Free ITE General Internal Medicine Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the first-line treatment for primary hypertension?
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors (Correct answer)
- Loop diuretics
- Calcium channel blockers
Correct answer: ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are generally considered first-line treatment for primary hypertension, especially in patients with co-existing conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease. They work by blocking the production of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. Current guidelines often recommend ACE inhibitors or ARBs as initial therapy.
Question 2: What is the recommended diagnostic test for a patient presenting with acute chest pain and suspected myocardial infarction?
- Chest X-ray
- Exercise stress test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) (Correct answer)
- Echocardiogram
Correct answer: Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the recommended initial diagnostic test for a patient with acute chest pain and suspected myocardial infarction. It provides crucial information about the heart's electrical activity, allowing for the rapid identification of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or other ischemic changes. This immediate assessment guides urgent treatment decisions.
Question 3: A 65-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with worsening dyspnea. What is the preferred first-line treatment for acute exacerbation?
- Antibiotics
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) (Correct answer)
- Oral steroids
Correct answer: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA)
Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are the preferred first-line treatment for acute exacerbations of COPD. They work by rapidly relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. This quick relief of symptoms like dyspnea is crucial during an exacerbation.
Question 4: Which screening test is recommended for colorectal cancer in adults aged 50–75 years?
- Colonoscopy every 5 years
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) annually (Correct answer)
- CT colonography every 2 years
- Capsule endoscopy
Correct answer: Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) annually
The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) performed annually is a recommended screening test for colorectal cancer in adults aged 50-75 years. It detects microscopic amounts of blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or polyps. While colonoscopy is also a screening option, FOBT is a less invasive and more frequent initial screening method.
Question 5: What is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in adults?
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (Correct answer)
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Correct answer: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults. This bacterium is responsible for a significant proportion of pneumonia cases, often leading to typical symptoms like fever, cough, and pleuritic chest pain. Vaccination against S. pneumoniae is available and recommended for certain populations.
Free ITE General Internal Medicine Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the first-line treatment for primary hypertension?