COMSAE Phase 2 - BSA 119 Intensive
Review: Exam-Focused Practice
Questions, Detailed Answer Keys, and
Step-by-Step Rationales (PDF)
1. A 4-year-old child presents with a barking cough and
inspiratory stridor. What is the most appropriate initial
management?
A. Dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine
B. Intubation
C. Inhaled albuterol
D. Chest X-ray
Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is managed with steroids
and racemic epinephrine for moderate-to-severe stridor to
reduce airway inflammation.
2. A 28-year-old G1P0 at 32 weeks gestation presents with
vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound shows the placenta
covering the internal os. What is the diagnosis?
A. Placenta previa
B. Placental abruption
C. Vasa previa
D. Uterine rupture
,Placenta previa is defined by the placenta covering the
cervical os, commonly presenting as painless vaginal bleeding
in the third trimester.
3. A 20-year-old student presents with a 2-week history of
depressed mood, loss of interest in school, and early
morning awakening. Diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Dysthymia
D. Adjustment disorder
Major depressive disorder requires at least 2 weeks of
symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia,
interfering with daily function.
4. A 6-month-old infant is brought in for a well-child check.
The mother is concerned about his development. Which
milestone should he have achieved?
A. Sitting without support
B. Walking independently
C. Standing with assistance
D. Walking backward
At 6 months, infants are expected to be able to sit with
support or without support; developmental milestones are
critical for board exams.
, 5. A 75-year-old patient refuses a life-saving blood
transfusion due to religious beliefs. The patient is alert
and oriented. Next step?
A. Respect the patient’s decision
B. Seek a court order
C. Administer the transfusion against their will
D. Consult hospital administration
Autonomy is a fundamental bioethical principle; a competent
adult has the right to refuse any medical treatment.
6. A 2-year-old presents with a fever, irritability, and
tugging at the right ear. Tympanic membrane is
erythematous and bulging. Diagnosis?
A. Acute otitis media
B. Otitis externa
C. Eustachian tube dysfunction
D. Mastoiditis
Bulging and erythema of the tympanic membrane are the
diagnostic hallmarks of acute otitis media.
7. A 30-year-old female presents with a midline thyroid
nodule that moves with swallowing. Next step?
A. TSH level and ultrasound
B. Immediate biopsy
C. Radioactive iodine scan
D. Surgical excision
, The initial evaluation of a thyroid nodule requires checking
TSH to assess thyroid function and an ultrasound to
characterize the nodule.
8. A 35-year-old patient presents with severe right-sided
headache, unilateral ptosis, and miosis. Diagnosis?
A. Cluster headache
B. Migraine
C. Tension headache
D. Trigeminal neuralgia
Cluster headaches are often associated with autonomic
symptoms like ptosis, miosis, and lacrimation.
9. A 50-year-old presents with progressive weakness and
muscle atrophy. EMG shows widespread denervation.
Diagnosis?
A. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
B. Multiple sclerosis
C. Myasthenia gravis
D. Guillain-Barre
ALS presents with both upper and lower motor neuron signs,
including muscle atrophy and fasciculations.
10. A 20-year-old presents with a firm, painless mass in
the scrotum that does not transilluminate. Diagnosis?
A. Testicular cancer
B. Hydrocele
Review: Exam-Focused Practice
Questions, Detailed Answer Keys, and
Step-by-Step Rationales (PDF)
1. A 4-year-old child presents with a barking cough and
inspiratory stridor. What is the most appropriate initial
management?
A. Dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine
B. Intubation
C. Inhaled albuterol
D. Chest X-ray
Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is managed with steroids
and racemic epinephrine for moderate-to-severe stridor to
reduce airway inflammation.
2. A 28-year-old G1P0 at 32 weeks gestation presents with
vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound shows the placenta
covering the internal os. What is the diagnosis?
A. Placenta previa
B. Placental abruption
C. Vasa previa
D. Uterine rupture
,Placenta previa is defined by the placenta covering the
cervical os, commonly presenting as painless vaginal bleeding
in the third trimester.
3. A 20-year-old student presents with a 2-week history of
depressed mood, loss of interest in school, and early
morning awakening. Diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Dysthymia
D. Adjustment disorder
Major depressive disorder requires at least 2 weeks of
symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia,
interfering with daily function.
4. A 6-month-old infant is brought in for a well-child check.
The mother is concerned about his development. Which
milestone should he have achieved?
A. Sitting without support
B. Walking independently
C. Standing with assistance
D. Walking backward
At 6 months, infants are expected to be able to sit with
support or without support; developmental milestones are
critical for board exams.
, 5. A 75-year-old patient refuses a life-saving blood
transfusion due to religious beliefs. The patient is alert
and oriented. Next step?
A. Respect the patient’s decision
B. Seek a court order
C. Administer the transfusion against their will
D. Consult hospital administration
Autonomy is a fundamental bioethical principle; a competent
adult has the right to refuse any medical treatment.
6. A 2-year-old presents with a fever, irritability, and
tugging at the right ear. Tympanic membrane is
erythematous and bulging. Diagnosis?
A. Acute otitis media
B. Otitis externa
C. Eustachian tube dysfunction
D. Mastoiditis
Bulging and erythema of the tympanic membrane are the
diagnostic hallmarks of acute otitis media.
7. A 30-year-old female presents with a midline thyroid
nodule that moves with swallowing. Next step?
A. TSH level and ultrasound
B. Immediate biopsy
C. Radioactive iodine scan
D. Surgical excision
, The initial evaluation of a thyroid nodule requires checking
TSH to assess thyroid function and an ultrasound to
characterize the nodule.
8. A 35-year-old patient presents with severe right-sided
headache, unilateral ptosis, and miosis. Diagnosis?
A. Cluster headache
B. Migraine
C. Tension headache
D. Trigeminal neuralgia
Cluster headaches are often associated with autonomic
symptoms like ptosis, miosis, and lacrimation.
9. A 50-year-old presents with progressive weakness and
muscle atrophy. EMG shows widespread denervation.
Diagnosis?
A. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
B. Multiple sclerosis
C. Myasthenia gravis
D. Guillain-Barre
ALS presents with both upper and lower motor neuron signs,
including muscle atrophy and fasciculations.
10. A 20-year-old presents with a firm, painless mass in
the scrotum that does not transilluminate. Diagnosis?
A. Testicular cancer
B. Hydrocele
