What about the common sense questions?

[InternationlDoc]

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After taking Psych and sepcially OB/Gyn shelf today, I've noticed the following

NBME loves to throw in questions that DO NOT relate to the subject shelf. Like indication for CBC, or CT scan, etc. Is there any question/explanation source outthere that asks/teaches these random things? I know you are supposed to gain this sense on the wards and I am, but as a thought, since USMLEWORLD is so great with "random" questions, doesn't it make sense for them to have a couple of questions where they just randomly ask this LONG patient case presentation with vital signs, Fam Hx, Social Hx, PMH and then the answer be "Do CBC"

I dont know if I am making sense, but it seems like shelf exam has these out of the box questions (I'd say around 5/100) and just makes sense to learn the trick (or may be the Internal Medicine section of USMLEWORLD questions has such questions)

sorry for the ramble, but I think I could personally come up with some of these "shelf like" questions. Wondering why can't we make an even better qbank out there.

 

[bigdan]

I dont know if I am making sense

ID -

You actually did not make sense. Maybe I read your post too fast, or something, but something confused me. Could just be me - that happens a lot.

You can check the NBME website for the topics covered on each shelf exam - I'm not sure that ever helped me prepare for the test, but maybe it will give you some answers to your questions, or give you the direction that you're looking for. For example, they'll tell you how much of the test is focused on diagnosis, how much is management, etc.

On those shelf questions that are long and bizzare then the right answer is "Order CBC", my interpretation is that you're being tested on your workup and management of the patient. So if you got a pt with depressed mood, inattention, guilt, appetite decline, psychomotor ******ation, and Fam Hx of depression, you need to get the blood tests, because the pt could have hypothyroid. In my mind, that's a fair question, 'cause that's the real-life workup for depression. As far as indications for CT or CXR or whatever, I do think that is something that you have to learn/should be learning either on the floors or in your reading. That to me is fair game for a shelf as well.

Good luck with the rest of the shelf exams - they are all like that. At least you have a better idea what to look for now...

dc