Question 1

In the patient with hepatic encephalopathy, which dietary component will be restricted?

Accepted Answer

Protein is restricted in the patient with hepatic encephalopathy, in order to reduce ammonia formation. Restrictions on the other dietary components would not have such an effect.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a complication of fractures?

Accepted Answer

Brown-Séquard syndrome is a result of damage to one-half of the spinal cord. This is not associated with fractures. The remaining options are complications that may result from fractures.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Muscular weakness, irregular pulse, hypotension, severe-flaccid paralysis that spreads from legs to trunk; respiratory muscles may also be affected. However, constipation is usually a feature of hypokalemia.

Question 4

Which of the following drugs is NOT commonly used to treat hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

IV calcium gluconate (not sodium bicarbonate) is administered to counter the myocardial depressant effects of hyperkalemia; Glucagon or insulin and glucose treatment is provided to prevent tissue breakdown and potassium release into extracellular fluid.

Question 5

If a 30-year-old female complains of having a UTI, which of the following symptoms would you expect her to exhibit?

Accepted Answer

UTIs cause a burning sensation when one voids. Toxins of the bacteria cause an irritation of mucosal membrane leading to pain or burning on voiding.

Question 6

Which of the following gait patterns is characteristic of a patient with Parkinson's Disease?

Accepted Answer

Recognition of gait patterns may clue the physician assistant to a certain disease process. Festinating gait is when the patient appears to be walking on his toes and being propelled (pushed forward).

Question 7

Which of the following lab tests are used to help diagnose pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Amylase rises within a few hours and falls within a few days of acute pancreatitis. Lipase lags behind, persisting for about 7 days.

Question 8

What are the characteristic signs and symptoms in Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Generalized pruritus may be the first and only symptom of Hodgkin's disease to appear for months. Along with lymph node enlargement, it is a common symptom of Hodgkin's disease.

Question 9

Human papilloma virus is associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Human papilloma virus is associated with genital warts, not the other listed conditions.

Question 10

Which of the following pathologies has the common signs and symptoms of incontinence, confusion, anorexia, weakness, and a normal temperature?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms listed in the question are consistent with the presentation of a urinary tract infection in a senior adult.

Question 11

Which of the following micro-organisms most commonly causes urinary tract infections in patients without structural abnormalities or calculi?

Accepted Answer

E. coli most commonly (80 percent) causes urinary tract infections in patients without structural abnormalities or calculi, not the other bacteria.

Question 12

Which vitamin is deficient in the diet of a patient diagnosed with scurvy?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C, that is, lemons, oranges, fruits, was discovered to prevent scurvy. Vitamin A prevents night blindness.

Question 13

Which of the following investigations should a quick initial assessment for a patient with a suspected stroke include:

Accepted Answer

The Cincinnati Stroke Scale can be performed by EMTs at the scene; options A, B, and C are more in-depth assessments that may be done later.

Question 14

Which of the following is a test for myasthenia gravis?

Accepted Answer

The primary problem in myasthenia is a lack of acetylcholine at the myoneural junction (thought to be autoimmune). Tensilon is a rapid acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used for diagnosis and to differentiate cholinergic crisis from myasthenic crisis.

Question 15

Which of the following clinical signs and symptoms would suggest an anemia secondary to vitamin deficiency rather than folic acid deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 is essential for nervous system function, and the neurologic manifestations of B12 deficiency are not seen in folic acid deficiency.

Question 16

Which of the following is the most common sign of thrombocytopenia?

Accepted Answer

Petechiae are characteristic of quantitative or qualitative platelet defects since platelets are primarily responsible for cessation of bleeding in small vessels.

Question 17

What are the literal meanings of angina pectoris?

Accepted Answer

Angina pectoris means, literally, a pain in the chest, a paroxysmal thoracic pain caused most often by myocardial anoxia as a result of atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.

Question 18

Which of the following characteristics is not associated with Down's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

In Down's syndrome, the skin would be dry and not oily. All of the other signs and symptoms listed above are usually present in Down's syndrome.

Question 19

In a patient with a history of hyperkalemia, which of the following would you not expect to see if this condition were acute?

Accepted Answer

Decreased pulse, Paresthesias and muscular weakness, all are symptoms of acute hyperkalemia.

Question 20

In a patient with a history of ketoacidosis, which of the following would you not expect to see if this condition were acute?

Accepted Answer

In a patient with a history of ketoacidosis, weight loss would be expected.

Quiz 1: Physician Assistant