USMLE-Rx Step 1 Qmax Challenge #4470

Check out today’s Step 1 Qmax Question Challenge.

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A 45-year-old woman presents with a complaint of difficulty sleeping two to three times per week because of wheezing. She is currently taking albuterol by metered-dose inhaler. She is placed on a medication that stabilizes the type of cells pictured in the image.

USMLE-Rx Step 1 Qmax Challenge #4470

Which medication was she prescribed?

A. Cromolyn sodium
B. Ipratropium bromide
C. Montelukast
D. Salmeterol
E. Theophylline

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Discussion

3 thoughts on “USMLE-Rx Step 1 Qmax Challenge #4470”

  1. The correct answer is A. The cells with many granules, indicated by red circles in the image, are mast cells. Cromolyn works at the surface of mast cells to inhibit their degranulation. This, in turn, prevents the release of histamine and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis, mediators of type I allergic reactions. Cromolyn may also reduce the release of inflammatory leukotrienes.

    B is not correct. Antimuscarinics (ie, ipratropium bromide) cause vagolytic action by competitive inhibition of muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle (M3 type), leading to bronchodilation. They have no effect on mast cell activity.

    C is not correct. Leukotriene antagonists (eg, montelukast) act as competitive antagonists of leukotriene (CysLT1) receptors.

    D is not correct. ?2-Adrenoceptor agonists (eg, albuterol and salmeterol) stimulate airway ?2 adrenoceptors. This causes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.

    E is not correct. Methylxanthines (eg, theophylline) cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle by phosphodiesterase inhibition.

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