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Welcome to episode 49 of the FREE Audio PANCE and PANRE Physician Assistant Board Review Podcast.
Join me as I cover ten PANCE and PANRE board review questions from the Academy course content following the NCCPA™ content blueprint (download the FREE cheat sheet).
This week we will be covering 10 general board review questions based on the NCCPA PANCE and PANRE Content Blueprint.
Below you will find an interactive exam to complement the podcast.
I hope you enjoy this free audio component to the examination portion of this site. The full board review includes over 2,000 interactive board review questions and is available to all members of the PANCE and PANRE Academy and SmartyPANCE.
If you can’t see the audio player click here to listen to the full episode.
The following 10 questions are linked to NCCPA Content Blueprint lessons from the SmartyPANCE PANCE and PANRE board review website. If you are a member and login you will be able to view this content.
1. Which of the following clinical findings would be seen in a patient with food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus?
A. Ingestion of mayonnaise-based salads 48 hours earlier
Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning is part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint GI and Nutrition which accounts for 10% of the exam
Answer: C. Abdominal cramps and vomiting for 48 hours
Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea typically last 1-2 days with staphylococcal food poisoning.
A. A preformed toxin causes staphylococcal food poisoning; it has a short incubation period of 1-8 hours.
2. Which of the following diagnostic tests should be ordered initially to evaluate for suspected deep venous thrombosis
A. Venogram
Venous thrombosis is part of the NCCPA Cardiology Content Blueprint and represents 16% of the exam
Answer: C. Duplex ultrasound
Ultrasound is the technique of choice to detect deep venous thrombosis in the leg.
A. Venogram has been replaced by noninvasive tests due to discomfort, cost, technical difficulties, and complications, such as phlebitis.
3. A patient presents with signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. Extensive diagnostic evaluation reveals an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. First-line therapy should consist of
A. pituitary radiation
Cushings disease is part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Endocrinology which represents 6% of your exam
Answer: C. transsphenoidal resection of the tumor
Transsphenoidal resection of the tumor cures about 80% of patients. The remainder can be given a combination of pituitary radiation and medical adrenalectomy with one or more drugs. If these procedures fail, the last option is bilateral adrenalectomy.
4. A 26-year-old man is stung by a bee, and shortly thereafter, a wheal develops at the site of the sting. He soon feels flushed and develops hives, rhinorrhea, and tightness in the chest. He is seen in the urgent care center. Immediate therapy should be to
A. transfer him to a local hospital emergency department
Answer: C. administer subcutaneous epinephrine
Epinephrine hydrochloride 1:1000, 0.2 to 0.5 mL subcutaneously is indicated for the initial treatment of this systemic reaction. Additional injections may be given every 20 to 30 minutes if needed.
A. Systemic (anaphylactic) reactions can rapidly become life-threatening. Delay in treatment may cause death.
5. An 18-year-old sexually active female was seen in the student health clinic 1 week ago for a sore throat. A streptococcal antigen test was positive, and she was given a prescription for oral penicillin. After 3 days, she stopped her medication because she felt better. She now presents with a severe sore throat. On physical examination, she has a temperature of 102.6° F (39.2° C), marked pharyngeal erythema, medial deviation of the soft palate on the left, tender left anterior cervical adenopathy, and a “hot potato” voice. The rest of her history and physical examination are unremarkable. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis
Peritonsillar abscess is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint EENT which accounts for 6% of your exam
View this ReelDx patient video case ~4d pain back of throat; swelling; difficulty swallowing
SmartyPANCE ReelDx + members can view this real-world case!
Answer: D. Peritonsillar abscess
The soft palate deviation and a muffled voice are classic signs of peritonsillar abscess.
A. This presentation suggests a complication of an incompletely treated streptococcal pharyngitis rather than recurrent disease
6. Which of the following would provide the most specific information regarding the functional cardiac status in a patient with chronic heart failure?
A. Electrocardiogram
Heart Failure is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Cardiology and accounts for 16% of the exam
View this SMARTYPANCE ReelDx patient video case: 45-year-old female with difficulty breathing; edema; 8/10 chest pain and whole-body pain
SmartyPANCE ReelDx + members can view this real-world case!
Answer: D. Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram will estimate ejection fraction, which is an indicator of left ventricular function.
A. Electrocardiogram offers no specific information of functional status but may provide clues about the cause.
7. A 33-year-old female presents for follow-up of her Pap smear that showed a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Reflex HPV testing is positive. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic procedure?
A. Cone biopsy
Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer are covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Reproductive system and accounts for 8% of your exam
Answer: D. Colposcopy-directed biopsy
A colposcopy-directed biopsy is the first diagnostic evaluation indicated for cervical dysplasia.
A. A cervical cone biopsy may be indicated in further evaluation of this patient, but it is dependent on the results of the colposcopy.
8. A decrease in the fetal heart rate (FHR) occurring late during contractions is noted. The FHR returns to the baseline slowly after the uterine contraction. The physician assistant should be alerted to the possibility of
A. pelvic dystocia
Fetal distress is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Reproductive system and accounts for 8% of your exam
SmartyPANCE ReelDx + members can view this real-world case!
Answer: D. placental insufficiency
Placental insufficiency is the probable cause of fetal distress resulting in late decelerations.
A. Pelvic dystocia, particularly that due to small bony architecture, is the most common cause of passage abnormalities and is not directly associated with FHR decelerations.
9. A 36-year-old patient with cardiomyopathy secondary to viral myocarditis develops fatigue, increasing dyspnea, and lower extremity edema over the past 3 days. He denies fever. A chest x-ray shows no significant increase in heart size but reveals prominence of the superior pulmonary vessels. Based on these clinical findings, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Heart failure
Heart Failure is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Cardiology and accounts for 16% of the exam
Answer: A. Heart failure
Given the presence of cardiomyopathy, the patient’s heart has decreased functional reserve. The symptoms and chest x-ray findings are typical of congestive heart failure.
B. Endocarditis occurs as a result of an infection that primarily occurs in the blood stream. Endocarditis would present with signs of infection or seeding rather than signs of heart failure.
10. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias due to sick sinus syndrome (SSS)?
A. Permanent pacemaker
Sick sinus syndrome is covered as part of the NCCPA Cardiology Content Blueprint which is 16% of your exam
Answer: A. Permanent pacemaker
Permanent pacemakers are the therapy of choice in patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in sick sinus syndrome.
B. Radiofrequency ablation is used for the treatment of accessory pathways in the heart.
This FREE series is limited to every other episode, you can download and enjoy the complete audio series by joining The PANCE and PANRE Exam Academy + SMARTYPANCE
I will be releasing new episodes every few weeks. The Academy is discounted, so sign up now.
Follow this link to download your FREE copy of the Content Blueprint Checklist
Print it up and start crossing out the topics you understand, marking the ones you don’t and making notes of key terms you should remember. The PDF version is interactive and linked directly to the individual lessons on SMARTY PANCE.
FREE Download
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Welcome to episode 49 of the FREE Audio PANCE and PANRE Physician Assistant Board Review Podcast.
Join me as I cover ten PANCE and PANRE board review questions from the Academy course content following the NCCPA™ content blueprint (download the FREE cheat sheet).
This week we will be covering 10 general board review questions based on the NCCPA PANCE and PANRE Content Blueprint.
Below you will find an interactive exam to complement the podcast.
I hope you enjoy this free audio component to the examination portion of this site. The full board review includes over 2,000 interactive board review questions and is available to all members of the PANCE and PANRE Academy and SmartyPANCE.
If you can’t see the audio player click here to listen to the full episode.
The following 10 questions are linked to NCCPA Content Blueprint lessons from the SmartyPANCE PANCE and PANRE board review website. If you are a member and login you will be able to view this content.
1. Which of the following clinical findings would be seen in a patient with food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus?
A. Ingestion of mayonnaise-based salads 48 hours earlier
Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning is part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint GI and Nutrition which accounts for 10% of the exam
Answer: C. Abdominal cramps and vomiting for 48 hours
Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea typically last 1-2 days with staphylococcal food poisoning.
A. A preformed toxin causes staphylococcal food poisoning; it has a short incubation period of 1-8 hours.
2. Which of the following diagnostic tests should be ordered initially to evaluate for suspected deep venous thrombosis
A. Venogram
Venous thrombosis is part of the NCCPA Cardiology Content Blueprint and represents 16% of the exam
Answer: C. Duplex ultrasound
Ultrasound is the technique of choice to detect deep venous thrombosis in the leg.
A. Venogram has been replaced by noninvasive tests due to discomfort, cost, technical difficulties, and complications, such as phlebitis.
3. A patient presents with signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. Extensive diagnostic evaluation reveals an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. First-line therapy should consist of
A. pituitary radiation
Cushings disease is part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Endocrinology which represents 6% of your exam
Answer: C. transsphenoidal resection of the tumor
Transsphenoidal resection of the tumor cures about 80% of patients. The remainder can be given a combination of pituitary radiation and medical adrenalectomy with one or more drugs. If these procedures fail, the last option is bilateral adrenalectomy.
4. A 26-year-old man is stung by a bee, and shortly thereafter, a wheal develops at the site of the sting. He soon feels flushed and develops hives, rhinorrhea, and tightness in the chest. He is seen in the urgent care center. Immediate therapy should be to
A. transfer him to a local hospital emergency department
Answer: C. administer subcutaneous epinephrine
Epinephrine hydrochloride 1:1000, 0.2 to 0.5 mL subcutaneously is indicated for the initial treatment of this systemic reaction. Additional injections may be given every 20 to 30 minutes if needed.
A. Systemic (anaphylactic) reactions can rapidly become life-threatening. Delay in treatment may cause death.
5. An 18-year-old sexually active female was seen in the student health clinic 1 week ago for a sore throat. A streptococcal antigen test was positive, and she was given a prescription for oral penicillin. After 3 days, she stopped her medication because she felt better. She now presents with a severe sore throat. On physical examination, she has a temperature of 102.6° F (39.2° C), marked pharyngeal erythema, medial deviation of the soft palate on the left, tender left anterior cervical adenopathy, and a “hot potato” voice. The rest of her history and physical examination are unremarkable. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis
Peritonsillar abscess is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint EENT which accounts for 6% of your exam
View this ReelDx patient video case ~4d pain back of throat; swelling; difficulty swallowing
SmartyPANCE ReelDx + members can view this real-world case!
Answer: D. Peritonsillar abscess
The soft palate deviation and a muffled voice are classic signs of peritonsillar abscess.
A. This presentation suggests a complication of an incompletely treated streptococcal pharyngitis rather than recurrent disease
6. Which of the following would provide the most specific information regarding the functional cardiac status in a patient with chronic heart failure?
A. Electrocardiogram
Heart Failure is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Cardiology and accounts for 16% of the exam
View this SMARTYPANCE ReelDx patient video case: 45-year-old female with difficulty breathing; edema; 8/10 chest pain and whole-body pain
SmartyPANCE ReelDx + members can view this real-world case!
Answer: D. Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram will estimate ejection fraction, which is an indicator of left ventricular function.
A. Electrocardiogram offers no specific information of functional status but may provide clues about the cause.
7. A 33-year-old female presents for follow-up of her Pap smear that showed a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Reflex HPV testing is positive. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic procedure?
A. Cone biopsy
Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer are covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Reproductive system and accounts for 8% of your exam
Answer: D. Colposcopy-directed biopsy
A colposcopy-directed biopsy is the first diagnostic evaluation indicated for cervical dysplasia.
A. A cervical cone biopsy may be indicated in further evaluation of this patient, but it is dependent on the results of the colposcopy.
8. A decrease in the fetal heart rate (FHR) occurring late during contractions is noted. The FHR returns to the baseline slowly after the uterine contraction. The physician assistant should be alerted to the possibility of
A. pelvic dystocia
Fetal distress is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Reproductive system and accounts for 8% of your exam
SmartyPANCE ReelDx + members can view this real-world case!
Answer: D. placental insufficiency
Placental insufficiency is the probable cause of fetal distress resulting in late decelerations.
A. Pelvic dystocia, particularly that due to small bony architecture, is the most common cause of passage abnormalities and is not directly associated with FHR decelerations.
9. A 36-year-old patient with cardiomyopathy secondary to viral myocarditis develops fatigue, increasing dyspnea, and lower extremity edema over the past 3 days. He denies fever. A chest x-ray shows no significant increase in heart size but reveals prominence of the superior pulmonary vessels. Based on these clinical findings, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Heart failure
Heart Failure is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint Cardiology and accounts for 16% of the exam
Answer: A. Heart failure
Given the presence of cardiomyopathy, the patient’s heart has decreased functional reserve. The symptoms and chest x-ray findings are typical of congestive heart failure.
B. Endocarditis occurs as a result of an infection that primarily occurs in the blood stream. Endocarditis would present with signs of infection or seeding rather than signs of heart failure.
10. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias due to sick sinus syndrome (SSS)?
A. Permanent pacemaker
Sick sinus syndrome is covered as part of the NCCPA Cardiology Content Blueprint which is 16% of your exam
Answer: A. Permanent pacemaker
Permanent pacemakers are the therapy of choice in patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in sick sinus syndrome.
B. Radiofrequency ablation is used for the treatment of accessory pathways in the heart.
This FREE series is limited to every other episode, you can download and enjoy the complete audio series by joining The PANCE and PANRE Exam Academy + SMARTYPANCE
I will be releasing new episodes every few weeks. The Academy is discounted, so sign up now.
Follow this link to download your FREE copy of the Content Blueprint Checklist
Print it up and start crossing out the topics you understand, marking the ones you don’t and making notes of key terms you should remember. The PDF version is interactive and linked directly to the individual lessons on SMARTY PANCE.
FREE Download
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