UPSC Medical Sciences Optional 2020 Question Paper

UPSC medical sciences optional 2020 examination was conducted on 17th January 2021.

Here are the questions papers (Paper I and Paper II).

Paper I

SECTION – A

1 (a). Describe otic ganglion under following headings:
(i) Location
(ii) Roots
(iii) Branches
(iv) Role of its fibers in Frey’s syndrome     (10)
1 (b). With the help of a schematic diagram describe the process of excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscles. Add a note on Rigor mortis.     (10)
1 (c). A 15 year old boy from city slum presented with complaints of low grade fever, vomiting and yellowish discoloration of eyes. The liver function test was done and the report is as follows:
Total Bilirubin                                                              = 7.5 mg/dl (0.1 – 1.2 mg/dl)
Direct Bilirubin                                                            = 3 mg/dl (0.1 – 0.3 mg/dl)
Indirect Bilirubin                                                         = 4.5 mg/dl (0.1 – 1.0 mg/dl)
Alanine Transaminase (ALT)                                    = 500 (< 35 IU/L)
Aspartate Transaminase (AST)                                = 300 (< 40 IU/L)
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)                                     = 250 (40 – 130 IU/L)
(i) Write the most likely diagnosis and justify it with the findings.
(ii) Classify jaundice on the basis of aetiopathology and write their main biochemical findings.     (5+5=10)
1 (d) (i). Describe the developmental causes of “primum” and “secundum” types of Atrial septal defects. (5)
1 (d) (ii). a. Name the structures that constitute the placental membrane.
b. List the changes taking place in placental membrane in the later stages of pregnancy, which makes it more efficient.     (5)
1 (e). Describe indirect inguinal hernia under the following headings:
(i) Coverings and course of complete hernia
(ii) Anatomical safety mechanism of inguinal canal
(iii) Clinical features     (10)

2 (a). Describe the anatomy of the Mammary gland under the following headings:
(i) Extent – vertical and horizontal
(ii) Blood supply
(iii) Anatomical basis of metastatic dissemination to abdomen and cranium
(iv) Sentinel lymph node mapping method and its role in breast surgery.     (20)
2 (b) (i). Give an account of the factors that affect the formation and maturation of erythrocytes.   (5)
2 (b) (ii). Describe the hormonal regulation of the development of breast and lactation. Draw a schematic labelled diagram of the milk ejection reflex.     (10)
2 (c) (i). Discuss the principle and the steps involved in Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Write any three applications of RFLP in clinical medicine.     (5+5)
2 (c) (ii). Explain the role of Vitamin-B3 (Niacin) in biochemical processes. Write a note on its three main deficiency manifestations and the line of management.     (5)

3 (a) (i). With the help of a neatly-labelled diagram describe the cortico-spinal tract from its origin to termination. Add a note on Upper Motor Neuron pralysis.    (10)
3 (a) (ii). Describe the pathophysiology and clinical features of Parkinson’s disease. Give a brief account of the physiological basis of its treatment.     (10)
3 (b). Define blood pressure and describe the Neuro-endocrine regulation of blood pressure with the help of flow charts.     (15)
3 (c). Describe shoulder joint under the following headings:
(i) Type and articulating surfaces
(ii) Movements and muscles responsible for each
(iii) Painful arc syndrome     (15)

4 (a) (i). Describe the synthesis and functions of Vitamin-D in the body. Write a note on the deficiency disorder along with relevant laboratory investigations and line of management.     (15)
4 (a) (ii). Illustrate the structure of t-RNA with a suitable diagram and its role in ptotein synthesis.     (5)
4 (b) (i). Describe the functional significance of atrio-ventricular nodal delay and add a note on Wolff-Prakinson-White syndrome.     (5)
4 (b) (ii). Give an account of the synthesis, release, regulation and functions of the hormones of the posterior pituitary.     (10)
4 (c) (i). Describe Erb’s palsy under the following geadings:
(i) Causes
(ii) Structures involved
(iii) Attitude of limb     (10)
4 (c) (ii). Describe the embryological basis of Horse-shoe kidney.     (5)

SECTION – B

5 (a). Define cancer. Describe the four most important investigations for lab diagnosis of cancer.     (2+8=10)
5 (b). A 20 year old man was admitted with fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, neck stiffness and confusion. CSF showed intracellular Gram negative diplococci. Write the most probable diagnosis in this case. Describe the processing of CSF sample to identify the aetiological agent.     (10)
5 (c). Enumerate various oral antidiabetic drugs. Discuss the mechanism of action, therapeutic uses and adverse effects of Glibenclamide.     (10)
5 (d). Define Diabetes mellitus. Describe the morphological changes that occur due to its complications in the following:
– Vascular system
– Kidney
– Eye
– Peripheral nerves     (2+8=10)
5 (e). Classify burns and discuss its pathophysiology in detail. Discuss the injuries in the victims in a shopping mall fire and medicolegal formalities to be done by the district administration.     (5+5=10)

6 (a) (i). Define cirrhosis. Enumerate four common causes of cirrhosis.     (2+8=10)
6 (a) (ii). Describe the aetiopathogenesis and morphological features (gross and microscopy) of Bronchogenic carcinoma.     (5+5=10)
6 (b). Enumerate various non-selective cycloxygenase inhibitors. Discuss the mechanism of action, therapeutic uses and adverse effects of Aspirin.     (15)
6 (c). A 30 year old woman presented with step-ladder type fever for 7 days. On examination, there was relative bradycardia, rose-spot rashes and hepatosplenomegaly. She was managed with probable diagnosis of enteric fever. Give details of tests to confirm the diagnosis of enteric fever in this patient.     (15)

7 (a). What are ‘rave parties’? Discuss the magnitude of drug menace in younger generation in our country. What is NDPS Act?     (5+10+5=20)
7 (b). What are the ABO and Rh blood group system? Discuss the various tests for blood and seminal stains in a rape victim.     (5+10=15)
7 (c) (i) Discuss the general toxicities of anticancer drugs.     (5)
7 (c) (ii). Discuss the therapeutic uses and adverse effects of clonidine.     (5)
7 (c) (iii). Discuss the management of acute myocardial infarction.     (5)

8 (a) (i). Describe the laboratory diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis. Enumerate the differences between amoebic and bacillary dysentery.     (5+5=10)
8 (a) (ii). Describe the laboratory diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis.     (5)
8 (a) (iii). Discuss the tests you would perform for the diagnosis of HIV in the window period.     (5)
8 (b). Write the clinical features and lab diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia.     (10+10=20)
8 (c). Discuss the mechanism of action and the therapeutic uses of:
8 (c) (i). Itraconazole     (5)
8 (c) (ii). Mefloquin     (5)

Paper II

SECTION-A

1 (a) (i). As per ICD-10 classification, describe briefly the types of schizophrenia.
(ii). Enumerate the various catatonic symptoms observed in schizophrenia and describe each in one line.                                (5+5=10)
(b) (i). Enumerate the various primary haemostatic disorders.
(ii). Discuss the treatment of severe haemarthrosis of right knee in a 50 kg male suffering with Haemophilia A. (5+5=10)
(c). An 18-months old child weighing 7 kg has presented with a history of diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid breathing and dehydration. How will you manage the child as per IMNCI protocol?     (10)
(d). A 12-month old child has presented with cough, respiratory distress and noisy respiration. Enumerate their causes and management.     (10)
(e). Parents of a 7-year-old girl noticed milky white macules on her upper eyelids and hands. Her mother had been recently diagnosed as a case of autoimmune thyroiditis.
(i). What is the diagnosis for her skin lesions? Enlist the differential diagnosis of this clinical entity?
(ii). Enumerate the disorders associated with this condition.
(iii). How would you classify this disorder?     (4+3+3=10)

2 (a) (i). What are the causes of “neonatal jaundice”?
(ii). outline the algorithm for its work-up.
(iii). How will you manage a 34 weeks newborn at 7 days of life weighing 1600 gm with hyperbilirubinamia?
(iv). Enumerate the indications of exchange transfusion and outline the procedure.     (5+7+4+4=20)
(b). (i). What are the various causes of pleural effusion?
(ii). How can we differentiate between transudative and exudative pleural effusion based on “Light’s criteria”?
(iii). What is parapneumonic effusion? Enlist factors which indicate towards inserting a chest tube to manage a case of parapneumonic effusion.     (6+4+5=15)
(c). A 30-year-old male presented with well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales on the knees and elbows. Grattage test was positive.
(i). Enlist the differential diagnosis for various clinical forms of this disorder.
(ii). State briefly the treatment options for this disorder, for mild, moderate and severe presentation.
(iii). What are the various disease-modifying factors for this skin disorder?     (4+7+4=15)

3 (a). A 4-month-old infant presented with severe itching disturbing her sleep. On examination, she had redness, papules and excoriations on the cheeks. Family history revealed asthma in mother since childhood?
(i). What is the most likely diagnosis?
(ii). What is the clinical presentation in different age groups?
(iii). State its diagnostic criteria.
(iv). Discuss first, the second and third line of management and the non-medical measures for this condition.                        (2+4+4+10=20)
(b) (i). Enumerate the causes of cyanotic congenital heart disease and the ages of their presentation
(ii). How will you manage a 6 weeks infant presenting with cyanosis and congestive heart failure?
(iii). How will you manage a 2-year-old child weighing 10 kg in a cyanotic spell?     (5+5+5=15)
(c) (i). Enumerate the commonly encountered serological patterns of Hepatitis-B infection along with the interpretation of each
(ii). Discuss the role of Tenofovir in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis-B infection.     (10+5=15)

4 (a). A 22-year-old male is bitten by a stray dog on his right leg. The bite was an unprovoked bite.
(i) What are the immediate dos and don’ts for such a wound?
(ii) As per the national guidelines on rabies prophylaxis, what are the categories of the dog bite in humans and what are the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis in each?
(iii) What are the clinical manifestations of rabies in humans?
(iv) What are the intramuscular and intradermal regimens of anti-rabies vaccine as per national guidelines? (3+3+6+8=20)
(b) An elderly female developed itchy, firm, shiny, violet, polygonal, flat-topped papules on her wrists and ankles.
(i). What could be the associated environmental factors for this disorder?
(ii). What are its clinical variants?
(iii). State its histopathology findings.     (6+5+4=15)
(c) (i). Enumerate the common causes of under-5 mortality.
(ii). Enumerate the vaccines preventing CNS infections in children and their schedule.
(iii). What are the adverse events and contraindications of DPT vaccine?     (5+5+5=15)

SECTION – B

5. (a). Describe in brief the clinical features, diagnostic work-up and management of a case of pheochromocytoma.  (3+3+4=10)
(b). Describe in brief the etiopathogenesis, clinical features and management of a case of amoebic liver abscess. (3+3+4=10)
(c). A 35-year-old unmarried female presents with heavy menstrual bleeding since two years with severe anemia.
(i). Write the causes for this condition.
(ii). Outline the management protocol of this patient.     (5+5=10)
(d). (i). What are the advantages of vaginal births over caesarean section?
(ii). What are the current caesarean section globally and in India?
(iii). What, according to you, is the reason behind rising caesarean section rates?
(iv). What are the implications of caesarean sections on future pregnancies?     (3+2+2+3=10)
(e). (i). What is the significance of birth weight for an infant?
(ii). Under the international standards, what is the definition of low birth weight?
(iii). From the perspective of causation, how are low birth weight babies broadly grouped?     (3+3+4=10)

6. (a). (i). Define Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).
(ii). How do you diagnose POI?
(iii). Outline management for a 27-year-old woman with history of primary infertility presenting with POI.       (3+5+12=20)
(b). (i). Write briefly about the medical management of peptic ulcer disease.
(ii). Enumerate various surgeries for duodenal ulcer.
(iii). Discuss in brief about the sequelae peptic ulcer surgery.      (5+5+5=15)
(c). (i). Name the states in India which continue to be heavily infected with lymphatic filariasis.
(ii). Under the National Filaria Control Programme, what is the strategy being adopted to achieve the elimination of lymphatic filariasis?
(iii). Define the criteria which must be met to state that elimination of lymphatic filariasis has been achieved.                         (3+6+6=15)

7 (a). A 35 year old male is brought to casualty after suffering from blunt trauma chest. He is having significant hemothorax.
(i). What will be the clinical picture of this patient?
(ii). Write boundaries of triangle of safety. What is the rationale of underwater seal in interocostal drainage?
(iii). What is “Flail chest” and what is its significance? How will you manage it?    (6+6+8=20)
(b) (i). State in brief how the National Rural Health Mission aims to fulfil the goals of Janani Suraksha Yojana at the community level.
(ii). List the key areas of action proposed under the National Rural Health Mission which aim to make primary healthcare comprehensive and universal.    (7+8=15)
(c) (i). Enumerate non-contraceptive usage of oral contraceptive pills.
(ii). What are long-acting reversible contraceptives? Mention briefly their advantages over oral contraceptives.
(iii). Define “Emergency contraception”. What is their mechanism of action?
(iv). Enumerate any two “Emergency contraception”. How should they be prescribed for their maximum effectiveness?     (3+4+3+5=15)

8 (a) (i). State in brief how dietary factors may influence the cardio-vascular health in adults highlighting the specific cause-effect relationship.
(ii). Explain why vegans are more at risk to develop Vitamin B12 deficiency. State the ill-effects of Vitamin B12  deficiency on human health.     (10+10=20)
(b) A 30-year-old P₂L₁ Woman presents to a casualty with 7-month amenorrhoea and gives a history of off and on bleeding per vaginum since 2 days.
She has had one myomectomy three years back and has undergone one lower segment caesarean section one year back.
(i). How will you evaluate her and what are your concerns?
(ii). Outline the management protocol to optimize her outcome.    (7+8=15)
(c) A 45 year old male is having pain and pus discharging wound near anus. On examination, he is found to be having fistula-in-ano
(i). What is ‘Goodsall rule’?
(ii). Briefly describe Park’s classification system of fistula-in-ano
(iii). Outline the management of this condition.    (5+5+5=15)

Click below links to download Question Papers

Paper – I      Paper – II