Question 1

What does the ACTH stimulation test accomplish?

Accepted Answer

The ACTH stimulation test is used to differentiate between primary and secondary Addison disease.

Question 2

Which of the following would be an adequate treatment for Addison's disease?

Accepted Answer

In Addison's disease, primary or secondary, there is a lack of cortisol. This is due to ill-response of the adrenal cortex to stimulation by ACTH. Thus, exogenous cortisol would overcome this decreased function and help to reverse symptoms of the disease.

Question 3

Which of the following endogenous pigments is formed via auto-oxidation, accumulates in Kupffer cells, and is indicative of hepatocellular injury?

Accepted Answer

Ceroid is an endogenous pigment formed via autooxidation, which accumulates in Kupffer cells, and is indicative of hepatocellular injury.

Question 4

Which of the following conditions is caused by backflux of acid and a weak lower esophageal sphincter?

Accepted Answer

GERD is a chronic condition caused by acid reflux due to backflow from the stomach into the esophagus. The most often complication is a weak lower esophageal sphincter and risk factors include scleroderma and hiatal hernia.

Question 5

Each of the following is characteristic of basal cell carcinoma EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Basal cell carcinoma is an aggressive, common but benign condition.

Question 6

Each of the following is true regarding chronic bronchitis EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

There is an increased Reid index seen in patients afflicted with chronic bronchitis. The Reid index measures the ratio of mucous gland thickness to bronchial wall thickness.

Question 7

Aortic dissection is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The aortic valve is most often distorted in cases of aortic dissection.

Question 8

The specific accumulation of serious fluid in the pericardial space is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Hydropericardium is the accumulation of serous fluid within the pericardial space. Pleural effusion is the general term for any fluid accumulation in the pericardial space and can lead to cardiac tamponade (which can be fatal).

Question 9

Consider a patient who is unaware of the cardiac condition he is suffering from. You note splinter hemorrhages under his finger nails. What is this clinical sign indicative of?

Accepted Answer

Splinter hemorrhaging is seen in patients afflicted with endocarditis. This illness is an inflammation of the endocardium and/or heart valves which can develop quickly (acute) or slowly (subacute).

Question 10

Each of the following is commonly found in patients afflicted with cystic fibrosis EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis patients have an error with chromosome 7q. This chromosome encodes the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator which controls Cl? and Na+ transport across epithelial membranes.

Question 11

Each of the following is a characteristic of the non-progressive/early stage of shock EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis is a characteristic of the progressive stage of shock.

Question 12

If a patient is stricken with Caisson disease, one would expect to find:

Accepted Answer

Caisson disease is caused by air gaining entry into the circulatory system. The result of this is an air embolism.

Question 13

A dietary deficiency of vitamin B12 causes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A deficiency of vitamin B12 will cause pernicious anemia. This is an autoimmune disorder in which intrinsic factor fails to form.

Question 14

Each of the following have different values in type I diabetes mellitus and type II diabetes mellitus EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The symptoms experienced with both type I and II diabetes mellitus are the same. In each case, patients experience the 3 Ps (polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia), as well as blurred vision, paresthesias, weakness, and fatigue.

Question 15

Hyperglycemia is characterized by blood glucose levels greater than:

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycemia is characterized by a blood glucose level greater than 125 mg/dL. Other values of importance include hypoglycemia (blood glucose level less than 50 mg/dL), glycosuria (blood glucose levels greater than 160-180 mg/dL), and normal range (blood glucose in range of 70-110 mg/dL).

Question 16

Each of the following is true of ketoacidosis EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Ketoacidosis is rare in type II diabetes, but a very common concern in type I diabetics.

Question 17

Each of the following is a risk factor for atherosclerosis EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Being a premenopausal woman is not a risk factor for atherosclerosis. The risk factors for atherosclerosis include smoking, hypertension, nephrosclerosis, and diabetes.

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE of right sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Right-sided heart failure can be caused by cor pulmonale. This is defined as increased pulmonary vascular resistance causing right heart strain.

Question 19

Each of the following can be caused by Neisseria infection EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Pseudomembranous colitis is not caused by Neisseria; it is due to antibiotic-induced overgrowth of Clostridium difficile. Neisseria genus is a gram-negative cocci which has two species.

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE of syphilis infection?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis infection is treated with penicillin which is considered the first line of treatment in syphilis.

Quiz 1: Physician Assistant