These 10 quick USMLE review questions test the high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, aspirin, dopamine agonists, local anesthetics, vinca alkaloids, beta-blockers after MI, copper chelation, cephalosporins and iron. 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 mechanism of action of aminoglycosides?
A- Blocking pathogens’ recognition of the host
B- Disruption of cell wall hemostasis
C- Disruption of ribosomal protein synthesis
D- Inhibition of general metabolic pathways
Question 2. Which one of the following drugs is commonly contributing to hypokalemia?
A- Furosemide
B- Lisinopril
C- Spironolactone
D- Verapamil
Question 3. Aspirin has an antiplatelet effect that lasts for the life of the platelet. What is the average life of a platelet?
A- 24 hours
B- 2-4 days
C- 7-10 days
D- 120 days
Question 4. Which of the following drugs acts directly on dopamine receptors to improve the effects of Parkinson’s disease?
A- Amantadine
B- Bromocriptine
C- Carbidopa
D- Selegiline
Question 5. Which of the following local anesthetics causes vasoconstriction and may lead to an increase of blood pressure?
A- Benzocaine
B- Cocaine
C- Lidocaine
D- Tetracaine
Question 6. Which of the following is the mechanism of action of vinblastine?
A- Interferes with DNA mobilization and replication
B- Interferes with microtubule assembly
C- Interferes with microtubule disassembly
D- Interferes with purine synthesis
Question 7. Which one of the following drugs increase survival in patients with MI?
A- Metoprolol
B- Digoxin
C- Furosemide
D- Verapamil
Question 8. Which one of the following drugs is used to treat copper toxicity?
A- Aminocaproic acid
B- Atropine
C- Penicillamine
D- Protamine
Question 9. Which one of the following cephalosporins belongs to the third generation?
A- Cefaclor
B- Cefixime
C- Cefoxitin
D- Ceftin
Question 10. Which one of the following medications causes black stools?
A- Ampicillin
B- Buspirone
C- Iron
D- Propranolol
High-yield points from this set
- Aminoglycosides bind the 30S ribosome and block protein synthesis.
- Furosemide causes hypokalemia.
- Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet COX for the platelet’s life (7–10 days).
- Vinca alkaloids block microtubule assembly; penicillamine treats copper overload.