Gastrointestinal: RCSI aptitude test practice questions
About this topic
Gastrointestinal on the RCSI theory paper
Bristol Stool Chart, constipation, H. pylori and peptic ulcer, gastroscopy and colonoscopy, coffee-ground vomit.
20 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation and the document it was checked against. Three questions are free; the pass opens the other 17 and every other topic. Wrong answers come back first the next time you practise, and a question counts as mastered after two correct answers in a row.
Sample questions from this topic
Question 1
What is the most common symptom of a stomach ulcer?
- APainless jaundice with dark urine and pale stools
- BWatery diarrhoea after meals
- CSharp pain in the right shoulder tip after eating
- DBurning or dull pain in the centre of the abdomen
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Answer: D. HSE: the most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or dull constant pain in the centre of the abdomen (epigastrium), often related to meals. Shoulder tip pain suggests diaphragmatic irritation, painless jaundice suggests biliary obstruction.
Source: HSE: Stomach ulcer
Question 2
How are stomach ulcers usually treated, according to the HSE?
- AAntacids alone for twelve months, then review with a repeat scope
- BA bland diet, bed rest and stopping smoking
- CProton pump inhibitor, plus antibiotics if H. pylori
- DSurgery to remove the ulcerated area of the stomach wall
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Answer: C. HSE: a proton pump inhibitor reduces acid so the ulcer can heal; antibiotics eradicate H. pylori when present; where NSAIDs are the cause they are stopped and paracetamol used instead. Surgery is reserved for complications.
Source: HSE: Stomach ulcer
Question 3
What is coeliac disease?
- AGluten reaction inflaming the small intestine
- BA bacterial infection of the large bowel after antibiotics
- CInability to digest lactose
- DA wheat allergy that can cause anaphylaxis within minutes
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Answer: A. HSE: coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which a reaction to gluten inflames the small intestine so it cannot absorb nutrients properly. It is not an allergy and not the same as lactose intolerance.
Source: HSE: Coeliac disease
The practice above shuffles the options each time and keeps your score. 30 more free questions across the paper, with a PDF.
Documents behind these questions
Every fact was checked against the public document named on the answer. This topic draws on: