The Rx Bricks Podcast

Rx Question Lab: Neurology

USMLE-Rx — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:08:44 +0000

Question Lab: Neuro for Step 1

Think you can spot a subarachnoid hemorrhage from the clues alone? What about localizing a stroke to the exact arterial distribution? In this episode of Question Lab, Dr. Abraham Titus walks through 4 board-style neurology questions, breaking down the clinical clues, teaching the underlying pathophysiology, and walking through the answers step by step.

Pause the episode, commit to your answer, then listen to the explanation. It’s the closest thing to a live boards review session you can get on the go.

Topics covered:

Berry aneurysms and their classic associations
Stroke localization and aphasia types
Parkinson’s disease pharmacology
Traumatic intracranial hemorrhages and herniation syndromes

Want to try these Qmax questions yourself? Take the test: https://usmle-rx.scholarrx.com/share/jory9yevdp5kd3g

Free Rx Study Planner: https://go.usmle-rx.com/study-schedule

Learn more: www.usmle-rx.com

Shock

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:47:51 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Shock brick.

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love for you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps with our visibility, and the more med students (or future med students) listen to the podcast, the more we can provide to the future physicians of the world.

Follow USMLE-Rx at: Facebook: facebook.com/usmlerx Blog: usmle-rx.com/blog-posts X: @usmle_rx_ Instagram: @usmle_rx_ YouTube: youtube.com/USMLERX

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmle-rx.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

You will get 5 days of full access to our Rx360+ program, including nearly 800 Rx Bricks. After the 5-day period, you will still be able to access over 150 free bricks, including the entire collections for General Microbiology and Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Rx Question Lab: USMLE Step 2 CK Cardiology

USMLE-Rx — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 16:56:51 +0000

Tackle High-Yield Concepts for USMLE Step 2 CK Cardiology

This interactive session, led by Dr. Abraham Titus (Hematology/Oncology Fellow, University of South Alabama) and ScholarRx’s Jeff Downing, focuses on challenging USMLE Step 2 CK cardiology questions that will sharpen your clinical decision-making skills and deepen your understanding of cardiovascular medicine.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: In this episode, we work through four board-style questions using our proven systematic approach that helps you think like a clinician first, then a test-taker second. You’ll learn how to apply clinical guidelines and make evidence-based management decisions through detailed explanations that go beyond just identifying the correct answer.

Topics Covered:

Cardiovascular risk management and pharmacotherapy
Acute coronary syndrome management strategies
Peripheral vascular disease evaluation and treatment
Secondary hypertension workup and management

Perfect for:

Medical students preparing for USMLE Step 2 CK
Clinical year medical students on cardiology rotations
IMGs studying for board exams
Anyone looking to strengthen their cardiology clinical reasoning

Review the full test: https://usmle-rx.scholarrx.com/share/1do75erd2wnmg0y

Free Resources:

Biochemistry Course: https://usmle-rx.com/biochemistry-course/
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Physiology of the Renal Tubular System

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:30:18 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Physiology of the Renal Tubular System brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 08:30:00 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia brick.

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Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmle-rx.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Blood Pressure Control: Foundations and Frameworks (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 08:30:00 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Thrombotic Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Diuretics: Foundations and Frameworks (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:30:44 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Physiology of Diuretics brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Rx Question Lab – Neurology

USMLE-Rx — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 17:43:00 +0000

Join us for this special edition of the Rx Bricks Podcast, featuring a complete Rx Question Lab session designed to help medical students master high-yield neurological concepts for USMLE Step 1.

In this interactive session, we work through four challenging board-style questions that cover essential neurology topics, including speech disorders, genetic syndromes affecting the nervous system, stroke recognition, and neurological pain conditions. Learn systematic approaches to neuroanatomy questions and develop the clinical reasoning skills needed to tackle even the most complex neurology scenarios on Step 1.

Dr. Titus, a hematology/oncology fellow at the University of South Alabama, provides expert explanations that connect basic neuroanatomical concepts with clinical presentations, helping you understand not just the correct answers but the underlying pathophysiology.

Whether you’re struggling with neuroanatomy or looking to refine your knowledge of neurological disorders, this Question Lab offers practical strategies and insights that will boost your confidence on exam day.

Perfect for medical students and IMGs preparing for USMLE Step 1. For more USMLE-Rx resources, visit www.usmle-rx.com and use the code RXPOD for 30% off any new subscription.

This special edition was recorded live during our regular Rx Question Lab series. Learn more at https://go.usmle-rx.com/question-lab

Hypertensive Emergency

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:30:08 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Emergent Hypertension brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Glycogen Storage Diseases

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:30:09 +0000

Glucose is the main source of energy for all forms of life, but it isn’t usually stored as individual C6H12O6 molecules. Animals use glycogen to do that job. Glycogen is a large branched polymer of glucose molecules, linked together by α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds. The liver and muscles break down the stored glycogen whenever the body needs an extra boost of glucose.

Glycogen storage diseases are genetic defects in glycogen metabolism resulting in accumulation of glycogen. What happens when macromolecules accumulate in cells? Cell damage and dysfunction.

Because the liver and muscles are the two main organs that use glycogen, they are also the two most affected by glycogen storage diseases. In the liver, glycogen accumulation leads to hypoglycemia since the glycogen can’t be broken down to glucose. Damage to the liver from extra glycogen can also lead to liver failure or even liver cancers. In the muscles, glycogen accumulation causes weakness, exercise intolerance, and potentially heart failure.

There are at least 12 distinct glycogen storage diseases, but we’ll cover only the 4 most common ones.

After listening to this Audio Brick, you should be able to:

Identify the most common glycogen storage diseases: von Gierke disease (type 1), Pompe disease (type 2), Cori disease (type 3), and McArdle disease (type 5).
Identify the enzymes deficient in each of the most common glycogen storage diseases.
Describe the clinical manifestations of each of the most common glycogen storage diseases.
Describe management for each of the most common glycogen storage diseases.

You can also check out the original brick from our Cellular and Molecular Biology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

***

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Acid-Base Disorders: Putting It All Together (Re-Release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:30:44 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Acid-Base Disorders: Putting it all Together brick.

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Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmle-rx.com/free-bricks/

You will get 5 days of full access to our Rx360+ program, including over 800 Rx Bricks. After the 5-day period, you will still be able to access over 150 free bricks, including the entire collections for General Microbiology and Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Adrenal Insufficiency

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Adrenal Insufficiency brick.

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Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmle-rx.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Development of the Nervous System

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:30:25 +0000

Early in fetal development, the precursors of the major systems in the body are outlined. The three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm) are formed during the third week of development. We’ll focus on the ectoderm, from which the entire nervous system (central and peripheral) forms.

But first, let’s back up to review the anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) so that we know what the end products of their development are. The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord; the PNS is composed of the 31 pairs of spinal and 12 pairs of cranial nerves and all the ganglia.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

List the derivatives of ectoderm.
Define neurulation and explain how it occurs, including closure and the dates of neuropore closure.
Describe the origin, migration, and fate of neural crest cells, particularly those that form the peripheral nervous system.
Explain how the neural tube is organized into three layers.
Describe how the spinal cord develops from the neural tube, and describe the contributions of each to these layers to the structure of the mature spinal cord, with emphasis on the alar and basal plates.
Describe the development of the brain, including the five brain vesicles, the brainstem, and the cerebral cortex.

You can also check out the original brick on the development of the nervous system from our Neurology and Special Senses collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

***

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Cell Membrane Potential and Ion Balance

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:30:10 +0000

Differences in ion concentrations inside and outside a cell cause a difference in the charge of the intracellular and extracellular environments. This electrical polarization of a cell relative to its environment is referred to as cellular membrane potential. This potential serves as an energy source for a variety of cellular functions and as a way for excitable cells like muscle cells and neurons to communicate their signals. A cell controls its membrane potential by regulating the concentration of multiple ions and other charged particles. Let’s take a closer look at the biochemistry behind the cell membrane potential.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define equilibrium and describe the forces at work on ions across a biological membrane.
Discuss the importance of the Nernst equation and equilibrium potentials.
Describe the importance of Na-K-ATPase in relation to the resting membrane potential (Vr).
Describe the nonequilibrium steady-state (NESS).
Define and discuss the chord conductance equation.

You can also check out the original brick from our Cellular Biology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Bullous Skin Disorders

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:30:43 +0000

What are bullous skin disorders? Bullae are fluid-filled blisters >1 cm in diameter. They can be caused by infection, mechanical stress, or a malfunctioning immune system. In this discussion, we tackle the latter, focusing on the most common autoimmune bullous (blistering) disorders: pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, and dermatitis herpetiformis. Distinctly, the blisters in each of these disorders involve different layers of the skin and autoantibodies against different proteins.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Describe the typical clinical presentation, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic features, and treatment of pemphigoid vulgaris.
Describe the typical clinical presentation, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic features, and treatment of bullous pemphigoid.
Describe the typical clinical presentation, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic features, and treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis.

You can also check out the original brick on Bullous Skin Disorders from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Diabetic Nephropathy

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:25:55 +0000

A macrovascular complication of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy is progressive, chronic kidney disease seen in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, usually after at least 10 years of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). The three main lesions that are seen in the kidney in patients with diabetes are glomerular lesions, vascular lesions, and pyelonephritis. This brick will focus primarily on the first two of these three lesions; diabetic pyelonephritis is covered in a separate brick.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define diabetic nephropathy.
Outline the timeline of progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by urine, serum, and histologic criteria.
Describe the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.
Outline the prevention of diabetic nephropathy and, once it is established, how to slow its progression.
Describe the management of diabetic nephropathy.

You can also check out the original brick from our Renal collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Anatomy of the Posterior Abdominal Wall

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:30:59 +0000

It might not be the flashiest anatomical structure, but if you want to stand upright, and keep your retroperitoneal organs (like your kidneys) in place, the posterior abdominal wall is pretty important. Located at the back of the body, bounded by the lateral abdominal walls and the posterior parietal peritoneum, the posterior abdominal wall is a complex combination of muscles, bones, nerves, and vessels that provides structural support for the body and for the organs of the retroperitoneal space.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Describe the structure and relationships of the posterior abdominal wall, including the aorta (including collateral channels), inferior vena cava (including collateral tributaries), lymphatics, muscles (psoas major, quadratus lumborum), sympathetic chain, and lumbar plexus.
Describe the relationship of the kidneys in the retroperitoneal space as it relates to posterior abdominal wall anatomy.

You can also check out the original brick from our Cardiovascular collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Histology of Epithelial Tissue

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 08:30:28 +0000

Epithelium is one of the four basic tissue types (the other three are muscle tissue, nerve tissue, and connective tissue). It is found throughout the body—covering it; lining organs, vessels, and cavities; and forming glands. It absorbs nutrients, transports electrolytes, secretes hormones, and regulates body temperature by producing sweat.

We begin with some general principles of how epithelial tissue is organized, and then we describe its various components.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

List the two types of epithelium (covering/lining and glandular) and describe their functions.
Describe the structure and histologic features of epithelial tissue.
Explain how covering/lining epithelium is classified.
Describe the histologic features of glandular epithelium.
Describe the five types of epithelial intercellular junctions.

You can also check out the original brick on the Histology of Epithelial Tissue from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Prokaryote Structure and the Gram Stain

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 08:30:26 +0000

What do you know about prokaryote structure and the gram stain? Bacteria are members of a unique taxonomic kingdom consisting of prokaryotic unicellular organisms. Prokaryote is a term from ancient Greek meaning “before the kernel.” The kernel in this case is a nucleus, which prokaryotes lack. Prokaryotes also do not have any membrane-bound organelles. In fact, many of the organelles found in eukaryotes—like an endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and peroxisomes—are completely absent in prokaryotes.

Bacteria first began to be identified by a “defective method.” Or so its Danish inventor, a recent medical school grad named Hans Christian Gram, deemed it in 1884. Gram was working with lung tissue from cadavers who had died of infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae when he discovered that those organisms reacted differently to certain substances under the microscope, and—voilà—the Gram stain was born, to identify gram-positive bacteria. The defect he mentioned was overcome by German pathologist Carl Weigert, who added a final step to Gram’s procedure and gave us the method to identify gram-negative bacteria. We’re still using the same techniques more than 130 years later!

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Describe the structure of prokaryotic cells.
Discuss the physiologic niche of bacteria and their growth characteristics.
Describe the staining characteristics and classification and identification of bacteria.

To learn more about prokaryote structure and the gram stain, check out the original brick on Gastrointestinal Regulatory Substances from our Gastrointestinal collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Introduction to Global Health

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 08:30:49 +0000

What Is Global Health?

In our increasingly interconnected world, health challenges transcend national boundaries and demand global solutions. Global health is an interdisciplinary field of study and practice that seeks to improve the health and well-being of populations worldwide, focusing on the health challenges that require global and national action in every country. It encompasses epidemiology, public health, medicine, environmental health, anthropology, sociology, health policy, and economics.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Explain how globalization impacts health.1
Explain how health status varies across countries, time, age, and gender.2
Identify the main threats to global health.

You can also check out the original brick from our Global Health collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

Immunology: Foundations and Frameworks

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:30:30 +0000

How do we survive in a complex environment filled with harmful organisms that thrive on colonizing us? Our heroic defender is the immune system, a network of organs and cell lines that exist with the mission of protecting the body from harm. While we often recognize the pathogen-fighting capabilities of the system, we can sometimes forget that the immune system is also crucial in ensuring the body is kept safe from itself, as in when our cells transform into cancer cells. On the dark side, sometimes our immune system can get overactive, reacting against our own normal body tissue. Taken together, the immune system is both critical for survival and a vital topic for new medical research.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Discuss the main purposes of the immune system.
Briefly explain how the innate immune system works, and describe how antigens are transferred from the innate to the adaptive immune system (dendritic cells).
Briefly describe the main purpose of the adaptive immune system, and explain how the two arms (cellular and humoral) work.
Describe what happens after an immune response is finished.

You can also check out the original brick from our Immunology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Gluconeogenesis

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 08:30:18 +0000

In the fed state, glucose is used by almost all the cells in the body to generate energy. But even when we are not fueling it with food, our bodies still run well, such as during sleep. Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from noncarbohydrate precursors. The major substrates (substances that enzymes act on) are the glucogenic amino acids, lactate, glycerol, and propionate. The liver and kidneys are the major sites where gluconeogenesis occurs; the kidneys may contribute up to 40% of total glucose synthesis in the fasting state and more in starvation.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Describe gluconeogenesis and the compounds that can and cannot serve as glucose precursors in mammals.
Explain the gluconeogenesis pathway.
Describe ways in which gluconeogenesis and glycolysis are reciprocally regulated.

You can also check out the original brick from our Cellular and Molecular Biology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Plasma Composition

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:30:07 +0000

When you hear the word blood, what do you picture in your mind? Most likely, your brain conjures up an image of thick, red liquid. But what would blood look like if you removed all the red cells? You’d be left with a murky yellowish liquid that would clear up once you removed the white cells and platelets. This lovely, clear, straw-yellow, liquid portion of blood is known as plasma. So let’s talk about plasma composition.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define blood plasma and explain its importance and function.
Compare and contrast the contents of plasma and serum.
Understand how plasma components are used in medicine.

You can also check out the original brick on plasma composition from our Hematology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Hemophilia (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 08:30:06 +0000

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder resulting from defects in factors of the coagulation cascade. There are two primary types of hemophilia: A and B. Both types of hemophilia are rare, with only a combined frequency of about 1 in 5000 live births. Of the two types, hemophilia A is about four times more common. In the intrinsic arm of the coagulation cascade, factor VIII serves as a cofactor for factor IX. They cooperate to activate factor X, leading to the formation of fibrin.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Compare and contrast the underlying defect in hemophilia A and B.
Describe the inheritance pattern and relative incidence of hemophilia A and B.
Describe the clinical features of hemophilia A and B.
Explain how hemophilia A and B are diagnosed.
List and briefly describe other factor deficiencies.

You can also check out the original brick on Hemophilia from our Hematology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Pain Mechanisms

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 08:30:26 +0000

Pain is a sensation that warns of potential injury and alerts the person to avoid or treat it. For example, if you touch a hot object, you will feel pain and immediately remove your hand from that object, protecting your hand from further damage. As much as pain can burden and torment, ultimately it is an essential part of our bodies’ mechanisms of self-preservation.

Pain can be mild or severe, constant or intermittent, sharp or dull. Sometimes it can even be hard to describe the uncomfortable sensation in words. Nevertheless, clinicians always ask their patients to describe their pain. Why? Because its characteristics can help us better determine the mechanism behind a patient’s pain.

In the clinic, the patient’s subjective experience of pain can be crucial to arriving at the correct diagnosis and treatment. For this reason, understanding the different kinds of pain and their underlying biology is an essential building block of foundational clinical knowledge.

There is no standard system of classifying pain. In this discussion, we will classify the five main types of pain as nociceptive, breakthrough, inflammatory, neuropathic, and functional.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define the different classifications of pain and why they occur.
Describe the mechanisms of neuropathic pain.
Define and describe transient and chronic paresthesia.
Define and describe allodynia and hyperalgesia.

You can also check out the original brick on Pain Mechanisms from our Neurology and Special Senses collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Gastrointestinal Regulatory Substances

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 08:30:55 +0000

As we eat, our gastrointestinal (GI) system releases a host of both local and distant regulators to control the process of digestion. We will begin with the primary hormones, then cover some of the secondary hormones, and lastly discuss how our body senses its intraluminal contents and then subsequently integrates all of the various stimuli it receives.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Identify the location, cell type, release stimulus to the endocrine cells, and function of the major gastrointestinal (GI) hormones secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastrin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP).
Describe in brief the release stimulus and function of the GI regulatory peptides bombesin, GLP-1, GLP-2, ghrelin, leptin, motilin, somatostatin, and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP).
Understand how the physical and chemical compositions of luminal contents are sensed and the hormonal responses that then occur.
Outline how GI cells integrate multiple regulatory inputs from hormonal and neural inputs to control function.

You can also check out the original brick on Gastrointestinal Regulatory Substances from our Gastrointestinal collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Migraine, Cluster, and Tension Headaches

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 08:30:50 +0000

Headaches are an unavoidable fact of life and often are nothing more than the result of sitting through one too many lectures. However, they can become debilitating and get in the way of daily life, especially when they become recurrent. Although some headaches have symptoms other than head pain, we typically think of headache pain relative to its location, how intense it is, and how long it lasts.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Compare and contrast the clinical features of primary headache syndromes (migraine, cluster, tension-type headaches).
Differentiate migraine aura from other transient neurological disorders (eg, transient ischemic attacks, seizure, presyncope).
Discuss the mechanisms of central nervous system sensitization and pain referral and the interaction of neural structures, particularly pain pathways and neurovascular control.
Outline which patients warrant radiologic or other lab evaluation for headache.
Describe the treatment of patients with headache disorders and potential complications of treatment.

You can also check out the original brick on Migraine, Cluster, and Tension Headaches from our Neurology and Special Senses collection, which is available for free.

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Patent Ductus Arteriosis

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 08:30:39 +0000

he ductus arteriosus (DA) is a structure that allows blood pumped from the right side of the heart to bypass the lungs while the fetus is developing in utero. Normally, the DA closes shortly after birth and becomes the ligamentum arteriosum. When the DA fails to close (remains open, or patent) after birth, it is known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This acyanotic congenital heart defect causes abnormal blood flow from the left to the right side of the heart and can lead to heart failure and failure to thrive in neonates.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Describe the anatomy and intrauterine function of the ductus arteriosus, the normal sequence of changes in the ductus during the transition from fetal to postnatal circulation, and the consequences of failure to close the ductus.
Describe the findings on physical exam of an infant with a PDA, the clinical presentation of a child with a significant PDA, and the diagnostic tests used to confirm the diagnosis of PDA.
Explain the treatment options for a child with a PDA, along with the risks and complications associated with an untreated PDA.

You can also check out the original brick on Patent Ductus Arteriosis from our Cardiology collection, which is available for free.

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Congenital Disorders of the Reproductive Systems

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 08:30:01 +0000

In typical reproductive system development, recall that the intermediate mesoderm forms the mesonephric (Wolffian) and paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts and the indifferent gonads; primitive germ cells migrate into the indifferent gonads. These are the structures that become the internal organs of the reproductive systems.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Describe the normal development of male and female reproductive systems.
Compare and contrast anomalies of the uterus and vagina arising in the female reproductive system.
Compare and contrast anomalies of the testes, scrotum, and penile urethra arising in the male reproductive system.
Compare and contrast disorders of sexual development (DSD): ovotesticular DSD, 46 XX DSD, and 46 XY DSD.

You can also check out the original brick on Congenital Disorders of the Reproductive Systems from our Reproductive collection, which is available for free.

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Substance Use Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 08:30:27 +0000

Substance use disorder (SUD) refers to a pattern of substance use—be it nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, or something else—that causes significant impairment or distress to the user. SUD is prevalent and growing in the United States and around the world. People of any age may be at risk for developing a substance use disorder. But exposure to and experimentation with alcohol and drugs usually begins in early adolescence. Many adolescents experiment with substances and then taper down or stop using them. Others continue to advance their drug use, leading to a diagnosable substance use disorder with negative health and social consequences.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition; DSM-5) is the widely accepted and respected guide to diagnosing psychiatric disorders in the United States. Substance abuse has been recognized in the DSM-5 as a mental health disorder for many years. The manual no longer describes substance abuse and dependence separately but instead globally uses substance use disorder with specifiers to determine the severity of the use.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define and explain the essential features of substance use disorders.
Describe the epidemiology of substance use disorders.
Explain how the reward pathway in the brain is involved in the development of substance use disorders, and describe how the brain changes during active use and recovery.
Describe the evidence-based assessments and treatment approaches for substance use disorders.

You can also check out the original brick on Substance Use Disorders from our Psychiatry collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

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Stimulants and Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 21 May 2024 08:30:37 +0000

Stimulant medications are drugs that increase alertness and attention. They also elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Stimulants are used to treat many conditions, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic lethargy, narcolepsy, and obesity. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine), methylphenidate, and modafinil.

Cognitive-enhancing drugs serve a similar purpose, increasing memory, alertness, and attention. These drugs are used to treat Alzheimer disease, Lewy body dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Name conditions for which stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs are used as treatment.
Describe the mechanism of action of stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs.
List the main examples of stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs.
Describe the significant adverse effects of stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs.

You can also check out the original brick on Stimulants and Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs from our Psychiatry collection, which is available for free.

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Hematopoietic Malignancies: Putting It All Together

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 14 May 2024 08:30:44 +0000

If you’ve studied the hematopoietic system malignancies—all the leukemias, lymphomas, and plasma cell disorders—you probably feel like you’ve been hit with the good old medical school fire hose. Now’s a good time to take a step back from all the details, make sure that you remember the underlying framework, and pull together some information that connects several different diseases.

In this brick, we’ll revisit some of the hematopoietic diseases that we often talk about in pairs: acute vs chronic leukemias, benign lymph node diseases vs lymphoma, and low-grade vs high-grade lymphomas. Also, in case you haven’t already done this on your own, we’ll pull together all the important translocations, their respective diseases, and the reasons why we should remember them.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Compare and contrast acute and chronic leukemias.
Compare and contrast the morphologic features of benign follicular hyperplasia and follicular lymphoma.
Compare and contrast the morphologic and clinical features of low-grade and high-grade lymphomas and give examples of each.
Know the following translocations and name the disease (and prognostic significance, if any) associated with each: t(8;21), t(15;17), inv(16), 11q23, FLT3 mutation, t(9;22), t(11;14), t(14;18), and t(8;14).

You can also check out the original brick on Hematopoietic Malignancies: Putting It All Together from our Hematology collection, which is available for free.

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Substance Use Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 07 May 2024 08:30:39 +0000

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define and explain the essential features of substance use disorders.
Describe the epidemiology of substance use disorders.
Explain how the reward pathway in the brain is involved in the development of substance use disorders, and describe how the brain changes during active use and recovery.
Describe the evidence-based assessments and treatment approaches for substance use disorders.

You can also check out the original brick on Substance Use Disorders from our Psychiatry collection, which is available for free.

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Megaloblastic Anemia

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 08:30:54 +0000

Megaloblast. Now there’s a word you don’t hear every day. The root -blast (from the Greek blastos, meaning germ or bud) may be somewhat familiar since we talk about blast cells (very young hematopoietic precursor cells) in hematology. And megalo- (from the Greek megas, meaning large or great) is also used fairly frequently, as in splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen). So does “megaloblast” just mean a large, immature cell? We’ll answer this question, and many more, in this discussion of megaloblastic anemia.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Describe the pathogenesis of megaloblastic anemia.
List common causes of B12 and folate deficiency and associated nonhematologic symptoms of each.
List and understand the characteristic complete blood count values in megaloblastic anemia.
Describe and identify the morphologic changes present in the blood and bone marrow in a patient with megaloblastic anemia.
Describe the treatment of megaloblastic anemia.

You can also check out the original brick on Megaloblastic Anemia from our Hematology collection, which is available for free.

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Diabetes Melllitus: Foundations and Frameworks

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:30:06 +0000

Blood glucose is proof that you can have too much of a good thing. While glucose serves a critical role as fuel for many of our bodily functions, it must remain in a very tightly controlled range. If the level goes too low, you can fall into a coma. If glucose is too high, damage to tissues throughout the body can occur. When blood glucose is consistently too high and the mechanisms that return it to the normal range fail, this is called diabetes mellitus. Nearly 10% of the US population has a form of diabetes, so it is critical that physicians understand the disease and be prepared to care for patients with the diagnosis.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by a lack of insulin-mediated blood glucose control. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreatic β cells in the islets of Langerhans, which make up the endocrine portion of the pancreas.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Compare and contrast the clinical presentation of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Compare and contrast diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome as complications of diabetes mellitus.
Describe laboratory tests that help distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Compare and contrast management principles for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

You can also check out the original brick on Diabetes Mellitus: Foundations and Frameworks from our Endocrine collection, which is available for free.

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Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 08:30:27 +0000

Gallstones are the hardened precipitates—“stones”—of the substrates found in bile. The liver makes bile to help digest fats, and the bile is stored in the gallbladder. When there is an excess of a particular substance in the bile (eg, cholesterol or unconjugated bilirubin), gallstones form in the gallbladder.

Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand, as large as a golf ball, or any size in between. Gallstones are very common and usually do not cause any symptoms. But not all gallstones stay in the gallbladder.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define, compare, and contrast cholelithiasis, cholangitis, choledocholithiasis, and cholecystitis, listing the most common causes of each.
Describe the structure and pathogenesis of cholesterol and pigment gallstones.
List the major risk factors for development of gallstones, describe the typical clinical course, and list the potential complications.
Distinguish acute and chronic cholecystitis, and describe the clinical presentation, signs, and lab abnormalities.
Describe the treatment of gallstones and acute cholecystitis.

You can also check out the original brick on Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis from our Gastrointestinal collection, which is available for free.

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Pulmonary Hypertension

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:30:37 +0000

Normal blood pressure keeps us alive. It’s the force that moves blood throughout our circulatory system, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach our organs and tissues and that waste products are eliminated. When we hear the word hypertension—high blood pressure—we know this describes the blood flow exerting too much force against blood vessel walls. Pulmonary hypertension describes high blood pressure in the vessels of the lung. Specifically, pulmonary hypertension is an elevated mean arterial pressure (≥20 mm Hg at rest) of the vessels between the heart and the lung.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define pulmonary hypertension and compare with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Describe the clinical presentation and diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, including results from electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and heart catheterization. Explain how pulmonary hypertension leads to right-sided heart failure.
Describe how pulmonary vascular resistance affects pulmonary arterial pressure. List common etiologies of pulmonary hypertension, differentiating between cardiac and pulmonary causes. List the most common cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Describe the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

You can also check out the original brick on Pulmonary Hypertension from our Respiratory collection, which is available for free.

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Macroscopic Skin Lesions

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:19:59 +0000

Macroscopic Skin Lesions

A thorough skin examination should be performed annually to assess for new or changing macroscopic skin lesions. It is critically important to be able to identify and describe normal and abnormal skin and to note your findings carefully, because a change in an existing skin lesion is the most common sign of skin cancer, including deadly ones like melanoma. In this discussion, we will describe the specific ways in which you document skin lesions, using a vocabulary that other clinicians will understand.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Explain the importance of physical examination of the skin.
Describe skin lesions, explaining and illustrating each of the following: size, type (eg, vesicle, bulla), color, configuration (eg, annular, targetoid, discoid), arrangement (eg, solitary, grouped, linear, reticular), and distribution and location.

You can also check out the original brick on Macroscopic Skin Lesions from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com.

You will get 5 days of full access to our Rx360+ program, including Step 1 Qmax, Flash Facts, Express Videos, and nearly 800 Rx Bricks. After the 5-day period, you will still be able to access over 150 free bricks, including the entire collections for General Microbiology and Cellular and Molecular Biology.

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Acute Inflammation

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:30:59 +0000

Have you ever cut your finger, bumped your head, or fallen and scraped your knee? While you were cursing your clumsiness or bad luck, your body got straight to work healing the injury, relying on the wondrous process of acute inflammation. Shortly after your injury, you most likely experienced some or all of the cardinal signs of acute inflammation: pain (dolor), redness (rubor), heat (calor), and swelling (tumor).

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is an essential part of the body’s defense system and generally lasts a few days. Chronic inflammation (discussed in detail in another brick) involves an ongoing low-level inflammation that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation is not beneficial; it leads to tissue damage and is linked to the development of many types of chronic disease, including diabetes, cancer, and a range of autoimmune disorders.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Describe the three roles of inflammation.
Identify the cells of innate immunity involved in acute inflammation and the timeline of when each cell type is involved.
Describe the four reactions of blood vessels in acute inflammation.
Describe leukocyte recruitment to sites of inflammation.
Explain how these processes result in the general clinical manifestations of acute inflammation.
Provide specific examples of acute inflammation.
Describe the utility of acute-phase reactants as a marker of inflammation: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, ferritin, fibrinogen (all increased with inflammation—positive markers).

You can also check out the original brick on Acute Inflammation from our General Pathology collection, which is available for free.

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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:30:27 +0000

Multiple endocrine neoplasias are familial syndromes of endocrine tumors occurring in endocrine organs throughout the body. Despite its acronym, the risk for acquiring MEN is about the same in men and women and also across geographic and racial and ethnic groups. These are rare syndromes, affecting about 1 in 30,000 people. Genetic mutations cause the MEN syndromes, which are then inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means several members of the same family are often affected; an affected parent has a 50% chance of passing down the disease to his or her children. Unlike cancers without a hereditary basis, tumors associated with MEN often occur in younger patients (under age 40 years) and affect multiple organ systems all at once, making them particularly troublesome. Generally, tumors may arise in the pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thymus, pancreas, thyroid, or adrenal glands (Figure 1). The three major types of multiple endocrine neoplasia are MEN1, MEN2A, and MEN2B, and each has a characteristic picture of endocrine or neurologic disorders and tumors.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), and list the three MEN syndromes.
Compare and contrast the main clinical features of MEN1, MEN2A, and MEN2B.
Describe the genetic defects that cause MEN1, MEN2A, and MEN2B.
Briefly describe the management of the MEN syndromes.

You can also check out the original brick on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia from our Endocrine collection, which is available for free.

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Myocarditis

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:30:35 +0000

Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle. This muscle is the middle layer of the heart, formally called the myocardium, hence the name myocarditis (the -itis suffix indicates inflammation). Inflammation of the myocardium can be caused by a variety of etiologies, from infection to drugs. If severe enough, inflammation can lead to necrosis and cardiomyocyte death. This is dangerous because the heart is considered permanent tissue. This means there is limited regenerative potential, so tissue loss is essentially permanent. As part of the healing process, myocardial tissue is replaced by a fibrous scar to fill the defect. But because the fibrous scar has no contractile properties, it diminishes the heart’s strength. If severe enough, this damage can even cause heart failure.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define myocarditis.
List the most common viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic causes of myocarditis, and describe the general mechanism for how these agents damage the myocardium.
List noninfectious causes of myocarditis, and describe the general mechanism for how the myocardium is damaged in these conditions.
Describe the characteristic microscopic features of acute infectious myocarditis.
Describe the typical presentation, clinical spectrum, and prognosis of myocarditis.

You can also check out the original brick on Myocarditis from our Cardiovascular collection, which is available for free.

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Principles of Learning

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 09:30:09 +0000

Learning is traditionally defined as acquiring knowledge through study, experience, or being taught. In psychology, it is often defined as a relatively lasting change in behavior that results from experience. Learning is an ongoing process; we continue learning throughout our entire lives.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Name and briefly describe the three major theories of learning.
Define classical conditioning, including unconditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, neutral stimulus, conditioned stimulus, and conditioned response.
Define operant conditioning and differentiate between positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment.
Compare and contrast classical and operant conditioning.
Describe examples of social learning theory.

You can also check out the original brick on Principles of Learning from our Psychiatry collection, which is available for free.

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Salmonella and Shigella (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:15:28 +0000

Salmonella and Shigella species are almost made to be confused—two bacterial infections in the Enterobacteriaceae family that are spread by food and dirty conditions, cause gastroenteritis, and start with S! To make matters more confusing, they look similar on microscopy. While they are more common in developing communities, they are also seen in the United States. Here, we will give you the tools to keep these bugs and their presentations straight.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Differentiate the microscopic and growth characteristics and habitat of Salmonella typhi, Salmonella spp other than S typhi, and Shigella.
Describe the host (risk) factors, mode of transmission, and pathobiology of diseases caused by these organisms.
Describe the clinical manifestations of diseases caused by these organisms.
Discuss concerns of antibiotic resistance related to these organisms.

You can also check out the original brick on Salmonella and Shigella. from our Microbiology collection, which is available for free.

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Inflammatory Disorders of the Pharynx, Larynx, and Trachea

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 09:30:01 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Inflammatory Disorders of the Pharynx, Larynx, and Trachea brick.

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Hyperkalemia

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 09:30:45 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Hyperkalemia brick.

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Renal Laboratory Tests and Imaging

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 02:39:14 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Renal Laboratory Tests and Urinalysis brick.

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Arrhythmias: Foundations and Frameworks

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:30:24 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Supraventricular Arrhythmias brick.

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Renal Stones (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:30:04 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Secondary Hypertension brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Chest X-Ray

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 09:30:38 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Chest X-Ray brick.

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Hemostasis (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:15:24 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Congenital Disorders of the Urinary System brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Hypercapnia

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:04:16 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Hypercapnia brick.

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Myocardial Infarction

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 09:30:32 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Myocardial Infarction brick.

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Cystic Fibrosis

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 09:30:54 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Cystic Fibrosis brick.

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Treatment for Acute Coronary Syndrome

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 08:30:02 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Drugs to Treat Acute Coronary Syndrome brick.

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Thrombotic Microangiopathies

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 08:30:13 +0000

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Bleeding Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:30:12 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Bleeding Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 08:30:06 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Diuretics: Foundations and Frameworks (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 02:42:27 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Physiology of Diuretics brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Anemias: Foundations and Frameworks

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 01:36:10 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Anemias: Foundations and Frameworks brick.

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from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

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Hyperparathyroidism (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:30:48 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Hyperparathyroidism brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Mechanical Ventilation

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 08:30:47 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the brick Mechanical Ventilation.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Blood Pressure Control: Foundations and Frameworks (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 08:30:09 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Thrombotic Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Multiple Myeloma and Other Plasma Cell Disorders

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:43:11 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the brick Multiple Myeloma and Other Plasma Cell Disorders.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Patent Ductus Arteriosis (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:29:40 +0000

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Describe the anatomy and intrauterine function of the ductus arteriosus, the normal sequence of changes in the ductus during the transition from fetal to postnatal circulation, and the consequences of failure to close the ductus.
Describe the findings on physical exam of an infant with a PDA, the clinical presentation of a child with a significant PDA, and the diagnostic tests used to confirm the diagnosis of PDA.
Explain the treatment options for a child with a PDA, along with the risks and complications associated with an untreated PDA.

You can also check out the original brick on Patent Ductus Arteriosis from our Cardiology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

***

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

Pneumothorax

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:43:14 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Pneumothorax brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Adrenaline (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:55:48 +0000

Today’s Audio Brick is based on the upcoming Brick 2.0: Adrenaline (Epinephrine). If you’re looking for supplemental information from Bricks 1.0, read up on our Valvular Diseases/Autonomic Regulation of the Cardiovascular System Brick. As a listener of the podcast, you can take 50% off a subscription with code RXPOD.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Sleep Apnea

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:30:03 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Sleep Apnea brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Management of Shock (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 08:30:27 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Starling Forces brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Viral Pneumonia

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:17:59 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Viral Pneumonia brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Tobacco Smoking

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:55:35 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Tobacco Smoking brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Alcohol Use Disorder (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:13:41 +0000

In this episode, we dip into the Psychiatry collection of Rx Bricks to learn about Alcohol Use Disorder.

Learning Objectives

Describe the etiology and epidemiology for alcohol use disorder.
List the most commonly used alcohol agents in the United States and their associated potency, delivery method, and long-term effects.
Describe the DSM-5 diagnostic features and criteria for alcohol use disorder as well as the effects on the body.
Describe the evidence-based assessments and treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

You’ll get 5 days of full access to our Rx360+ program, including nearly 800 Rx Bricks. After the 5-day period, you will still be able to access over 150 bricks, including the entire collections for General Microbiology and Cellular and Molecular Biology.

***

Introduction to Planetary Health

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 08:30:07 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Introduction to Planetary Health brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Asthma Management

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 08:30:08 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Asthma Management brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Diabetic Nephropathy (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:30:50 +0000

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define diabetic nephropathy.
Outline the timeline of progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by urine, serum, and histologic criteria.
Describe the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.
Outline the prevention of diabetic nephropathy and, once it is established, how to slow its progression.
Describe the management of diabetic nephropathy.

You can also check out the original brick from our Renal collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

***

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

Pulmonary Embolism

USMLE-Rx — Wed, 31 May 2023 01:30:34 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Pulmonary Embolism brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Physiology of Heart Failure (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 23 May 2023 08:30:10 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Metabolic Acidosis and Alkalosis brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 16 May 2023 08:30:54 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (Re-Release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 09 May 2023 08:30:09 +0000

You probably know that the kidneys play an important role in maintaining blood pressure within the normal range. You might also know that they do this by regulating blood volume and the degree of arterial contraction or dilation (the systemic vascular resistance). But do you know how the kidneys do this? The answer is the kidneys accomplish this primarily through a set of hormones and enzymes known together as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In this brick, we will discuss the components, functions, and regulation of the RAAS.

Renin is an enzyme released by the kidneys that ultimately causes the formation of the hormone angiotensin II (Ang II) in the body—which in turn stimulates the release of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. Ang II and aldosterone act in a number of ways to increase blood volume and blood pressure.

RAAS acts to increase sodium reabsorption in the kidney, increase vascular tone, and even stimulate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) to reabsorb more water: all of these defend our extracellular volume and blood pressure. RAAS is therefore a critical system for keeping us upright!

After listening to this Audio Brick, you should be able to:

Outline the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, including sensors, factors that control it, sources of hormone release, and the actions of each hormone.
Describe the mechanisms by which the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system regulates blood pressure.
Compare and contrast tubuloglomerular feedback with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

You can also check out the original brick from our Endocrine collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

***

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Asthma

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 02 May 2023 08:30:52 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Asthma brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Hemophilia (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:30:54 +0000

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Compare and contrast the underlying defect in hemophilia A and B.
Describe the inheritance pattern and relative incidence of hemophilia A and B.
Describe the clinical features of hemophilia A and B.
Explain how hemophilia A and B are diagnosed.
List and briefly describe other factor deficiencies.

You can also check out the original brick on Hemophilia from our Hematology collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

***

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:41:15 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Thrombotic Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 08:30:40 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Thrombotic Disorders: Foundations and Frameworks brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Malaria

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 08:30:46 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Malaria brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Mitral Stenosis (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:44:38 +0000

Mitral stenosis (MS) is a narrowing of the mitral valve. In the normal cardiac cycle, the heart relaxes during diastole and allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle through the open mitral valve. When the mitral valve is narrowed, blood flow becomes restricted (Figure 1). Excess volume and pressure build up in the left atrium, while forward flow to the left ventricle decreases.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Define mitral stenosis.
List and explain the common causes of mitral stenosis.
Describe the clinical presentation and diagnosis of mitral stenosis.
Describe the treatment of mitral stenosis.

You can also check out the original brick from our Cardiovascular collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

***

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Sickle Cell Disease

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:30:39 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Sickle Cell Disease brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Vasopressin (Re-release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:30:16 +0000

Want more information? Check out our Structure and Function of the Pituitary Gland brick.

Learn how you can access over 150 of our bricks for FREE: https://usmlerx.wpengine.com/free-bricks/

from our Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue collection, which is available for free.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Social Determinants of Health

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 09:30:56 +0000

Social determinants of health are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, many times in ways that we may not be even aware of. Even though we often consider the medical risk factors that affect the health of individuals, we can ignore the role that social and environmental factors, such as housing conditions and access to healthcare and education, can play. In this episode, we present the podcast version of the Social Determinants of Health brick developed by MeSAGE, the Medical Student Alliance for Global Education, and explore the ways in which social determinants impact health outcomes. We discuss how factors such as income, education levels, access to healthcare, and living conditions all affect the overall health of an individual or a population. We also explain the importance of recognizing these social determinants in order to develop successful interventions that improve health outcomes. This is just one of the free and open Bricks that MeSAGE developed for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion collection. Through this collection, we aim to generate awareness and provide support for health care students and educators to learn more about cultural competency and social determinants of health. We hope that these resources will help provide a foundation for educators, students, and healthcare providers to better understand how social determinants can influence the health outcomes of their patients and communities.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Acid-Base Disorders: Putting It All Together (Re-Release)

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:27:11 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Acid-Base Disorders: Putting it all Together brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Infective Endocarditis

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:30:17 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Ineffective Endocarditis brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Signs of Upper and Lower Motor Neuron Disease

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:30:49 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Signs of Upper and Lower Motor Neuron Lesions brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Chronic Kidney Disease

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 09:30:09 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Chronic Kidney Disease brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:10:59 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Baroreceptor Regulation of Blood Pressure

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:30:46 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Baroreceptor Regulation of Blood Pressure brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Extrinsic Regulation of Glomerular Filtration and Renal Blood Flow

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 09:30:09 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Regulation of Renal Blood Flow and Glomerular Filtration brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Aortic Aneurysm

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 09:30:53 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Aortic and Berry Aneurysms brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Effects of Hypertension on the Kidneys

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 09:30:47 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Primary (Essential) Hypertension

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:30:17 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Primary (Essential) Hypertension brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

IgA Nephropathy and IgA Vasculitis

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:46:39 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the IgA Nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein Purpura brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:30:16 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

Vasculitis: Putting It All Together

USMLE-Rx — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:30:33 +0000

Looking for more information on this topic? Check out the Vasculitis: Foundations and Frameworks brick.

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com