PY2.1-13 | Haematology — Practice Quiz

Blood plasma constitutes approximately 55% of blood volume. Which protein is the most abundant in plasma and is primarily responsible for maintaining colloid osmotic (oncotic) pressure?

A mountaineer ascending to 5,000 m altitude develops increased erythropoietin (EPO) production. Which cells produce EPO, and what is the stimulus for its release?

The oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the RIGHT in exercising muscle. Which combination of factors causes this right shift?

A newborn develops jaundice on day 2 of life. The total bilirubin is 18 mg/dL, predominantly unconjugated (indirect). The direct (conjugated) bilirubin is normal. Which type of jaundice is this, and what is the most likely mechanism?

Iron absorption occurs primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Which hormone, produced by the liver, is the master regulator of iron homeostasis by degrading ferroportin?

A 60-year-old strict vegetarian presents with fatigue, glossitis (smooth, red tongue), and numbness in the feet. CBC shows Hb 8 g/dL, MCV 115 fL (high), and peripheral smear shows hypersegmented neutrophils. The most likely diagnosis is:

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells and the first responders to bacterial infection. Which cell type would you expect to be ELEVATED in a patient with a parasitic worm (helminth) infection?

Monocytes leave the blood and differentiate into macrophages in various tissues. Which of the following correctly matches a tissue macrophage with its location?

During primary haemostasis, platelets adhere to exposed collagen at the site of vascular injury. Which factor acts as a bridge between collagen and the platelet receptor GPIb to enable this adhesion?

A patient on warfarin therapy has a prolonged PT/INR but normal aPTT. Which pathway of the coagulation cascade is most affected by warfarin, and which clotting factors are involved?

Antithrombin III (AT-III) is the most important natural anticoagulant. Which therapeutic drug massively accelerates AT-III's ability to inactivate thrombin and other clotting factors?

An Rh-negative woman delivers her first Rh-positive baby. To prevent haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in future pregnancies, anti-D immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) is administered within 72 hours of delivery. What is the mechanism by which RhoGAM prevents sensitisation?