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First_Aid_Step2. Four causes of microcytic anemia. An elderly man with hypochromic, microcytic anemia is asymptomatic. Diagnostic tests? Precipitants of hemolytic crisis in patients with G6PD deficiency. The most common inherited cause of hypercoagulability. The most common inherited bleeding disorder. The most common inherited hemolytic anemia. Diagnostic test for hereditary spherocytosis. Pure RBC aplasia. Anemia associated with absent radii and thumbs, diffuse hyperpigmentation, café au lait spots, microcephaly, and pancytopenia. Medications and viruses that lead to aplastic anemia. TICS—Thalassemia, Iron deficiency, anemia of Chronic disease, and Sideroblastic anemia. Fecal occult blood test and sigmoidoscopy; suspect colorectal cancer. Sulfonamides, antimalarial drugs, fava beans. Factor V Leiden mutation. von Willebrand’s disease. Hereditary spherocytosis. Osmotic fragility test. Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Fanconi’s anemia.


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First_Aid_Step2. Sulfonamides, antimalarial drugs, fava beans. Factor V Leiden mutation. von Willebrand’s disease. Hereditary spherocytosis. Osmotic fragility test. Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Fanconi’s anemia. Chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, radiation, HIV, chemotherapeutic agents, hepatitis, parvovirus B19, EBV. How to distinguish polycythemia vera from 2° polycythemia. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) pentad? HUS triad? Treatment for TTP. Treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in children. Which of the following are ↑ in DIC: fibrin split products, D-dimer, fibrinogen, platelets, and hematocrit. An eight-year-old boy presents with hemarthrosis and ↑ PTT with normal PT and bleeding time. Diagnosis? Treatment? A 14-year-old girl presents with prolonged bleeding after dental surgery and with menses, normal PT, normal or ↑ PTT, and ↑ bleeding time. Diagnosis? Treatment?


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First_Aid_Step2. A 14-year-old girl presents with prolonged bleeding after dental surgery and with menses, normal PT, normal or ↑ PTT, and ↑ bleeding time. Diagnosis? Treatment? A 60-year-old African-American man presents with bone pain. Workup for multiple myeloma might reveal? Reed-Sternberg cells. A 10-year-old boy presents with fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Exam shows an anterior mediastinal mass. Suspected diagnosis? Microcytic anemia with ↓ serum iron, ↓ total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and normal or ↑ ferritin. Microcytic anemia with ↓ serum iron, ↓ ferritin, and ↑ TIBC. An 80-year-old man presents with fatigue, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and isolated lymphocytosis. Suspected diagnosis? The lymphoma equivalent of CLL. A late, life-threatening complication of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Auer rods on blood smear. AML subtype associated with DIC. Both have ↑ hematocrit and RBC mass, but polycythemia vera should have normal O2 saturation and low erythropoietin levels.


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First_Aid_Step2. Both have ↑ hematocrit and RBC mass, but polycythemia vera should have normal O2 saturation and low erythropoietin levels. “FAT RN”: Fever, Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Renal dysfunction, Neurologic abnormalities. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Emergent large-volume plasmapheresis, corticosteroids, antiplatelet drugs. Usually resolves spontaneously; may require IVIG and/or corticosteroids. Fibrin split products and D-dimer are elevated; platelets, fibrinogen, and hematocrit are ↓. A) or factor VIII or IX supplements. von Willebrand’s disease; treat with desmopressin, FFP, or cryoprecipitate. Monoclonal gammopathy, Bence Jones proteinuria, “punched-out” lesions on x-ray of the skull and long bones. Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Anemia of chronic disease. Iron deficiency anemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Small lymphocytic lymphoma. Blast crisis (fever, bone pain, splenomegaly, pancytopenia). Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). M3.


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First_Aid_Step2. Iron deficiency anemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Small lymphocytic lymphoma. Blast crisis (fever, bone pain, splenomegaly, pancytopenia). Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). M3. Electrolyte changes in tumor lysis syndrome. Treatment for AML M3. A 50-year-old man presents with early satiety, splenomegaly, and bleeding. Cytogenetics show t(9,22). Diagnosis? Heinz bodies? An autosomal-recessive disorder with a defect in the GPIIbIIIa platelet receptor and ↓ platelet aggregation. Virus associated with aplastic anemia in patients with sickle cell anemia. A 25-year-old African-American man with sickle cell anemia has sudden onset of bone pain. Management of pain crisis? A significant cause of morbidity in thalassemia patients. Treatment? ↓ Ca2+, ↑ K+, ↑ phosphate, ↑ uric acid. Retinoic acid. CML. Intracellular inclusions seen in thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and postsplenectomy. Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia. Parvovirus B19.


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First_Aid_Step2. ↓ Ca2+, ↑ K+, ↑ phosphate, ↑ uric acid. Retinoic acid. CML. Intracellular inclusions seen in thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and postsplenectomy. Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia. Parvovirus B19. O2, analgesia, hydration, and, if severe, transfusion. Iron overload; use deferoxamine. The three most common causes of fever of unknown origin (FUO). Four signs and symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis. A nonsuppurative complication of streptococcal infection that is not altered by treatment of 1° infection. Asplenic patients are particularly susceptible to these organisms. The number of bacteria on a clean-catch specimen to diagnose a UTI. Which healthy population is susceptible to UTIs? A patient from California or Arizona presents with fever, malaise, cough, and night sweats. Diagnosis? Treatment? Nonpainful chancre. A “blueberry muffin” rash is characteristic of what congenital infection? Infection, cancer, and autoimmune disease.


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First_Aid_Step2. Nonpainful chancre. A “blueberry muffin” rash is characteristic of what congenital infection? Infection, cancer, and autoimmune disease. Fever, pharyngeal erythema, tonsillar exudate, lack of cough. Postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Encapsulated organisms—pneumococcus, meningococcus, Haemophilus inﬂ uenzae, Klebsiella. 105 bacteria/mL. Pregnant women. Treat this group aggressively because of potential complications. Coccidioidomycosis. Amphotericin B. 1° syphilis. Rubella. Meningitis in neonates. Causes? Treatment? Meningitis in infants. Causes? Treatment? What should always be done prior to LP? CSF findings: Low glucose, PMN predominance Normal glucose, lymphocytic predominance Initially presents with a pruritic papule with regional lymphadenopathy; evolves into a black eschar after 7–10 days. Treatment? Findings in 3° syphilis. Characteristics of 2° Lyme disease. Cold agglutinins.


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First_Aid_Step2. Findings in 3° syphilis. Characteristics of 2° Lyme disease. Cold agglutinins. A 24-year-old man presents with soft white plaques on his tongue and the back of his throat. Diagnosis? Workup? Treatment? Begin Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly P. carinii) pneumonia prophylaxis in an HIV-positive patient at what CD4 count? Mycobacterium avium–intracellulare (MAI) prophylaxis? Risk factors for pyelonephritis. Neutropenic nadir postchemotherapy. Erythema migrans. Classic physical findings for endocarditis. Aplastic crisis in sickle cell disease. Ring-enhancing brain lesion on CT with seizures. Group B strep, E. coli, Listeria. Treat with gentamicin and ampicillin. Pneumococcus, meningococcus, H. inﬂ uenzae. Treat with cefotaxime and vancomycin. Check for ↑ ICP; look for papilledema. Cutaneous anthrax. Treat with penicillin G or ciproﬂ oxacin. Tabes dorsalis, general paresis, gummas, Argyll Robertson pupil, aortitis, aortic root aneurysms.


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First_Aid_Step2. Cutaneous anthrax. Treat with penicillin G or ciproﬂ oxacin. Tabes dorsalis, general paresis, gummas, Argyll Robertson pupil, aortitis, aortic root aneurysms. Arthralgias, migratory polyarthropathies, Bell’s palsy, myocarditis. Mycoplasma. Candidal thrush. Workup should include an HIV test. Treat with nystatin oral suspension. ≤ 200 for P. jiroveci (with TMP-SMX); ≤ 50–100 for MAI (with clarithromycin/azithromycin). Pregnancy, vesicoureteral reﬂux, anatomic anomalies, indwelling catheters, kidney stones. 7–10 days. Lesion of 1° Lyme disease. Fever, heart murmur, Osler’s nodes, splinter hemorrhages, Janeway lesions, Roth’s spots. Parvovirus B19. Taenia solium (cysticercosis). Name the organism: Pregnant women with pets Alcoholic with pneumonia A 55-year-old man who is a smoker and a heavy drinker presents with a new cough and ﬂulike symptoms. Gram stain shows no organisms; silver stain of sputum shows gram-negative rods. What is the diagnosis?


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First_Aid_Step2. A middle-aged man presents with acute-onset monoarticular joint pain and bilateral Bell’s palsy. What is the likely diagnosis, and how did he get it? Treatment? A patient develops endocarditis three weeks after receiving a prosthetic heart valve. What organism is suspected? Legionella pneumonia. Lyme disease, Ixodes tick, doxycycline. S. aureus or S. epidermidis. Back pain that is exacerbated by standing and walking and relieved with sitting and hyperﬂexion of the hips. Joints in the hand affected in rheumatoid arthritis. Joint pain and stiffness that worsen over the course of the day and are relieved by rest. Genetic disorder associated with multiple fractures and commonly mistaken for child abuse. Hip and back pain along with stiffness that improves with activity over the course of the day and worsens at rest. Diagnostic test? Arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urethritis in young men. Associated organisms?


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First_Aid_Step2. Arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urethritis in young men. Associated organisms? A 55-year-old man has sudden, excruciating first MTP joint pain after a night of drinking red wine. Diagnosis, workup, and chronic treatment? Spinal stenosis. MCP and PIP joints; DIP joints are spared. Osteoarthritis. Osteogenesis imperfecta. Suspect ankylosing spondylitis. Check HLA-B27. Reactive (Reiter’s) arthritis. Associated with Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, Chlamydia, and Ureaplasma. Gout. Needle-shaped, negatively birefringent crystals are seen on joint ﬂuid aspirate. Chronic treatment with allopurinol or probenecid. Rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent crystals on joint ﬂ uid aspirate. An elderly woman presents with pain and stiffness of the shoulders and hips; she cannot lift her arms above her head. Labs show anemia and ↑ ESR.


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First_Aid_Step2. An active 13-year-old boy has anterior knee pain. Diagnosis? Bone is fractured in a fall on an outstretched hand. Complication of scaphoid fracture. Signs suggesting radial nerve damage with humeral fracture. A young child presents with proximal muscle weakness, waddling gait, and pronounced calf muscles. A first-born female who was born in breech position is found to have asymmetric skin folds on her newborn exam. Diagnosis? Treatment? An 11-year-old obese African-American boy presents with sudden onset of limp. Diagnosis? Workup? The most common 1° malignant tumor of bone. Pseudogout. Polymyalgia rheumatica. Osgood-Schlatter disease. Distal radius (Colles’ fracture). Avascular necrosis. Wrist drop, loss of thumb abduction. Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Developmental dysplasia of the hip. If severe, consider a Pavlik harness to maintain abduction. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis. AP and frog-leg lateral view. Multiple myeloma.


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First_Aid_Step2. Developmental dysplasia of the hip. If severe, consider a Pavlik harness to maintain abduction. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis. AP and frog-leg lateral view. Multiple myeloma. Unilateral, severe periorbital headache with tearing and conjunctival erythema. Prophylactic treatment for migraine. The most common pituitary tumor. Treatment? A 55-year-old patient presents with acute “broken speech.” What type of aphasia? What lobe and vascular distribution? The most common cause of SAH. A crescent-shaped hyperdensity on CT that does not cross the midline. A history significant for initial altered mental status with an intervening lucid interval. Diagnosis? Most likely source? Treatment? CSF findings with SAH. Cluster headache. Antihypertensives, antidepressants, anticonvulsants. Prolactinoma. Dopamine agonists (e.g., bromocriptine). Broca’s aphasia. Frontal lobe, left MCA distribution. Trauma; the second most common is berry aneurysm. Subdural hematoma—bridging veins torn.


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First_Aid_Step2. Trauma; the second most common is berry aneurysm. Subdural hematoma—bridging veins torn. Epidural hematoma. Middle meningeal artery. Neurosurgical evacuation. Elevated ICP, RBCs, xanthochromia. Albuminocytologic dissociation. Cold water is ﬂushed into a patient’s ear, and the fast phase of the nystagmus is toward the opposite side. Normal or pathologic? The most common 1° sources of metastases to the brain. May be seen in children who are accused of inattention in class and confused with ADHD. The most frequent presentation of intracranial neoplasm. The most common cause of seizures in children (2–10 years).


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First_Aid_Step2. The most common cause of seizures in young adults (18–35 years). First-line medication for status epilepticus. Confusion, confabulation, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia. What % lesion is an indication for carotid endarterectomy? The most common causes of dementia. Combined UMN and LMN disorder. Rigidity and stiffness with resting tremor and masked facies. The mainstay of Parkinson’s therapy. Treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Rigidity and stiffness that progress to choreiform movements, accompanied by moodiness and altered behavior. A six-year-old girl presents with a port-wine stain in the V2 distribution as well as with mental retardation, seizures, and ipsilateral leptomeningeal angioma. Café au lait spots on skin. Hyperphagia, hypersexuality, hyperorality, and hyperdocility. May be administered to a symptomatic patient to diagnose myasthenia gravis. Guillain-Barré syndrome (↑ protein in CSF without a significant ↑ in cell count). Normal.


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First_Aid_Step2. Guillain-Barré syndrome (↑ protein in CSF without a significant ↑ in cell count). Normal. Lung, breast, skin (melanoma), kidney, GI tract. Absence seizures. Headache. Infection, febrile seizures, trauma, idiopathic. Trauma, alcohol withdrawal, brain tumor. IV benzodiazepine. Wernicke’s encephalopathy due to a deficiency of thiamine. Seventy percent if the stenosis is symptomatic. Alzheimer’s and multi-infarct. ALS. Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa/carbidopa. IVIG or plasmapheresis. Huntington’s disease. Sturge-Weber syndrome. Treat symptomatically. Possible focal cerebral resection of the affected lobe. Neurofibromatosis type 1. Klüver-Bucy syndrome (amygdala). Edrophonium. 1° causes of third-trimester bleeding.


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First_Aid_Step2. Neurofibromatosis type 1. Klüver-Bucy syndrome (amygdala). Edrophonium. 1° causes of third-trimester bleeding. Classic ultrasound and gross appearance of complete hydatidiform mole. Chromosomal pattern of a complete mole. Molar pregnancy containing fetal tissue. Symptoms of placental abruption. Symptoms of placenta previa. When should a vaginal exam be performed with suspected placenta previa? Antibiotics with teratogenic effects. Shortest AP diameter of the pelvis. Medication given to accelerate fetal lung maturity. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Treatment for postpartum hemorrhage. Typical antibiotics for group B streptococcus (GBS) prophylaxis. A patient fails to lactate after an emergency C-section with marked blood loss. Uterine bleeding at 18 weeks’ gestation; no products expelled; membranes ruptured; cervical os open. Uterine bleeding at 18 weeks’ gestation; no products expelled; cervical os closed. Placental abruption and placenta previa.


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First_Aid_Step2. Placental abruption and placenta previa. Snowstorm on ultrasound. “Cluster-of-grapes” appearance on gross examination. 46,XX. Partial mole. Continuous, painful vaginal bleeding. Self-limited, painless vaginal bleeding. Never. Tetracycline, ﬂ uoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides. Obstetric conjugate: between the sacral promontory and the midpoint of the symphysis pubis. Betamethasone or dexamethasone × 48 hours. Uterine atony. Uterine massage; if that fails, give oxytocin. IV penicillin or ampicillin. Sheehan’s syndrome (postpartum pituitary necrosis). Inevitable abortion. Threatened abortion. Cause of amenorrhea with normal prolactin, no response to estrogen-progesterone challenge, and a history of D&C. Therapy for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Medication used to induce ovulation. Diagnostic step required in a postmenopausal woman who presents with vaginal bleeding. Indications for medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy.


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First_Aid_Step2. Medication used to induce ovulation. Diagnostic step required in a postmenopausal woman who presents with vaginal bleeding. Indications for medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Medical options for endometriosis. Laparoscopic findings in endometriosis. The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy. How to diagnose and follow a leiomyoma. Natural history of a leiomyoma. A patient has ↑ vaginal discharge and petechial patches in the upper vagina and cervix. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis. The most common cause of bloody nipple discharge. Contraceptive methods that protect against PID. Unopposed estrogen is contraindicated in which cancers? A patient presents with recent PID with RUQ pain. Breast malignancy presenting as itching, burning, and erosion of the nipple. Annual screening for women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer. A 50-year-old woman leaks urine when laughing or coughing. Nonsurgical options?


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First_Aid_Step2. Annual screening for women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer. A 50-year-old woman leaks urine when laughing or coughing. Nonsurgical options? A 30-year-old woman has unpredictable urine loss. Examination is normal. Medical options? Lab values suggestive of menopause. The most common cause of female infertility. Asherman’s syndrome. Weight loss and OCPs. Clomiphene citrate. Endometrial biopsy. Stable, unruptured ectopic pregnancy of < 3.5 cm at < 6 weeks’ gestation. OCPs, danazol, GnRH agonists. “Chocolate cysts,” powder burns. Ampulla of the oviduct. Ultrasound. Regresses after menopause. Trichomonas vaginitis. Oral or topical metronidazole. Intraductal papilloma. OCPs and barrier contraception. Endometrial or estrogen receptor– breast cancer. Consider Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome. Paget’s disease. CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasound. Kegel exercises, estrogen, pessaries for stress incontinence.


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First_Aid_Step2. CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasound. Kegel exercises, estrogen, pessaries for stress incontinence. Anticholinergics (oxybutynin) or β-adrenergics (metaproterenol) for urge incontinence. ↑ serum FSH. Endometriosis. Nontender abdominal mass associated with elevated VMA and HVA. The most common type of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Diagnosis? Not contraindications to vaccination. Tests to rule out shaken baby syndrome. A neonate has meconium ileus. Bilious emesis within hours after the first feeding. A two-month-old baby presents with nonbilious projectile emesis. What are the appropriate steps in management? The most common 1° immunodeficiency. An infant has a high fever and onset of rash as fever breaks. What is he at risk for? What is the immunodeficiency? A boy has chronic respiratory infections. Nitroblue tetrazolium test is . A child has eczema, thrombocytopenia, and high levels of IgA. A four-month-old boy has life-threatening Pseudomonas infection.


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First_Aid_Step2. A child has eczema, thrombocytopenia, and high levels of IgA. A four-month-old boy has life-threatening Pseudomonas infection. Acute-phase treatment for Kawasaki disease. Treatment for mild and severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Sudden onset of mental status changes, emesis, and liver dysfunction after taking aspirin. A child has loss of red light reﬂex. Diagnosis? Neuroblastoma. Esophageal atresia with distal TEF (85%). Unable to pass NG tube. Mild illness and/or low-grade fever, current antibiotic therapy, and prematurity. Ophthalmologic exam, CT, and MRI. CF or Hirschsprung’s disease. Duodenal atresia. Correct metabolic abnormalities. Then correct pyloric stenosis with pyloromyotomy. Selective IgA deficiency. Febrile seizures (roseola infantum). High-dose aspirin for inﬂammation and fever; IVIG to prevent coronary artery aneurysms. Phototherapy (mild) or exchange transfusion (severe). Reye’s syndrome. Suspect retinoblastoma.


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First_Aid_Step2. High-dose aspirin for inﬂammation and fever; IVIG to prevent coronary artery aneurysms. Phototherapy (mild) or exchange transfusion (severe). Reye’s syndrome. Suspect retinoblastoma. Vaccinations at a six-month well-child visit. Tanner stage 3 in a six-year-old girl. Infection of small airways with epidemics in winter and spring. Cause of neonatal RDS. A condition associated with red “currant-jelly” stools. A congenital heart disease that causes 2° hypertension. First-line treatment for otitis media. The most common pathogen causing croup. A homeless child is small for his age and has peeling skin and a swollen belly. Defect in an X-linked syndrome with mental retardation, gout, self-mutilation, and choreoathetosis. A newborn girl has a continuous “machinery murmur.” HBV, DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV. Precocious puberty. RSV bronchiolitis.


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First_Aid_Step2. HBV, DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV. Precocious puberty. RSV bronchiolitis. Surfactant deficiency. Intussusception. Coarctation of the aorta. Amoxicillin × 10 days. Parainﬂuenza virus type 1. Kwashiorkor (protein malnutrition). Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (purine salvage problem with HGPRTase deficiency). Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). First-line pharmacotherapy for depression. Antidepressants associated with hypertensive crisis. Galactorrhea, impotence, menstrual dysfunction, and ↓ libido. A 17-year-old girl has left arm paralysis after her boyfriend dies in a car crash. No medical cause is found. Name the defense mechanism: A mother who is angry at her husband yells at her child. A pedophile enters a monastery. A woman calmly describes a grisly murder. A hospitalized 10-year-old begins to wet his bed. Life-threatening muscle rigidity, fever, and rhabdomyolysis. Amenorrhea, bradycardia, and abnormal body image in a young female. SSRIs. MAOIs. Patient on dopamine antagonist.


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First_Aid_Step2. Life-threatening muscle rigidity, fever, and rhabdomyolysis. Amenorrhea, bradycardia, and abnormal body image in a young female. SSRIs. MAOIs. Patient on dopamine antagonist. Conversion disorder. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Anorexia. A 35-year-old man has recurrent episodes of palpitations, diaphoresis, and fear of going crazy. The most serious side effect of clozapine. A 21-year-old man has three months of social withdrawal, worsening grades, ﬂattened affect, and concrete thinking. Key side effects of atypical antipsychotics. A young weight lifter receives IV haloperidol and complains that his eyes are deviated sideways. Diagnosis? Treatment? Medication to avoid in patients with a history of alcohol withdrawal seizures. A 13-year-old boy has a history of theft, vandalism, and violence toward family pets. A five-month-old girl has ↓ head growth, truncal dyscoordination, and ↓ social interaction.


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First_Aid_Step2. A 13-year-old boy has a history of theft, vandalism, and violence toward family pets. A five-month-old girl has ↓ head growth, truncal dyscoordination, and ↓ social interaction. A patient hasn’t slept for days, lost $20,000 gambling, is agitated, and has pressured speech. Diagnosis? Treatment? After a minor fender bender, a man wears a neck brace and requests permanent disability. A nurse presents with severe hypoglycemia; blood analysis reveals no elevation in C-peptide. A patient continues to use cocaine after being in jail, losing his job, and not paying child support. A violent patient has vertical and horizontal nystagmus. A woman who was abused as a child frequently feels outside of or detached from her body. A man has repeated, intense urges to rub his body against unsuspecting passengers on a bus. A schizophrenic patient takes haloperidol for one year and develops uncontrollable tongue movements. Diagnosis? Treatment?


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First_Aid_Step2. A schizophrenic patient takes haloperidol for one year and develops uncontrollable tongue movements. Diagnosis? Treatment? A man unexpectedly ﬂies across the country, takes a new name, and has no memory of his prior life. Panic disorder. Agranulocytosis. Schizophreniform disorder (diagnosis of schizophrenia requires ≥ 6 months of symptoms). Weight gain, type 2 DM, QT prolongation. Acute dystonia (oculogyric crisis). Treat with benztropine or diphenhydramine. Neuroleptics. Conduct disorder. Rett’s disorder. Acute mania. Start a mood stabilizer (e.g., lithium). Malingering. Factitious disorder (Munchausen syndrome). Substance abuse. Phencyclidine hydrochloride (PCP) intoxication. Depersonalization disorder. Frotteurism (a paraphilia). Tardive dyskinesia. ↓ or discontinue haloperidol and consider another antipsychotic (e.g., risperidone, clozapine). Dissociative fugue. Risk factors for DVT. Criteria for exudative effusion. Causes of exudative effusion.


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First_Aid_Step2. Dissociative fugue. Risk factors for DVT. Criteria for exudative effusion. Causes of exudative effusion. Causes of transudative effusion. may indicate? Dyspnea, lateral hilar lymphadenopathy on CXR, noncaseating granulomas, ↑ ACE, and hypercalcemia. PFTs showing ↓ FEV1/FVC. PFTs showing ↑ FEV1/FVC. Honeycomb pattern on CXR. Diagnosis? Treatment? Treatment for SVC syndrome. Treatment for mild, persistent asthma. Treatment for COPD exacerbation. Treatment for chronic COPD. Acid-base disorder in pulmonary embolism. Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) associated with hypercalcemia. Lung cancer associated with SIADH. Lung cancer highly related to cigarette exposure. A tall white male presents with acute shortness of breath. Diagnosis? Treatment? Treatment of tension pneumothorax. Stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability (Virchow’s triad).


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First_Aid_Step2. Diagnosis? Treatment? Treatment of tension pneumothorax. Stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability (Virchow’s triad). Pleural/serum protein > 0.5; pleural/serum LDH > 0.6. Think of leaky capillaries. Malignancy, TB, bacterial or viral infection, pulmonary embolism with infarct, and pancreatitis. Think of intact capillaries. CHF, liver or kidney disease, and protein-losing enteropathy. Fatigue and impending respiratory failure. Sarcoidosis. Obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., asthma). Restrictive pulmonary disease. Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Supportive care. Steroids may help. Radiation. Inhaled β-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids. O2, bronchodilators, antibiotics, corticosteroids with taper, smoking cessation. Smoking cessation, home O2, β-agonists, anticholinergics, systemic or inhaled corticosteroids, ﬂu and pneumococcal vaccines. Hypoxia and hypocarbia (respiratory alkalosis). Squamous cell carcinoma.


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First_Aid_Step2. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC. Spontaneous pneumothorax. Spontaneous regression. Supplemental O2 may be helpful. Immediate needle thoracostomy. Characteristics favoring carcinoma in an isolated pulmonary nodule. Hypoxemia and pulmonary edema with normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Sequelae of asbestos exposure. ↑ risk of what infection with silicosis? Causes of hypoxemia. Classic CXR findings for pulmonary edema. Age > 45–50 years; lesions new or larger in comparison to old films; absence of calcification or irregular calcification; size > 2 cm; irregular margins. ARDS. Pulmonary fibrosis, pleural plaques, bronchogenic carcinoma (mass in lung field), mesothelioma (pleural mass). Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Right-to-left shunt, hypoventilation, low inspired O2 tension, diffusion defect, V/Q mismatch. Cardiomegaly, prominent pulmonary vessels, Kerley B lines, “bat’s-wing” appearance of hilar shadows, and perivascular and peribronchial cuffing.


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First_Aid_Step2. Cardiomegaly, prominent pulmonary vessels, Kerley B lines, “bat’s-wing” appearance of hilar shadows, and perivascular and peribronchial cuffing. Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) associated with abnormal H+ secretion and nephrolithiasis. RTA associated with abnormal HCO3 and rickets. RTA associated with aldosterone defect. “Doughy” skin Differential of hypervolemic hyponatremia. Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs. The most common causes of hypercalcemia. T-wave ﬂattening and U waves. Peaked T waves and widened QRS. First-line treatment for moderate hypercalcemia. Type of ARF in a patient with FeNa < 1%. A 49-year-old man presents with acute-onset ﬂank pain and hematuria. The most common type of nephrolithiasis. A 20-year-old man presents with a palpable ﬂank mass and hematuria. Ultrasound shows bilateral enlarged kidneys with cysts. Associated brain anomaly? Type I (distal) RTA.


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First_Aid_Step2. Type I (distal) RTA. Type II (proximal) RTA. Type IV (distal) RTA. Hypernatremia. Cirrhosis, CHF, nephritic syndrome. Hypocalcemia. Malignancy and hyperparathyroidism. Hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia. IV hydration and loop diuretics (furosemide). Prerenal. Nephrolithiasis. Calcium oxalate. Cerebral berry aneurysms (autosomal-dominant PCKD). Hematuria, hypertension, and oliguria. Proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperlipiduria, and edema. The most common form of nephritic syndrome. The most common form of glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis with deafness. Glomerulonephritis with hemoptysis. Presence of red cell casts in urine sediment. Eosinophils in urine sediment. Waxy casts in urine sediment and Maltese crosses (seen with lipiduria). Drowsiness, asterixis, nausea, and a pericardial friction rub. A 55-year-old man is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Treatment options?


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First_Aid_Step2. Treatment options? Low urine specific gravity in the presence of high serum osmolality. Treatment of SIADH? Hematuria, ﬂank pain, and palpable ﬂank mass. Testicular cancer associated with β-hCG, AFP. The most common type of testicular cancer. The most common histology of bladder cancer. Complication of overly rapid correction of hyponatremia. Salicylate ingestion occurs in what type of acid-base disorder? Acid-base disturbance commonly seen in pregnant women. Three systemic diseases that lead to nephrotic syndrome. Elevated erythropoietin level, elevated hematocrit, and normal O2 saturation suggest? A 55-year-old male presents with irritative and obstructive urinary symptoms. Treatment options? Nephritic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome. Membranous glomerulonephritis. IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease). Alport’s syndrome. Wegener’s granulomatosis and Goodpasture’s syndrome. Glomerulonephritis/nephritic syndrome. Allergic interstitial nephritis. Nephrotic syndrome.


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First_Aid_Step2. Uremic syndrome seen in patients with renal failure. Wait, surgical resection, radiation and/or androgen suppression. Diabetes insipidus. Fluid restriction, demeclocycline. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Choriocarcinoma. Seminoma, a type of germ cell tumor. Transitional cell carcinoma. Central pontine myelinolysis. Anion gap acidosis and 1° respiratory alkalosis due to central respiratory stimulation. Respiratory alkalosis. DM, SLE, and amyloidosis. RCC or other erythropoietin-producing tumor; evaluate with CT scan. Likely BPH. Options include no treatment, terazosin, finasteride, or surgical intervention (TURP). Class of drugs that may cause syndrome of muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Side effects of corticosteroids.


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First_Aid_Step2. Class of drugs that may cause syndrome of muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Side effects of corticosteroids. Treatment for DTs. Treatment for acetaminophen overdose. Treatment for opioid overdose. Treatment for benzodiazepine overdose. Treatment for neuroleptic malignant syndrome and malignant hyperthermia. Treatment for malignant hypertension. Treatment of atrial fibrillation. Treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. Causes of drug-induced SLE. Macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia with neurologic symptoms. Macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia without neurologic symptoms. A burn patient presents with cherry-red ﬂushed skin and coma. SaO2 is normal, but carboxyhemoglobin is elevated. Treatment? Blood in the urethral meatus or high-riding prostate. Test to rule out urethral injury. Radiographic evidence of aortic disruption or dissection. Radiographic indications for surgery in patients with acute abdomen.


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First_Aid_Step2. Radiographic indications for surgery in patients with acute abdomen. Antipsychotics (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Acute mania, immunosuppression, thin skin, osteoporosis, easy bruising, myopathies. Benzodiazepines. N-acetylcysteine. Naloxone. Flumazenil. Dantrolene. Nitroprusside. Rate control, rhythm conversion, and anticoagulation. If stable, rate control with carotid massage or other vagal stimulation; if unsuccessful, consider adenosine. INH, penicillamine, hydralazine, procainamide, chlorpromazine, methyldopa, quinidine. B12 deficiency. Folate deficiency. Treat CO poisoning with 100% O2 or with hyperbaric O2 if poisoning is severe or the patient is pregnant. Bladder rupture or urethral injury. Retrograde cystourethrogram. Widened mediastinum (> 8 cm), loss of aortic knob, pleural cap, tracheal deviation to the right, depression of left main stem bronchus.


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First_Aid_Step2. Retrograde cystourethrogram. Widened mediastinum (> 8 cm), loss of aortic knob, pleural cap, tracheal deviation to the right, depression of left main stem bronchus. Free air under the diaphragm, extravasation of contrast, severe bowel distention, space-occupying lesion (CT), mesenteric occlusion (angiography). The most common organism in burn-related infections. Method of calculating ﬂuid repletion in burn patients. Acceptable urine output in a trauma patient. Acceptable urine output in a stable patient. Cannon “a” waves. Signs of neurogenic shock. Signs of ↑ ICP (Cushing’s triad). CO, ↓ pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). CO, ↑ PCWP, ↑ PVR. CO, ↓ PCWP, ↓ PVR. Treatment of septic shock. Treatment of cardiogenic shock. Treatment of hypovolemic shock. Treatment of anaphylactic shock. Supportive treatment for ARDS. Signs of air embolism. Trauma series. Pseudomonas.


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First_Aid_Step2. Trauma series. Pseudomonas. Parkland formula. 50 cc/hr. 30 cc/hr. Third-degree heart block. Hypotension and bradycardia. Hypertension, bradycardia, and abnormal respirations. Hypovolemic shock. Cardiogenic (or obstructive) shock. Septic or anaphylactic shock. Fluids and antibiotics. Identify cause; pressors (e.g., dopamine). Identify cause; ﬂuid and blood repletion. Diphenhydramine or epinephrine 1:1000. Continuous positive airway pressure. A patient with chest trauma who was previously stable suddenly dies. AP chest, AP/lateral C-spine, AP pelvis.


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First_Aid_Step2. This section is a database of recommended clinical science review books, sample examination books, and commercial review courses marketed to medical students studying for the USMLE Step 2 CK. For each book, we list the Title of the book, the First Author (or editor), the Current Publisher, the Copyright Year, the Edition, the Number of Pages, the ISBN Code, the Approximate List Price, the Format of the book, and the Number of Test Questions. Most entries also include Summary Comments that describe the style and utility of each book for studying. Finally, each book receives a Rating. The books are sorted into a comprehensive section as well as into sections corresponding to the six clinical disciplines (internal medicine, neurology, OB/GYN, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery). Within each section, books are arranged first by Rating, then by Author, and finally by Title.


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First_Aid_Step2. For this seventh edition of First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK, the database of review books has been completely revised, with in-depth summary comments on more than 100 books and software. A letter rating scale with six different grades reﬂects the detailed student evaluations. Each book receives a rating as follows: The Rating is meant to reﬂect the overall usefulness of the book in preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CK exam. This is based on a number of factors, including: The cost of the book The readability of the text The appropriateness and accuracy of the book The quality and number of sample questions The quality of written answers to sample questions The quality and appropriateness of the illustrations (e.g., graphs, diagrams, photographs) The length of the text (longer is not necessarily better) The quality and number of other books available in the same discipline The importance of the discipline on the USMLE Step 2 CK exam


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First_Aid_Step2. The length of the text (longer is not necessarily better) The quality and number of other books available in the same discipline The importance of the discipline on the USMLE Step 2 CK exam Please note that the rating does not reﬂect the quality of the book for purposes other than reviewing for the USMLE Step 2 CK exam. Many books with low ratings are well written and informative but are not ideal for boards preparation. We have also avoided listing or commenting on the wide variety of general textbooks available in the clinical sciences. Evaluations are based on the cumulative results of formal and informal surveys of hundreds of medical students from medical schools across the country. The summary comments and overall ratings represent a consensus opinion, but there may have been a large range of opinions or limited student feedback on any particular book. Please note that the data listed are subject to change because: Publishers’ prices change frequently.


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First_Aid_Step2. Please note that the data listed are subject to change because: Publishers’ prices change frequently. Individual bookstores often charge an additional markup. New editions come out frequently, and the quality of updating varies. The same book may be reissued through another publisher. We actively encourage medical students and faculty to submit their opinions and ratings of these clinical science review books so that we may update our database (see “How to Contribute,” p. xv). In addition, we ask that publishers and authors submit review copies of clinical science review books, including new editions and books not included in our database, for evaluation. We also solicit reviews of new books or suggestions for alternate modes of study that may be useful in preparing for the examination, such as ﬂash cards, computer-based tutorials, commercial review courses, and Internet Web sites.


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First_Aid_Step2. No material in this book, including the ratings, reﬂects the opinion or inﬂuence of the publisher. All errors and omissions will gladly be corrected if brought to the attention of the authors through the publisher. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 3rd ed., 546 pages, ISBN 9781405105095 A concise book presented in outline format, packed with key information across the various fields of medicine. Pros: Very high yield. Makes nice use of tables and charts. Good for quick study and last-minute review. Useful on the wards as well, and fits in a pocket. Cons: Small print. Not tremendously detailed, but covers many topics. More in-depth books are required for further explanation. Summary: A good, comprehensive review, but lacks some detail.


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First_Aid_Step2. Hanley & Belfus, 2004, 2nd ed., 350 pages, ISBN 9781560536109 Includes 750 vignette-style questions in 15 test blocks. Pros: Questions are case based and offer a good approximation of real boards questions. Questions cover high-yield topics, and explanations are terse but adequate. Many questions also include images and associated laboratory findings. Cons: Explanations may not be adequate for those who require an in-depth review of certain topics. Summary: Excellent vignette-type questions in mock exam format. Hanley & Belfus, 2004, 2nd ed., 250 pages, ISBN 9781560536086


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First_Aid_Step2. Hanley & Belfus, 2004, 2nd ed., 250 pages, ISBN 9781560536086 Typical Secrets-series format, with questions and answers organized by specialty. Pros: A concise review of many high-yield topics. Makes good use of clinical images, including patient photos, blood smears, and radiographs. Gives clinical pearls that help differentiate and diagnose common clinical presentations. Cons: Contains no clinical vignettes; simply lists questions that might be posed on the wards. Does not follow Step 2 CK format. Expensive. Content overlaps with that of other books by Brochert. Summary: An excellent book to page through during brief periods of “downtime.” Does not substitute for a formal review or practice tests. A portable book that stresses relevant topics in a quick, easy format. $39.95 Review $35.95 Test/750 q $39.95 Review First Aid Cases for the USMLE Step 2 CK $41.95 Review


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First_Aid_Step2. $39.95 Review $35.95 Test/750 q $39.95 Review First Aid Cases for the USMLE Step 2 CK $41.95 Review LE McGraw-Hill, 2006, 1st ed., 272 pages, ISBN 9780071464116 A review of high-yield clinical vignettes for the Step 2 CK exam. Pros: Cases provide detailed answers to high-yield topics and are arranged in an easy-to-follow format. Emphasizes the most likely diagnosis, the next step, and initial management answers. Cons: Some topics are either not covered or given only brief treatment. Summary: A good review with emphasis on vignette-style case presentations and boardsrelevant answers, but not sufficient as a stand-alone text for review.


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First_Aid_Step2. B+Crush Step 2 BROCHERT Mosby, 2007, 3rd ed., 352 pages, ISBN 9781416029762 A comprehensive review of many high-yield topics, organized by spe-cialty. Pros: Places good emphasis on key points. The conversational style is easy to read. Makes good use of charts and diagrams. Covers surgical topics in more depth than similar books. Cons: Not compre-hensive. Contains no practice questions or vignettes. Not sufficiently detailed to be used alone for Step 2 CK preparation. Summary: A solid review of key points and frequently tested topics. Should probably be supplemented with other review material and practice tests. $39.95 Review B+Lange Q&A: USMLE Step 2 CHAN McGraw-Hill, 2008, 6th ed., 440 pages, ISBN 9780071494007 Review questions organized by specialty along with two comprehen-sive practice exams. Pros: Overall question content is good, with broad coverage of high-yield topics. Well illustrated. Cons: Vignettes are brief, with short explanations. Some questions are more detailed than


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First_Aid_Step2. exams. Pros: Overall question content is good, with broad coverage of high-yield topics. Well illustrated. Cons: Vignettes are brief, with short explanations. Some questions are more detailed than actual Step 2 CK questions. Summary: Well suited to focused spe-cialty review by virtue of overall review questions on high-yield topics. A good buy for the number of questions. $44.95 Test/1000+ q B+Lange Practice Tests: USMLE Step 2 GOLDBERG McGraw-Hill, 2005, 3rd ed., 288 pages, ISBN 9780071446167 Comprehensive test questions. Pros: A great source of high-yield ques-tions covering all topics. Many questions include clinically relevant ra-diographs and photographs of pathology. Offers adequate explanations. Cons: Some questions are not vignette style and do not reﬂ ect boards format. Summary: A good compilation of test questions that focus on high-yield material, but some questions still do not reﬂect boards style. A good source of supplemental questions. $44.95 Test/900 q


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First_Aid_Step2. NMS Review for USMLE Step 2 CK $46.95 Test/900 q Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 3rd ed., 654 pages, ISBN 9780781765220 A comprehensive review book in question-and-answer format. Pros: Offers clear, concise, and broad coverage of high-yield topics, presented in a format similar to that of the actual Step 2 CK exam. Complete explanations. Cons: Questions are more detailed than needed for the boards. Lacks illustrations or images. Summary: A good source of Step 2 CK–style questions with appropriate format and content, but questions may be more detailed than those on the actual exam.


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First_Aid_Step2. B+Underground Clinical Vignettes: Step 2 Bundle KIM Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781763639 A set containing clinical case scenarios of the various specialties, in-cluding OB/GYN, neurology, internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics, along with an extensive color at-las supplement. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, complications, and associated diseases. Small, portable texts. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supple-ment for review. Summary: Organized and easy-to-read clinical vi-gnettes. Excellent as a supplement to studying, but not sufficient by it-self. More economical to purchase the nine-volume set than individual volumes. $159.95 Review B+Step-Up to USMLE Step 2 VAN KLEUNEN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 2nd ed., 352 pages, ISBN 9780781771566 A Step 2 CK test review typical of the Step-Up series format, organized by system. Pros: A concise boards review


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First_Aid_Step2. KLEUNEN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 2nd ed., 352 pages, ISBN 9780781771566 A Step 2 CK test review typical of the Step-Up series format, organized by system. Pros: A concise boards review resource with many tables or-ganizing the information and quick facts isolated in the page margins. Cons: Not very detailed, but covers most boards exam topics and serves as a good source of study organization. Summary: A good, com-prehensive review for the Step 2 CK exam with many quick-study fea-tures. $39.95 Review


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First_Aid_Step2. B Lange Outline Review: USMLE Step 2 GOLDBERG McGraw-Hill, 2006, 5th ed., 650 pages, ISBN 9780071451925 A comprehensive boards review book with chapters organized by clini-cal discipline. Pros: A comprehensive review source with extensive coverage of clinical topics and an organized, in-depth review of each. Cons: Covers some low-yield topics. Includes relatively few images, figures, or tables. Summary: A solid, single-source, comprehensive re-view for the Step 2 CK exam. $41.95 Review B−USMLE Step 2 Made Ridiculously Simple CARL MedMaster, 2006, 3rd ed., 356 pages, ISBN 9780940780729 A general review of topics for the Step 2 CK exam. Presented in out-line format with tables and brief discussions. Pros: A quick review. Useful in areas that might otherwise be overlooked—e.g., ophthalmol-ogy, dermatology, and ENT. Helpful for last-minute review. Cons: The tabular format does not provide substantive details but aids in the memorization of lists. Some have found it too simple. Summary:


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First_Aid_Step2. dermatology, and ENT. Helpful for last-minute review. Cons: The tabular format does not provide substantive details but aids in the memorization of lists. Some have found it too simple. Summary: Highlights most high-yield topics, but should not be used alone for re-view. $29.95 Review


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First_Aid_Step2. Kaplanmedical.com A compilation of online programs for Step 2 CK review, including a large test bank. Pros: Questions can be arranged by topic or randomly to simulate the real exam. Tests are timed to simulate boards conditions. Includes an extensive number of questions in vignette format. The content level of questions reﬂects the boards test. Explanations are thorough, and the text now reports the national average for each question. Allows students to identify strong and weak points. Cons: Very expensive. Online lectures can be difficult to watch for extensive periods of time. Summary: A good source of questions with thorough explanations, but the price may be prohibitive for many. USMLERx.com


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First_Aid_Step2. USMLERx.com Step 2 CK Qmax A test bank with more than 2600 questions. Pros: Written by students who have done well on the Step 2 CK exam; then reviewed by faculty experts. Offers highly comprehensive explanations. Cons: A newer resource that is still evolving. Summary: A great question bank source. New, but feedback from students has been excellent thus far. USMLEWorld.com A test bank with more than 2000 questions. Similar to the Kaplan test bank. Pros: Features well-written questions with explanations. Cheaper than Kaplan. Questions tend to be more difficult than those on the actual exam, but many students find this an advantage during preparation. Cons: Some questions are overly picky. Summary: An excellent source of questions that is cheaper than Kaplan. USMLEasy.com


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First_Aid_Step2. USMLEasy.com A comprehensive test bank with more than 3300 questions and explanations. Similar in style to the Kaplan question bank described above. Pros: Features a large number of questions. Mimics the CBT format. Cheaper than Kaplan. Access is often free through medical libraries. Cons: Questions can be more obscure than those appearing on the actual exam. Questions overlap with those of the PreTest series of review books. Summary: A fair source of questions that may be good for supplemental review, especially in preparation for clerkship shelf exams.


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First_Aid_Step2. A−Step-Up to Medicine AGABEGI Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008, 2nd ed., 560 pages, ISBN 9780781771535 A comprehensive review of commonly tested diseases and topics in in-ternal medicine, organized in an outline format. Includes a color atlas and an appendix on interpreting x-rays, ECGs, and physical exam find-ings. Pros: Very comprehensive, with informative tables and diagrams to help synthesize information. Includes occasional clinical vignettes that correlate with the topic being discussed. Quick facts to remember are included in the margins of each page. Cons: Very lengthy. Geared more toward clerkship preparation than Step 2 CK review. Summary: A good book that is packed with useful information for the wards, but may be too lengthy and detailed for the Step 2 CK exam. $42.95 Review A−High-Yield Internal Medicine NIRULA Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 3rd ed., 128 pages, ISBN 9780781781695 A core review of internal medicine in outline format. Pros: Focuses on high-yield


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First_Aid_Step2. A−High-Yield Internal Medicine NIRULA Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 3rd ed., 128 pages, ISBN 9780781781695 A core review of internal medicine in outline format. Pros: Focuses on high-yield diseases and symptoms. A quick and easy read. Cons: Not comprehensive. Lacks many illustrations and has no index. Summary: A good, fast review presented in a format that allows for quick and re-petitive reading. Best used as a supplement, not as a primary study source. $26.95 Review


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First_Aid_Step2. First Aid for the Medicine Clerkship $42.95 Review McGraw-Hill, 2005, 2nd ed., 416 pages, ISBN 9780071448758 A high-yield review of symptoms and diseases. Pros: A comprehensive review that is well organized by symptom with good illustrations, scenarios, diagrams, algorithms, and mnemonics. Cons: May not be suited to readers who prefer information arranged in text form. May be too basic for certain topics. Summary: An excellent, concise review of medicine for those who prefer its format. Underground Clinical Vignettes: Emergency Medicine $22.95 Review


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First_Aid_Step2. Underground Clinical Vignettes: Emergency Medicine $22.95 Review Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781768344 A clinical vignette–based review of emergency medicine topics. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, complications, and associated diseases. Well illustrated, and includes high-yield “minicases” and links to the Underground Clinical Vignettes’ Clinical and Basic Science Color Atlases. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement to studying. Underground Clinical Vignettes: Internal Medicine, Vols. I and II Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages each, ISBN 9780781768351, 9780781768368


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First_Aid_Step2. Underground Clinical Vignettes: Internal Medicine, Vols. I and II Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages each, ISBN 9780781768351, 9780781768368 A clinical vignette–based review of common topics in internal medicine. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, complications, and associated diseases. Vignettes mirror the boards-style presentation of questions. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement to studying. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 425 pages, ISBN 9781405104913


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First_Aid_Step2. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 425 pages, ISBN 9781405104913 A compendium of vignette-type cases arranged by symptom, followed by related questions and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints series. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; use as a supplement for review. Better suited to clerkship preparation than to the Step 2 CK exam. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. Best used with the Blueprints text. Hanley & Belfus, 2004, 4th ed., 608 pages, ISBN 9781560533870 A question-and-answer text typical of the Secrets series. Pros: Covers a great deal of clinically relevant information. Concise answers are given with pearls, tips, and memory aids. Cons: Too lengthy and detailed for USMLE review. Summary: Not a focused review. May be more appropriate for wards use.


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First_Aid_Step2. $22.95 Review each $29.95 Test/200 q $39.95 Review


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First_Aid_Step2. B Medicine Recall BERGIN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 3rd ed., 832 pages, ISBN 9780781794145 A review book presented in standard Recall-series question-and-answer format, organized by medical specialty. Pros: Addresses a broad range of high-yield clinical topics. Presented in a format that is good for self-quizzing. Appropriate level of detail. Cons: Contains no vignettes or images; requires significant time commitment. Style simulates ques-tions asked on rounds, not those on the Step 2 CK exam. Summary: Written in a style that may be more conducive to wards than to boards preparation. Best used as a supplement to other resources. $39.95 Review B In A Page Emergency Medicine CATERINO Blackwell Publishing, 2003, 1st ed., 344 pages, ISBN 9781405103572 A collection of short, one-page summaries of 250 medical emergencies discussed in terms of etiology, differential diagnosis, presentation, diag-nostic tests, treatment, and disposition. Pros: Concise and high yield. Covers a wide


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. summaries of 250 medical emergencies discussed in terms of etiology, differential diagnosis, presentation, diag-nostic tests, treatment, and disposition. Pros: Concise and high yield. Covers a wide variety of emergencies seen in the ER. Cons: The text is crowded and somewhat confusing. Contains no images or diagrams. Summary: Good for use during the emergency medicine clerkship, but may not be appropriate for Step 2 CK review. $34.95 Review B Blueprints Clinical Cases in Family Medicine CHANG Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 437 pages, ISBN 9781405104951 A compendium of vignette-type cases arranged by symptom, followed by related questions and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints series. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not compre-hensive; best used as a supplement for review. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. Best


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First_Aid_Step2. a good review of management. Cons: Not compre-hensive; best used as a supplement for review. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. Best if used with the Blueprints text. $34.95 Test/200 q


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First_Aid_Step2. B Internal Medicine Pearls HEFFNER Elsevier, 2001, 2nd ed., 249 pages, ISBN 9781560534044 One-page reviews of more than 200 diseases discussed by etiology, epi-demiology, signs/symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Pros: A fast and concise review of high-yield information on common diseases. Cons: Text is crowded onto one page without any images or diagrams. Summary: Useful for quick study on the wards, but may not be comprehensive enough for the Step 2 CK exam. $41.95 Review B Blueprints Q & A Step 2 Medicine SHINAR Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004, 2nd ed., 276 pages, ISBN 9781405103893 Two hundred vignette-style questions. Pros: A nice companion to the Blueprints series. Focuses on high-yield topics. Explanations are easy to follow. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for re-view. Expensive; includes few questions given the cost of the book. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the


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First_Aid_Step2. comprehensive; best used as a supplement for re-view. Expensive; includes few questions given the cost of the book. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. $19.95 Test/200 q B First Aid for the Emergency Medicine Clerkship STEAD McGraw-Hill, 2006, 2nd ed., 416 pages, ISBN 9780071448734 A high-yield review of symptoms and diseases. Pros: A comprehensive review; well organized by symptom with good illustrations, scenarios, diagrams, algorithms, and mnemonics. Cons: May not be suited to the reader who prefers information arranged in text form. Summary: An excellent review of emergency medicine and a nice presentation of high-yield topics for Step 2 CK preparation, but not sufficient for stand-alone review for the Step 2 CK exam. $42.95 Review B Blueprints in Medicine YOUNG Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009, 5th ed., 448 pages, ISBN 9780781788700 A text review of internal medicine, organized by common diseases and common


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First_Aid_Step2. $42.95 Review B Blueprints in Medicine YOUNG Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009, 5th ed., 448 pages, ISBN 9780781788700 A text review of internal medicine, organized by common diseases and common symptoms. Includes a question-and-answer section with ex-planations. Pros: A well-organized, concise review that makes for easy reading. Differential diagnoses for symptoms are helpful. Contains good charts and diagrams. Cons: Offers few illustrations. Contains some superﬂuous details, and some areas are too broad and simplistic to be useful for testing purposes. Summary: Poorly illustrated, but a good primary boards review for internal medicine. $38.95 Review/Test/100 q


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First_Aid_Step2. PreTest Medicine $26.95 Test/500 q McGraw-Hill, 2006, 11th ed., 356 pages, ISBN 9780071455534 A question-and-answer format organized by medical subspecialty. Pros: Organization by subspecialty helps readers pinpoint weak areas. Offers a substantial number of vignette-style questions with detailed explanations. Cons: Many questions are more detailed than needed for the boards and are geared more toward the shelf exam. Few illustrations. Summary: A solid source of challenging review questions.


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First_Aid_Step2. A−Blueprints in Neurology DRISLANE Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009, 3rd ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781796859 A review of neurology by disease and symptom with a brief exam. Pros: Reviews high-yield topics of a complex discipline while remaining easy to follow. Makes good use of tables, images, and diagrams. Questions in the exam are similar to those found on both the shelf exam and Step 2 CK. Cons: Lengthy. Summary: An excellent review of high-yield material for the wards and the Step 2 CK exam. $37.95 Review B+PreTest Neurology ANSCHEL McGraw-Hill, 2009, 7th ed., 352 pages, ISBN 9780071597920 A question-and-answer review of neurology. Pros: Offers thorough cov-erage of neurology topics with a good number of clinical vignettes. Places appropriate emphasis on common topics and thorough explana-tions of answers. Good practice for interpreting common head CTs/ MRIs that might be tested. Cons: Some questions may be more de-tailed than needed for the boards. Summary: A good source of


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First_Aid_Step2. explana-tions of answers. Good practice for interpreting common head CTs/ MRIs that might be tested. Cons: Some questions may be more de-tailed than needed for the boards. Summary: A good source of test questions for rapid review of neurology, but may be too detailed for boards review. $26.95 Test/500 q


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First_Aid_Step2. B+Underground Clinical Vignettes: Neurology KIM Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781768375 A clinical vignette–based review of high-yield topics in neurology. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, complications, and associated diseases. Well illustrated, and includes “minicases,” links to a color atlas supplement, and up-dated treatments. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supple-ment for review. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement to studying. Lengthy for a dedicated review of neurology. $22.95 Review B Neurology Recall MILLER Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003, 2nd ed., 377 pages, ISBN 9780781745888 Brief question-and-answer format. Pros: Reviews many important facts, making it useful for self-quizzing. Cons: Not a comprehensive review. Lengthy and lacks illustrations. Concepts are not integrated. Sum-mary: Good for review of some high-yield concepts, but not a stand-alone resource for this


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First_Aid_Step2. Cons: Not a comprehensive review. Lengthy and lacks illustrations. Concepts are not integrated. Sum-mary: Good for review of some high-yield concepts, but not a stand-alone resource for this topic. $36.95 Review


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B Neurology Secrets ROLAK Elsevier, 2004, 4th ed., 480 pages, ISBN 9781560536215 A review book presented in Secrets-series question-and-answer format. Pros: A concise review of many high-yield topics. Makes good use of clinical images. Cons: Contains no clinical vignettes; instead, offers lists of questions that might be posed on the wards. Lacks a structured format, and leaves out important information. Relatively expensive and lengthy. Not a reference book. Summary: Overall, good content for self-quizzing and study, but does not substitute for a formal review or practice tests. More appropriate for clerkship than for boards review. $45.95 Review B Blueprints Clinical Cases in Neurology SHETH Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 390 pages, ISBN 9781405104944 Vignette-type cases organized by symptom, followed by related ques-tion and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints sub-specialty series. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read, with nice


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. cases organized by symptom, followed by related ques-tion and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints sub-specialty series. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read, with nice il-lustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement. Offers few illustrations. Summary: Organized and easy to read. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. $29.95 Review


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. A−Blueprints in Obstetrics and Gynecology CALLAHAN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008, 5th ed., 368 pages, ISBN 9780781782494 A text review with tables and illustrations. Includes a short exam with explanations. Pros: Places strong emphasis on high-yield topics with concise text, clear diagrams, and many classic illustrations. Makes for easy reading. Appropriate for both clinical clerkship and Step 2 CK preparation. Cons: Some topics are overly detailed, while some are not detailed enough. Summary: Overall, a good choice for boards and wards preparation. $38.95 Review/Test/100 q A−Blueprints Clinical Cases in Obstetrics and Gynecology CAUGHEY Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 418 pages, ISBN 9781405104906 Vignette-type cases arranged by symptom, followed by related ques-tions and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints se-ries. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read, with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; best


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints se-ries. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read, with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read sup-plement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. $29.95 Test/200 q A−


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Underground Clinical Vignettes: OB/GYN $22.95 Review Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781768405 A clinical vignette–style review of frequently tested diseases in obstetrics and gynecology. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, complications, and associated diseases. Well illustrated. An easy read that stresses high-yield facts. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement. Summary: Wellorganized and easy-to-read practice vignettes.


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B+NMS Obstetrics and Gynecology PFEIFER Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 6th ed., 496 pages, ISBN 9780781770712 A detailed outline of OB/GYN with few tables and diagrams. Pros: A comprehensive review for both wards and boards. The final exam is relatively good and offers complete explanations. Cons: The OB/GYN review is dense and lengthy. Many questions do not reﬂect the boards format. Lacks illustrations. Summary: A complete review with ques-tions and discussions. Better for clerkship studying than for boards re-view. $48.95 Review/Test/500 q B+High-Yield Obstetrics and Gynecology SAKALA Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005, 2nd ed., 208 pages, ISBN 9780781796309 A review of high-yield topics in outline format. Clinical scenarios at the end of each chapter highlight key points. Pros: Easy to read, with a good discussion of high-yield topics. Cons: Lacks depth and contains no practice questions. Summary: A quick but superficial review. $26.95 Review B+B+


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. First Aid for the OB/GYN Clerkship McGraw-Hill, 2006, 2nd ed., 304 pages, ISBN 9780071448741 A high-yield review of symptoms and diseases. Pros: A comprehensive review with nice diagrams, images, charts, algorithms, and mnemonics. Cons: Lengthy review. Summary: An excellent review of OB/ GYN, but too lengthy for boards review. Case Files: Obstetrics and Gynecology McGraw-Hill, 2009, 3rd ed., 456 pages, ISBN 9780071605809 A review of OB/GYN in case format with questions and answers following each vignette. Pros: Cases reﬂect high-yield topics and are arranged in an easy-to-follow format. Cons: Some topics are either not covered or given only brief treatment. Contains few diagrams and images. Lengthy and time-consuming for one topic. Explanations are terse. Summary: A good review of the subject in clinical vignette format, but may be too detailed for Step 2 CK review. $42.95 Review $32.95 Review


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B+Blueprints Q & A Step 2 Obstetrics & Gynecology TRAN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004, 2nd ed., 168 pages, ISBN 9781405103909 One hundred vignette-style questions. Pros: A nice companion to the Blueprints series. Focuses on high-yield topics. Explanations are easy to follow. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for re-view. Sparse images. Some questions are esoteric and not boards-like. Summary: A well-organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clini-cal correlates to the Blueprints series. $19.95 Test/200 q B Obstetrics and Gynecology Secrets BADER Mosby, 2004, 3rd ed., 448 pages, ISBN 9780323034159 A review book presented in Secrets-series question-and-answer format, organized by topic within OB/GYN. Pros: Offers good coverage of many high-yield, clinically relevant topics. Cons: Too detailed to be useful for rapid review. Contains no vignettes and few illustrations or images. Summary: Good clinical content, but does not serve as a for-mal topic review. Better


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. topics. Cons: Too detailed to be useful for rapid review. Contains no vignettes and few illustrations or images. Summary: Good clinical content, but does not serve as a for-mal topic review. Better for use during clerkship than for Step 2 CK preparation. $31.95 Review B PreTest Obstetrics and Gynecology SCHNEIDER McGraw-Hill, 2009, 12th ed., 355 pages, ISBN 9780071599795 A question-and-answer review with detailed explanations for OB/GYN. Pros: Organization by subtopic may be useful for studying weak areas. Good content emphasis. Generally well illustrated. Cons: Some ques-tions are too difficult or detailed. Vignette-based questions are shorter and more simplistic than those on the Step 2 CK. Summary: A decent source of questions to supplement topic study, especially for addressing specific areas of weakness. $26.95 Test/500 q B−Obstetrics and Gynecology Recall BOURGEOIS Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 3rd ed., 608 pages, ISBN 9780781770699 A review book presented in standard


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. areas of weakness. $26.95 Test/500 q B−Obstetrics and Gynecology Recall BOURGEOIS Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 3rd ed., 608 pages, ISBN 9780781770699 A review book presented in standard Recall-series question-and-answer style. Pros: The two-column format makes the text useful for self-quiz-zing. Reviews many high-yield concepts and facts. Cons: Questions emphasize individual facts but do not integrate concepts. Contains no vignettes or images. Coverage of some topics is spotty. Summary: Use-ful for review of selected concepts, but not a comprehensive source for Step 2 CK preparation. More appropriate for clerkship than for boards. $36.95 Review/Test/350 q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. A−Platinum Vignettes: Pediatrics BROCHERT Hanley & Belfus, 2002, 1st ed., 104 pages, ISBN 9781560535331 A clinical vignette–based review of common topics in pediatrics. Pros: Well-written cases are similar to boards-type vignettes. Well illustrated. The discussion is organized by pathophysiology, diagnosis and treat-ment, and more high-yield facts. Cons: Expensive for the amount of material. Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement. Has not been updated since 2002. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement to studying. $29.95 Review A−Underground Clinical Vignettes: Pediatrics KIM Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781768443 A clinical vignette review of frequently tested topics in pediatrics. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, manage-ment, complications, and associated diseases. Well illustrated, and the new edition includes “minicases” to broaden subject material and present more high-yield information. Cons:


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. manage-ment, complications, and associated diseases. Well illustrated, and the new edition includes “minicases” to broaden subject material and present more high-yield information. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement to text review. Summary: Well organized and easy to read, but intended as a supplement for review. $22.95 Review A−


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First_Aid_Step2. PreTest Pediatrics $26.95 Test/500 q McGraw-Hill, 2006, 11th ed., 464 pages, ISBN 9780071455527 A question-and-answer review with detailed discussion. Pros: Organization by organ system is useful for pinpointing weaknesses. Gives strong, thorough explanations. Includes a fair number of vignette-style questions. Well illustrated. Cons: Some questions are too detailed or emphasize low-yield topics. Summary: A good source of questions and review for pediatrics. Solid content with good illustrations, although not entirely in Step 2 CK format.


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B+Blueprints Q & A Step 2 Pediatrics FOTI Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004, 2nd ed., 176 pages, ISBN 9781405103916 Vignette-style questions. Pros: A nice companion to the Blueprints se-ries. Focuses on high-yield topics. Explanations are easy to follow. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for review. Sparse images. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. $17.95 Test/100 q B+In A Page Pediatrics KAHAN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008, 2nd ed., 384 pages, ISBN 9780781770453 One-page reviews of 228 diseases/topics discussed by etiology, epide-miology, signs/symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnostic tests, treat-ment, and prognosis. Pros: A fast and concise review of high-yield in-formation on common diseases. Cons: Each topic is crowded onto one page without any images or diagrams. Includes low-yield topics. Sum-mary: Useful for quick study on the wards, but too time intensive for Step 2 CK review.


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Cons: Each topic is crowded onto one page without any images or diagrams. Includes low-yield topics. Sum-mary: Useful for quick study on the wards, but too time intensive for Step 2 CK review. $34.95 Review B+Blueprints Clinical Cases in Pediatrics LONDHE Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 426 pages, ISBN 9781405104920 Vignette-type cases arranged by symptom followed by related questions and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints series. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for review. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. $29.95 Test/200 q B+Blueprints in Pediatrics MARINO Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008, 5th ed., 384 pages, ISBN 9780781782517 A text review of pediatrics with tables and diagrams. Includes a ques-tion-and-answer section with explanations. Pros: Appropriate focus


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. & Wilkins, 2008, 5th ed., 384 pages, ISBN 9780781782517 A text review of pediatrics with tables and diagrams. Includes a ques-tion-and-answer section with explanations. Pros: Appropriate focus on high-yield topics. Cons: A relatively dense text with few illustrations. Overly detailed. Summary: Good for a more comprehensive review. $38.95 Review/Test/100 q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B+Case Files: Pediatrics TOY McGraw-Hill, 2006, 2nd ed., 576 pages, ISBN 9780071463027 A review of pediatrics in case format with questions and answers fol-lowing each vignette. Pros: Cases reﬂect high-yield topics and are ar-ranged in an easy-to-follow format. Emphasizes the next step and the most likely diagnosis. Cons: Not suited for high-yield rapid review. Summary: An excellent review with emphasis on vignette-style case presentation and important boards-type answers, but may be too de-tailed for a stand-alone boards review book. Excellent for clerkship preparation. $29.95 Review B+A&L’s Review of Pediatrics VIESSMAN McGraw-Hill, 2004, 6th ed., 250 pages, ISBN 9780838503034 A question-and-answer review of pediatrics with detailed explanations. Pros: Questions focus on boards-relevant content. The last chapter in-cludes excellent vignette-based questions. Offers thorough, wellwritten explanations. Includes a nice primer on test-taking strategies. Cons: Non-vignette-based questions


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. content. The last chapter in-cludes excellent vignette-based questions. Offers thorough, wellwritten explanations. Includes a nice primer on test-taking strategies. Cons: Non-vignette-based questions are shorter and more straightfor-ward than those on the Step 2 CK exam. Some questions may be too detailed for Step 2 CK preparation. Poorly illustrated. Summary: An excellent, concise review with appropriate content and good discus-sions, but the majority of questions do not reﬂect Step 2 CK style. $41.95 Test/1000+ q B−NMS Pediatrics DWORKIN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008, 5th ed., 480 pages, ISBN 9780781770750 A general review of pediatrics in outline format. Includes questions at the end of each chapter. Pros: A thorough, detailed review of pediat-rics. Boldfacing highlights key points. Case studies and a comprehen-sive exam at the end of the book (also provided on CD-ROM) are helpful. Includes a good discussion. Cons: A dense, lengthy text. Lacks good illustrations of any kind.


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Case studies and a comprehen-sive exam at the end of the book (also provided on CD-ROM) are helpful. Includes a good discussion. Cons: A dense, lengthy text. Lacks good illustrations of any kind. Summary: A thorough review, but more appropriate for clerkships than for Step 2 CK review, in large part be-cause of its depth. $42.95 Review/Test/100+ q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Pediatrics Recall $36.95 Review Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 3rd ed., 508 pages, ISBN 9780781771184 A review book presented in a concise question-and-answer format typical of the Recall series. Pros: The two-column format makes self-quizzing easy. Emphasis is placed on diagnosis and management. Cons: Requires time commitment, and not all topics are covered thoroughly. Contains no vignettes. Summary: Useful material, but does not provide a systematic review or a substitute for practice tests. Better suited to clerkship review. Pediatric Secrets $39.95 Review Elsevier, 2005, 4th ed., 688 pages, ISBN 9781560536277 A question-and-answer text typical of the Secrets series, organized by pediatric subspecialty. Pros: Includes a thorough discussion of a wide variety of clinical topics. Cons: Detailed content is geared toward the wards and requires significant time investment. Contains no images or illustrations. Summary: Too detailed for USMLE review; better suited to clerkship.


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. A Blueprints in Psychiatry MURPHY Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 2nd ed., 304 pages, ISBN 9781405104968 A brief text review of psychiatry with DSM-IV criteria. Includes a brief question-and-answer section at the end of the book. Pros: A clear, con-cise review of psychiatry with helpful tables. Offers good coverage of high-yield topics, including pharmacology. A quick read. Cons: Too general in certain areas; requires some supplementation. Summary: A rapid review with appropriate coverage of high-yield topics. $29.95 Review/Test/74 q A−Blueprints Clinical Cases in Psychiatry HOBLYN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 2nd ed., 304 pages, ISBN 9781405104968 Vignette-type cases arranged by symptom, followed by related ques-tions and answers. Pros: An excellent companion to the Blueprints se-ries. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for review. Summary: An organized and


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. se-ries. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for review. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series. $29.95 Test/200 q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Underground Clinical Vignettes: Psychiatry $22.95 Review Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781768467 A clinical vignette–based review of frequently tested topics in psychiatry. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, and associated diseases. Well illustrated, and includes “minicases” that present high-yield information. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement. Summary: Offers organized and easy-to-read practice vignettes. PreTest Psychiatry $26.95 Test/500 q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. PreTest Psychiatry $26.95 Test/500 q McGraw-Hill, 2006, 11th ed., 355 pages, ISBN 9780071455541 A question-and-answer review of topics in psychiatry. Pros: Questions are well written and organized. Most questions have appropriate content level. Offers good explanations. Cons: Includes too few vignette-type questions. Some questions are too detailed. Summary: A good source of questions and review for psychiatry and the Step 2 CK exam, although the format may not reﬂect the actual test. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003, 2nd ed., 150 pages, ISBN 9780781742689 A brief outline-format review of psychiatry. Pros: A quick read, with clinical vignettes scattered throughout. Offers concise tables. Cons: Not sufficiently detailed for in-depth review. Summary: An excellent, quick review of psychiatry for use as an additional study source. Similar to High-Yield Behavioral Sciences by the same author. A&L’s Review of Psychiatry


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. A&L’s Review of Psychiatry McGraw-Hill, 2003, 7th ed., 304 pages, ISBN 9780071402538 A general review of psychiatry with questions and answers. Pros: Includes 114 vignette-style questions appropriate for boards review. Appropriate content emphasis; thorough explanations. The new edition features updated treatment and management sections. Cons: Questions are shorter and more straightforward than those of the boards. Summary: A decent source of boards review for psychiatry, but does not reﬂect boards format. Case Files: Psychiatry McGraw-Hill, 2006, 2nd ed., 408 pages, ISBN 9780071462822


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Case Files: Psychiatry McGraw-Hill, 2006, 2nd ed., 408 pages, ISBN 9780071462822 A review of psychology in case format with questions and answers following each vignette. Pros: Cases reﬂect high-yield topics and are arranged in an easy-to-follow format. Emphasizes the next step, the most likely diagnosis, and the best initial treatment. Cons: Not suited to high-yield rapid review, and may be too detailed for Step 2 CK review. Summary: An excellent subject review that places emphasis on vignette-style case presentation and important boards-type answers. Great for the wards, and a good supplement for the boards. $28.95 Review $34.95 Test/900+ q $29.95 Review


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. REVIEW RESOURCESB Platinum Vignettes: Psychiatry BROCHERT Hanley & Belfus, 2002, 1st ed., 102 pages, ISBN 9781560535348 A clinical vignette review of common topics in psychiatry. Pros: Well-written cases are similar to boards-type vignettes. Well illustrated. Dis-cussion is organized by pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment, and more high-yield facts. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a sup-plement. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement to studying. Needs updating. $29.95 Review B Blueprints Q & A Step 2 Psychiatry MCLOONE Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004, 2nd ed., 96 pages, ISBN 9781405103923 Vignette-style questions. Pros: A nice companion to the Blueprints se-ries. Focuses on high-yield topics. Explanations are easy to follow. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for review. Sparse images. Some questions are esoteric and not boards-like. Sum-mary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical corre-lates to the Blueprints series. $17.95


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. a supplement for review. Sparse images. Some questions are esoteric and not boards-like. Sum-mary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical corre-lates to the Blueprints series. $17.95 Test/200 q B NMS Psychiatry SCULLY Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 5th ed., 300 pages, ISBN 9780781765145 A general review of topics in outline format with questions at the end of each chapter and a comprehensive final exam. Pros: A well-written text with concise disease discussions. Includes an expanded pharma-cology section. Questions test appropriate content and have complete explanations, and the new edition offers more vignette-style questions. A good companion text for the clerkship. Cons: Does not contain enough vignette-style questions. Lengthy for purposes of boards review. Summary: A detailed review that requires time commitment. A good single choice for clerkship study, but may be too long for Step 2 CK re-view. $42.95 Review/Test/500 q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. First Aid for the Psychiatry Clerkship $42.95 Review McGraw-Hill, 2005, 2nd ed., 208 pages, ISBN 9780071448727 A high-yield review of symptoms and diseases. Pros: A comprehensive review that includes DSM-IV criteria with nice mnemonics and scenarios. Includes high-yield tear-out cards. Cons: May not appeal to readers who prefer information in text format. Summary: A good review of high-yield topics in psychiatry, but better suited to clerkship than to Step 2 CK study.


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B−Psychiatry Recall FADEM Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009, 3rd ed., 210 pages, ISBN 9780781776981 A review book presented in the quick question-and-answer format typi-cal of the Recall series. Pros: The two-column format is conducive to self-quizzing. Covers many high-yield facts and concepts necessary for the USMLE. Cons: Lacks vignettes, so does not substitute for practice tests. Summary: Requires time commitment. Some topics are glossed over. Best used as a supplement to other resources. $36.95 Review B−Psychiatry Made Ridiculously Simple GOOD MedMaster, 2005, 4th ed., 98 pages, ISBN 9780940780682 Part of the “Made Ridiculously Simple” series. Pros: A comprehensive, fast read with nice tables and entertaining illustrations to highlight key points. Cons: Some areas are not detailed enough, while others are too verbose. Not boards oriented. Summary: A good, fast review, but more helpful for clerkship than for the boards. $13.95 Review B−Psychiatric Secrets JACOBSON Hanley &


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. enough, while others are too verbose. Not boards oriented. Summary: A good, fast review, but more helpful for clerkship than for the boards. $13.95 Review B−Psychiatric Secrets JACOBSON Hanley & Belfus, 2000, 2nd ed., 536 pages, ISBN 9781560534181 A review book presented in the question-and-discussion format typical of the Secrets series, organized by topic. Pros: Offers clear explanations of important concepts in psychiatry. Makes for good wards reading. Cons: Too detailed and lengthy for review purposes. Lacks vignettes. Summary: Requires significant time commitment; not for rapid, fo-cused review. Best suited to clerkship review. $39.95 Review B−BRS Psychiatry SHANER Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000, 2nd ed., 419 pages, ISBN 9780683307665 A comprehensive review of psychiatry in outline format. Vignette-style questions follow each chapter. Pros: A thorough, systematic review of clinical psychiatry. Clear, concise definitions are provided. Cons: Great deal of information for


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. outline format. Vignette-style questions follow each chapter. Pros: A thorough, systematic review of clinical psychiatry. Clear, concise definitions are provided. Cons: Great deal of information for single-topic review. The pharmacology section is out of date. Summary: Good material, but requires a large time investment; needs updating. $37.95 Review/400 q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. A−Underground Clinical Vignettes: Surgery KIM Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 4th ed., 256 pages, ISBN 9780781768474 A clinical vignette–based review of frequently tested surgical topics. Pros: Well organized by focus points: pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, complications, and associated diseases. Well illustrated and includes “minicases” that present high-yield information. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement to review. Summary: Well-organized and easy-to-read practice vignettes. $22.95 Review A−Case Files: Surgery TOY McGraw-Hill, 2006, 2nd ed., 504 pages, ISBN 9780071463041 A review of surgery in case format with questions and answers follow-ing each vignette. Pros: Cases reﬂect high-yield topics and are ar-ranged in an easy-to-follow format. Emphasizes the next step and the most likely diagnosis. Cons: Not suited to high-yield rapid review, and may be too detailed for Step 2 CK preparation. Summary: An excel-lent review with emphasis on vignette-style


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. next step and the most likely diagnosis. Cons: Not suited to high-yield rapid review, and may be too detailed for Step 2 CK preparation. Summary: An excel-lent review with emphasis on vignette-style case presentation and im-portant boards-type answers. Great for clerkship study, and a good sup-plement for boards study. $29.95 Review


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B+Platinum Vignettes: Surgery and Trauma BROCHERT Hanley & Belfus, 2002, 1st ed., 102 pages, ISBN 9781560535355 A clinical vignette–based review of common topics in surgery and trauma medicine. Pros: Well-written cases are similar to boards-type vi-gnettes. Well illustrated. Discussion is organized by pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment, and more high-yield facts. Cons: Expensive for the amount of material. Not comprehensive; best used as a supple-ment. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement to study-ing. $29.95 Review B+PreTest Surgery KAO McGraw-Hill, 2009, 12th ed., 373 pages, ISBN 9780071598637 A review of topics in general surgery in question-and-answer format. Pros: Predominantly case based. Well organized by subspecialty. Cons: Many questions are too detailed or esoteric and do not reﬂ ect boards style. Some explanations are overly detailed. Summary: A thorough re-view, but questions may be beyond the level needed for Step 2 CK preparation. $26.95 Test/500 q


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. B NMS Surgery JARRELL Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 5th ed., 645 pages, ISBN 9780781759014 An outline review of general surgery and surgical subspecialties. Pros: Well organized and thorough. Vignette-style questions are included af-ter each chapter with good explanations. Cons: Dense, detailed text. Few tables or illustrations. Summary: A comprehensive surgery review, but very time consuming. More appropriate for clerkship than for boards review. $42.95 Review/Test/350 q B In A Page Surgery KAHAN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003, 1st ed., 288 pages, ISBN 9781405103657 One-page reviews of diseases/topics discussed by etiology, epidemiol-ogy, signs/symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Pros: A fast and concise review of high-yield informa-tion on common diseases. Cons: Text is crowded onto one page with-out any images or diagrams. Includes low-yield topics. Summary: Use-ful for quick study on the wards, but too time intensive for Step 2


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. on common diseases. Cons: Text is crowded onto one page with-out any images or diagrams. Includes low-yield topics. Summary: Use-ful for quick study on the wards, but too time intensive for Step 2 CK review. $34.95 Review


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Blueprints in Surgery $38.95 Review/Test/100 q Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009, 5th ed., 320 pages, ISBN 9780781788687 A short text review of general surgery with tables and diagrams. A brief question-and-answer section is included. Pros: Well organized. Easy to read, with a strong focus on high-yield topics. Includes clear diagrams. Cons: Some sections are overly detailed (e.g., anatomy), while others are occasionally too simplistic. Too few illustrations. Summary: A good review of surgery, but not ideal for Step 2 CK preparation. Blueprints Clinical Cases in Surgery $29.95 Test/200 q Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 304 pages, ISBN 9781405104937


First_Aid_Step2

First_Aid_Step2. Blueprints Clinical Cases in Surgery $29.95 Test/200 q Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 2nd ed., 304 pages, ISBN 9781405104937 Vignette-type cases arranged by symptom followed by related questions and answers. Pros: A excellent companion to the Blueprints series. Focuses on high-yield cases. Easy to read with nice illustrations and a good review of management. Cons: Not comprehensive; best used as a supplement for review. Summary: An organized and easy-to-read supplement. Adds clinical correlates to the Blueprints series.


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First_Aid_Step2. B High-Yield Surgery NIRULA Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005, 2nd ed., 160 pages, ISBN 9780781776561 An outline review of most common general surgery topics. Pros: Con-cise; useful for quick topic review. Well organized. Cons: Information can be superficial. Some topics are omitted. Offers no practice ques-tions. Summary: A lean text for rapid review. $26.95 Review B A&L’s Review of Surgery WAPNICK McGraw-Hill, 2003, 4th ed., 320 pages, ISBN 9780071378147 A general review of surgery with questions and answers. Pros: Good clinical emphasis. Includes many vignette-style questions. Explana-tions are thorough. Cons: Some questions are too short, and the style does not reﬂect that of the Step 2 CK exam. Questions are highly vari-able in difficulty and are often far too detailed. Offers few illustrations. Summary: Good content for the exam, but much too detailed for clerkship and Step 2 CK review. $34.95 Test/1000+ q B−Surgical Recall BLACKBOURNE Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008, 5th


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First_Aid_Step2. illustrations. Summary: Good content for the exam, but much too detailed for clerkship and Step 2 CK review. $34.95 Test/1000+ q B−Surgical Recall BLACKBOURNE Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008, 5th ed., 800 pages, ISBN 9780781770767 A review book presented in standard Recall-series question-and-answer format. Pros: Questions emphasize important, high-yield clinical con-cepts. Columns allow for self-testing. Fast review. Good preparation for “pimping” on rounds. Cons: Does not feature boards-type questions. Poorly organized. Coverage of some topics is spotty. Summary: A use-ful adjunct to a more organized topic review. Much more appropriate for clerkship than for boards review. $44.95 Review BAbernathy’s Surgical Secrets HARKEN Elsevier, 2008, 6th ed., 534 pages, ISBN 9780323057110 A review book presented in a question-and-answer format typical of the Secrets series. Pros: Discussions are up to date and thorough. Cons: Too detailed for the purposes of the Step 2 CK, yet not


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First_Aid_Step2. A review book presented in a question-and-answer format typical of the Secrets series. Pros: Discussions are up to date and thorough. Cons: Too detailed for the purposes of the Step 2 CK, yet not comprehen-sive. Summary: Not a well-organized review. Better suited to clerkship than to boards preparation. $47.95 Review−


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First_Aid_Step2. Pocket Surgery $36.95 Review Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, 1st ed., 160 pages, ISBN 9780781735797 A review of high-yield surgical material in outline format. Pros: A fast, easy read. Portable. Highlights high-yield information in “fact boxes.” Cons: Some material is not detailed enough. Offers no illustrations. Summary: Good for rapid review during clerkship. Does not contain enough detailed information to be used as a single study source for the boards. First Aid for the International Medical Graduate $39.95 Review McGraw-Hill, 2002, 2nd ed., 313 pages, ISBN 9780071385329 A high-yield review for the IMG on how to pass the USMLE boards and adapt to medical culture in the United States. Pros: A comprehensive, well-organized review. Cons: Some readers may need to obtain additional information from other sources. Immigration and visa information is outdated. Summary: An excellent review of material for the IMG. Best used as a primer for boards review.


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First_Aid_Step2. Commercial preparation courses can be helpful for some students, but such courses are typically expensive and require significant time commitment. They are usually effective in organizing study material for students who feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material involved in Step 2 CK preparation. Note that multiweek courses may be quite intense and may thus leave limited time for independent study. Also note that some commercial courses are designed for first-time test takers while others focus on students who are repeating the exam. In addition, some courses are geared toward IMGs who want to take all three Steps in a limited amount of time.


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First_Aid_Step2. Student experience and satisfaction with review courses are highly variable. We suggest that you discuss options with recent graduates of the review courses you are considering. In addition, course content and structure can change rapidly. Some student opinions can be found in discussion groups on the World Wide Web. Listed below is contact information for some Step 2 CK commercial review courses. 440 Wrangler Drive, Suite 100 Coppell, TX 75019 (214) 632-5466 Fax: (214) 292.8568 info@falconreviews.com www.falconreviews.com 700 South Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017 (800) KAP-TEST (800-527-8378) www.kaptest.com P.O. Box 22174 East Lansing, MI 48909-2174 (866) MedPass (866-633-7277) Fax: (517) 347-7005 contactus@northwesternmedicalreview.com http://northwesternmedicalreview.com 1909 Tyler Street, Suite 305 Hollywood, FL 33020 (877) 662-2005 Fax: (954) 926-3333 sales@pmre.com www.pmre.com Youel’s Prep, Inc.


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First_Aid_Step2. Youel’s Prep, Inc. P.O. Box 31479 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420 (800) 645-3985 Fax: (561) 622-4858 info@youelsprep.com www.youelsprep.com A-a alveolar-arterial (oxygen gradient) AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm AAMC Association of American Medical Colleges ABG arterial blood gas ABI ankle-brachial index ABVD Adriamycin (doxorubicin), bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine AC abdominal circumference ACA anterior cerebral artery ACC American College of Cardiology ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme ACEI angiotensin-converting enzyme (protocol) ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone AD Alzheimer’s disease ADA American Diabetes Association,