Free Medical Council of Canada MCCQE Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 11

This pregnancy demonstrates fetal growth restriction (FGR) with biometric measurements at or below the 10th percentile and oligohydramnios (AFI 5 cm). Most concerning is the finding of reversed end-diastolic flow (REDF) in the umbilical artery Doppler, which indicates severe placental insufficiency and significantly increased risk of fetal hypoxia, acidosis, and intrauterine demise. MCCQE objectives emphasize that abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings—particularly absent or reversed end-diastolic flow—represent critical fetal compromise.

At 37 weeks’ gestation, the fetus is term. The risks of continued intrauterine exposure in the setting of REDF outweigh the risks of delivery. Therefore, immediate delivery is indicated. Expectant management with nonstress testing or delayed reassessment is inappropriate because REDF is associated with high perinatal mortality.

Prompt delivery (often by cesarean section depending on fetal status and cervical factors) is required to prevent stillbirth and severe neonatal morbidity.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (also known as “intestinal angina”) presents as postprandial abdominal pain, leading to food avoidance and significant weight loss. GI exams may be normal. Imaging (e.g., angiography or CT angio) confirms the diagnosis.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Gastroenterology, “Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia”:

“Classic triad: postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and food aversion. Physical exam and GI series may be normal.”

MCCQE1 Objectives (Gastroenterology > 47-1: Abdominal Pain):

“Candidates must suspect mesenteric ischemia in older adults with risk factors and postprandial pain leading to weight loss.”

PUD (A) usually causes epigastric pain relieved by food. Cholelithiasis (B) causes RUQ pain. Colon cancer (D) presents with altered bowel habits or bleeding. Mesenteric adenitis (C) occurs in younger patients, often with infection.

====================================================

This child demonstrates classic features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): intrusive contamination fears (obsession) and repetitive handwashing behaviors (compulsion) performed to reduce anxiety. The symptoms are excessive, impairing school function, and persist beyond normal developmental concerns. According to MCCQE objectives, first-line treatment for mild to moderate pediatric OCD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP). ERP involves gradual exposure to feared contaminants while preventing the compulsive handwashing response, thereby reducing anxiety through habituation and cognitive restructuring. Pharmacologic treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine) is indicated for moderate to severe cases or when CBT alone is insufficient, but it is not the preferred initial intervention when psychotherapy is accessible. Risperidone is not first-line and may be considered only as augmentation in refractory cases. Changing schools or providing a teaching assistant does not address the underlying anxiety disorder. Early evidence-based intervention improves prognosis and functional outcomes in pediatric OCD.

The inability to gaze laterally with the right eye indicates dysfunction of the right lateral rectus muscle , which is innervated by cranial nerve VI (the abducens nerve). The primary action of the lateral rectus muscle is abduction of the eye (movement away from the midline). Damage to the abducens nerve results in an inability to abduct the affected eye, leading to horizontal diplopia that worsens when looking toward the side of the lesion.

MCCQE objectives emphasize understanding cranial nerve function and localization. The oculomotor nerve (CN III) controls most extraocular movements but not lateral rectus. Trochlear nerve (CN IV) innervates the superior oblique muscle, affecting downward and inward gaze. The optic nerve (CN II) is responsible for vision, not eye movement. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) provides facial sensation and mastication motor function.

Headache with a new sixth nerve palsy may raise concern for increased intracranial pressure or intracranial pathology, as CN VI is vulnerable due to its long intracranial course. Further evaluation is warranted.