USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Practice Exam

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Prepare for the USMLE Step 1 Exam with comprehensive quizzes targeting essential medical concepts. Enhance your knowledge and confidence through diverse question types that simulate the examination environment. Ace your licensing exam and advance your medical career!

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Which of the following conditions commonly presents with decreased RBC, WBC, and platelets?

Polycythemia Vera
Chronic Kidney Disease
Multiple Myeloma
Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The correct answer is: Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The correct answer points to a condition where there is a typical presentation of cytopenias, which include decreased red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow. These leukemic cells can crowd out normal hematopoietic cells, leading to a reduction in the production of healthy blood cells. In AML, patients often present with anemia due to decreased RBC production, leukopenia as the WBC count drops, and thrombocytopenia as platelet levels fall. This triad of cytopenias is a hallmark of the disease, making it a classic presentation. On the other hand, conditions like Polycythemia Vera lead to increased red blood cell mass, while Chronic Kidney Disease often results in anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production but does not typically present with reduced WBCs and platelets at early stages. Multiple Myeloma can cause various hematologic abnormalities, but it more commonly presents with a specific type of anemia and can lead to increased plasma cells rather than a uniform reduction across all blood cell lines.