12 USMLE Pharmacology Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 12)

These 12 quick USMLE review questions test high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: colchicine, heart failure drugs, atropine before anesthesia, MAO-A, antithyroid drugs, narcolepsy, beta-2 receptors, furosemide, cocaine, dantrolene, mifepristone and carbamazepine. 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 of the following is the main role of colchicine in treating acute attack of gout?

A- Decreased uric acid absorption
B- Increased uric acid excretion
C- Inhibition of xanthine oxidase
D- Reduction of gout symptoms and pain

D- Reduction of gout symptoms and pain- Colchicine is used during a gout attack to help relieve pain and swelling, not to lower uric acid levels. It works by reducing inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. It does not affect uric acid levels directly.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 2. Which of the following drugs should NOT be initiated in case of acute decompensated heart failure?

A- Digoxin
B- Lisinopril
C- Metoprolol
D- Potassium supplements

C- Metoprolol- Beta blockers are successfully used later when heart failure is compensated, and stroke volume improves. They can worsen decompensated cases with their inotropic effects.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 3. Atropine is often used prior to administration of inhalant anesthetics to reduce which of the following?

A- Heart rate
B- Muscle tone
C- Secretions
D- Vomiting

C- Secretions- Atropine is given before anesthesia to dry up body fluids like saliva and mucus. This helps keep the airways clear during surgery and prevents breathing problems caused by too much mucus.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 4. Which of the following is the most significant action of monoamine oxidase A?

A- Metabolism of dopamine
B- Metabolism of norepinephrine, serotonin and tyramine
C- Metabolism of serotonin and epinephrine
D- Metabolism of serotonin and dopamine

B- Metabolism of norepinephrine, serotonin and tyramine- Monoamine oxidase A is an enzyme that helps break down certain brain chemicals, especially norepinephrine, serotonin and tyramine. This is important for regulating mood and blood pressure.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 5. All of the following are currently used in hyperthyroidism EXCEPT?

A- Diatrizoate sodium
B- Methimazole
C- Potassium perchlorate
D- Propylthiouracil

C- Potassium perchlorate- Potassium perchlorate is not commonly used anymore for hyperthyroidism because of its toxicity (especially risk of aplastic anemia).
The correct answer is C

 

Question 6. A young man complains of daytime sleeping, cataplexy and sleep paralysis. Which of the following is the best treatment?

A- Diazepam
B- Hydroxyzine
C- Modafinil
D- Zolpidem

C- Modafinil- This is a case of narcolepsy. Amphetamine derivative such as modafinil is the best treatment of this case.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 7. Epinephrine acts to dilate bronchial smooth muscle through which one of the following receptors?

A- Alpha-1-adrenoreceptors
B- Alpha-2-adrenoreceptors
C- Beta-1-adrenoreceptors
D- Beta-2-adrenoreceptors

D- Beta-2-adrenoreceptors- Epinephrine causes bronchodilation primarily through stimulation of β₂-adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 8. Which of the following locations is the site of action of furosemide to inhibit sodium reabsorption?

A- Ascending limb of loop of Henle
B- Collecting tubules
C- Descending limb of loop of Henle
D- Distal convoluted tubules

A- Ascending limb of loop of Henle- Furosemide blocks the Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl⁻ cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, powerfully inhibiting sodium reabsorption and producing strong diuresis.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 9. Which one of the following drugs blocks dopamine uptake transporter?

A- Alcohol
B- Cocaine
C- Marijuana
D- Nicotine

B- Cocaine- Cocaine blocks the dopamine reuptake transporter, increasing dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft and producing its stimulant and addictive effects
The correct answer is B

 

Question 10. Which of these medications is the most appropriate treatment of malignant hyperthermia?

A- Acetaminophen
B- Dantrolene
C- Ibuprofen
D- Indomethacin

B- Dantrolene- It is the only approved drug out of this list that improves malignant hyperthermia
The correct answer is B

 

Question 11. Which one of the following medications is the best recommended for induction of medical abortion?

A- Ergotamine
B- Estrogen
C- Mifepristone
D- Progesterone

C- Mifepristone- It called abortion pill which blocks the action of progesterone and stops pregnancy. Ergotamine can cause abortion as a side effect but it is not used therapeutically for medical abortion
The correct answer is C

 

Question 12. Which one of the following is the best treatment of trigeminal neuralgia?

A- Carbamazepine
B- Fluoxetine
C- Methylphenidate
D- Riboflavin

A- Carbamazepine- It is the only one on the list effective to subsides trigeminal neuralgia
The correct answer is A

 

High-yield points from this set

  • Do not start beta-blockers during acute decompensated heart failure.
  • Modafinil treats narcolepsy.
  • Dantrolene treats malignant hyperthermia.
  • Carbamazepine is first-line for trigeminal neuralgia.

Keep practicing

Leave a Comment