Step I USMLE Step 1 Recall: Buzzwords

[Discobolus]

What do people think about this book? I bought it thinking it would be a good way to pound in some of the rote memorization that I tend to neglect (although I know that is a minor component of the Step 1). Anyway, what has been others experience with it in regards to the number of errors? I've found several on just a very brief look over a few pages and it has me kind of alarmed. It said Klinefelters couldn't be diagnosed until puberty (karyotype anyone?) and that Prostaglandin I 2 kept the ductus arteriosus open instead of the correct answer, Prostaglandin E 2

 

[DrMom]

A couple of people in my class found a number of errors. Granted, the vast majority of the info was correct.

 

[Idiopathic]

ACtually its PGE1, I think, and Klinefelter's can be Dx before puberty, but never is, because you never have a reason to search for it until delayed onset of secondary sex characteristics. I think you knew that tho. Maybe it doesnt want you to be so literal with it sometimes 😉

 

[Discobolus]

Robbins just says Prostaglandin E, but I swear I read E2 somewhere, but I'm probably wrong.

The more I think about the Klinefelters question, the more I'm thinking it is probably right. I guess I just had a knee jerk reaction from Genetics where the answer to everything was "do a karyotype!" 😀 Now if it had said "not diagnosed before puberty by physical exam" I would most definitely agree.

ACtually its PGE1, I think, and Klinefelter's can be Dx before puberty, but never is, because you never have a reason to search for it until delayed onset of secondary sex characteristics. I think you knew that tho. Maybe it doesnt want you to be so literal with it sometimes 😉

 

[Homunculus]

What do people think about this book?

i kept a copy on the back of the toilet for use during #2's. It's great for quick hitting "factiod" type stuff (which is actually represented on *all* the damn board exams), but i never just sat down and read it.

worth the $$$ even with the errors IMO.

--your friendly neighborhood throne sitting caveman

 

[Homunculus]

ACtually its PGE1,

actually you are both right. PGE2 is the version that keeps it open in vivo, and PGE1 (Alprostadil) keeps it open when we treat preemies with ductal dependent heart defects in the NICU.

--your friendly neighborhood pediatrics caveman