MLA SB A Qu estion B an k
Haemoglobinopathies
50 single best answer questions — Domain 6: Conditions, Body system: Blood and Lymph
Based on the GMC Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) content map — applicable from September 2026
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50
Haemoglobinopathies Sickle-cell crises
A 24-year-old man with known sickle cell disease presents with severe, generalised bone and joint pain that started acutely after a long-
haul flight. He is afebrile with no chest signs. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Splenic sequestration crisis
B Vaso-occlusive (painful) sickle cell crisis
C Hyperhaemolytic crisis
D Aplastic crisis
E Acute chest syndrome
Select the single best answer.
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50 — Answer
Haemoglobinopathies Sickle-cell crises
A 24-year-old man with known sickle cell disease presents with severe, generalised bone and joint pain that started acutely after a long-haul flight. He is afebrile with no chest
signs. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Splenic sequestration crisis
B Vaso-occlusive (painful) sickle cell crisis ✓ Correct
C Hyperhaemolytic crisis
D Aplastic crisis
E Acute chest syndrome
EXPLANATION
Vaso-occlusive crisis, precipitated by triggers such as hypoxia, dehydration, or cold (including on flights), causes severe bone and joint pain due to microvascular
occlusion by sickled red cells.
, BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 2 of 50
Haemoglobinopathies Sickle-cell crises
A 19-year-old woman with sickle cell disease presents with pleuritic chest pain, fever, and a new infiltrate on chest X-ray, alongside falling
oxygen saturations. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Simple community-acquired pneumonia unrelated to her sickle cell disease
B Pulmonary embolism only
C Aplastic crisis
D Acute chest syndrome
E Vaso-occlusive crisis without pulmonary involvement
Select the single best answer.
Haemoglobinopathies
50 single best answer questions — Domain 6: Conditions, Body system: Blood and Lymph
Based on the GMC Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) content map — applicable from September 2026
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50
Haemoglobinopathies Sickle-cell crises
A 24-year-old man with known sickle cell disease presents with severe, generalised bone and joint pain that started acutely after a long-
haul flight. He is afebrile with no chest signs. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Splenic sequestration crisis
B Vaso-occlusive (painful) sickle cell crisis
C Hyperhaemolytic crisis
D Aplastic crisis
E Acute chest syndrome
Select the single best answer.
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50 — Answer
Haemoglobinopathies Sickle-cell crises
A 24-year-old man with known sickle cell disease presents with severe, generalised bone and joint pain that started acutely after a long-haul flight. He is afebrile with no chest
signs. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Splenic sequestration crisis
B Vaso-occlusive (painful) sickle cell crisis ✓ Correct
C Hyperhaemolytic crisis
D Aplastic crisis
E Acute chest syndrome
EXPLANATION
Vaso-occlusive crisis, precipitated by triggers such as hypoxia, dehydration, or cold (including on flights), causes severe bone and joint pain due to microvascular
occlusion by sickled red cells.
, BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 2 of 50
Haemoglobinopathies Sickle-cell crises
A 19-year-old woman with sickle cell disease presents with pleuritic chest pain, fever, and a new infiltrate on chest X-ray, alongside falling
oxygen saturations. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Simple community-acquired pneumonia unrelated to her sickle cell disease
B Pulmonary embolism only
C Aplastic crisis
D Acute chest syndrome
E Vaso-occlusive crisis without pulmonary involvement
Select the single best answer.
