Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Inborn Errors of Metabolism Practice Questions

19 free Inborn Errors of Metabolism practice questions for the USMLE Step 1, each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation. Open any question below, or take the full set as an interactive quiz.

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All Inborn Errors of Metabolism questions

19 questions
  1. Q1. A newborn screening picks up elevated phenylalanine levels. Which enzyme deficiency is most consistent with this finding?
  2. Q2. Which of the following clinical features is classically associated with untreated PKU?
  3. Q3. (MSUD) involves defective metabolism of which group of amino acids?
  4. Q4. A neonate presents with poor feeding, irritability, and a sweet odor in urine. Which inborn error of metabolism is most likely?
  5. Q5. Which of these is a common biochemical consequence of inborn errors of metabolism in amino-acid pathways?
  6. Q6. A child with episodic hypoglycemia and accumulation of fatty-acid intermediates during fasting suggests a disorder in which metabolic pathway?
  7. Q7. Which of the following is the most accurate general definition of an inborn error of metabolism (IEM)?
  8. Q8. Why are many inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) detected via newborn screening?
  9. Q9. Which of the following metabolic disorders would most likely present with hyperammonemia due to impaired nitrogen disposal?
  10. Q10. A patient with an inborn error of metabolism affecting carbohydrate storage presents with severe fasting hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. Which category does…
  11. Q11. Which of the following is true regarding inheritance and prevalence of most inborn errors of metabolism?
  12. Q12. Which of the following inborn errors of metabolism would classically present with a “sweaty-feet” odor of the body or urine?
  13. Q13. In the context of inborn errors of metabolism, what is the primary benefit of early dietary management (e.g. restricted amino acid or sugar intake)?
  14. Q14. A patient with episodic metabolic decompensation, vomiting, acidosis, and elevated organic acids in urine likely has which class of IEM?
  15. Q15. Which inborn error of metabolism would you suspect in a child with intermittent hypoketotic hypoglycemia, especially during fasting or illness?
  16. Q16. Why do many amino acid–metabolism IEMs result in neurologic deficits if untreated early in life?
  17. Q17. Which of the following best describes why IEMs may sometimes remain undiagnosed until adulthood in milder cases?
  18. Q18. Which of the following IEM categories involves inability to produce energy effectively from fats, especially during fasting, leading to hypoglycemia and possib…
  19. Q19. A newborn with elevated blood galactose after feeding develops jaundice, vomiting and liver dysfunction. This scenario best fits which IEM category?