(2026) Q&A
1. A 62-year-old patient with obstructive sleep apnea is being evaluated. Which of
the following is a known contributing factor for this condition?
A) A history of chronic alcoholism
B) A collar size of 17 inches
C) A body mass index of 22 kg/m²
D) A family history of migraines
Correct Answer: B) A collar size of 17 inches
Rationale: A collar size greater than 17 inches in men is a significant risk factor for
obstructive sleep apnea due to increased adipose tissue around the upper airway.
This leads to airway narrowing and collapse during sleep. A history of alcoholism may
contribute but is not as directly causative, while a low BMI is not typically associated
with this condition.
2. A patient presents with sudden dizziness and vertigo. The provider suspects
peripheral vestibular disease. Which of the following medications is most appropriate
to decrease edema in the labyrinth of the ear?
A) Furosemide
B) Diamox (acetazolamide)
C) Meclizine
D) Prochlorperazine
Correct Answer: B) Diamox (acetazolamide)
,Rationale: Diamox (acetazolamide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that can
decrease fluid accumulation in the inner ear, helping to reduce the edema associated
with peripheral vestibular disorders. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is less specific,
while meclizine and prochlorperazine are used for symptomatic relief of nausea and
vertigo but do not address the underlying edema.
3. A patient presents with a painful vesicular rash on the right side of the torso. What
is usually the first sign or symptom that would make you suspect herpes zoster?
A) Fever and chills
B) A prodrome of pain, burning, or tingling
C) Generalized lymphadenopathy
D) Headache and photophobia
Correct Answer: B) A prodrome of pain, burning, or tingling
Rationale: The first sign of herpes zoster is typically a prodrome of localized pain,
burning, or tingling in the affected dermatome, which can precede the appearance of
the vesicular rash by several days. Fever, lymphadenopathy, and headache are less
specific and usually occur later, if at all.
4. A patient is suspected of having metabolic syndrome. Which of the following
parameters is indicative of this syndrome?
A) A triglyceride level of 140 mg/dL
B) A waist circumference of 36 inches
C) A blood pressure of 128/84 mmHg
D) A fasting blood glucose of 99 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B) A waist circumference of 36 inches
, Rationale: Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a patient meets at least three of
five criteria. A waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women is one of these
criteria, indicating central obesity. While elevated triglycerides and blood pressure
are also criteria, they are not as specifically indicative on their own without
considering the other parameters.
5. According to the ACC/AHA guidelines, patients with left ventricular dysfunction
and symptoms of heart failure are classified in which stage?
A) Stage A
B) Stage B
C) Stage C
D) Stage D
Correct Answer: C) Stage C
Rationale: The ACC/AHA heart failure staging system defines Stage C as patients
with structural heart disease and current or prior symptoms of heart failure. Stage A
includes patients at high risk without structural heart disease, Stage B includes
patients with structural heart disease but no symptoms, and Stage D includes
patients with refractory symptoms requiring specialized interventions.
6. A patient presents with chest pain that occurs during sleep and most often in the
early morning hours. Which type of angina is most likely?
A) Stable angina
B) Unstable angina
C) Variant (Prinzmetal's) angina
D) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Correct Answer: C) Variant (Prinzmetal's) angina