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

Which condition is characterized by confusion, agitation, tremor, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure along with hyperreflexia and hyperthermia?

1. Essential tremor

2. Tensilon Test

3. Neonatal intravascular hemorrhage

4. Serotonin Syndrome

The correct answer is: Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin Syndrome is characterized by a constellation of symptoms such as confusion, agitation, tremor, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure. Additionally, patients with serotonin syndrome may present with hyperreflexia and hyperthermia. The condition typically occurs due to the overstimulation of serotonin receptors in the central nervous system. This can result from an overdose of serotonergic medications or the concomitant use of multiple serotonergic agents. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Essential tremor is a different condition characterized by involuntary shaking movements, typically in the hands. The Tensilon Test is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder, and is not associated with the symptoms described in the question. Neonatal intravascular hemorrhage is a condition seen in newborns and is not related to the symptoms described in the question.