D027 OA Final Exam Study Guide: Essential Concepts and Medical Conditions
Cryoablation and Prostate Cancer Treatment
What is cryoablation?
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat prostate cancer by freezing malignant tissue within the prostate gland. This technique works by applying extremely low temperatures to cancer cells, causing the formation of intracellular ice crystals. These crystals damage the cell membranes, leading to cell death through apoptosis. Cryoablation is an effective therapeutic alternative for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.
Occupational Lung Disease
Which lung disease is caused by exposure to sandblasting?
Silicosis is a lung condition that develops from inhaling silica dust, often encountered in occupations such as sandblasting. The inhaled silica particles cause persistent inflammation and gradual scarring (fibrosis) in lung tissues, which impairs respiratory function. Typical symptoms include chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Which type of ALS is most common?
The most frequently occurring form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is sporadic ALS. Unlike familial ALS, sporadic ALS does not have a clear genetic or hereditary cause. This neurodegenerative disease progressively destroys motor neurons, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness, twitching, and eventual paralysis.
Differentiating Types of Arthritis
How can osteoarthritis be differentiated from rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis results mainly from mechanical wear and tear on joints, leading to localized pain and stiffness that worsens after physical activity. Rheumatoid arthritis, in contrast, is an autoimmune disease that causes symmetrical joint inflammation, systemic symptoms like fatigue, and affects multiple joints simultaneously. These differences in pathology and clinical presentation assist healthcare professionals in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Cardiac Conditions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does vegetation on an echocardiogram indicate? | Vegetation suggests infective endocarditis, where bacterial or fungal colonies attach to heart valves. |
| What defines a Type 2 Myocardial Infarction (MI)? | Type 2 MI occurs from an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand in the myocardium, not from plaque rupture. |
| What are the classic symptoms of MI? | Common symptoms include chest pain, radiating pain to the neck or jaw, and vomiting. |
| What is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction? | Cardiovascular diseases, particularly underlying heart disease, significantly raise the risk. |
Liver Conditions
What does the combination of ascites, jaundice, and elevated AST and ALT levels indicate?
These signs are typical of liver cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease characterized by fibrosis and reduced liver function. Ascites refers to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, jaundice signals elevated bilirubin in the blood, and elevated AST and ALT enzymes reflect liver cell damage.
Kidney and Hematologic Disorders
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What diagnosis is suggested by decreased urine output, anemia, fatigue, and itchy skin? | These symptoms indicate End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), where kidney function is severely impaired. |
| What is aplastic anemia? | Aplastic anemia is a disorder where bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells, causing pancytopenia. |
Genetic and Infectious Diseases
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What constitutes a chromosomal abnormality? | It involves changes in chromosome number or structure. Turner syndrome, where a female lacks one X chromosome, is an example. |
| Which communicable disease leads to rapid muscle weakness or paralysis? | Poliomyelitis causes acute muscle paralysis that can develop within hours after symptoms begin. |
| What causes malaria? | Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted via the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. |
Biomarkers and Solutions
What is the HE4 biomarker associated with?
HE4 is a protein biomarker that is elevated in ovarian tumors and ovarian cancer. It assists clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring these gynecological malignancies.
Is 0.9% sodium chloride solution isotonic to red blood cells?
Yes, a 0.9% sodium chloride solution (normal saline) is isotonic with red blood cells, meaning it does not cause red blood cells to shrink (crenate) or swell (hemolyze) when infused.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy and Delayed Puberty
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are common causes of peripheral neuropathy? | Causes include vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular events. |
| What conditions lead to delayed puberty? | Chronic illnesses and systemic diseases can interfere with the normal timing of puberty. |
Gynecological and Hematological Conditions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What symptom is linked to dysmenorrhea? | Dysmenorrhea is characterized by painful menstrual cramps. |
| What are common risk factors for cholecystitis? | Gallstones, obesity, and infections are major risk factors for cholecystitis. |
Infectious Diseases and Musculoskeletal Disorders
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a symptom of stage one Lyme disease? | Early Lyme disease often presents with swollen lymph nodes near the tick bite site. |
| What is lordosis in spinal curvature? | Lordosis is an exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine. |
Neuromuscular Conditions
What clinical features and treatments are associated with ALS?
ALS typically presents with involuntary muscle twitches (fasciculations), progressive muscle weakness, and twitching primarily in the lower limbs. Treatments may include medications like riluzole, which reduce glutamate toxicity and potentially slow the disease progression.
Secondary Hypertension
What causes secondary hypertension related to sleep disorders?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a well-known cause of secondary hypertension. The recurrent episodes of low oxygen levels during sleep stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in sustained high blood pressure.
Basic Science Concepts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is diffusion? | Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from a higher to a lower concentration area. |
| What can tympanic membrane perforation cause? | A perforated tympanic membrane can permit bacteria to enter the middle ear, leading to infections such as otitis media. |
Hematological and Genetic Triggers
What triggers vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia?
Common triggers include acidosis and dehydration, which promote sickling of red blood cells. This leads to blockage of small blood vessels and causes ischemic pain typical of vaso-occlusive crises.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
What is the role of the RAAS system?
The RAAS system is critical for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. It causes vasoconstriction and promotes sodium and water retention, which increases blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
What is a pouch-like protrusion found in the sigmoid colon called?
This condition is diverticulosis, where small outpouchings (diverticula) develop in the colon wall, usually due to increased pressure inside the colon or weakening of its muscular layers.
Mental Health and Immune System
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What diagnosis fits symptoms of muscle weakness, fatigue, and emotional distress after a family death? | Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome often exacerbated by emotional stress, typically managed with antidepressants and acupuncture. |
| Which cells are responsible for antibody production? | B lymphocytes (B cells) are the immune cells that produce antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. |
Hematologic Malignancies
What are the stages of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)?
CML progresses through three phases: the chronic phase (indolent with mild symptoms), the accelerated phase (increasing symptoms and rising blast cell counts), and the blast phase (resembles acute leukemia with aggressive disease progression).
Cardiac Valve Disorders
Which cardiac condition involves backward blood flow into the left atrium during systole?
Mitral insufficiency, or mitral regurgitation, is characterized by retrograde blood flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium during ventricular contraction.
Benign Tumors
What are examples of common benign tumors?
Examples include adenomas, which originate from glandular tissues, and osteomas, which arise from bone tissue. Both are non-cancerous growths but can cause clinical symptoms depending on their location and size.
References
Kumar, V., Abbas, A. K., & Aster, J. C. (2019). Robbins Basic Pathology (10th ed.). Elsevier.
Fauci, A. S., et al. (2021). Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (21st ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. (2018). (20th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Jameson, J. L., Fauci, A. S., Kasper, D. L., Hauser, S. L., & Loscalzo, J. (2018). Harrison’s Manual of Medicine. McGraw-Hill Education.