USMLE Equations in First Aid?

[Bathrover]

Is there a page on First Aid or other resource which has a list of the main equations we need to remember for Step I? I am thinking of mainly physiology equations but also pharm...

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[sinombre]

Check the "Rapid Review - Equation Review" section. Page 631 in the 2014 version.

 

[Bathrover]

Thanks, this is what I was looking for... I'm surprised there are so few equations listed, is there another source with more?

 

[Ismet]

I don't think I used a single equation on my exam...

 

[DermViser]

Thanks, this is what I was looking for... I'm surprised there are so few equations listed, is there another source with more?

Why?

 

[Bathrover]

@DermViser: I have a tendency to forget equations so I want to make sure I review what I learned in basic sciences for Step I.

@Ismet: Did you end up coming across more lab values you had to know or look up on the exam? I am surprised you didn't need any, how was the exam overall?

 

[DermViser]

@DermViser: I have a tendency to forget equations so I want to make sure I review what I learned in basic sciences for Step I.

@Ismet: Did you end up coming across more lab values you had to know or look up on the exam? I am surprised you didn't need any, how was the exam overall?

No I mean, why would you want more equations?

 

[operaman]

What's in FA will be more than enough. I think all I needed on mine was the little 4-box things for sens,spec,ppv,npv and whatnot. Beyond that, a general understanding of biostats but maybe only 1 or 2 I had to do any calculations for. To be honest, I didn't even know there was a calculator function until after the exam! My exam was a little more stats heavy but I think many of them were experimental.

If equations are worrying you, I would just memorize them and write them on your white board during the tutorial before the exam.

 

[GUH]

But aren't Winter's formula, anion gap, etc. necessary to memorize?

 

[sinombre]

But aren't Winter's formula, anion gap, etc. necessary to memorize?

FA is definitely not all-inclusive... fortunately both of those are about as simple as formulas get.

 

[Ismet]

I mean, biostats equations are a given. Beyond that, I didn't need winter's and anion gap is pretty intuitive so I guess that one doesn't come to mind when I think of memorizing equations.

 

[Onigiri]

Does this test come with an equation sheet?
Should I know o2 content equation = O2 content = (1.34 × Hb × Sao2) + (0.003 × Pao2)

And that 1g of hemoglobin can bind to 1.34ml o2?

Thank you in advance!

 

[pink/\floyd]

Does this test come with an equation sheet?
Should I know o2 content equation = O2 content = (1.34 × Hb × Sao2) + (0.003 × Pao2)

And that 1g of hemoglobin can bind to 1.34ml o2?

Thank you in advance!

What's behind FA is enough. If you want to go all out, sure. You probably already memorized that equation by typing it in. And no, the test does not come with an equation sheet.

 

[bankaix808]

Does this test come with an equation sheet?
Should I know o2 content equation = O2 content = (1.34 × Hb × Sao2) + (0.003 × Pao2)

And that 1g of hemoglobin can bind to 1.34ml o2?

Thank you in advance!

Memorizing the equation is helpful, but in my opinion, I think you'll be in a much better position in understanding the concept behind it, and understanding which variables are affected in certain disease processes (e.g., anemia, CO poisoning).

As you go through your first two years, having a solid understanding of both physiology and pathophysiology will allow you to integrate concepts across all systems a little more easier. Of course there will be a lot of memorization involved, but again, in my opinion, having the ability to integrate what you have memorized and learned is key to scoring decently.