but there are treatments that may be able to slow down the lung scarring.
Understanding the condition will go a long way to help you cope with the effects it
has on your body.
The two major symptoms of IPF are shortness of breath and a persistent cough.
Other symptoms may include:
Fatigue and weakness
Chest pain or tightness in the chest
Loss of appetite
Rapid weight loss
The causes of IPF are unknown. There are other conditions that cause lung scarring; the
lung scarring that is the result of other conditions is often called “p ulmonary fibrosis”, but
should be called by the name of the cause.
These other causes include the following:
Medicines, such as those used for certain heart conditions
Breathing in mineral dusts, such as asbestos or silica
Allergies or overexposure to dusts, animals, or molds (There are many names for this
condition, such as “bird breeder’s lung,” “farmer’s lung,” or “humidifier lung.” These
conditions are all called hypersensitivity pneumonitis).
Five million people worldwide have IPF, and it is estimated that up to 200,000
people in the United States have this condition. It usually occurs in adults between
40 and 90 years of age and it is seen more often in men than in women. Although
rare, IPF can sometimes run in families.
Patients who have any symptoms of IPF should see a pulmonologist to rule out
similar conditions. The doctor will take a number of tests, including:
Breathing tests: to measure how well your lungs are working.
CT scan: to get a detailed image of your lungs, and to see if scarringhas started.
Blood tests: to see if you have an infection, problems with your immune system, or to
see how much oxygen is in your blood.
Bronchoscopy: to test a small sample of lung tissue. A tube is inserted through the nose
or mouth into the lung; a light on the end of the tube lets the doctor see where to go.
The doctor then takes a small piece of lung tissue to be tested (this is called a biopsy).
You usually do not need to stay overnight in the hospital to have this done.
Thoracoscopic biopsy: to obtain larger tissue samples. This is a surgical procedure in
which small incisions are made in between the ribs. It usually requires a hospital stay
and general anesthesia.
Treatment: Once lung scarring forms, it cannot be removed surgically and there are
currently no medications that remove lung scarring. However, there are treatments,
such as the ones that follow, that may be able to help.
Smoking Cessation: Cigarette smoke not only damages the lining of the lungs, it
can also make you more likely to get a lung infection. While some studies suggest
that patients with IPF who smoke actually live longer, these studies are not
accepted by everyone, and most experts agree that you should stop smoking.
Supplemental oxygen: As lung scarring gets worse, many patients need extra
oxygen to help them go about their daily lives without getting too out of breath.
You get this oxygen from a tank that you carry around with you and, in later stages
of IPF, oxygen may be needed even while sleeping or resting. Oxygen is not
addictive, so you do not have to worry about using it too much. To help maintain
your oxygen levels, ask your doctor about a small, easy-to-use device called a
pulse oximeter. This device helps you to know just how much oxygen-flow you
require, especially during activity.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help patients with IPF. Staying in shape not only
keeps your breathing muscles strong, it also gives you more energy. This is
because healthy muscles need less oxygen to perform work.
Nutrition Many patients with IPF lose weight because of their disease. If you lose
too much weight, your breathing muscles can become weak. You also may not be
able to fight off infections very well. A well-balanced diet is important to keep up
your strength. Be wary of supplements and other nutrition treatments that claim to
improve IPF.
Part C -Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. In IPF, patients
A. will have lung cancer
B. will have difficulty in inhalation or exhalation
C. will find it difficult to move
D. require less oxygen
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is normally located in the
lower front of the neck. The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormones, which are
secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. The thyroid
hormone helps the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and
other organs working as they should.
The term hyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which there are too many
thyroid hormones produced in the body. In other words, the thyroid gland is
overactive and working too hard. Another term that you might hear being used to
describe the problem is thyrotoxicosis, which refers to high thyroid hormone levels
in the blood stream, irrespective of their source.
The thyroid hormone plays a significant role in the pace of many processes in the
body; these processes are called your metabolism. If there is too much thyroid
hormone being produced, every function of the body tends to speed up. It is not
surprising then that some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are: nervousness,
irritability, increased perspiration, heart racing, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty
sleeping, thinning of your skin, fine brittle hair and weakness in your muscles—
especially in the upper arms and thighs.
You may have more frequent bowel movements, but diarrhea is uncommon. You
may lose weight despite a good appetite and, for women, menstrual flow may
lighten and menstrual periods may occur less often. Since hyperthyroidism
increases your metabolism, many individuals initially have a lot of energy.
However, as the hyperthyroidism continues, the body tends to break down, so
feeling tired is very common.
Hyperthyroidism usually begins quite slowly but in some young patients these
changes can be very abrupt. At first, the symptoms may be mistaken for simple
nervousness due to stress. If you have been trying to lose weight by dieting, you
may be pleased with your success until the hyperthyroidism, which has quickened
the weight loss, causes other problems.
The most common cause (in more than 70% of people) is an overproduction of the
thyroid hormone by the entire thyroid gland. This condition is also known as
Graves’disease.Graves’diseaseiscausedbyantibodiesinthebloodthatturnon
the thyroid and cause it to grow and secrete too much thyroid hormone. This type
of hyperthyroidism tends to run in families and it occurs more often in young
women. Little is known about why specific individuals get this disease.
16. In thyrotoxicosis
A. the thyroid gland is inactive
B. the thyroid gland is less active
C. the thyroid gland produces a greater amount of hormones then necessary
D. none of the above
20. According to the information given, “Grave’s disease” occurs more commonly in
A. men
B. women
C. children
D. adult women
21. In hyperthyroidism, the level of thyroid hormones is
A. considerably higher
B. very low
C. much higher
D. normal
8. osteoporosis
9. testosterone , estrogen
10.bisphossphonates
11.dexa or dxa scan
12.primary &secondary
13.50%
14.$20 billion
15.osteogenesis
16.age
17.calcium absorption
18.raloxifene
19.more than 1.5
20.calcium , vitamin d
Reading test - part B – answer key
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. C
Text A
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men
and women of all racial and ethnic groups.
Angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome usually characterized by episodes or
paroxysms of pain or pressure in the anterior chest. The cause is insufficient
coronary blood flow, resulting in a decreased oxygen supply when there is
increased myocardial demand for oxygen in response to physical exertion or
emotional stress.
Text B
Risk factors
a. Family history
b. Increasing age, particularly women
c. Gender: men; women, especially after menopause (estrogen seems to provide some
protection)
d. Race; risk appears higher in African-Americans
e. Cigarette smoking contributes to vasoconstriction, platelet activation, arterial smooth
muscle cell proliferation, and reduced oxygen availability
f. Hypertension; widened QRS complex (bundle branch block)
g. Hyperlipidemia: increased total cholesterol; increased LDL (high: 130 to150 mg/dL;
very high: 160 mg/dL or more); increased ratio of total cholesterol orLDL to HDL; low
HDL (less than 40 mg/dL); HDL greater than 60 mg/dL seems tohelp protect against
coronary artery disease (CAD); increased triglycerides (high:200 to 499 mg/dL; very
high: 500 mg/dL or more)
h. Obesity (particularly abdominal obesity)
i. Sedentary lifestyle (contributes to obesity and reduced HDL)
j. Type 2 diabetes
k. Stress; an innate, competitive, aggressive type A personality seems less important
than amount of stress and client’s psychologic response)
l. Metabolic syndrome: cluster of signs including hyperlipidemia, low HDL level,
abdominal obesity, increased BP, insulin resistance, increased levels of C-reactive
protein, and increased fibrinogen level
Text C
Text D
Management of acute MI
A. Improvement of perfusion
(1) Administration of aspirin immediately
(2) Beta blockers or angiotensin II receptor blockers for left ventricular systolic
dysfunction (LVSD)
(3) Thrombolytic therapy within 30 minutes of arrival; anticoagulants
(4) IV nitroglycerin
(5) ACEIs
(6) Antidysrhythmics to maintain cardiac function
(7) PCI within 90 minutes of arrival at emergency department
(8) Intraaortic balloon pump that inflates during diastole and deflates during systole to
decrease cardiac workload by decreasing after load and increasing myocardial perfusion
for cardiogenic shock
(9) Aspirin, beta blocker, and possible antilipidemic prescribed at discharge
7. Greater levels of high density lipoprotein in the body protects from cardiac illness.…………
Questions 8-14
Answer each of the questions, 8-4, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, number of the both. Your answers should be correctly spelled.
8. What is the main symptom of angina pectoris?………………………………….
10.Which is the leading cause of death in the US for both the genders?…………………………..
11.What should be administered within half an hour of arrival of client with angina?……………
12.What should be avoided if the client exhibits chest pain which is angina unlikely?…………..
14.What is the next step involved in the angina assessment protocol, if the client’s resting ECG is
normal?……………………………………………….
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15- 20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, number or both. Your answers should be correctly spelled
18.…………is used to reduce cardiac workload which works by decreasing after load and increasing
myocardial perfusion.
20.…………… sodium diet or clear liquids are recommended depending on presence of nausea
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals .
For questions 1-6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Questions 1-6
A living will addresses many of the medical procedures common in life threatening
situations, such as resuscitation via electric shock, ventilation and
dialysis. One can choose to allow some of these procedures or none of them. One
can also indicate whether he or she wishes to donate his or her organs and tissues
after death. Even if he or she refuses life-sustaining care, he or she can express the
desire to receive pain medication throughout his or her final hours.
In most states, one can extend his or her living will to cover situations where he or
she has no brain activity or where doctors expect him or her to remain unconscious
for the rest of his or her life, even if a terminal illness or life-threatening injury
isn’tpresent.Becausethesesituationscanoccurtoanypersonatanyage,it’sagood idea for all
adults to have a living will.
2. The passage says regarding suprapubic catheter that
a) It is better than indwelling catheters
b) It is preferred for short-term urinary drainage
c) It may cause damage to the urethra, if it is not secured with sutures or tape
Suprapubic catheter
A suprapubic catheter may be used for long-term continuous urinary drainage. This
type of catheter is surgically inserted through a small incision above the pubic area.
Suprapubic bladder drainage diverts urine from the urethra when injury, stricture,
prostatic obstruction, or gynecologic or abdominal surgery has compromised the
flow of urine through the urethra. A suprapubic catheter is often preferred over
indwelling urethral catheters for long-term urinary drainage. Suprapubic catheters
are associated with decreased risk of contamination with organisms from fecal
material, elimination of damage to the urethra, a higher rate of patient satisfaction,
and lower risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The drainage tube is
secured with sutures or tape. Care of the patient with a suprapubic catheter
includes skin care around the insertion site; care of the drainage tubing and
drainage bag is the same as for an indwelling catheter.
3. Evaluation of breast cancer by using PET/CT scan
a) provides accurate results than the PET scan alone
b) to be compared with PET or CT scan alone
c) has been receiving no attention because it’s results to be compared with
RNs are authorized to dispense dangerous drugs only under the following conditions: The
dispensing is in accordance with a written drug dispensing procedure and under the
authority of an order issued in conformity with a nurse protocol. There must be
documented preparation and performance (i.e., ability to perform) specific to dispensing
dangerous drugs based on a written dispensing procedure. Documentation should
include that each RN has read and understands the drug dispensing procedure. A copy of
the drug dispensing procedure must be
accessible in each of the specific settings where RNs dispense under nurse protocols and
be available upon request. The procedure must be signed by the pharmacist and
physician who have established it.
6. A metabotropic receptors
a) form an ion channel pore
b) are coupled with G-proteins
c) are directly linked with ion channels on the plasma membrane
A metabotropic receptor
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
The Ebola virus and Marburg virus are related viruses that cause hemorrhagic
fevers — illnesses marked by severe bleeding (hemorrhage), organ failure and, in
many cases, death. Both the Ebola virus and Marburg virus are native to Africa,
where sporadic outbreaks have occurred for decades.
The Ebola virus and Marburg virus both live in animal hosts, and humans can
contract the viruses from infected animals. After the initial transmission, the
viruses can spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids or
contaminated needles.
No drug has been approved to treat the Ebola virus or Marburg virus. People
diagnosed with the Ebola or Marburg virus receive supportive care and treatment
for complications. Scientists are coming closer to developing vaccines for these
deadly diseases.
In both the Ebola virus and Marburg virus, signs and symptoms typically begin
abruptly within the first five to 10 days of infection. Early signs and symptoms
include: fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle aches, chills, sore throat and
weakness. Over time, symptoms become increasingly severe and may include:
nausea and vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody), red eyes, raised rash, chest pain
and coughing, stomach pain, severe weight loss, bleeding from the nose, mouth,
rectum, eyes and ears.
Ebola virus has been found in African monkeys, chimps and other nonhuman
primates. A milder strain of Ebola has been discovered in monkeys and pigs in the
Philippines. The Marburg virus has been found in monkeys, chimps and fruit bats
in Africa.
Infected people typically don't become contagious until they develop symptoms.
Family members are often infected as they care for sick relatives or prepare the
dead for burial. Medical personnel can be infected if they don't use protective gear
such as surgical masks and latex gloves. Medical centers in Africa are often so
poor that they must reuse needles and syringes and some of the worst Ebola
epidemics have occurred because contaminated injection equipment wasn't
sterilized between uses. There's no evidence that the Ebola virus or Marburg virus
can be spread via insect bites.
Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers are difficult to diagnose because many of
the early signs and symptoms resemble those of other infectious diseases, such as
typhoid and malaria. But if doctors suspect that you have been exposed to the
Ebola virus or Marburg virus, they use laboratory tests that can identify the viruses
within a few days.
Most people with Ebola or Marburg hemorrhagic fever have high concentrations of
the virus in their blood. Blood tests known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
’(ELISA)’ and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction ‘(PCR)’ can detect specific
genes or the virus or antibodies to them.
No antiviral medications have proved effective in treating Ebola virus or Marburg
virus infection. As a result, treatment consists of supportive hospital care. This
includes providing fluids, maintaining adequate blood pressure, replacing blood
loss and treating any other infections that develop.
As with other infectious diseases, one of the most important preventive measures
for Ebola virus and Marburg virus is frequent hand-washing. Use soap and water,
or use alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol when soap
and water aren't available. In developing countries, wild animals, including
nonhuman primates, are sold in local markets. Avoid buying or eating any of these
animals. In particular, caregivers should avoid contact with the person's body fluids and
tissues, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. People with Ebola or
Marburg are most contagious in the later stages of the disease.
If you're a health care worker, wear protective clothing — such as gloves, masks,
gowns and eye shields. Keep infected people isolated from others. Carefully
disinfect and dispose of needles and other instruments. Injection needles and
syringes should not be reused.
Scientists are working on a variety of vaccines that would protect people from
Ebola or Marburg viruses. Some of the results have been promising, but further
testing is needed.
Part C -Text 1: Questions 7-14
9. One of these statements is true, according to the information given in the passage(s)
A. scientists have developed vaccines for the treatment of Ebola and Marburg diseases
B. scientists are closer to developing an effective vaccine for the treatment
C. it is not possible to fight the diseases caused by Ebola and Marburg
D. scientists have discovered the causes of the transmission of the viruses from animal to human
Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin disease. It is also called atopic eczema.
‘Atopic’ is a term used to describe allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Both
dermatitis and eczema mean inflammation of the skin. People with atopic dermatitis tend
to have dry, itchy and easily irritated skin.
They may have times when their skin is clear and other times when they have rash.
In infants and small children, the rash is often present on the skin around the knees
and elbows and the cheeks. In teenagers and adults, the rash is often present in the
creases of the wrists, elbows, knees or ankles, and on the face or neck.
Atopic dermatitis usually begins and ends during childhood, but some people
continue to have the disease into adulthood. If you have ever had atopic dermatitis,
you may have trouble with one or more of these: dry, sensitive skin, hand
dermatitis and skin infections.
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. Research suggests that atopic
dermatitis and other atopic diseases are genetically determined; this means that you
are more likely to have atopic dermatitis, food allergies, asthma and/or hay fever if
your parents or other family members have ever had atopic dermatitis. These
diseases may develop one after another over a period of years.
This is called the atopic march.
Your health care provider may recommend allergy testing and food challenges to
see if allergies worsen itching or rashes. Allergy testing may include skin testing,
blood tests or patch tests. Many measures can be taken to avoid things to which
you are allergic. Although many of the measures can be done for the entire home,
the bedroom is the most important room to make skin friendly. Talking with health care
provider about what measures you can take to avoid your allergens can be very beneficial.
Food allergies may be the cause of itching or rashes that occur immediately after
eating, especially in children. Some common food allergens include milk, eggs,
peanuts, wheat, nuts, soy and seafood. Most people are allergic to only one, two or
at the most three foods. Be aware that diet restrictions can lead to poor nutrition
and growth delay in babies and children. Talk with your health care provider about
maintaining a well-balanced diet.
Emotions and stress do not cause atopic dermatitis, but they may bring on itching
and scratching. Anger, frustration and embarrassment can cause flushing and
itching. Day to day stresses as well as major stressful events can lead to or worsen
the itch-scratch cycle. The medications used in atopic dermatitis include: Topical
steroids, Topical immuno modulators, Tar products, Antiinfectives, Antihistamines.
Steroid medicines that are applied to the skin are called topical steroids. Topical
steroids are drugs that fight inflammation. They are very helpful when rash is not
well controlled. Topical steroids are available in many forms such as ointments,
creams, lotions and gels. It is important to know that topical steroids are made in
low to super potent strengths. Steroid pills or liquids, like prednisone, should be avoided
because of side effects and because the rash often comes back after they are stopped.
Part C -Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. People with atopic dermatitis suffer from
A. hay fever
B. asthma
C. dry, itchy and irritated skin
D. rashes
21. Allergic conditions like asthma in patients who have had a history of atopic
dermatitis can be easily diagnosed by health professionals,‖ this statement is
A. out of the paragraphs given
B. false
C. true
D. can be true or can be false
1. C
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. D
6. D
7. B
8. chest pain
9. sedentary life style
10.cardiovascular disease
11.thrombolytic therapy / anticoagulants
12.unnecessary tests.
13.bedrest/chair rest
14.exercise ECG
15.Pic
16.LVSD
17.African – American
18.Intraortic balloon pump
19.Cigarette smoking
20.2G
Reading test - part B – answer key
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. B
5. B
6. B
Questions 1-7
For each of the questions, 1-6, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 7-13
Complete each of the sentences, 7-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
8. Any ___________ lodged in the site of an injury will increase the likelihood of tetanus.
10. Delaying surgery on an injury or burn by more than ____increases the probability of tetanus.
11. If a burns patient has been diagnosed with ____ they are more liable to contract tetanus.
12. A patient who is ____ or a regular recreational drug user will be at greater risk of tetanus.
13. Clean the wound thoroughly and prescribe ___________ if necessary, followed by tetanus
vaccine and HTIG as appropriate.
14. Where will a patient suffering from tetanus first experience muscle contractions?
Questions 15-20
Answer each of the questions, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
15. What can muscle spasms in tetanus patients sometimes lead to?
16. If you test for tetanus using a spatula, what type of reaction will confirm the condition?
17. How many times will you have to vaccinate a patient who needs a full course of tetanus vaccine?
18. What should you give a drug user if you're uncertain of their vaccination history?
20. What might a patient who experienced an adverse reaction to HTIG be unable to stop doing?
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals .
For questions 1-6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text. Write
your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Questions 1-6
Post-operative dressings
Nurse Unit Managers are directed to review their systems for the administration of oral
anti-cancer drugs, and the reporting of drug errors. Serious concerns have been raised in a
recent report drawing on a national survey of pharmacists.
Please note the following paragraph quoted from the report:
Incorrect doses of oral anti-cancer medicines can have fatal consequences. Over the
previous four years, there were three deaths and 400 patient safety issues involving oral
anti-cancer medicines. Half of the reports concerned the wrong dosage, frequency, quantity
or duration of oral anti-cancer treatment. Of further concern is that errors on the part of
patients may be under-reported. In light of these reports, there is clearly a need for
improved systems covering the management of patients receiving oral therapy
4. What point does the training manual make about anaesthesia workstations?
A. Parts of the equipment have been shown to be vulnerable to failure.
B. There are several ways of ensuring that the ventilator is working effectively.
C. Monitoring by health professionals is a reliable way to maintain patient safety.
Anaesthesia Workstations
Cleaning Audits
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
For many, homeopathy is simply unscientific, but regular users hold a very different view.
Homeopathy works by giving patients very dilute substances that, in larger doses, would
cause the very symptoms that need curing. Taking small doses of these substances
- derived from plants, animals or minerals - strengthens the body's ability to heal and
increases resistance to illness or infection. Or that is the theory. The debate about its
effectiveness is nothing new. Recently, Australia's National Health and Medical Research
Council (NHMRC) released a paper which found there were 'no health conditions for
which there was reliable evidence that homeopathy was effective'. This echoed a report
from the UK House of Commons which said that the evidence failed to show a 'credible
physiological mode of action' for homeopathic products, and that what data were available
showed homeopathic products to be no better than placebo. Yet Australians spend at least
$11 million per year on homeopathy.
So what's going on? If Australians - and citizens of many other nations around the world -
are voting with their wallets, does this mean homeopathy must be doing something right?
'For me, the crux of the debate is a disconnect between how the scientific and medical
community view homeopathy, and what many in the wider community are getting out of it,'
says Professor Alex Broom of the University of Queensland. 'The really interesting question
is how can we possibly have something that people think works, when to all intents and
purposes, from a scientific perspective, it doesn't?'
Part of homeopathy's appeal may lie in the nature of the patient-practitioner consultation. In
contrast to a typical 15-minute GP consultation, a first homeopathy consultation might take
an hour and a half. 'We don't just look at an individual symptom in isolation. For us, that
symptom is part of someone's overall health condition,' says Greg Cope, spokesman for the
Australian Homeopathic Association. 'Often we'll have a consultation with someone and find
details their GP simply didn't have time to.' Writer Johanna Ashmore is a case in point. She
sees her homeopath for a one-hour monthly consultation. 'I feel, if I go and say I've got this
health concern, she's going to treat my body to fight it rather than just treat the symptom.'
Most people visit a homeopath after having received a diagnosis from a 'mainstream'
practitioner, often because they want an alternative choice to medication, says Greg Cope.
'Generally speaking, for a homeopath, their preference is if someone has a diagnosis from a
medical practitioner before starting homeopathic treatment, so it's rare for someone to
come and see us with an undiagnosed condition and certainly if they do come undiagnosed,
we'd want to refer them on and get that medical evaluation before starting a course of
treatment,' he says.
Given that homeopathic medicines are by their very nature incredibly dilute - and, some
might argue, diluted beyond all hope of efficacy - they are unlikely to cause any adverse
effects, so where's the harm? Professor Paul Glasziou, chair of the NHMRC's Homeopathy
Working Committee, says that while financial cost is one harm, potentially more harmful are
the non-financial costs associated with missing out on effective treatments. 'If it's just a cold,
I'm not too worried. But if it's for a serious illness, you may not be taking disease-modifying
treatments, and most worrying is things like HIV which affect not only you, but people around
you,' says Glasziou. This is a particular concern with homeopathic vaccines, he says, which
jeopardise the 'herd immunity' - the immunity of a significant proportion of the population -
which is crucial in containing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The question of a placebo effect inevitably arises, as studies repeatedly seem to suggest that
whatever benefits are being derived from homeopathy are more a product of patient faith
rather than of any active ingredient of the medications. However, Greg Cope dismisses this
argument, pointing out that homeopathy appears to benefit even the sceptics: 'We might
see kids first, then perhaps Mum and after a couple of years, Dad will follow and, even
though he's only there reluctantly, we get wonderful outcomes. This cannot be explained
simply by the placebo effect.' As a patient, Johanna Ashmore is aware scientific research
does little to support homeopathy but can still see its benefits. 'If seeing my homeopath each
month improves my health, I'm happy. I don't care how it works, even if it's all in the mind - I
just know that it does.
But if so many people around the world are placing their faith in homeopathy, despite
the evidence against it, Broom questions why homeopathy seeks scientific validation.
The problem, as he sees it, lies in the fact that 'if you're going to dance with conventional
medicine and say "we want to be proven to be effective in dealing with discrete physiological
conditions", then you indeed do have to show efficacy. In my view this is not about broader
credibility per se, it's about scientific and medical credibility - there's actually quite a lot of
cultural credibility surrounding homeopathy within the community but that's not replicated
in the scientific literature.'
Part C -Text 1: Questions 7-14
7. The two reports mentioned in the first paragraph both concluded that homeopathy
13. From the comments quoted in the sixth paragraph, it is clear that Johanna Ashmore is
14. What does the word 'this' in the final paragraph refer to?
Prosthetics researchers are now trying to create prosthetics that can 'feel'. It's a daunting
task: the researchers have managed to read signals from the brain; now they must write
information into the nervous system. Touch encompasses a complicated mix of information
- everything from the soft prickliness of wool to the slipping of a sweaty soft-drink can. The
sensations arise from a host of receptors in the skin, which detect texture, vibration, pain,
temperature and shape, as well as from receptors in the muscles, joints and tendons that
contribute to 'proprioception' - the sense of where a limb is in space. Prosthetics are being
outfitted with sensors that can gather many of these sensations, but the challenge is to get the
resulting signals flowing to the correct part of the brain.
For people who have had limbs amputated, the obvious way to achieve that is to route the
signals into the remaining nerves in the stump, the part of the limb left after amputation. Ken
Horch, a neuroprosthetics researcher, has done just that by threading electrodes into the
nerves in stumps then stimulating them with a tiny current, so that patients felt like their fingers
were moving or being touched. The technique can even allow patients to distinguish basic
features of objects: a man who had lost his lower arms was able to determine the difference
between blocks made of wood or foam rubber by using a sensor-equipped prosthetic hand.
He correctly identified the objects' size and softness more than twice as often as would have
been expected by chance. Information about force and finger position was delivered from the
prosthetic to a computer, which prompted stimulation of electrodes implanted in his upper-arm
nerves.
As promising as this result was, researchers will probably need to stimulate hundreds or
thousands of nerve fibres to create complex sensations, and they'll need to keep the devices
working for many years if they are to minimise the number of surgeries required to replace
them as they wear out. To get around this, some researchers are instead trying to give
patients sensory feedback by touching their skin. The technique was discovered by accident
by researcher Todd Kuiken. The idea was to rewire arm nerves that used to serve the hand,
for example, to muscles in other parts of the body. When the patient thought about closing his
or her hand, the newly targeted muscle would contract and generate an electric signal, driving
movement of the prosthetic.
However, this technique won't work for stroke patients like Cathy Hutchinson. So some
researchers are skipping directly to the brain. In principle, this should be straightforward.
Because signals from specific parts of the body go to specific parts of the brain, scientists
should be able to create sensations of touch or proprioception in the limb by directly activating
the neurons that normally receive those signals. However, with electrical stimulation, all neurons
close to the electrode's tip are activated indiscriminately, so 'even if I had the sharpest needle in
the Universe, that could create unintended effects', says Arto Nurmikko, a neuroengineer. For
example, an attempt to create sensation in one finger might produce sensation in other parts of
the hand as well, he says.
Nurmikko and other researchers are therefore using light, in place of electricity, to activate
highly specific groups of neurons and recreate a sense of touch. They trained a monkey to
remove its hand from a pad when it vibrated. When the team then stimulated the part of its
brain that receives tactile information from the hand with a light source implanted in its skull,
the monkey lifted its hand off the pad about 90% of the time. The use of such techniques in
humans is still probably 10-20 years away, but it is a promising strategy.
Even if such techniques can be made to work, it's unclear how closely they will approximate
natural sensations. Tingles, pokes and vibrations are still a far cry from the complicated
sensations that we feel when closing a hand over an apple, or running a finger along a table's
edge. But patients don't need a perfect sense of touch, says Douglas Weber, a bioengineer.
Simply having enough feedback to improve their control of grasp could help people to perform
tasks such as picking up a glass of water, he explains. He goes on to say that patients who
wear cochlear implants, for example, are often happy to regain enough hearing to hold a phone
conversation, even if they're still unable to distinguish musical subtleties.
Part C -Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. What do we learn about the experiment Cathy Hutchinson took part in?
17. What is said about the experiment done on the patient in the third paragraph?
18. What drawback does the writer mention in the fourth paragraph?
20. What do we learn about the experiment that made use of light?
21. In the final paragraph, the writer uses the phrase 'a far cry from' to underline
TEXT BOOKLET
READING
PART A -QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SHEET
Questions 1-7
For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from.
You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8-14
Complete each of the sentences, 8-14, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
Answer each of the questions, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts.
Each answer may include words, numbers or both. Your answers should be correctly spelt.
16. Patients who have eaten ___________ may be infected with Aeromonas hydrophilia.
19. The patient needs to be aware of the need to keep glycated haemoglobin levels lower than ___
20. The patient will need a course of ___________ to regain fitness levels after returning home.
In this part of the test, there are six short extracts relating to the work of health professionals .
For questions 1-6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which you think fits best according to the text. Write
your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
Questions 1-6
Prescribers should write a review date or a stop date on the electronic prescribing system
EPMA or the medicine chart for each antimicrobial agent prescribed. On the EPMA, there
is a forced entry for stop dates on oral antimicrobials. There is not a forced stop date on
EPMA for IV antimicrobial treatment - if the prescriber knows how long the course of
IV should be, then the stop date can be filled in. If not known, then a review should be
added to the additional information, e.g. 'review after 48 hrs'. If the prescriber decides
treatment needs to continue beyond the stop date or course length indicated, then it is their
responsibility to amend the chart. In critical care, it has been agreed that the routine use of
review/stop dates on the charts is not always appropriate.
2. The guidelines inform us that personalised equipment for radiotherapy
A. is advisable for all patients.
B. improves precision during radiation.
C. needs to be tested at the first consultation.
The initial appointment may also be referred to as the Simulation Appointment. During
this appointment you will discuss your patient's medical history and treatment options,
and agree on a radiotherapy treatment plan. The first step is usually to take a CT scan of
the area requiring treatment. The patient will meet the radiation oncologist, their registrar
and radiation therapists. A decision will be made regarding the best and most comfortable
position for treatment, and this will be replicated daily for the duration of the treatment.
Depending on the area of the body to be treated, personalised equipment such as a face
mask may be used to stabilise the patient's position. This equipment helps keep the patient
comfortable and still during the treatment and makes the treatment more accurate.
3. The purpose of these instructions is to explain how to
A. monitor an ECG reading.
B. position electrodes correctly.
C. handle an animal during an ECG procedure.
Good electrode connection is the most important factor in recording a high quality ECG.
By following a few basic steps, consistent, clean recordings can be achieved.
1. Shave a patch on each forelimb of the animal at the contact site.
2. Clean the electrode sites with an alcohol swab or sterilising agent.
3. Attach clips to the ECG leads.
4. Place a small amount of ECG electrode gel on the metal electrode of the limb strap or
adapter clip. 5. Pinch skin on animal and place clips on the shaved skin area of the animal
being tested. The animal must be kept still.
6. Check the LCD display for a constant heart reading.
7. If there is no heart reading, you have a contact problem with one or more of the leads.
8. Recheck the leads and reapply the clips to the shaven skin of the animal.
4. The group known as 'impatient patients' are more likely to continue with a course of
prescribed medication if
A. their treatment can be completed over a reduced period of time.
B. it is possible to link their treatment with a financial advantage.
C. its short-term benefits are explained to them.
A recent article addressed the behaviour of people who have a 'taste for the present
rather than the future'. It proposed that these so-called 'impatient patients' are unlikely
to adhere to medications that require use over an extended period. The article proposes
that, an 'impatience genotype' exists and that assessing these patients' view of the future
while stressing the immediate advantages of adherence may improve adherence rates
more than emphasizing potentially distant complications. The authors suggest that rather
than attempting to change the character of those who are 'impatient', it may be wise to
ascertain the patient's individual priorities, particularly as they relate to immediate gains.
For example, while advising an 'impatient' patient with diabetes, stressing improvement
in visual acuity rather than avoidance of retinopathy may result in greater medication
adherence rates. Additionally, linking the cost of frequently changing prescription lenses
when visual acuity fluctuates with glycemic levels may sometimes provide the patient with
an immediate financial motivation for improving adherence.
4. The memo reminds nursing staff to avoid
A. x-raying a patient unless pH readings exceed 5.5.
B. the use of a particular method of testing pH levels.
C. reliance on pH testing in patients taking acid-inhibiting medication.
It is essential to confirm the position of the tube in the stomach by one of the following:
• Testing pH of aspirate: gastric placement is indicated by a pH of less than 4, but may
increase to between pH 4-6 if the patient is receiving acid-inhibiting drugs.
• Blue litmus paper is insufficiently sensitive to adequately distinguish between levels of
acidity of aspirate.
• X-rays: will only confirm position at the time the X-ray is carried out. The tube may have
moved by the time the patient has returned to the ward. In the absence of a positive aspirate
test, where pH readings are more than 5.5, or in a patient who is unconscious or on a
ventilator, an X-ray must be obtained to confirm the initial position of the nasogastric tube.
6. This extract informs us that
A. the amount of oxytocin given will depend on how the patient reacts.
B. the patient will go into labour as soon as oxytocin is administered.
C. the staff should inspect the oxytocin pump before use.
In this part of the test, there are two texts about different aspects of healthcare.
For questions 7-22, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Write your answers on the separate Answer Sheet
An irrational fear, or phobia, can cause the heart to pound and the pulse to race. It can
lead to a full-blown panic attack - and yet the sufferer is not in any real peril. All it takes
is a glimpse of, for example, a spider's web for the mind and body to race into panicked
overdrive. These fears are difficult to conquer, largely because, although there are no
treatment guidelines specifically about phobias, the traditional way of helping the sufferer
is to expose them to the fear numerous times. Through the cumulative effect of these
experiences, sufferers should eventually feel an increasing sense of control over their
phobia. For some people, the process is too protracted, but there may be a short cut. Drugs
that work to boost learning may help someone with a phobia to 'detrain' their brain, losing
the fearful associations that fuel the panic.
The brain's extraordinary ability to store new memories and forge associations is so well
celebrated that its dark side is often disregarded. A feeling of contentment is easily evoked
when we see a photo of loved ones, though the memory may sometimes be more idealised
than exact. In the case of a phobia, however, a nasty experience with, say, spiders, that
once triggered a panicked reaction, leads the feelings to resurge whenever the relevant
cue is seen again. The current approach is exposure therapy, which uses a process called
extinction learning. This involves people being gradually exposed to whatever triggers
their phobia until they feel at ease with it. As the individual becomes more comfortable with
each situation, the brain automatically creates a new memory - one that links the cue with
reduced feelings of anxiety, rather than the sensations that mark the onset of a panic attack.
Unfortunately, while it is relatively easy to create a fear-based memory, expunging that
fear is more complicated. Each exposure trial will involve a certain degree of distress in
the patient, and although the process is carefully managed throughout to limit this, some
psychotherapists have concluded that the treatment is unethical. Neuroscientists have been
looking for new ways to speed up extinction learning for that same reason.
One such avenue is the use of 'cognitive enhancers' such as a drug called 0-cycloserine or
DCS. DCS slots into part of the brain's 'NMDA receptor' and seems to modulate the neurons'
ability to adjust their signalling in response to events. This tuning of a neuron's firing is
thought to be one of the key ways the brain stores memories, and, at very low doses, DCS
appears to boost that process, improving our ability to learn. In 2004, a team from Emory
University in Atlanta, USA, tested whether DCS could also help people with phobias. A pilot
trial was conducted on 28 people undergoing specific exposure therapy for acrophobia - a
fear of heights. Results showed that those given a small amount of DCS alongside their
regular therapy were able to reduce their phobia to a greater extent than those given a
placebo. Since then, other groups have replicated the finding in further trials.
For people undergoing exposure therapy, achieving just one of the steps on the long
journey to overcoming their fears requires considerable perseverance, says Cristian Sirbu,
a behavioural scientist and psychologist. Thanks to improvement being so slow, patients -
often already anxious - tend to feel they have failed. But Sirbu thinks that DCS may make it
possible to tackle the problem in a single 3-hour session, which is enough for the patient to
make real headway and to leave with a feeling of satisfaction. However, some people have
misgivings about this approach, claiming that as it doesn't directly undo the fearful response
which is deep-seated in the memory, there is a very real risk of relapse.
Rather than simply attempting to overlay the fearful associations with new ones, Merel Kindt
at the University of Amsterdam is instead trying to alter the associations at source. Kindt's
studies into anxiety disorders are based on the idea that memories are not only vulnerable
to alteration when they're first laid down, but, of key importance, also at later retrieval. This
allows for memories to be 'updated', and these amended memories are re-consolidated by
the effect of proteins which alter synaptic responses, thereby maintaining the strength of
feeling associated with the original memory. Kindt's team has produced encouraging results
with arachnophobic patients by giving them propranolol, a well-known and well-tolerated
beta-blocker drug, while they looked at spiders. This blocked the effects of norepinephrine
in the brain, disrupting the way the memory was put back into storage after being retrieved,
as part of the process of reconsolidation. Participants reported that while they still don't like
spiders, they were able to approach them. Kindt reports that the benefit was still there three
months after the test ended.
Text 1: Questions 7-14
7.In the first paragraph, the writer says that conventional management of phobias can be
problematic because of
8. In the second paragraph, the writer uses the phrase 'dark side' to reinforce the idea that
10. What does the phrase 'for that same reason' refer to?
12. In the fifth paragraph, some critics believe that one drawback of using DCS is that
13. In the final paragraph, we learn that Kindt's studies into anxiety disorders focused on how
Used to treat depression, psoriasis and Parkinson's, to name but a few, placebos have
an image problem among medics. For years, the thinking has been that a placebo is
useless unless the doctor convinces the patient that it's a genuine treatment - problematic
for a profession that promotes informed consent. However, a new study casts doubt on
this assumption and, along with a swathe of research showing some remarkable results
with placebos, raises questions about whether they should now enter the mainstream as
legitimate prescription items. The study examined five trials in which participants were told
they were getting a placebo, and the conclusion was that doing so honestly can work.
'If the evidence is there, I don't see the harm in openly administering a placebo,' says Ben
Colagiuri, a researcher at the University of Sydney. Colagiuri recently published a meta-analysis
of thirteen studies which concluded that placebo sleeping pills, whose genuine
counterparts notch up nearly three million prescriptions in Australia annually, significantly
improve sleep quality. The use of placebos could therefore reduce medical costs and the
burden of disease in terms of adverse reactions.
But the placebo effect isn't just about fake treatments. It's about raising patients' expectations
of a positive result; something which also occurs with real drugs. Finniss cites the 'openhidden'
effect, whereby an analgesic can be twice as effective if the patient knows they're
getting it, compared to receiving it unknowingly. 'Treatment is always part medical and part
ritual,' says Finniss. This includes the austere consulting room and even the doctor's clothing.
But behind the performance of healing is some strong science. Simply believing an analgesic
will work activates the same brain regions as the genuine drug. 'Part of the outcome of what
we do is the way we interact with patients,' says Finniss.
That interaction is also the focus of Colagiuri's research. He's looking into the 'nocebo'
effect, when a patient's pessimism about a treatment becomes self-fulfilling. 'If you give a
placebo, and warn only 50% of the patients about side effects, those you warn report more
side effects,' says Colagiuri. He's aiming to reverse that by exploiting the psychology of
food packaging. Products are labelled '98% fat-free' rather than '2% fat' because positive
reference to the word 'fat' puts consumers off. Colagiuri is deploying similar tactics. A drug
with a 30% chance of causing a side effect can be reframed as having a 70% chance of not
causing it. 'You're giving the same information, but framing it a way that minimises negative
expectations,' says Colagiuri.
There is also a body of research showing that a placebo can produce a genuine biological
response that could affect the disease process itself. It can be traced back to a study from the
1970s, when psychologist Robert Ader was trying to condition taste-aversion in rats. He gave
them a saccharine drink whilst simultaneously injecting Cytoxan, an immune-suppressant
which causes nausea. The rats learned to hate the drink due to the nausea. But as Ader
continued giving it to them, without Cytoxan, they began to die from infection. Their immune
system had 'learned' to fail by repeated pairing of the drink with Cytoxan. Professor Andrea
Evers of Leiden University is running a study that capitalises on this conditioning effect and
may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which causes the immune system to attack the
joints. Evers' patients are given the immunosuppressant methotrexate, but instead of always
receiving the same dose, they get a higher dose followed by a lower one. The theory is that
the higher dose will cause the body to link the medication with a damped-down immune
system. The lower dose will then work because the body has 'learned' to curb immunity as a
placebo response to taking the drug. Evers hopes it will mean effective drug regimes that use
lower doses with fewer side effects.
The medical profession, however, remains less than enthusiastic about placebos. 'I'm one
of two researchers in the country who speak on placebos, and I've been invited to lecture at
just one university,' says Finniss. According to Charlotte Blease, a philosopher of science, this
antipathy may go to the core of what it means to be a doctor. 'Medical education is largely
about biomedical facts. 'Softer' sciences, such as psychology, get marginalised because it's
the hard stuff that's associated with what it means to be a doctor.' The result, says Blease,
is a large, placebo-shaped hole in the medical curriculum. 'There's a great deal of medical
illiteracy about the placebo effect ... it's the science behind the art of medicine. Doctors need
training in that.'
Text 2: Questions 15-22
15. A football training session sparked Dr Finniss' interest in the placebo effect because
16. The writer suggests that doctors should be more willing to prescribe placebos now because
17. What is suggested about sleeping pills by the use of the verb 'notch up'?
18. What point does the writer make in the fourth paragraph?
A. a placebo treatment
B. the disease process itself
C. a growing body of research
D. a genuine biological response
21. What does the writer tell us about Ader's and Evers' studies?
22. According to Charlotte Blease, placebos are omitted from medical training because
15 32.2%
16 seafood
17 limbs
18 polymicrobial
19 7%
20 physical therapy
Reading test - part B – answer key