ABEM ABEM Pharmacology & Medical Management

Question 1

Which medication class can cause a length-dependent peripheral neuropathy as a side effect?

Accepted Answer

Platinum-based chemotherapy agents

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Statins

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Question 2

Pyridostigmine is used in myasthenia gravis because it:

Accepted Answer

Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing synaptic ACh

Answer

Blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Answer

Promotes antibody clearance from the NMJ

Answer

Stimulates presynaptic ACh release

Question 3

A patient with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) would most likely benefit from which pharmacological agent?

Accepted Answer

3,4-Diaminopyridine (amifampridine)

Answer

Pyridostigmine

Answer

Plasma exchange only

Answer

Botulinum toxin

Question 4

Which vitamin deficiency is classically associated with a peripheral neuropathy affecting both sensory and motor fibers?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Answer

Vitamin A

Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

Vitamin K

Question 5

Corticosteroids are used in inflammatory myopathies such as polymyositis primarily because they:

Accepted Answer

Suppress the aberrant immune-mediated attack on muscle

Answer

Directly repair damaged muscle fibers

Answer

Increase acetylcholine at the NMJ

Answer

Stimulate satellite cell proliferation

Question 6

Which drug used in the treatment of ALS has been shown to modestly slow disease progression?

Accepted Answer

Riluzole

Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Baclofen

Answer

Gabapentin