ABEM ABEM Pharmacology & Medical Management 1

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Platinum-based chemotherapy agents

Answer

Cisplatin and other platinum-based chemotherapeutics cause a sensory-predominant length-dependent neuropathy by accumulating in dorsal root ganglia neurons.

Question 2

Pyridostigmine is used in myasthenia gravis because it:

Accepted Answer

Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing synaptic ACh

Answer

Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, preventing breakdown of acetylcholine and prolonging its availability at the neuromuscular junction.

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

3,4-Diaminopyridine blocks presynaptic potassium channels, prolonging the action potential and increasing calcium influx to enhance ACh vesicle release.

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 B12 deficiency causes subacute combined degeneration affecting the dorsal columns and peripheral nerves, producing a sensorimotor neuropathy.

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

Corticosteroids suppress the autoimmune inflammatory cascade that causes muscle fiber destruction in inflammatory myopathies.

(ABEM) American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine Practice Test

(ABEM) American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine Practice Test

ABEM ABEM Pharmacology & Medical Management 1