PLAB Clinical Medicine & Diagnosis

Question 1

A 55-year-old male presents with crushing central chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Crushing central chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw in a middle-aged male is a classic presentation of acute myocardial infarction requiring immediate assessment and treatment.

Question 2

Which investigation is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)

Answer

CT pulmonary angiography is the gold standard investigation for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, providing direct visualization of clots in the pulmonary arterial system.

Question 3

A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and unexplained weight loss. Which condition should be investigated first?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

The classic triad of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and unexplained weight loss strongly suggests diabetes mellitus, requiring blood glucose testing.

Question 4

What is the first-line treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in an otherwise healthy adult in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Amoxicillin or azithromycin

Answer

For community-acquired pneumonia in healthy adults without comorbidities, amoxicillin or azithromycin (for penicillin-allergic patients) is recommended as first-line outpatient therapy.

Question 5

A patient presents with sudden onset severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life.' What is the most important diagnosis to exclude?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer

A sudden-onset severe 'thunderclap' headache described as the worst ever experienced requires urgent exclusion of subarachnoid hemorrhage, a potentially life-threatening condition.

PLAB - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Practice Test

PLAB - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Practice Test

PLAB Clinical Medicine & Diagnosis