PAEA EOC & SUMMATIVE EXAM
VERSION 2 2025 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS 2025
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
1. A 52-year-old male presents with fatigue and pallor. Labs reveal hemoglobin
8.2 g/dL, MCV 72 fL, and low serum ferritin. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Anemia of chronic disease
B. Iron deficiency anemia
C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
D. Thalassemia minor
Iron deficiency anemia presents with microcytic, hypochromic anemia, and low
ferritin confirms depleted iron stores. Anemia of chronic disease usually shows
normal to high ferritin.
2. A patient with atrial fibrillation is started on warfarin. What is the primary
goal of therapy?
A. Reduce heart rate
,B. Prevent arrhythmia recurrence
C. Prevent thromboembolic stroke
D. Lower blood pressure
Warfarin is used to reduce the risk of thromboembolic stroke in atrial fibrillation
by anticoagulating the patient. Rate or rhythm control is addressed with other
medications.
3. A 23-year-old female presents with dysuria, frequency, and urgency. UA
shows positive nitrites and leukocyte esterase. What is the next best step?
A. Order renal ultrasound
B. Initiate empiric antibiotic therapy
C. Refer to urology
D. Begin cranberry supplements
Empiric antibiotics are appropriate for uncomplicated cystitis based on classic
symptoms and supportive UA findings. Imaging is not needed unless
complicated.
4. Which condition is characterized by a positive anti-centromere antibody?
A. Systemic lupus erythematosus
B. Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST)
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Sjögren syndrome
CREST syndrome is associated with anti-centromere antibodies and is a limited
form of systemic sclerosis.
, 5. A child presents with barking cough and inspiratory stridor. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Epiglottitis
B. Croup
C. Bronchiolitis
D. Asthma
Croup (laryngotracheitis) typically presents in children with a barking cough,
stridor, and hoarseness due to parainfluenza virus.
6. What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the U.S.?
A. Hypertriglyceridemia
B. Infection
C. Gallstones
D. Trauma
Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the U.S.,
followed by alcohol.
7. Which antibiotic is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of tooth
discoloration in the fetus?
A. Cephalexin
B. Doxycycline
C. Amoxicillin
D. Azithromycin
VERSION 2 2025 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS 2025
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
1. A 52-year-old male presents with fatigue and pallor. Labs reveal hemoglobin
8.2 g/dL, MCV 72 fL, and low serum ferritin. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Anemia of chronic disease
B. Iron deficiency anemia
C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
D. Thalassemia minor
Iron deficiency anemia presents with microcytic, hypochromic anemia, and low
ferritin confirms depleted iron stores. Anemia of chronic disease usually shows
normal to high ferritin.
2. A patient with atrial fibrillation is started on warfarin. What is the primary
goal of therapy?
A. Reduce heart rate
,B. Prevent arrhythmia recurrence
C. Prevent thromboembolic stroke
D. Lower blood pressure
Warfarin is used to reduce the risk of thromboembolic stroke in atrial fibrillation
by anticoagulating the patient. Rate or rhythm control is addressed with other
medications.
3. A 23-year-old female presents with dysuria, frequency, and urgency. UA
shows positive nitrites and leukocyte esterase. What is the next best step?
A. Order renal ultrasound
B. Initiate empiric antibiotic therapy
C. Refer to urology
D. Begin cranberry supplements
Empiric antibiotics are appropriate for uncomplicated cystitis based on classic
symptoms and supportive UA findings. Imaging is not needed unless
complicated.
4. Which condition is characterized by a positive anti-centromere antibody?
A. Systemic lupus erythematosus
B. Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST)
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Sjögren syndrome
CREST syndrome is associated with anti-centromere antibodies and is a limited
form of systemic sclerosis.
, 5. A child presents with barking cough and inspiratory stridor. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Epiglottitis
B. Croup
C. Bronchiolitis
D. Asthma
Croup (laryngotracheitis) typically presents in children with a barking cough,
stridor, and hoarseness due to parainfluenza virus.
6. What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the U.S.?
A. Hypertriglyceridemia
B. Infection
C. Gallstones
D. Trauma
Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the U.S.,
followed by alcohol.
7. Which antibiotic is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of tooth
discoloration in the fetus?
A. Cephalexin
B. Doxycycline
C. Amoxicillin
D. Azithromycin
