Biomedicine and Diagnosis Flashcards

A patient presents with a serum TSH of 0.1 mIU/L and elevated free T4. Which condition does this most likely indicate?

Answer: Hyperthyroidism

A suppressed TSH with elevated free T4 is the hallmark of hyperthyroidism, where excess thyroid hormone feeds back to suppress pituitary TSH secretion.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the afferent limb of the corneal reflex?

Answer: CN V1 (Ophthalmic branch of Trigeminal)

The ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V1) carries sensory input from the cornea, forming the afferent limb of the corneal reflex.

Kussmaul breathing is a compensatory mechanism most associated with which acid-base disturbance?

Answer: Metabolic acidosis

Kussmaul breathing (deep, rapid respirations) is a respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis, eliminating CO2 to raise blood pH.

A positive Murphy's sign on physical examination is most indicative of inflammation of which organ?

Answer: Gallbladder

Murphy's sign—inspiratory arrest during deep palpation of the right upper quadrant—indicates acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).

Which laboratory finding is most specific for acute myocardial infarction?

Answer: Elevated troponin I

Cardiac troponin I is highly specific and sensitive for myocardial injury and is the preferred biomarker for diagnosing acute MI.

The process by which a hollow organ's pain is perceived at a distant skin surface is called:

Answer: Referred pain

Referred pain occurs when visceral afferent fibers converge on the same spinal segments as somatic fibers, causing pain to be perceived in a remote skin area.

Which of the following is the primary buffer system in the blood that maintains pH homeostasis?

Answer: Bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system

The bicarbonate-carbonic acid system is the most important extracellular buffer in blood, regulated by both the lungs (CO2) and kidneys (HCO3−).