Medical Knowledge & Clinical Science Flashcards
7 cards from real ECFMG practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical Knowledge & Clinical Science flashcards as text
A 45-year-old man presents with episodic hypertension, headache, and diaphoresis. 24-hour urine shows elevated catecholamines. Which imaging is the FIRST-LINE localization study?
Answer: CT of abdomen and pelvis
CT of the abdomen and pelvis is the first-line imaging for pheochromocytoma localization due to its wide availability and high sensitivity.
A 28-year-old woman at 32 weeks gestation presents with BP 158/102, proteinuria, and headache. Which medication is CONTRAINDICATED for acute BP control?
Answer: ACE inhibitor
ACE inhibitors are contraindicated in pregnancy due to fetal renal toxicity, oligohydramnios, and fetal growth restriction.
A 60-year-old smoker presents with a lung mass and hyponatremia. Serum osmolality is low and urine osmolality is high. What is the most likely cause of hyponatremia?
Answer: SIADH
SIADH is classically associated with small cell lung carcinoma and causes euvolemic hyponatremia with inappropriately concentrated urine.
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate develops megaloblastic anemia and oral ulcers. What is the mechanism of methotrexate's toxicity here?
Answer: Folate antagonism via DHFR inhibition
Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking folate metabolism and causing folate-deficiency manifestations including megaloblastic anemia.
A 55-year-old man has ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF on ECG. Which coronary artery is most likely occluded?
Answer: Right coronary artery
Inferior STEMI (ST elevation in II, III, aVF) is most commonly caused by occlusion of the right coronary artery.
A child presents with fever, drooling, tripod positioning, and stridor. She appears toxic and cannot swallow. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
Answer: Emergent airway securement in the OR
Epiglottitis with impending airway compromise requires controlled airway securement in the operating room with surgical backup available.
A 70-year-old woman is found to have a serum calcium of 11.8 mg/dL and low PTH. Chest X-ray shows bilateral hilar adenopathy. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis causes hypercalcemia via activated macrophage production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, with low or suppressed PTH and characteristic hilar adenopathy.