Example 1

A 62 year old man presents to his General Practitioner complaining that his hands shake when he is sitting still. His wife describes that he has been falling over fairly often and is generally much slower in getting around. He has been previously well and his medical history shows nothing similar to his current symptoms. On examination his hands are twitching whilst at rest. His face is almost expressionless his movements are rigid. When asked to take a few steps he is slow in his movements and does not pick his feet up far from the ground. Whilst his right arm moves somewhat freely as he takes these steps, his left arm does not.

What neurotransmitter is most likely responsible for this man’s condition?

Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Gamma aminobutyric acid
Norepinephrine
Serotonin

Example 2

A 24 year old woman presents in labour at 38 weeks gestation. She undergoes an uncomplicated normal vaginal delivery. In the immediate post-partum period she complains that her breasts have begun to ooze a thick fluid, slightly yellow in colour.

What hormone is responsible for the appearance of this fluid?

Estradiol
Oestrogen
Oxytocin
Progesterone
Prolactin

Example 3

A 70 year old man presents to his General Practitioner complaining of chest pains. This time last week he had a minor infarction and he worried this is a “heart attack”.  When asked about the pain he says that it is located in the centre of his chest. He says the pain is worse when he breathes in. On examination his pulse is 100/min and regular. His temperature is 38.9 C and his blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg. A rub can be heard on auscultation of the left side of the chest.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Acute coronary syndrome
Acute mitral regurgitation
Myocardial infarction
Ventricular rupture
Pericarditis

Please note: these are provided here as examples only and are not to be used, or reproduced for any purpose