Free USMLE practice questions, clearly explained by Dr. Ray Makar
Dr. Ray Makar Severe drug reactions are emergencies, and USMLE Step 2 CK expects you to recognize them and act fast. These three dermatology practice questions cover Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and DRESS syndrome, plus how to prevent them. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Skin peeling and mouth sores after … Read more
Since USMLE Step 1 moved to pass/fail reporting, many students assume it has become easy. It hasn’t. The exam still covers the same basic science content, and a fail stays on your transcript permanently. Residency programs see it, and it can follow you through every application you submit. The goal now is simple: pass once, … Read more
Acute myocardial infarction is one of the most heavily tested topics on USMLE Step 2 CK. The exam wants you to know the next best step, which drugs to avoid, and how to recognize post-MI complications. Try these three questions, then open each explanation. Question 1: Inferior STEMI with low blood pressure and clear lungs … Read more
The skin often gives the first clue to a disease inside the body, and the USMLE loves these connections. These three dermatology practice questions cover acanthosis nigricans, erythema nodosum and dermatomyositis. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Velvety dark skin on the neck of an obese teenager A 15-year-old obese girl … Read more
Lysosomal storage diseases are a favorite USMLE Step 1 topic because each one links a deficient enzyme, an accumulated substance and a classic clinical clue. These three practice questions cover Tay-Sachs, Fabry and Gaucher disease. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: An infant with a cherry-red spot and an exaggerated startle … Read more
Skin cancer is common in practice and common on the USMLE. These three dermatology practice questions cover the three main types: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, including their histology, risk factors and prognosis. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Most important prognostic factor in melanoma A 52-year-old woman … Read more
Blistering diseases are among the most tested dermatology topics on USMLE Step 1. You must know where the blister forms, which protein is attacked, and what immunofluorescence shows. These three practice questions compare pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid and dermatitis herpetiformis. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Painful oral erosions and flaccid … Read more
Dermatology questions appear throughout USMLE Step 1, usually as a short description of a lesion that you must connect to its pathology. These three USMLE dermatology practice questions, written by a dermatologist, cover classic lesions you must recognize: seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis and psoriasis. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Sudden … Read more
Recurrent episodes of chest pain, palpitations and fear of dying in a young, healthy patient are a classic USMLE presentation. These three USMLE Step 2 CK psychiatry practice questions cover the diagnosis of panic disorder and agoraphobia and their treatment. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Young woman with sudden episodes … Read more
A child who limps or has hip or knee pain is a favorite USMLE scenario. These three USMLE Step 1 practice questions cover slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and developmental dysplasia of the hip. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Obese teenager with knee pain and a limp A … Read more