Newest 2026 | 100% Correct - William Paterson
University.
1.
A 72-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation presents with sudden right-
sided weakness and aphasia. What is the most likely cause?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Embolic ischemic stroke
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Seizure
Answer: B. Embolic ischemic stroke
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation predisposes to thrombus formation in the
atria, which can embolize to cerebral arteries, causing sudden focal
neurologic deficits.
2.
A patient with sepsis has a lactate of 6 mmol/L despite fluid
resuscitation. What does this indicate?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Adequate perfusion
C. Persistent tissue hypoxia
D. Renal failure
Answer: C. Persistent tissue hypoxia
Rationale: Elevated lactate reflects anaerobic metabolism due to
inadequate tissue perfusion, indicating worsening shock.
,3.
Which medication is first-line for heart failure with reduced ejection
fraction (HFrEF)?
A. Digoxin alone
B. ACE inhibitor
C. Calcium channel blocker
D. NSAID
Answer: B. ACE inhibitor
Rationale: ACE inhibitors reduce mortality by decreasing afterload and
preventing cardiac remodeling.
4.
A diabetic patient presents with Kussmaul respirations. What acid-base
imbalance is expected?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Answer: C. Metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are compensatory hyperventilation in
diabetic ketoacidosis.
5.
Which condition most commonly causes secondary
hyperparathyroidism?
, A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Chronic kidney disease
C. Pancreatitis
D. Cushing’s syndrome
Answer: B. Chronic kidney disease
Rationale: CKD causes phosphate retention and decreased vitamin D
activation, leading to compensatory PTH elevation.
6.
A patient with COPD is given high-flow oxygen and becomes lethargic.
Why?
A. Oxygen toxicity
B. Hypoglycemia
C. CO₂ retention
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: C. CO₂ retention
Rationale: Excess oxygen may suppress hypoxic respiratory drive in
CO₂ retainers, worsening hypercapnia.
7.
Which finding is most specific for systemic lupus erythematosus?
A. Positive ANA
B. Elevated ESR
C. Anti-dsDNA antibodies
D. Anemia