USMLE Sample Questions & Answers
Free United States Medical Licensing Examination practice questions with worked answers and explanations. See how the ExamJungle simulator prepares you — then jump into the full test.
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Real questions from the United States Medical Licensing Examination practice test — answers and explanations included. Showing 6 of 12 free samples.
- Question 1
During a well-child visit, a pediatrician observes a 7-month-old infant who can maintain an upright sitting position without support for several minutes while playing with toys. The infant occasionally leans forward but quickly recovers balance. The parents ask when this developmental milestone typically occurs. Which age range represents the normal timeframe for independent sitting?
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Correct answer: B
Independent sitting typically develops around 6 months of age, with a normal range of 5-7 months. This milestone represents significant neuromotor development including core strength, balance, and coordination. At 4 months, infants can usually sit with support, while independent sitting without support emerges around 6 months. The observed 7-month-old infant demonstrates age-appropriate motor development.
- Question 2
An 18-month-old toddler is playing in the examination room when his toy car rolls under a chair and out of sight. The child immediately crawls under the chair to retrieve the toy, demonstrating understanding that the object still exists despite being hidden. Which cognitive developmental milestone does this behavior represent?
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Correct answer: C
Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched. This cognitive milestone typically develops between 12-24 months according to Piaget's sensorimotor stage. The toddler's behavior of searching for the hidden toy demonstrates mature object permanence, as he understands the car still exists under the chair despite being out of sight.
- Question 3
A 35-year-old teacher repeatedly accuses her colleagues of being 'jealous and manipulative' during staff meetings. Her friends notice that she herself often displays jealous behavior toward others' accomplishments and frequently manipulates situations to her advantage. Which defense mechanism is this teacher most likely employing?
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Correct answer: B
Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to others. The teacher displays jealous and manipulative behaviors herself but accuses her colleagues of these same traits. This unconscious mechanism protects her ego by externalizing her own undesirable characteristics rather than acknowledging them within herself.
- Question 4
A 42-year-old attorney arrives 45 minutes late to court and provides an elaborate explanation about unusual traffic patterns and construction delays. However, colleagues later learn he actually stopped for coffee and spent time reading the newspaper. When confronted, he insists that traffic was indeed the primary cause of his lateness. Which defense mechanism is this attorney demonstrating?
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Correct answer: C
Rationalization is a defense mechanism involving the creation of logical but false explanations for behaviors that are actually motivated by unconscious or unacceptable reasons. The attorney provides socially acceptable reasons (traffic, construction) for his lateness while concealing the real reasons (leisure activities). This mechanism allows him to avoid acknowledging his irresponsible behavior while maintaining his professional image.
- Question 5
A 26-year-old graduate student presents to the student health center with complaints of sudden onset weakness in her dominant hand that began the morning of her doctoral defense presentation. Physical examination reveals no objective neurological deficits, and all reflexes are normal. The weakness prevents her from writing or using a computer. She reports extreme anxiety about the presentation but seems surprisingly unconcerned about her physical symptoms. Which condition best explains this presentation?
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Correct answer: A
Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms (motor or sensory) that cannot be explained by medical conditions. Key features include: onset related to psychological stress, 'la belle indifférence' (lack of concern about symptoms), and symptoms that serve a psychological function. This student's hand weakness prevents her from proceeding with the stressful presentation, while her unconcerned attitude despite significant functional impairment is characteristic of conversion disorder.
- Question 6
A 29-year-old software engineer undergoes EEG monitoring during a routine sleep study for complaints of poor sleep quality. During the awake, relaxed state with eyes closed, the EEG demonstrates 13-30 Hz activity. When she opens her eyes and becomes alert, which brain wave pattern would most likely be observed?
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Correct answer: C
Beta waves (13-30 Hz) are the predominant brain wave pattern during alert, awake states with active mental concentration. When the patient opens her eyes and becomes alert, alpha wave activity (which occurs during relaxed wakefulness with closed eyes) is replaced by beta wave activity. Beta waves are associated with active thinking, problem-solving, and focused attention - the normal brain state during waking consciousness.
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