GAMSAT Patient Assessment and Evaluation 3

Question 1

A nurse applies the APGAR score to a newborn at 1 minute and obtains a score of 5. Which clinical action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Initiate resuscitative measures and reassess at 5 minutes

Answer

An APGAR of 4–6 at 1 minute indicates moderate depression, requiring resuscitative support and close monitoring.

Question 2

When performing the Romberg test, a patient is stable with eyes open but sways markedly and nearly falls when eyes are closed. This finding primarily suggests impairment of which system?

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptive (sensory ataxia)

Answer

A positive Romberg sign occurs when removal of visual input unmasks deficits in proprioception, indicating dorsal column disease.

Question 3

A patient presents with unilateral leg swelling, warmth, and erythema. The Wells score for DVT is calculated as 3. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Perform compression ultrasound of the affected leg

Answer

A Wells score ≥2 indicates high probability of DVT, and compression ultrasound is the first-line imaging investigation.

Question 4

During ophthalmoscopy, you observe papilloedema bilaterally. Which systemic condition should you urgently consider?

Accepted Answer

Raised intracranial pressure

Answer

Bilateral papilloedema is caused by raised ICP transmitted along the optic nerve sheath, requiring urgent investigation.

Question 5

A 45-year-old patient has a BMI of 32.5 kg/m² and a waist circumference of 98 cm (male). According to metabolic syndrome criteria, which additional finding is required to make this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

At least two more metabolic abnormalities from dyslipidaemia, hypertension, or elevated fasting glucose

Answer

Metabolic syndrome requires central obesity plus ≥2 of: raised triglycerides, low HDL, hypertension, or raised fasting glucose.

(GAMSAT) Graduate Medical School Admissions Test Practice Test

(GAMSAT) Graduate Medical School Admissions Test Practice Test

GAMSAT Patient Assessment and Evaluation 3