APEA EXAM REVIEW Questions and
Answers
1.Which headache sign does not warrant an immediate
investigation?
1) aggravated or relieved by change of position
2) precipitated by Valsalva manuever
3) new onset after age 50
4) relieved with use of common analgesics
Answer Relieved with use of common analgesics
Headaches that respond and are relieved by common analgesics (like
over-the-counter pain relief medications) are usually indicative of primary
headache disorders like tension-type headaches or migraines, which are
less likely to be associated with serious underlying conditions.
In contrast, headaches that are aggravated or relieved by change of
position, precipitated by Valsalva maneuver (like coughing, bending, or
lifting), or new onset after age 50 can be indicative of more serious
underlying conditions and typically warrant further medical investigation.
2.During a migraine, what happens to the cerebral arteries?
1) They dilate
2) They constrict
3) They vibrate
4) They pulsate
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14
, Answer They dilate
The pathophysiology of migraines is complex and involves various
neurological and vascular changes. One of the vascular changes
believed to occur during a migraine is the dilation of cerebral arteries.
This dilation can contribute to the sensation of throbbing or pulsating
pain, which is a characteristic feature of migraine headaches.
3.You are evaluating a 15-year-old patient for bipolar disorder.
His parents tell you that he has severe mood swings, is easily
distracted, and constantly corrects his teachers. You would
have a high suspicion for bipolar if which symptom was
present?
1) He is forgetful
2) He sleeps less than 4 hours nightly
3) He does not complete tasks
4) He blurts out answers in class inappropriately
Answer He sleeps less than 4 hours nightly
Decreased need for sleep, especially significantly less sleep like less than
4 hours nightly without feeling fatigued, is a common symptom during
manic or hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder. This symptom can be
part of a broader pattern of increased energy, activity, and sometimes
impulsivity or risk-taking behaviors.
The other symptoms you listed, such as forgetfulness, not completing
tasks, and blurting out answers in class, while concerning, could be
indicative of a variety of conditions, including
2/
14
Answers
1.Which headache sign does not warrant an immediate
investigation?
1) aggravated or relieved by change of position
2) precipitated by Valsalva manuever
3) new onset after age 50
4) relieved with use of common analgesics
Answer Relieved with use of common analgesics
Headaches that respond and are relieved by common analgesics (like
over-the-counter pain relief medications) are usually indicative of primary
headache disorders like tension-type headaches or migraines, which are
less likely to be associated with serious underlying conditions.
In contrast, headaches that are aggravated or relieved by change of
position, precipitated by Valsalva maneuver (like coughing, bending, or
lifting), or new onset after age 50 can be indicative of more serious
underlying conditions and typically warrant further medical investigation.
2.During a migraine, what happens to the cerebral arteries?
1) They dilate
2) They constrict
3) They vibrate
4) They pulsate
1/
14
, Answer They dilate
The pathophysiology of migraines is complex and involves various
neurological and vascular changes. One of the vascular changes
believed to occur during a migraine is the dilation of cerebral arteries.
This dilation can contribute to the sensation of throbbing or pulsating
pain, which is a characteristic feature of migraine headaches.
3.You are evaluating a 15-year-old patient for bipolar disorder.
His parents tell you that he has severe mood swings, is easily
distracted, and constantly corrects his teachers. You would
have a high suspicion for bipolar if which symptom was
present?
1) He is forgetful
2) He sleeps less than 4 hours nightly
3) He does not complete tasks
4) He blurts out answers in class inappropriately
Answer He sleeps less than 4 hours nightly
Decreased need for sleep, especially significantly less sleep like less than
4 hours nightly without feeling fatigued, is a common symptom during
manic or hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder. This symptom can be
part of a broader pattern of increased energy, activity, and sometimes
impulsivity or risk-taking behaviors.
The other symptoms you listed, such as forgetfulness, not completing
tasks, and blurting out answers in class, while concerning, could be
indicative of a variety of conditions, including
2/
14
