10 USMLE Pharmacology Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 18)

These 10 quick USMLE review questions test high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: probenecid, ACE inhibitor hyperkalemia, dobutamine, olanzapine, bupropion, antihistamines, tissue binding, oral drugs, local anesthetics, nadolol and statins. 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 medications increases cardiac output in pulmonary edema following myocardial infarction?

A- Dobutamine
B- Lisinopril
C- Metoprolol
D- Verapamil

A- Dobutamine- Is the only medication on the list would increase cardiac output in this patient
The correct answer is A

 

Question 2. Which of the following screening tests should be recommended for a patient taking olanzapine for schizophrenia?

A- Cancer
B- Diabetes
C- Hemochromatosis
D- Hemolysis

B- Diabetes- Atypical antipsychotics are associated with metabolic disturbances. Serum glucose and lipid panel should be evaluated periodically.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 3. Which one of the following anti-depressant drugs is contraindicated if the patient has a history of seizures?

A- Bupropion
B- Fluoxetine
C- Imipramine
D- Venlafaxine

A- Bupropion- This is the only one on the list that may worsen or even cause seizures.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 4. Which of the following is considered an indication of first-generation histamine H1-receptor blockers?

A- Allergy
B- Apoplexy
C- Cough
D- Peptic ulcer

A- Allergy- Loratadine, cetirizine and desloratadine are non-drowsy anti-allergic drugs.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 5. Which of the following characteristics is correct if the drug is highly tissue-bound?

A- High metabolic rate
B- Low drug dilution
C- Low plasma concentration
D- Low volume of distribution

C- Low plasma concentration- It is a common sense that if a drug is bound to tissues, its plasma concentration will be low as well as metabolic rate. Drug dilution and volume of distribution would be high.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 6. A patient presents with a persistent dry cough and high potassium. Which of the following medications is associated with these side effects?

A- Albuterol
B- Captopril
C- Digoxin
D- Furosemide

B- Captopril- ACE inhibitors are associated with dry cough after prolonged use.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 7. Which of the following is most likely characteristic of the oral route of administration?

A- Absorption of the drug depends on the GIT function
B- It has the fastest onset of effect
C- It is the most appropriate route to interact with most of the emergencies
D- Most oral medications reach the bloodstream through the liver

A- Absorption of the drug depends on the GIT function- Other options are most likely characteristics of parenteral routes.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 8. Which one of the following local anesthetics is mainly used for regional nerve block?

A- Bupivacaine
B- Cocaine
C- Dibucaine
D- Tetracaine

A- Bupivacaine- Cocaine and dibucaine are only used for topical while tetracaine is used for spinal anesthesia.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 9. Which of the following beta blockers has the longest duration of action?

A- Metoprolol
B- Nadolol
C- Propranolol
D- Sotalol

B- Nadolol- It is anti-hypertensive drug and has the longest duration of action compared to the other options.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 10. Which of the following is the mechanism of action of the main drug used for the treatment of high LDL cholesterol?

A- Breakdown of adipose tissues
B- Decreased synthesis of LDL receptors
C- Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase
D- Inhibition of cholesterol uptake by the liver

C- Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase- Statins are the drug of choice for high cholesterol.
The correct answer is C

 

High-yield points from this set

  • ACE inhibitors cause hyperkalemia and dry cough.
  • Atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine require diabetes screening.
  • Bupropion is contraindicated in seizure and eating disorders.
  • Bupivacaine is used for regional nerve blocks.

Keep practicing

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