NBME 26 Exam Questions and
Answers 100% PASS
How can the jejunum be distinguished from the ileum? (5)—ANSWER-1. inner mucosal folds
(plicae circulares) are more prominent, more numerous, and taller --> (this leads to
increased mucosal SA and associated feathered appearance after the administration of oral
contrast material)
2. larger caliber, thicker muscular walls
3. longer vasa rectae
4. fewer arcades
5. the ileum is notable for the presence of Peyer patches and mucosal lymphoid follicles
,What is the most likely explanation for the feathery appearance in the portion of the GI tract
indicated by X when compared to the portion indicated by Y?—ANSWER-greater mucosal
surface area (more prominent and numerous plicae circularis)
What are the 4 stages of neutrophil recruitment and the associated receptors for each
stage?—ANSWER-1. rolling
- vasculature/stroma: E selectin, P selectin
- leukocyte: sialyl lewis (glycoprotein)
2. adhesion
- vasculature/stroma: ICAM-1
- leukocyte: LFA-1
3. extravasation
- vasculature/stroma: PECAM-1
- leukocyte: PECAM-1
4. chemotaxis/migration
- vasculature: C5a, IL8, leukotriene B4, kallikrein
- leukocyte: various
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Brittie Donald
,Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) is an integrin protein involved in
_____________—ANSWER-neutrophil adhesion to the endothelium
The genetic disorder leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 is caused by a defect in
___________—ANSWER-LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1)
During thyroid surgery, which structures are at risk of being damaged? (4)—ANSWER-1.
parathyroid glands
2. superior and inferior thyroid arteries
3. recurrent laryngeal nerve
4. external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
Where do the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves loop?—ANSWER-left: inferior and
posterior to the aortic arch
right: inferior and posterior to the right subclavian
Tibial fractures are at high risk for _____________—ANSWER-compartment syndrome
increased compartment pressure in the anterior leg can lead to muscle necrosis and rhabdo
can be complicated by ATN due to nephrotoxicity of myoglobin and its byproducts
A patient has a tibial fracture and later develops increased leg pain and paresthesias. He
then begins to pass dark red urine and becomes oliguric. UA is positive for blood but no
erythrocytes. What is the most likely cause of renal failure?—ANSWER-ATN
, due to tibial fracture --> compartment syndrome --> rhabdo --> myoglobin its byproducts
causing ATN
What are main distinguishing factors between RA and OA?—ANSWER-1. Joint involvement
- RA: MCP, PIP
- OA: DIP, larger joints
2. Pain characteristics
- RA improves with use throughout the day
- OA worsens through the day
3. Age
- RA typically presents younger since it is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis
- OA affects 60-80% of adults > 65
4. Serum
- RA: high in rheumatoid factor, anti- CCP antibodies
What does the ulnar nerve innervate?—ANSWER-intrinsic muscles of the hand --> abduction
and adduction of all fingers except thumb
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Brittie Donald
Answers 100% PASS
How can the jejunum be distinguished from the ileum? (5)—ANSWER-1. inner mucosal folds
(plicae circulares) are more prominent, more numerous, and taller --> (this leads to
increased mucosal SA and associated feathered appearance after the administration of oral
contrast material)
2. larger caliber, thicker muscular walls
3. longer vasa rectae
4. fewer arcades
5. the ileum is notable for the presence of Peyer patches and mucosal lymphoid follicles
,What is the most likely explanation for the feathery appearance in the portion of the GI tract
indicated by X when compared to the portion indicated by Y?—ANSWER-greater mucosal
surface area (more prominent and numerous plicae circularis)
What are the 4 stages of neutrophil recruitment and the associated receptors for each
stage?—ANSWER-1. rolling
- vasculature/stroma: E selectin, P selectin
- leukocyte: sialyl lewis (glycoprotein)
2. adhesion
- vasculature/stroma: ICAM-1
- leukocyte: LFA-1
3. extravasation
- vasculature/stroma: PECAM-1
- leukocyte: PECAM-1
4. chemotaxis/migration
- vasculature: C5a, IL8, leukotriene B4, kallikrein
- leukocyte: various
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Brittie Donald
,Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) is an integrin protein involved in
_____________—ANSWER-neutrophil adhesion to the endothelium
The genetic disorder leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 is caused by a defect in
___________—ANSWER-LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1)
During thyroid surgery, which structures are at risk of being damaged? (4)—ANSWER-1.
parathyroid glands
2. superior and inferior thyroid arteries
3. recurrent laryngeal nerve
4. external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
Where do the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves loop?—ANSWER-left: inferior and
posterior to the aortic arch
right: inferior and posterior to the right subclavian
Tibial fractures are at high risk for _____________—ANSWER-compartment syndrome
increased compartment pressure in the anterior leg can lead to muscle necrosis and rhabdo
can be complicated by ATN due to nephrotoxicity of myoglobin and its byproducts
A patient has a tibial fracture and later develops increased leg pain and paresthesias. He
then begins to pass dark red urine and becomes oliguric. UA is positive for blood but no
erythrocytes. What is the most likely cause of renal failure?—ANSWER-ATN
, due to tibial fracture --> compartment syndrome --> rhabdo --> myoglobin its byproducts
causing ATN
What are main distinguishing factors between RA and OA?—ANSWER-1. Joint involvement
- RA: MCP, PIP
- OA: DIP, larger joints
2. Pain characteristics
- RA improves with use throughout the day
- OA worsens through the day
3. Age
- RA typically presents younger since it is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis
- OA affects 60-80% of adults > 65
4. Serum
- RA: high in rheumatoid factor, anti- CCP antibodies
What does the ulnar nerve innervate?—ANSWER-intrinsic muscles of the hand --> abduction
and adduction of all fingers except thumb
© 2026 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. This document is
protected by copyright law, Copyrighted By Brittie Donald