Mixed Deck — All PLAB Topics Flashcards

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

Answer: Amoxicillin or azithromycin

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

Which feature most clearly distinguishes a manic episode from a hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder?

Answer: Marked functional impairment or need for hospitalization

Mania, unlike hypomania, causes marked functional impairment, may require hospitalization, and can include psychotic features.

Which anticoagulant requires regular INR monitoring?

Answer: Warfarin

Warfarin requires regular INR (International Normalized Ratio) monitoring because it has a narrow therapeutic index and its effect is influenced by diet, medications, and individual metabolism.

A 40-year-old alcohol-dependent man presents 48 hours after his last drink with agitation, tremor, diaphoresis, and tachycardia. What is the most serious complication to anticipate?

Answer: Delirium tremens with seizures

Delirium tremens typically emerges 48–72 hours after alcohol cessation and carries significant mortality without prompt treatment with benzodiazepines.

Who recognizes the PLAB certification?

Answer: The General Medical Council (GMC).

The PLAB certification is officially recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC), which is the regulatory body for doctors in the United Kingdom. Successful completion of the PLAB test is a mandatory requirement for international medical graduates to apply for GMC registration and practice medicine in the UK.

A 4-year-old child presents with a widespread purpuric rash, arthritis, colicky abdominal pain, and haematuria. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA vasculitis)

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA vasculitis) is the most common childhood vasculitis, characterized by the tetrad of palpable purpura (predominantly lower limbs/buttocks), arthritis, colicky abdominal pain, and renal involvement (haematuria).

What role do study groups play in PLAB preparation?

Answer: They offer peer support and varied perspectives on challenging topics.

Study groups play a valuable role in PLAB preparation by offering peer support and varied perspectives on challenging topics. Collaborating with others allows candidates to discuss complex concepts, share insights, and clarify doubts, which can deepen understanding and make learning more effective than individual study alone.

What is the purpose of the PLAB certification?

Answer: To validate medical knowledge and skills for UK practice.

The purpose of PLAB certification is to validate that an international medical graduate's medical knowledge and clinical skills meet the standards required for safe and effective practice within the UK healthcare system. It serves as a crucial assessment to ensure competence before a doctor can register with the GMC.

What is the focus of PLAB Part 2?

Answer: Performing practical assessments in simulated settings.

PLAB Part 2 focuses on assessing practical skills and clinical competence through an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Candidates move through a series of simulated clinical scenarios, interacting with actors playing patients or healthcare professionals. This format evaluates their ability to diagnose, manage, communicate, and perform procedures in a realistic medical environment.

What is the foundational principle of applied methods and techniques in the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board field?

Answer: Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders

The foundational principles of applied methods and techniques in Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board center on maintaining competence, integrity, and quality service.

How should core concepts and principles knowledge be maintained and updated?

Answer: Through continuous professional development, current literature review, and professional networking

Professional competence requires ongoing development through education, literature review, and engagement with the professional community.

What is the most appropriate initial investigation for suspected deep vein thrombosis?

Answer: D-dimer test combined with Wells score assessment

Initial investigation of suspected DVT involves calculating the Wells score to determine pre-test probability, combined with a D-dimer test. A positive D-dimer in a moderate/high probability patient warrants ultrasound.

What is a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order?

Answer: A medical order indicating that CPR should not be performed if the patient's heart stops

A DNR order is a medical directive stating that cardiopulmonary resuscitation should not be attempted if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest, respecting the patient's wishes about end-of-life care.

A 12-year-old girl presents with polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and a blood glucose of 28 mmol/L. She is alert with Kussmaul breathing and blood gas shows pH 7.1. What is the diagnosis?

Answer: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a child is defined by hyperglycemia, acidosis (pH <7.3), ketonemia/ketonuria, and dehydration, with Kussmaul (deep, rapid) breathing as a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis.

A 35-year-old woman presents with sudden severe lower abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, and a positive urine pregnancy test. Ultrasound shows no intrauterine pregnancy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Ruptured ectopic pregnancy

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy classically presents with acute abdominal pain, peritoneal irritation causing referred shoulder tip pain (diaphragmatic irritation from hemoperitoneum), and a positive pregnancy test without intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound.

What quality assurance measure supports assessment and evaluation?

Answer: Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards

Ongoing quality assurance through self-assessment, peer review, and standards adherence ensures continuous improvement.

What is the foundational principle of professional standards and ethics in the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board field?

Answer: Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders

The foundational principles of professional standards and ethics in Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board center on maintaining competence, integrity, and quality service.

Which hormone is measured in a serum pregnancy test, and at what level does a transvaginal ultrasound typically visualize an intrauterine gestational sac?

Answer: hCG; >1500–2000 mIU/mL

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the syncytiotrophoblast after implantation, and a transvaginal ultrasound can typically identify an intrauterine gestational sac when hCG exceeds 1500–2000 mIU/mL (the discriminatory zone).

When can patient confidentiality be legally breached in the United States?

Answer: When required by law, such as reporting certain communicable diseases or suspected child abuse

Patient confidentiality may be legally breached when required by law (mandatory disease reporting, suspected child/elder abuse), when there is a serious risk to others, or with valid court orders.

Which investigation is most useful to confirm ovarian torsion in a woman presenting with acute unilateral pelvic pain?

Answer: Transvaginal ultrasound with Doppler

Transvaginal ultrasound with Doppler flow studies is the first-line investigation for suspected ovarian torsion, assessing ovarian morphology and blood flow, though absence of flow is not always present.