Free USMLE practice questions, clearly explained by Dr. Ray Makar
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
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
Three USMLE Step 1 questions on insulin types, a genetic tumor syndrome and a classic toxicology sign. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Which insulin is rapid-acting? A 12-year-old boy is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and started on insulin. Which one of the following is a rapid-acting insulin? A. AspartB. … Read more
Three high-yield USMLE Step 1 pathology questions: esophageal rupture after vomiting, a lymphoma with CD15 and CD30, and the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Chest pain after vomiting with subcutaneous emphysema An alcoholic patient presents with sudden chest pain, cough and shortness of … Read more
Three USMLE Step 1 questions covering glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, breast lesions that raise cancer risk, and spinal deformities. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Why do corticosteroids cause osteoporosis? Which of the following is one of the reasons that corticosteroid therapy may lead to osteoporosis? A. Corticosteroids decrease renal phosphate excretionB. Corticosteroids … Read more
Three high-yield USMLE Step 1 pharmacology questions on classic drug side effects and drug choice: aspirin toxicity, drug-induced hypokalemia and the treatment of bulimia nervosa. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Which symptom is a sign of aspirin toxicity? Which of the following symptoms is known to be related to aspirin … Read more
Three USMLE Step 1 pharmacology questions on a centrally acting antihypertensive, a classic H2-blocker side effect and an important pharmacology definition. Pick your answer first, then open the explanation. Question 1: Which antihypertensive acts on the central vasomotor center? Which of the following drugs reduces blood pressure by acting centrally on the vasomotor center? A. … Read more