APEA PREDICTOR PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 65-year-old patient presents with a holosystolic, blowing murmur heard best at the apex,
which radiates to the left axilla. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Aortic Stenosis
B. Mitral Regurgitation
C. Mitral Stenosis
D. Tricuspid Regurgitation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mitral regurgitation is a holosystolic murmur heard best at the
apex with radiation to the axilla. Aortic stenosis is a mid-systolic ejection murmur heard
best at the right upper sternal border.
2. Which of the following laboratory findings is most characteristic of iron deficiency anemia?
A. High Ferritin and High MCV
B. High TIBC and High MCV
C. Low Ferritin and Low MCV
D. Low TIBC and Low MCV
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Iron deficiency anemia is a microcytic anemia (low MCV)
characterized by low ferritin (depleted stores) and high TIBC (increased capacity for iron
binding).
3. A patient with a history of heart failure and a sulfa allergy requires a diuretic. Which of the
following should be used with caution?
A. Spironolactone
B. Furosemide
C. Triamterene
D. Amiloride
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Loop diuretics like Furosemide contain a sulfonamide group.
While cross-reactivity is rare, they should be monitored closely in patients with severe
sulfa allergies.
4. An 8-year-old child presents with a ‘slapped-cheek’ appearance and a lacy, reticular rash on
the trunk. What is the most likely causative agent?
A. Human Herpesvirus 6
B. Varicella-Zoster Virus
C. Coxsackievirus
, D. Parvovirus B19
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Parvovirus B19 causes Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth disease),
which is classically characterized by the slapped-cheek rash and lacy trunk rash.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Gout. Which medication should be avoided during an acute
flare?
A. Indomethacin
B. Colchicine
C. Naproxen
D. Allopurinol
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Allopurinol is used for chronic gout management to lower uric
acid levels. Starting it during an acute flare can exacerbate symptoms by mobilizing uric
acid crystals.
6. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for a patient diagnosed with mild to
moderate Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
A. Oral Prednisone
B. Oral Isotretinoin
C. Intravenous Vancomycin
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 65-year-old patient presents with a holosystolic, blowing murmur heard best at the apex,
which radiates to the left axilla. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Aortic Stenosis
B. Mitral Regurgitation
C. Mitral Stenosis
D. Tricuspid Regurgitation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mitral regurgitation is a holosystolic murmur heard best at the
apex with radiation to the axilla. Aortic stenosis is a mid-systolic ejection murmur heard
best at the right upper sternal border.
2. Which of the following laboratory findings is most characteristic of iron deficiency anemia?
A. High Ferritin and High MCV
B. High TIBC and High MCV
C. Low Ferritin and Low MCV
D. Low TIBC and Low MCV
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Iron deficiency anemia is a microcytic anemia (low MCV)
characterized by low ferritin (depleted stores) and high TIBC (increased capacity for iron
binding).
3. A patient with a history of heart failure and a sulfa allergy requires a diuretic. Which of the
following should be used with caution?
A. Spironolactone
B. Furosemide
C. Triamterene
D. Amiloride
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Loop diuretics like Furosemide contain a sulfonamide group.
While cross-reactivity is rare, they should be monitored closely in patients with severe
sulfa allergies.
4. An 8-year-old child presents with a ‘slapped-cheek’ appearance and a lacy, reticular rash on
the trunk. What is the most likely causative agent?
A. Human Herpesvirus 6
B. Varicella-Zoster Virus
C. Coxsackievirus
, D. Parvovirus B19
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Parvovirus B19 causes Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth disease),
which is classically characterized by the slapped-cheek rash and lacy trunk rash.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Gout. Which medication should be avoided during an acute
flare?
A. Indomethacin
B. Colchicine
C. Naproxen
D. Allopurinol
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Allopurinol is used for chronic gout management to lower uric
acid levels. Starting it during an acute flare can exacerbate symptoms by mobilizing uric
acid crystals.
6. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for a patient diagnosed with mild to
moderate Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
A. Oral Prednisone
B. Oral Isotretinoin
C. Intravenous Vancomycin
