10 USMLE Pathology, Infectious Disease and Oncology Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 1)

These 10 quick USMLE review questions test high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: viral myocarditis, hemolytic disease of the newborn, Clara cells, cystic fibrosis, infectious mononucleosis, UTI, breast biopsy, multiple myeloma, small cell lung cancer and DVT risk. Each question includes the correct answer.

Written by Dr. Ray Makar, MD, author of the Repeated USMLE Questions eBook series.

Prefer video? Watch daily USMLE case questions on MedFocus by Dr. Ray on YouTube.

How to use this page: read the question, pick your answer, then tap Show Answer and Explanation.

Questions

Question 1. Which one of the following viruses is responsible for the development of viral myocarditis?

A- Adenovirus
B- Coxsackie B virus
C- Mumps virus
D- Rhinovirus

B- Coxsackie B virus- It is the most common causative organism of viral myocarditis. It may be preceded by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 2. Which one of the following tests is performed to determine if a fetus develops hemolytic disease of the newborn?

A- Direct Coombs test
B- Hemoglobin electrophoresis
C- Osmotic fragility test
D- Radioimmunoassay

A-Direct Coombs test- Erythrocytes of the baby will be coated with maternal anti-Rh antibodies. Agglutination will result from adding Coombs serum to the blood of the fetus.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 3. Which one of the following cells secretes glycosaminoglycan and is found in the terminal and respiratory bronchioles?

A- Clara cells
B- K cells
C- Macrophages
D- Pneumocytes type

A- Clara cells
The correct answer is A

 

Question 4. Which one of the following conditions is a long-term complication of cystic fibrosis?

A- Adenocarcinoma of the lung
B- Bronchiectasis
C- Emphysema
D- Pneumothorax

B- Bronchiectasis- Cystic fibrosis is characterized by inflammatory obstruction and dilation of the bronchi throughout the lungs which eventually leads to bronchiectasis.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 5. A young adult complains of fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy for 5 days. Examination reveals bilateral, enlarged, tender cervical lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen. Which of the following organisms is most likely responsible for this patient’s condition?

A- Cytomegalovirus
B- Epstein-Barr virus
C- Human papillomavirus
D- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

B-Epstein-Barr virus- This is a typical case of infectious mononucleosis. The young age, fever, sore throat and lymphadenopathy are highly suggestive of this diagnosis.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 6. Which one of the following organisms is the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTI)?

A- Enterococcus
B- Escherichia coli
C- Proteus mirabilis
D- Pseudomonas aeruginosa

B-Escherichia coli- E coli is the leading cause of UTI. Nitrite test is positive (reduction of urinary nitrates).
The correct answer is B

 

Question 7. Which one of the following tests is the most reliable to differentiate between fat necrosis of the breast and breast cancer?

A- Core needle biopsy
B- Fine needle biopsy
C- Mammogram
D- Ultrasonography

A- Core needle biopsy- It is more reliable than other listed tests. It involves a larger sample than fine needle biopsy to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of breast cancer.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 8. Which one of the following is the most accurate test to diagnose a case of multiple myeloma?

A- Bone marrow biopsy
B- CBC with smear
C- Serum protein electrophoresis
D- Urine protein electrophoresis

A-Bone marrow biopsy- It is the most accurate test for multiple myeloma. Serum protein electrophoresis is the best initial test but not the most accurate. Urine electrophoresis may show Bence-Jones protein but not as accurate as biopsy.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 9. Which one of the following paraneoplastic conditions is most likely associated with small cell (oat cell) carcinoma of the lung?

A- Gynecomastia
B- Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
C- Migratory thrombophlebitis
D- Peripheral neuropathy

D-Peripheral neuropathy- It is the only one of the choices that is associated with small cell carcinoma. Gynecomastia is associated with large cell carcinoma. HPO is associated with non-small cell carcinoma while migratory thrombophlebitis is associated with adenocarcinoma.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 10. Which one of the following conditions most likely increases the risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT)?

A- Adenocarcinoma
B- Coronary heart disease
C- Crohn’s disease
D- Pulmonary tuberculosis

A- Adenocarcinoma- Malignancies most likely lead to a hypercoagulable state. Other conditions are less likely to lead to this risk.
The correct answer is A

 

High-yield points from this set

  • Coxsackie B virus is the most common cause of viral myocarditis.
  • E. coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infections.
  • Bone marrow biopsy confirms multiple myeloma.
  • Cancer (especially adenocarcinoma) increases the risk of DVT.

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