Cards from USMLE Practice Tests Flashcards
When deciding which tumor antigen will produce the highest antibody titer, what must you consider?
Whether the immune system will recognize and mount a response to the antigen (i.e. recognize it as “other”).
What signaling molecule is most directly associated with in an increase in lytic bone lesions?
Interleukin-1
What disease process is mostl likely occuring in a recently-hospitalized patient who presents with oliguria and uricemia?
Acute tubular necrosis
Which part of the kidney are necrotic cells most likely to be found in acute tubular necrosis?
The lumen of the proximal tubule
Which cells are infected by EBV? Which cells will be abnormal on blood smear?
B cells are infected via CD21
T cells present with reactive cytotoxic abnormality
Which drug is a monoclonal antibody against platelet IIb/IIIa receptor? How does it work?
Abciximab. Binds platelet fibrinogen receptor (Gp Iib/IIIa) on activated platelet preventing aggradation.
What is the effect of gemfibrozil on cytochrome P450?
It inhibits cytochrome P450.
What is pannus? Which disease process is associated with it?
Pannus is proliferative granulation tissue and is found in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis.
Where is the thyroid hormone receptor located?
In the nucleus
What features would be suggestive of myasthenia gravis in a patient presenting short of breath?
Difficulty taking a long deep breath, decreased tidal volume and vital capacity, symptoms become worse as the day goes on.
A new onset nonbacterial endocarditis in a patient with chronic diarrhea raises suspicion for which neoplasms?
Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine
What metabolite is responsible for the formation of diabetic cataract?
Sorbitol
What is the inheritance pattern of Tay-Sachs disease?
Autosomal recessive
What is the embryological origin of the mobile cystic mass on the lateral side of the neck which does not move with swallowing?
A pharyngeal cleft cyst, derived from a persistent cervical sinus. It will open anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
What drug could you use to treat someone who was exposed to paint thinner and is experiencing blurred vision, vomiting, fusion, and difficulty walking?
Fomepizole, an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor
What is heteroplasmy?
Presence of normal and mutated mitochondrial DNA; variable expression of mitochondrial inherited disease.
Where in the kidney does acetazolamide act?
Proximal tubule.
What is the mechanism of action of micafungin?
Inhibition of fungal cell wall synthesis (block synthesis of beta-glucan)
What is the most common inherited cause of susceptibility to mycobacteria?
IL-12 deficiency (leading to low interferon gamma)
Where is the neurovascular bundle located on the rib? What is the relevance for thoracentesis?
The neurovascular bundles located below so the needle has to go above the rib to avoid damage.
In a Whipple procedure, which nerve structures can be cut to reduce stomach acid output?
The vagal trunks
Which uterine ligament attaches to the cervical region and extends posteriorly?
The uterosacral ligament
Which apolipoprotein would mediate a deficiency in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins?
apoB - responsible for packaging of lipids into chylomicrons.
What are Bence Jones protein on urinalysis?
Ig light chains, characteristic of multiple myeloma.




































