USMLE-Rx Step 1 Qmax Challenge #4091

Check out today’s Step 1 Qmax Question Challenge.

Know the answer? Post it below! Don’t forget to check back for an update with the correct answer and explanation (we’ll post it in the comments section below).

USMLE-Rx Step 1 Qmax Challenge #4091A 70-year-old man complains of a long history of pain in his ankles, toes, and fingers. He has experienced intermittent acute attacks of exquisite pain every few months, followed by completely asymptomatic periods. In recent years, he has had near-constant discomfort at baseline, and now has permanent “swelling” in many of the joints of his fingers and toes. Joint fluid is aspirated, and the fluid is examined under polarized light (shown in the image). Treatment is initiated, and the patient’s uric acid levels gradually fall.

What is the mechanism of action of the best treatment?

A. Binds tubulin
B. Blocks formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane from arachidonic acid
C. Inhibits release of phospholipase A2
D. Inhibits xanthine oxidase
E. Selective, competitive angiotensin II receptor inhibition

———————–

Want to know the ‘bottom line?’ Purchase a USMLE-Rx Subscription and get many more features, more questions, and passages from First Aid, including images, references, and other facts relevant to this question.

This practice question is an actual question from the USMLE-Rx Step 1 test bank. For more USMLE Step 1 prep, subscribe to our Flash Facts and Step 1 Express video series. Score the best deal on all three products with a Step 1 Triple Play Bundle.

Discussion

13 thoughts on “USMLE-Rx Step 1 Qmax Challenge #4091”

  1. D) Inhibition of XO by eg:-ALLOPURINOL medicament for Gouty Arthritis

    Picture showing PLM view of Urate Crystals

  2. D is the correct answer because we are dealing with ” in between” the attacks. During the attack Allopurinol could actually worsen the condition. So during the attack colchicine or NSAIDs would work. And believe it or not NSAIDs are preferred and now are the first line. Colchicine is good if patient has contraindication for NSAID like peptic ulcer disease.

  3. Thank you Silvia. And here is one more cool thing about the reason “big toe” is one of the most common joints affected. Yes you are right “location, location, location” because big toe is “cooler” and crystals love cool temperature and as soon as they find somewhere with “AC: Air Conditioning” they go there and start “relaxing and laying down”. Isn’t that cool?

  4. The main problem lies in where the fungus is living: under the nail.

    The mother will nurse them for 3-4 months until they are able to swim
    on their own. Kidney failure is a concern among patients with this condition, and an early diagnosis is important to prolong the use of
    the kidneys.

Comments are closed.

Related Articles