MLA SB A Qu estion B an k
Polycythaemia
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
Polycythaemia Polycythaemia vera: features
A 60-year-old man presents with facial plethora, headache, and pruritus that worsens after a hot bath. Full blood count shows a markedly
raised haematocrit. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Iron deficiency anaemia
B Myelofibrosis
C Polycythaemia vera
D Secondary polycythaemia due to chronic hypoxia
E Relative (apparent) polycythaemia due to dehydration
Select the single best answer.
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50 — Answer
Polycythaemia Polycythaemia vera: features
A 60-year-old man presents with facial plethora, headache, and pruritus that worsens after a hot bath. Full blood count shows a markedly raised haematocrit. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A Iron deficiency anaemia
B Myelofibrosis
C Polycythaemia vera ✓ Correct
D Secondary polycythaemia due to chronic hypoxia
E Relative (apparent) polycythaemia due to dehydration
EXPLANATION
Polycythaemia vera classically presents with facial plethora, headache, and pruritus (characteristically worse after a hot bath, known as aquagenic pruritus), alongside
a markedly raised haematocrit.
, BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 2 of 50
Polycythaemia Polycythaemia vera: features
🖼
The image shown is from a 62-year-old man with polycythaemia vera. What does this photograph INSERT IMAGE
demonstrate, and what causes this finding? Clinical photograph showing facial plethora (ruddy, red-purple facial
complexion)
A An allergic reaction
B A normal, healthy complexion unrelated to his diagnosis
C Facial plethora
D Sunburn
E Rosacea unrelated to his polycythaemia vera
Select the single best answer.
Polycythaemia
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
Polycythaemia Polycythaemia vera: features
A 60-year-old man presents with facial plethora, headache, and pruritus that worsens after a hot bath. Full blood count shows a markedly
raised haematocrit. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A Iron deficiency anaemia
B Myelofibrosis
C Polycythaemia vera
D Secondary polycythaemia due to chronic hypoxia
E Relative (apparent) polycythaemia due to dehydration
Select the single best answer.
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50 — Answer
Polycythaemia Polycythaemia vera: features
A 60-year-old man presents with facial plethora, headache, and pruritus that worsens after a hot bath. Full blood count shows a markedly raised haematocrit. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A Iron deficiency anaemia
B Myelofibrosis
C Polycythaemia vera ✓ Correct
D Secondary polycythaemia due to chronic hypoxia
E Relative (apparent) polycythaemia due to dehydration
EXPLANATION
Polycythaemia vera classically presents with facial plethora, headache, and pruritus (characteristically worse after a hot bath, known as aquagenic pruritus), alongside
a markedly raised haematocrit.
, BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 2 of 50
Polycythaemia Polycythaemia vera: features
🖼
The image shown is from a 62-year-old man with polycythaemia vera. What does this photograph INSERT IMAGE
demonstrate, and what causes this finding? Clinical photograph showing facial plethora (ruddy, red-purple facial
complexion)
A An allergic reaction
B A normal, healthy complexion unrelated to his diagnosis
C Facial plethora
D Sunburn
E Rosacea unrelated to his polycythaemia vera
Select the single best answer.
