MSC Without Answers Mock

Questions and Correct
Answer Keys
MSCAA Practice Paper

December 2020
MSCAA-010920-22936-13
1. A 49-year-old man has 1 day of severe epigastric pain. He has vomited five times.
He smokes 13 cigarettes per day and drinks 37 units of alcohol per week. His
temperature is 37.8°C, pulse rate 89 bpm and BP 145/86 mmHg. He is tender in the
epigastrium and right upper quadrant, and there is voluntary guarding.
Investigations:
White cell count 16.8 × 109/L (3.8–10.0)
ALT 41 IU/L (10–50)
Alkaline phosphatase 125 IU/L (25–115)
Bilirubin 14µmol/L (<17)
Amylase 240U/L (<220)
CRP 42 mg/L (<5)
Which is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Acute cholangitis
B. Acute cholecystitis
C. Acute hepatitis
D. Acute pancreatitis
E. Biliary colic
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MSCAA-020920-22937-11
2. A 67-year-old man has three weeks of disorientation and memory problems. He also
has headaches that are worse when bending over and associated with vomiting. He
had a non-small cell lung cancer that was treated with radical radiotherapy two years
ago. His BP is 172/95 mmHg. He has no focal neurological signs.
A. Cerebral metastases
B. Hypercalcaemia
C. Hyponatraemia
D. Paraneoplastic encephalitis
E. Severe hypertension
MSCAA-020920-22938-13
3. An 80 year old woman with advanced gastric cancer is taking morphine sulfate
(modified release, 90 mg twice daily) for abdominal pain. She is in the last days of
life and is now unable to swallow oral medications. She has not needed any doses
for breakthrough pain.
Investigations:
eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (>60)
A continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine sulfate is required, as a direct

conversion from oral morphine sulfate.
Which is the correct dose of morphine sulfate to prescribe over 24 hours?
A. 15 mg
B. 30 mg
C. 60 mg
D. 90 mg
E. 120 mg
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MSCAA-020920-22939-12
4. A 32 year old man develops low back pain the day after falling while playing hockey.
He is usually well and takes no regular medication. He is a store manager.
Which is the most appropriate advice?
A. Avoid work until the pain has completely settled

B. Back strengthening exercises
C. Bed rest until pain improves, then gradual mobilisation
D. Continue usual activity
E. Self referral for physiotherapy
MSCAA-020920-22940-8
5. A 46 year old man has stabbing pain in his left leg. He has an advanced sarcoma
compressing the sciatic nerve. As part of his end of life care, he is taking morphine
sulfate modified release (20 mg twice daily) but requests further medication for the
pain.
Which is the most appropriate medication to add?
A. Oral amitriptyline
B. Oral diclofenac
C. Oral tramadol
D. Oral venlafaxine
E. Topical ibuprofen
Correct Answer(s): A
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MSCAA-020920-22941-14
6. A 70 year old woman presents to the Emergency Department feeling generally

unwell with no specific symptoms. She is being treated with neoadjuvant
chemotherapy for invasive bladder cancer. She underwent the fourth cycle 8 days
ago. Her temperature is 38.1°C, pulse rate 94 bpm, BP 132/68 mmHg, respiratory
rate 16 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation 98% breathing air. Examination is
otherwise unremarkable. Blood tests have been taken, but results are not yet
available.
Which is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Admit to medical receiving unit

B. Await blood results before taking further action
C. Discuss with local oncology team for advice
D. Give intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics
E. Give intravenous fluid therapy
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MSCAA-020920-22942-13
7. A 60 year old man has 6 hours of severe abdominal pain. He was discharged from
hospital 6 weeks ago following a myocardial infarction. He has diffuse tenderness of
the abdomen with absent bowel sounds. Plain X-ray of the abdomen is
unremarkable.
Investigations:
Haemoglobin 117 g/L (135-180)
White cell count 21 × 109/L (3.8–10.0)
Urea 16.4 mmol/L (2.5–7.8)
Creatinine 158 µmol/L (60–120)
CRP 110 mg/L (<5)
Arterial blood gas breathing air pH 7.28 (7.35–7.45)
PO2 13 kPa (11–15)
PCO2 4.6 kPa (4.6–6.4)
Bicarbonate 16 mmol/L (22–30)
Lactate 4.5 mmol/L (1–2)
A. Acute diverticulitis
B. Acute pancreatitis
C. Incarcerated paraumbilical hernia
D. Mesenteric ischaemia
E. Ruptured aortic aneurysm
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MSCAA-020920-22943-10
8. A 57 year old woman has breathlessness and right-sided pleuritic chest pain of
sudden onset. She had a bleeding peptic ulcer secondary to NSAID use 4 weeks
ago requiring a 2-unit blood transfusion. She has a history of osteoarthritis. She is
taking lansoprazole and co-codamol. Her pulse rate is 112 bpm, BP 114/74 mmHg,
respiratory rate 26 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation 93% breathing 15L
oxygen. Her chest is clear.
Investigations:
Haemoglobin 93 g/L (115–150)
CT pulmonary angiogram: thrombus in both pulmonary arteries
Which is the most appropriate initial treatment?
A. Insertion of vena cava filter

B. Intravenous alteplase
C. Intravenous heparin
D. Oral apixaban
E. Subcutaneous dalteparin sodium
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MSCAA-020920-22944-10
9. A 47 year old woman has 3 days of sharp central chest pain that radiates into her
back and is worse on inspiration. Her temperature is 37.5°C, pulse rate 95 bpm, BP
100/72 mmHg, respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation 98%
breathing air. Heart sounds are normal, brachial pulses in both arms are
synchronous.
Investigations:
Haemoglobin 152 g/L (115-160)
Platelets 390 × 109/L (150–400)
Neutrophils 7.5 × 109/L (2.0–7.5)
D dimers 2.5 mg/L (<0.5)
Troponin T 1.5 µg/L (<0.01)
CRP 42 mg/L (<5)
ECG: see image
A. Acute coronary syndrome

B. Aortic dissection
C. Musculoskeletal chest pain
D. Pericarditis
E. Pneumonia
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MSCAA-020920-22945-18
10. A 63 year old woman has episodes of irregular palpitations, lasting several hours
and occurring once a week. She has a history of type 2 diabetes and ischaemic
heart disease.
Her ECG confirms atrial fibrillation. The patient wants to discuss the risks before
starting anticoagulation (see image).
Which is her lifetime risk of having a stroke related to her atrial fibrillation?
A. 3%
B. 15%
C. 20%
D. 30%
E. 60%
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MSCAA-020920-22946-18
11. The surgical registrar is dealing with a deteriorating patient on the ward. He asks the
surgical Foundation Year 1 doctor (FY1) to obtain written consent from the patients
on the afternoon list to avoid a delayed start and possible cancellations. The list is
three dupuytren's contracture releases. The FY1 has assisted with this operation
once during this rotation.
Which is the most appropriate action for the FY1 to take?
A. Ask the consultant to consent the patients

B. Consent all of the patients
C. Consent all of the patients and ask the registrar to countersign the forms
D. Only consent the patients without significant medical conditions
E. Refuse to consent the patients
MSCAA-040920-22947-5
12. A 62 year old woman has 12 hours of severe, paroxysms of pain of sudden onset
radiating from her left loin to her groin. She has a past medical history of
asthma. Urinalysis shows blood 3+, protein 1+ and leucocytes 1+.
Which is the most appropriate initial investigation?
A. Contrast CT of abdomen and pelvis

B. Intravenous urography
C. Non-contrast CT of renal tract
D. Plain X-ray of renal tract
E. Ultrasonography of renal tract
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MSCAA-040920-22948-13
13. A 63 year old man presents to his GP for review following addition of indapamide to
maximal-dose ramipril for BP control. He also has type 2 diabetes mellitus and
chronic kidney disease and takes metformin. His creatinine 2 months ago was
135 μmol/L (60–120). His BP is 133/85 mmHg.
Investigations:
Sodium 135 mmol/L (135–146)
Potassium 4.6 mmol/L (3.5–5.3)
Urea 9.0 mmol/L (2.5–7.8)
eGFR 44 mL/min/1.73 m2 (>60)
Which is the most appropriate management?
A. Stop metformin
B. Repeat urea and electrolytes in 2 weeks
C. Stop indapamide
D. Stop ramipril
E. Switch indapamide to amlodipine
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MSCAA-040920-22949-5
14. A 63 year old woman has 1 day of a painful, swollen right shoulder and fever. She
has a history of rheumatoid arthritis and takes methotrexate and etanercept. Her
temperature is 38.2°C, pulse rate 100 bpm and BP 119/83 mmHg. The right shoulder
is swollen and erythematous.
Investigations:
Urea 6.7 mmol/L (2.5–7.8)
CRP 171 mg/L (<5)
Joint aspiration: no organisms on Gram stain, white cell count 1747/µL (<200),
mostly neutrophils, no crystals. She is advised to take oral paracetamol.
Which is the most appropriate additional management?
A. Inject methylprednisolone into the joint

B. No further treatment pending culture results
C. Start intravenous flucloxacillin
D. Start oral colchicine
E. Start oral prednisolone
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MSCAA-040920-22950-4
15. A 33 year old woman is found collapsed on the medical ward. She was admitted 24
hours ago with pneumonia and is being treated with intravenous antibiotics. She has
a history of type 1 diabetes and has been taking her usual doses of subcutaneous
insulin.
She is unconscious and is clammy. Her capillary blood glucose is 1.5 mmol/L.
Which is the most appropriate immediate treatment?
A. 20 mL of 50% glucose by slow intravenous injection

B. 75 mL of 20% glucose by intravenous infusion
C. 150 mL of 5% glucose by intravenous infusion
D. Glucagon 1 mg by intramuscular injection
E. Glucose gel 25 g (contains 10 g glucose) applied to buccal mucosa
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MSCAA-040920-22951-6
16. A 67 year old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus attends the clinic for review. Her
metformin treatment was stopped during a recent hospital admission with heart
failure, in view of worsening chronic kidney disease [eGFR 28 mL/min/1.73 m2(>60)].
She has a history of diverticular disease. She is currently taking the maximum dose
of gliclazide.
Investigations:
Glycated haemoglobin 71 mmol/mol (20–42)
She is keen to avoid giving herself injections.
Which is the most appropriate additional treatment?
A. Acarbose (α-glucosidase inhibitor)

B. Dulaglutide (GLP-1 agonist)
C. Empagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor)
D. Pioglitazone (thiazolidinedione)
E. Sitagliptin (DPP4 inhibitor)
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MSCAA-040920-22952-24
17. A 61 year old Black African woman visits her GP for an NHS health check. Her BMI
is 26 kg/m2. Her BP is 126/84 mmHg. Urinalysis is normal.
Investigations:
Glycated haemoglobin 44 mmol/mol (20–42)
A. Advise a low sugar diet

B. Prescribe metformin
C. Prescribe ramipril
D. Refer her to the Diabetes Prevention Programme
E. Send off a fasting plasma glucose
MSCAA-040920-22953-20
18. A 53 year old man has 2 days of worsening abdominal pain. He has also had recent
watery diarrhoea. There is no rectal bleeding. His temperature is 37.5°C, pulse rate
105 bpm and BP 140/85 mmHg. He has tenderness in the left iliac fossa with some
guarding. Bowel sounds are normal. Rectal examination shows hard stools only.
A. Ischaemic colitis
B. Meckel's diverticulitis
C. Proctocolitis
D. Rectal carcinoma
E. Sigmoid diverticulitis
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MSCAA-070920-22954-2
19. A 66 year old woman has nausea, fever and rigors. She has a cough productive of
green sputum. She was discharged 6 days ago after being treated for a PE. She has
been having low molecular weight heparin injections twice daily since the diagnosis.
She had an appendicetomy 1 year ago. Her temperature is 39.3°C, pulse rate 124
bpm and BP 94/43 mmHg.
Investigations:
APTT 43 seconds (22–41)
PT 18 seconds (10–12)
Which is the most likely cause of the prolonged prothrombin time?
A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation

B. Liver disease
C. Low molecular weight heparin
D. Lupus anticoagulant
E. Vitamin K deficiency
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MSCAA-070920-22955-7
20. A 69 year old man has a right-sided hearing loss. There has been slow deterioration
over the previous three years, and he is now also troubled by unsteadiness in
walking which is variable in severity. A pure-tone audiogram shows a right-sided
high-frequency hearing loss. He has normal tympanometry bilaterally.
Which is the most appropriate diagnostic investigation?
A. Cerebral angiography
B. CT of head
C. CT of petrous temporal bones
D. MR imaging of internal acoustic meatus
E. PET–CT of brain
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MSCAA-070920-22956-15
21. A 19 year old woman has had bloody diarrhoea four times each day for the past 3
weeks and is feeling unwell. She has noticed urgency to pass stool and has lost
weight. Her left eye has been itchy, but not painful. Her temperature is 38.5°C, pulse
rate 109 bpm, BP 110/70 mmHg and respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute.
Investigations:
Stool culture: negative
A. Adenocarcinoma of the colon

B. Crohn's disease
C. Irritable bowel syndrome
D. Microscopic colitis
E. Ulcerative colitis
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MSCAA-070920-22957-9
22. A 40 year old woman presents to her GP with 7 weeks of right iliac fossa discomfort,
weight loss of 3 kg and diarrhoea six times a day. She previously opened her bowels
once daily. She has not travelled abroad. She lives with her partner, who is well.
Rectal examination is normal.
Investigations:
Haemoglobin 101 g/L (Men: 135-180 g/l Women: 115-160 g/l)
Albumin 32 g/L (35–50)
Platelets 450 × 109/L (150–400)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 84mm/hr (<20)
ALT 10 IU/L (10–50)
ALP 110 IU/L (25–115)
Bilirubin 15 µmol/L (<17)
Which is the most appropriate next investigation?
A. Antimitochondrial antibodies
B. Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies
C. Faecal calprotectin
D. Faecal occult blood testing
E. Stool cultures
Page 19 of 39
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MSCAA-070920-22958-20
23. A 52 year old man is undergoing investigation for headaches. He has no visual
symptoms. His visual acuity is 6/5 bilaterally. There is a visual field defect.
Investigations:
MR scan of brain: craniopharyngioma indenting the optic chiasm
Which is the most likely visual field defect?
A. Bilateral concentric visual loss

B. Bilaterally enlarged blind spots
C. Bitemporal hemianopia
D. Left-sided homonymous hemianopia
E. Right-sided homonymous hemianopia
MSCAA-070920-22959-1
24. A 38 year old woman has recurrent episodes of collapse over 6 months. When
excited, her muscles feel limp and she falls to the floor, but she remains conscious.
She has a history of anxiety and depression and takes citalopram. Her father died
from an ischaemic stroke aged 59 years.
A. Cardiogenic syncope
B. Cataplexy
C. Cough syncope
D. Dissociative (non-epileptic) seizures
E. Epilepsy
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MSCAA-070920-22960-5
25. A 64 year old woman has 18 months of worsening right-sided hip pain caused by
osteoarthritis. Her pain is partially controlled by regular paracetamol and ibuprofen
gel. She remains active. She has ischaemic heart disease and chronic kidney
disease. Her medication includes bisprolol fumarate, aspirin and simvastatin. She
has crepitus on active and passive movements of both hips. Her BMI is 30 kg/m2.
A. Add celecoxib
B. Add oral ibuprofen and lansoprazole
C. Refer for acupuncture
D. Refer for knee replacement surgery
E. Switch paracetamol to regular co-codamol
MSCAA-070920-22961-1
26. A 30 year old woman has 4 weeks of pain on the radial side of her left wrist. The
pain is worse when she plays tennis. She has no history of trauma. She has swelling
and tenderness over the distal end of the left radial styloid. The pain is exacerbated
by ulnar deviation of the wrist when the thumb is clasped in the palm.
A. de Quervain tendinopathy
B. Ganglion cyst
C. Intersection syndrome
D. Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint
E. Scaphoid fracture
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MSCAA-070920-22962-2
27. A 43 year old man is admitted following a significant overdose of propranolol and
paracetamol taken 50 minutes ago. His GCS is 15. His pulse rate is 86 bpm, BP
breathing air.
Investigations:
Arterial blood gas breathing air pH 7.42 (7.35–7.45)
PO2 11.7 kPa (11–15)
PCO2 4.9 kPa (4.6–6.4)
Bicarbonate 24 mmol/L (22–30)
ECG sinus rhythm
QRS duration 100 ms (80–120)
A. Arrange gastric lavage

B. Give oral activated charcoal
C. Give oral ipecacuanha
D. Start IV 1.26% sodium bicarbonate
E. Start IV acetylcysteine
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MSCAA-070920-22963-6
28. A 49 year old woman has 6 months of a painful, stiff left shoulder. The pain is
nagging and worse at night. There is no history of trauma. She has hyperthyroidism.
She has reduced passive and active range of movement in the left shoulder with
pain at extremes of range of motion. Neck movements are normal. Power and
sensation are normal.
Investigations:
CRP 6
A. Adhesive capsulitis
B. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis
C. Polymyalgia rheumatica
D. Rotator cuff tear
E. Subacromial bursitis
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MSCAA-080920-22964-4
29. A 52 year old man is reviewed following a bone densitometry scan (DXA). He was
recently found to have temporal arteritis, and treatment with oral prednisolone was
started. The T-score for the bone mineral density in his femoral neck is –3.3. He is
advised to take colecalciferol with calcium carbonate.
Which is the most appropriate additional treatment?
A. Alendronic acid
B. Denosumab
C. No additional treatment
D. Raloxifene hydrochloride
E. Teriparatide
MSCAA-080920-22965-3
30. A 69 year old man presents to the GP with 3 weeks of intermittent dizziness that he
describes as 'the room spinning'. The episodes start suddenly, are usually triggered
by looking upwards, and last less than a minute before resolving completely. He
reports no other symptoms. He is otherwise well. Otoscopic and neurological
examinations are normal.
A. Acoustic neuroma
B. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
C. Cerebellar lesion
D. Ménière's disease
E. Vestibular neuritis
Page 24 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22966-1
31. A 52 year old woman finds it increasingly difficult to breathe 3 hours after the
removal of a chest drain. This was inserted to drain a right-sided pleural effusion
secondary to lymphoma. Two litres of bloodstained fluid were drained before
removal.
A. Aspiration pneumonia
B. Pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Pulmonary oedema
E. Recurrence of effusion
MSCAA-080920-22967-5
32. A 73 year old woman has abdominal pain 4 days after a laparoscopic bowel
resection with primary anastomosis for bowel cancer. Her temperature is 36.9°C,
pulse rate 105 bpm, BP 120/72 mmHg and oxygen saturation 96% breathing oxygen
6 L/min via face mask. She has reduced breath sounds in both bases. She has
abdominal tenderness with guarding and reduced bowel sounds.
Which is the most appropriate diagnostic investigation?
A. Abdominal X-ray
B. Barium enema
C. CT of abdomen
D. Erect chest X-ray
E. Point-of-care FAST scan
Page 25 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22968-6
33. A 35 year old woman reports feeling dizzy 12 hours after an uncomplicated vaginal
delivery. She has a large pool of blood between her legs. Her pulse rate is 116 bpm,
BP 96/50 mmHg, respiratory rate 22 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation 96%
breathing oxygen 4 L/minute via nasal cannulae. She is treated with an IV fluid
bolus, and the obstetrician is informed.
Which is the most appropriate next management step?
A. Activate major haemorrhage protocol

B. Give IV noradrenaline/norepinephrine
C. Give IV tranexamic acid
D. Give prothrombin complex concentrate
E. Increase oxygen to 15 L/min via a non-rebreather mask
Page 26 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22970-3
34. A 59 year old man is reviewed in clinic. He has type 1 diabetes mellitus,
hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and CKD stage 4 [recent eGFR 25
mL/min/1.73 m2(> 60)]. He is taking insulin, lisinopril, metoprolol tartrate and aspirin.
His BP is 148/96 mmHg. He has pitting oedema to the knee.
Investigations:
Urea 12.9 mmol/L (2.5–7.8)
eGFR 26 mL/min/1.73 m2 (>60)
Urinalysis: protein 2+
Which is the most appropriate therapeutic change?
A. Add indapamide
B. Add furosemide
C. Add spironolactone
D. Stop lisinopril
E. Switch lisinopril to losartan
Page 27 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22971-6
35. A 29 year old woman is brought to the resuscitation room of the Emergency
Department after being involved in a road traffic collision. She is 37 weeks pregnant.
Her cervical spine is immobilised.
She is conscious and asks about her baby. Her temperature is 37°C, pulse rate 100
bpm, BP 83/52 mmHg and oxygen saturation 99% breathing room air. Fluid
resuscitation has been started and bloods have been sent.
Which is the most appropriate next step?
A. Image the long bones and pelvis, and orthopaedic review

B. Perform a full primary survey
C. Scan the baby and arrange fetal monitoring
D. Transfer to theatre for immediate delivery of baby
E. X-ray cervical spine
MSCAA-080920-22972-13
36. A 78 year old woman is brought to the Emergency Department with 4 hours of
severe left sided chest pain A pre-hospital ECG shows 2 mm of ST elevation in leads
I, II and aVF, for which paramedics gave aspirin and glyceryl trinitrate spray.
On arrival at hospital, she is sweating and distressed. Her pulse rate is 85 bpm, BP
breathing air. Her GCS score is 15/15.
A. Continue breathing air

B. Start 28% oxygen via a Venturi mask
C. Start 40% oxygen via a Venturi mask
D. Start oxygen 2 L/min via nasal cannulae
E. Start oxygen 15 L/min via a non-rebreathe mask
Page 28 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22973-2
37. A 42 year old woman has intentionally self-harmed by cutting both wrists. She
became very sad earlier that day after forgetting to bring a plastic bag when going to
the supermarket. Her mood changes between being happy and sad several times
per week. She gets bored easily and has intense relationships that don't last very
long. She has frequently been excessively drunk on nights out with friends. She has
never experienced psychotic symptoms.
A. Adjustment disorder
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Borderline personality disorder
D. Dissocial personality disorder
E. Unipolar depressive episode
Page 29 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22974-2
38. A 26 year old man has a brief episode of feeling faint. He has had 5 days of cough,
sore throat and fever. He has been feeling tired for 6 months and has lost 3 kg in
weight.
His temperature is 37.6°C, pulse rate 90 bpm, BP 100/55 mmHg lying and 90/50
mmHg sitting, respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation 95%
breathing air. His JVP is not visible.
Investigations:
Haemoglobin 106 g/L (115–160)
Platelets 201 × 109/L (150–400)
Urea 9.5 mmol/L (2.5–7.8)
Random plasma glucose 3.2 mmol/L
12-lead ECG sinus rhythm
Which is the most appropriate additional investigation?
A. CT of head
B. CT pulmonary angiography
C. Echocardiography
D. Plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone
E. Urinary and serum osmolality
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MSCAA-080920-22975-8
39. A 48 year old woman with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma has 24 hours of back pain at
the L3 level. She has also developed numbness in the leg and urinary retention.
Which is the most appropriate investigation?
A. CT of spine
B. Isotope bone scan
C. MR imaging of spine
D. PET–CT
E. X-ray of thoracic and lumbar spine
MSCAA-080920-22976-7
40. A 61 year old woman attends her GP surgery with reducing exercise tolerance and a
cough productive of clear sputum on most mornings. She has never had
haemoptysis and has maintained a steady weight. She describes two chest
infections in the past year treated with a short course of steroids and antibiotics. She
has a 10 pack-year smoking history.
Her BP is 132/85 mmHg. Chest X-ray is normal.
Which is the most appropriate investigation to establish the diagnosis?
A. Cardiopulmonary exercise test

B. Echocardiography
C. High resolution CT scan of thorax
D. Spirometry
E. Sputum cytology
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MSCAA-080920-22977-4
41. A 51 year old woman presents to the Emergency Department with 2 hours of
palpitations that started during a night out dancing with friends. This is associated
with dizziness and breathlessness.
Investigations:
ECG (see image)
What diagnosis is shown on the ECG?
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. First degree heart block
C. Sinus tachycardia
D. Supraventricular tachycardia
E. Ventricular tachycardia
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MSCAA-080920-22978-5
42. A 84 year old man is oliguric 20 hours after an emergency hip replacement for a
fractured neck of femur. He has a history of chronic kidney disease stage 4, obesity
and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He takes metformin and ramipril.
His pulse rate is 110 bpm, BP 94/55 mmHg and JVP not visible. His urine output has
been 10 mL per hour for the past 4 hours. He has been given 2 L of 0.9% sodium
chloride since returning from theatre.
Investigations:
Urea 15.8 mmol/L (2.5–7.8)
Which is the most likely cause of his oliguria?
A. Acute tubular necrosis

B. Catheter obstruction
C. Intraoperative ureteric injury
D. Prerenal hypovolaemia
E. Renal artery occlusion
Page 33 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22979-6
43. A 17 year old woman is brought to the Emergency Department having been struck
on the side of the head with a cricket ball.
She has a minor scalp abrasion. Her GCS is 15/15 and there are no focal
neurological signs.
Six hours later she collapses, at which point her GCS is 6/15. A CT scan of brain
reveals a lens-shaped haemorrhage in the left parietal region.
Which is the most likely vessel to be injured?
A. Anterior communicating artery

B. Basilar artery
C. Bridging veins
D. Middle meningeal artery
E. Vertebral artery
Page 34 of 39
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MSCAA-080920-22980-3
44. A 66 year old man has worsening breathlessness over 5 days. He gives a 2-month
history of lethargy. He has a dry cough and is a non-smoker. He retired as a builder
15 years ago. He has a temperature of 37.1°C. There are scattered coarse crackles
in both lung fields. His chest X-ray is shown (see image).
Which is the most likely underlying diagnosis?
A. Mesothelioma
B. Metastatic cancer
C. Pulmonary fibrosis
D. Pulmonary tuberculosis
E. Sarcoidosis
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MSCAA-080920-22981-4
45. Researchers compare the diagnostic accuracy of a new serological test for SARS-
Cov-2 against the nose and throat swab currently being used for clinical diagnosis in
the UK. The new test detects all 28 confirmed cases of the disease that were
positive by the current test. 92% (71/77) of patients who tested negative with the
current test are also negative by the new rapid diagnostic test.
Which statement is correct?
A. The false negative rate of the new test is 0%

B. The false positive rate of the new test is 92%
C. The sensitivity of the new test is 92%
D. The specificity of the new test is 8%
E. The specificity of the new test is 100%
MSCAA-080920-22982-5
46. A 48 year old man has 15 hours of a severe headache of sudden onset. When the
headache started, he collapsed and vomited; he also reports photophobia. He has a
history of cluster headaches.
Neurological examination is normal. A non-contrast CT scan of brain is normal.
What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Carotid Doppler studies

B. Lumbar puncture
C. MR scan of brain
D. MR imaging of brain with MR venography
E. No future investigations required
Page 36 of 39
2
MSCAA-100820-22926-3
47. A 37 year old man has 5 months of an itchy, scaly rash that has partially responded
to topical moisturiser. There are lesions symmetrically distributed over the extensor
surface of his elbows, scalp and back, which are 2–8 cm in diameter (see image).
A. Atopic dermatitis
B. Pityriasis versicolor
C. Plaque psoriasis
D. Seborrhoeic dermatitis
E. Tinea corporis infection
Page 37 of 39
2
MSCAA-150920-23014-4
48. A 39 year old man has recurrent right-sided throbbing headaches lasting up to 2
days associated with photophobia. The headache is usually preceded by numbness
that starts in the hand, travels up the arm and then involves the face, lips and
tongue. These headaches cause him to be unable to get out of bed.
Which is the most appropriate treatment to reduce the frequency of these episodes?
A. Acupuncture
B. Gabapentin
C. Propranolol
D. Sumatriptan
E. Venlafaxine
MSCAA-240820-22932-9
49. A 70 year old man reports increasing fatigue. He has noticed intermittent double
vision, usually in the evening. He is a smoker. His only regular medication is
levothyroxine. There is bilateral mild ptosis. The rest of the neurological examination
is normal.
A. Guillain–Barré syndrome
B. Migraine
C. Multiple sclerosis
D. Myasthenia gravis
E. Stroke
Page 38 of 39
2
MSCAA-280820-22935-3
50. Seven patients on the same ward have developed diarrhoea and vomiting within 48
hours of each other. There is no blood in the stool, they have not eaten similar foods
and have no history of foreign travel. A doctor requests stool samples from each to
confirm the likely diagnosis.
Which test is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?
A. Clostridium difficile enzyme assay and toxin detection

B. Faecal elastase test
C. Stool for culture and sensitivity
D. Stool for viral PCR
E. Stool microscopy for ova, cysts and parasites
Page 39 of 39
2

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Questions and Correct

MSCAA Practice Paper

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

A continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine sulfate is required, as a direct

Which is the correct dose of morphine sulfate to prescribe over 24 hours?

Which is the most appropriate advice?

A. Avoid work until the pain has completely settled

Which is the most appropriate medication to add?

6. A 70 year old woman presents to the Emergency Department feeling generally

Which is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Admit to medical receiving unit

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

CT pulmonary angiogram: thrombus in both pulmonary arteries

Which is the most appropriate initial treatment?

A. Insertion of vena cava filter

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Acute coronary syndrome

Which is the most appropriate action for the FY1 to take?

A. Ask the consultant to consent the patients

Which is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Contrast CT of abdomen and pelvis

Which is the most appropriate management?

Which is the most appropriate additional management?

A. Inject methylprednisolone into the joint

Which is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

A. 20 mL of 50% glucose by slow intravenous injection

She is keen to avoid giving herself injections.

Which is the most appropriate additional treatment?

A. Acarbose (α-glucosidase inhibitor)

Which is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Advise a low sugar diet

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most likely cause of the prolonged prothrombin time?

A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Which is the most appropriate diagnostic investigation?

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Adenocarcinoma of the colon

Which is the most appropriate next investigation?

Which is the most likely visual field defect?

A. Bilateral concentric visual loss

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most appropriate management?

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Arrange gastric lavage

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most appropriate additional treatment?

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most appropriate diagnostic investigation?

Which is the most appropriate next management step?

A. Activate major haemorrhage protocol

Which is the most appropriate therapeutic change?

Which is the most appropriate next step?

A. Image the long bones and pelvis, and orthopaedic review

Which is the most appropriate management?

A. Continue breathing air

Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Which is the most appropriate additional investigation?

Which is the most appropriate investigation?

Her BP is 132/85 mmHg. Chest X-ray is normal.