Question. A 68 year old man presents with muscle weakness. He is not able to climb the stairs. He also complains of mild breathlessness. He says that he sometimes feels difficulty in swallowing food. The lab report shows the following:
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 216 U/L
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 49 U/L
Alanine transaminase (ALT) 43 U/L
Creatine Kinase (CK) 417
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) 16mm/h.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Polymyositis
B. Polymyalgia rheumatica
C. Muscular dystrophy
D. Esophageal carcinoma
E. Myasthenia Gravis
Answer: (a)
Question. A mother brings her 2 days old baby worried she could be deaf. The mother is deaf herself and there is family history of deafness as well. What is the single most appropriate investigation?
A. Brainstem evoked response
B. Distraction
C. Tuning fork tests
D. Startle reflex.
E. Audiogram
Answer: (a)
Question. A man undergoes a pneumonectomy, and after the surgery, investigations show hyponatremia. What could be the cause of the biochemical changes?
A. Removal of hormonally active tumour
B. Excess dextrose
C. Excess colloid
D. Excessive Potassium
E. Hemo-dilution
Answer: (b)
Question. A 50 year old man with worsening dyspepsia, on PPI and previously treated for duodenal ulcer. Endoscopy showing gastric, duodenal and oesophageal ulcers. What is the investigation of choice?
A. CT abdomen
B. Test for H pylori
C. Endoscopy with biopsy
D. Barium study
E. Serum gastrin levels
Answer: (e)
Question. A 30 year old pregnant lady presents with 175/90 mmHg. Has a previous history of recurrent UTI. Urine dipsticks show proteinuria ++. She is 10 weeks pregnant. What is the most likely cause of hypertension?
A. Pregnancy induced hypertension
B. Essential hypertension
C. Chronic pyelonephritis
D. Chronic glomerulonephritis
Answer: (c)
Question. What is the minimum age for consent?
A. 14 years
B. 15 years
C. 16 years
D. 18 years
Answer: (c)
Question. A 23 year old female has repeated admissions to A & E department for self-harm. She denies trying to commit suicide. What is the best treatment option for her?
A. Flooding
B. Desensitization
C. Token economy
D. Problem focused cognitive behavioural therapy
E. Thought stopping
Answer: (d)
Question. A 23 year old pregnant lady presents with tingling and numbness in her right hand. She has been bothered by it but lately she has discovered that shaking her hand relieves the symptoms. The neurosurgeon has offered her a surgical option. What structure would he want to cut ?
A. Common flexor sheath
B. Flexor retinaculum
C. Flexor carpi ulnaris
D. Flexor carpi radialis
E. Extensor retinaculum
Answer: (b)
Question. A 33 year old female complains of diplopia on upright gaze. On examination ptosis can be seen. There are no other complaints or any significant past medical history. What is the most appropriate investigation for this patient?
A. Ophthalmoscopy
B. Visual field test
C. Thyroid function test
D. CT scan
E. Checking red reflex
Answer: (d)
Question. A 23 year old man has been stabbed in the back and has shortness of breath. The trachea is deviated, he has engorged neck veins and absent breath sounds on the right. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Tension pneumothorax
B. Cardiac tamponade
C. Simple pneumothorax
D. Haemothorax
E. Pleural effusion
Answer: (a)
These questions cover various aspects of medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional skills. Remember to refer to the PLAB exam syllabus and guidelines for a comprehensive understanding of the exam content and format.
The PLAB test is a prerequisite for international medical graduates who want to practise medicine in the UK. Passing both parts of the exam is also a requirement. To receive a licence to practise medicine in the UK after passing the exam, you might need to complete additional exams, such as the GMC registration process and securing a job offer or training placement.