,Mastering the PA Exam: 7th Edition
Question Bank
Based on A Comprehensive Review for the
Certification and Recertification
Examinations for PAs, 7th Edition
By Claire Babcock O’Connell & Thea
Cogan-Drew
“Your Ultimate PA Exam MCQ Workbook: All Chapters, All
Topics, Fully Explained”
“Ace the PANCE & PANRE: 7th Edition-Based Complete
Question Review Guide”
table of contents
1 Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology 2 Pulmonology
Disorders of the Eyes Infectious Disorders
Disorders of the Ears Neoplastic Diseases
Disorders of the Nose, Sinus, and Throat Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Pleural Diseases
Pulmonary Circulation
Restrictive Pulmonary Diseases
, 1 Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology 2 Pulmonology
Other Pulmonary Diseases
3 Cardiovascular Medicine 4 Hematology
Major Principles of Cardiac Care Red Cell Disorders
Hypertension White Cell Disorders
Heart Failure (HF) Lymphomas and Myeloma
Shock Platelet and Bleeding Disorders
Hypotension Thrombotic Disorders and Hypercoagulable Conditions
Atherosclerosis
Ischemic Heart Disease (Angina)
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Valvular Disorders
Cardiomyopathies
Congenital Heart Anomalies
Rate and Rhythm Disorders
Conduction Disturbances
Pericardial Disorders
Infective Endocarditis
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disorders
Giant Cell Arteritis
Aortic Aneurysms
5 Gastroenterology 6 Nephrology and Urology
Diseases of the Esophagus Renal Failure
Diseases of the Stomach Glomerular Disorders
Diseases of the Small Intestine and Colon Polycystic Kidney Disease
Diseases of the Rectum and Anus Nephrolithiasis
Appendicitis Disorders of Salt and Water
Diseases of the Pancreas Electrolyte Disorders
Diseases of the Biliary Tract Acid–Base Disorders
Diseases of the Liver Urinary Tract Infection
Hernias Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Congenital Abnormalities Incontinence
Nutritional Deficiencies Neoplasms of the Urinary Tract
Metabolic Disorders Male Reproductive Disorders
, 7 Gynecology 8 Obstetrics
Menstrual Disorders Routine Prenatal Care and Prenatal Diagnostic Testing
Uterine Disorders High-Risk Pregnancy
Ovarian Disorders Complications of Pregnancy
Cervical Dysplasia and Neoplasia Labor and Delivery
Vaginal and Vulvar Neoplasms Puerperium
Breast Disorders
Contraceptive Methods
Infertility
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
9 Rheumatology and Orthopedics (Musculoskeletal System) 10 Endocrinology
Arthritis/Rheumatologic Conditions Parathyroid Disorders
Bone and Joint Disorders Thyroid Disorders
Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains Pituitary Gland
Disorders of the Head and Neck Diabetes Mellitus
Disorders of the Shoulder and Upper Extremity Hyperlipidemia
Disorders of the Back Adrenal Gland Disorders
Disorders of the Hip and Lower Extremity
11 Neurology 12 Psychiatry
Diagnosis of Neurologic Disorders Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders
Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic
Cerebrovascular Disease
Disorders
Seizure Disorders Somatic Symptom Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis Mood Disorders
Dementia Personality Disorders
Headache Anxiety Disorders
Movement Disorders Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
Diseases of Peripheral Nerves Eating Disorders
Central Nervous System Infection Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Central Nervous System Trauma Childhood Disorders
Primary Central Nervous System
Abuse and Neglect
Neoplasms
Sleep Disorders Sexual Violence and Rape
Uncomplicated Bereavement
13 Dermatology 14 Infectious Disease
Diagnosis Fever
, 13 Dermatology 14 Infectious Disease
Maculopapular and Plaque Disorders Sepsis
Vesiculobullous Disorders Bacterial Infections
Papulopustular Inflammatory Disorders Viral Infections
Localized Skin Infections Fungal Infections
Dermatophytosis Parasitic Infections
Parasitic Infestations Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Warts (Verrucae) Tick-Borne Illnesses
Tumors
Ulcers, Burns, and Wounds
Hair and Nails
Pigmentation Disorders
Angioedema and Urticaria
15 Surgery 16 Geriatrics
Patient History Background
Preoperative Evaluation Patient Care
Selected Common Diseases and Disorders with Unique
Trauma
Features in the Elderly
Burns Legal, Ethical, and Financial Issues
Orthopedic Injuries
Postoperative Complications
Laparoscopic and Bariatric
Surgery
17 Pediatrics
Examination of the Newborn
Problems Common to the Term Newborn
Developmental Milestones and Disorders
Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Chromosomal Abnormalities, and Common Dysmorphic
Syndromes
Failure to Thrive, Growth Delay, and Selected Nutritional Disorders of Childhood
Immunization of Infants and Children
Common Pediatric Poisonings
Common Pediatric Disorders
Caring for the Adolescent
,Chapter 1: Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (Disorders of
the Eyes; Disorders of the Ears; Disorders of the Nose, Sinus,
and Throat)
Disorders of the Eyes (13 Questions)
1. A 7-year-old boy presents with sudden onset of redness,
itching, and a stringy, white discharge in both eyes for 2 days
after swimming in a lake. His vision is normal. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Bacterial conjunctivitis
B. Viral conjunctivitis
C. Allergic conjunctivitis
D. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Answer: C
Rationale: Itchy, bilateral, stringy discharge post-allergen
exposure is classic allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial typically has
purulent discharge; viral has watery discharge and follicles;
hemorrhage is painless and without discharge.
2. A 65-year-old woman reports gradual, painless loss of
peripheral vision over several months. Intraocular pressure is
elevated. Fundoscopy shows optic disc cupping. Which
condition is most consistent?
A. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
B. Open-angle glaucoma
C. Cataract
D. Age-related macular degeneration
,Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic open-angle glaucoma causes gradual
peripheral vision loss, elevated pressure, and optic disc
cupping. Angle-closure is acute and painful; cataract affects
central clarity; macular degeneration affects central vision.
3. A patient has difficulty reading fine print and complains of
eye strain when doing close work. Examination reveals reduced
accommodation but normal fundus and extraocular
movements. What is the most likely cause?
A. Presbyopia
B. Myopia
C. Hyperopia
D. Astigmatism
Answer: A
Rationale: Presbyopia is age-related loss of accommodation
causing difficulty with near vision. Myopia causes difficulty with
distance; hyperopia varies; astigmatism causes blurred vision at
all distances.
4. A 30-year-old woman reports acute onset of severe eye pain,
headache, and blurred vision in her right eye. The eye is red,
mid-dilated pupil is nonreactive to light, and the cornea is hazy.
Intraocular pressure is 60 mm Hg. Diagnosis?
A. Viral keratitis
B. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
,C. Iritis
D. Scleritis
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden pain, red eye, mid-dilated nonreactive pupil,
corneal haze, and high IOP indicate acute angle-closure
glaucoma. Iritis may cause photophobia but not extreme
pressure; keratitis shows corneal ulcer; scleritis is diffuse
inflammation.
5. A 45-year-old diabetic presents with sudden, painless loss of
vision in one eye described as a “curtain coming down.”
Fundoscopy reveals a pale retina with a cherry-red spot. What
is diagnosis?
A. Central retinal artery occlusion
B. Central retinal vein occlusion
C. Retinal detachment
D. Optic neuritis
Answer: A
Rationale: Acute, painless vision loss with pale retina and
cherry-red fovea is central retinal artery occlusion. Vein
occlusion shows “blood and thunder” retina; detachment has
floaters and flashes; optic neuritis is painful.
6. A patient complains of intermittent halos around lights and
occasional brow ache with reading glasses on. Examination
shows corneal edema and IOP of 45 mm Hg. She likely has:
,A. Chronic open-angle glaucoma
B. Pigment dispersion syndrome
C. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
D. Neovascular glaucoma
Answer: C
Rationale: Intermittent halos, episodic IOP spikes, and brow
ache indicate intermittent angle closure progressing to acute
episodes.
7. A child presents with a painless, yellowish nodule on the
conjunctiva near the limbus that is slowly enlarging but does
not invade the cornea. Diagnosis?
A. Pterygium
B. Pinguecula
C. Chalazion
D. Dermoid cyst
Answer: B
Rationale: Pinguecula are yellow, elevated conjunctival nodules
adjacent to the limbus. Pterygium invades the cornea; chalazion
is a lid lesion; dermoid is congenital.
8. A 28-year-old contact lens wearer has corneal pain,
photophobia, and a white corneal infiltrate. Fluorescein
staining shows a dendritic ulcer. Etiology?
A. Acanthamoeba
B. Staphylococcus aureus
, C. Herpes simplex virus
D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Answer: C
Rationale: Dendritic corneal ulcer is pathognomonic for HSV
keratitis. Pseudomonas in CL wear causes rapid ulcer but not
dendrites; Acanthamoeba causes ring infiltrate; Staph causes
marginal ulcer.
9. A 55-year-old complains of blurring of distant vision, glare at
night, and difficulty driving. Slit-lamp exam shows lens
opacification. Best next step?
A. Prescribe miotic drops
B. Schedule cataract extraction
C. Start topical steroids
D. Monitor with no treatment
Answer: B
Rationale: Symptomatic cataract impairing daily activities
warrants surgical extraction. Miotics and steroids are not
indicated; watchful waiting only if vision acceptable.
10. A 22-year-old presents with stiff, red eyelids and scales at
the lash base, with mild eye irritation. The likely diagnosis is:
A. Blepharitis
B. Hordeolum
C. Dacryocystitis
D. Chalazion
Question Bank
Based on A Comprehensive Review for the
Certification and Recertification
Examinations for PAs, 7th Edition
By Claire Babcock O’Connell & Thea
Cogan-Drew
“Your Ultimate PA Exam MCQ Workbook: All Chapters, All
Topics, Fully Explained”
“Ace the PANCE & PANRE: 7th Edition-Based Complete
Question Review Guide”
table of contents
1 Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology 2 Pulmonology
Disorders of the Eyes Infectious Disorders
Disorders of the Ears Neoplastic Diseases
Disorders of the Nose, Sinus, and Throat Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Pleural Diseases
Pulmonary Circulation
Restrictive Pulmonary Diseases
, 1 Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology 2 Pulmonology
Other Pulmonary Diseases
3 Cardiovascular Medicine 4 Hematology
Major Principles of Cardiac Care Red Cell Disorders
Hypertension White Cell Disorders
Heart Failure (HF) Lymphomas and Myeloma
Shock Platelet and Bleeding Disorders
Hypotension Thrombotic Disorders and Hypercoagulable Conditions
Atherosclerosis
Ischemic Heart Disease (Angina)
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Valvular Disorders
Cardiomyopathies
Congenital Heart Anomalies
Rate and Rhythm Disorders
Conduction Disturbances
Pericardial Disorders
Infective Endocarditis
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disorders
Giant Cell Arteritis
Aortic Aneurysms
5 Gastroenterology 6 Nephrology and Urology
Diseases of the Esophagus Renal Failure
Diseases of the Stomach Glomerular Disorders
Diseases of the Small Intestine and Colon Polycystic Kidney Disease
Diseases of the Rectum and Anus Nephrolithiasis
Appendicitis Disorders of Salt and Water
Diseases of the Pancreas Electrolyte Disorders
Diseases of the Biliary Tract Acid–Base Disorders
Diseases of the Liver Urinary Tract Infection
Hernias Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Congenital Abnormalities Incontinence
Nutritional Deficiencies Neoplasms of the Urinary Tract
Metabolic Disorders Male Reproductive Disorders
, 7 Gynecology 8 Obstetrics
Menstrual Disorders Routine Prenatal Care and Prenatal Diagnostic Testing
Uterine Disorders High-Risk Pregnancy
Ovarian Disorders Complications of Pregnancy
Cervical Dysplasia and Neoplasia Labor and Delivery
Vaginal and Vulvar Neoplasms Puerperium
Breast Disorders
Contraceptive Methods
Infertility
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
9 Rheumatology and Orthopedics (Musculoskeletal System) 10 Endocrinology
Arthritis/Rheumatologic Conditions Parathyroid Disorders
Bone and Joint Disorders Thyroid Disorders
Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains Pituitary Gland
Disorders of the Head and Neck Diabetes Mellitus
Disorders of the Shoulder and Upper Extremity Hyperlipidemia
Disorders of the Back Adrenal Gland Disorders
Disorders of the Hip and Lower Extremity
11 Neurology 12 Psychiatry
Diagnosis of Neurologic Disorders Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders
Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic
Cerebrovascular Disease
Disorders
Seizure Disorders Somatic Symptom Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis Mood Disorders
Dementia Personality Disorders
Headache Anxiety Disorders
Movement Disorders Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
Diseases of Peripheral Nerves Eating Disorders
Central Nervous System Infection Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Central Nervous System Trauma Childhood Disorders
Primary Central Nervous System
Abuse and Neglect
Neoplasms
Sleep Disorders Sexual Violence and Rape
Uncomplicated Bereavement
13 Dermatology 14 Infectious Disease
Diagnosis Fever
, 13 Dermatology 14 Infectious Disease
Maculopapular and Plaque Disorders Sepsis
Vesiculobullous Disorders Bacterial Infections
Papulopustular Inflammatory Disorders Viral Infections
Localized Skin Infections Fungal Infections
Dermatophytosis Parasitic Infections
Parasitic Infestations Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Warts (Verrucae) Tick-Borne Illnesses
Tumors
Ulcers, Burns, and Wounds
Hair and Nails
Pigmentation Disorders
Angioedema and Urticaria
15 Surgery 16 Geriatrics
Patient History Background
Preoperative Evaluation Patient Care
Selected Common Diseases and Disorders with Unique
Trauma
Features in the Elderly
Burns Legal, Ethical, and Financial Issues
Orthopedic Injuries
Postoperative Complications
Laparoscopic and Bariatric
Surgery
17 Pediatrics
Examination of the Newborn
Problems Common to the Term Newborn
Developmental Milestones and Disorders
Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Chromosomal Abnormalities, and Common Dysmorphic
Syndromes
Failure to Thrive, Growth Delay, and Selected Nutritional Disorders of Childhood
Immunization of Infants and Children
Common Pediatric Poisonings
Common Pediatric Disorders
Caring for the Adolescent
,Chapter 1: Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (Disorders of
the Eyes; Disorders of the Ears; Disorders of the Nose, Sinus,
and Throat)
Disorders of the Eyes (13 Questions)
1. A 7-year-old boy presents with sudden onset of redness,
itching, and a stringy, white discharge in both eyes for 2 days
after swimming in a lake. His vision is normal. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Bacterial conjunctivitis
B. Viral conjunctivitis
C. Allergic conjunctivitis
D. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Answer: C
Rationale: Itchy, bilateral, stringy discharge post-allergen
exposure is classic allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial typically has
purulent discharge; viral has watery discharge and follicles;
hemorrhage is painless and without discharge.
2. A 65-year-old woman reports gradual, painless loss of
peripheral vision over several months. Intraocular pressure is
elevated. Fundoscopy shows optic disc cupping. Which
condition is most consistent?
A. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
B. Open-angle glaucoma
C. Cataract
D. Age-related macular degeneration
,Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic open-angle glaucoma causes gradual
peripheral vision loss, elevated pressure, and optic disc
cupping. Angle-closure is acute and painful; cataract affects
central clarity; macular degeneration affects central vision.
3. A patient has difficulty reading fine print and complains of
eye strain when doing close work. Examination reveals reduced
accommodation but normal fundus and extraocular
movements. What is the most likely cause?
A. Presbyopia
B. Myopia
C. Hyperopia
D. Astigmatism
Answer: A
Rationale: Presbyopia is age-related loss of accommodation
causing difficulty with near vision. Myopia causes difficulty with
distance; hyperopia varies; astigmatism causes blurred vision at
all distances.
4. A 30-year-old woman reports acute onset of severe eye pain,
headache, and blurred vision in her right eye. The eye is red,
mid-dilated pupil is nonreactive to light, and the cornea is hazy.
Intraocular pressure is 60 mm Hg. Diagnosis?
A. Viral keratitis
B. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
,C. Iritis
D. Scleritis
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden pain, red eye, mid-dilated nonreactive pupil,
corneal haze, and high IOP indicate acute angle-closure
glaucoma. Iritis may cause photophobia but not extreme
pressure; keratitis shows corneal ulcer; scleritis is diffuse
inflammation.
5. A 45-year-old diabetic presents with sudden, painless loss of
vision in one eye described as a “curtain coming down.”
Fundoscopy reveals a pale retina with a cherry-red spot. What
is diagnosis?
A. Central retinal artery occlusion
B. Central retinal vein occlusion
C. Retinal detachment
D. Optic neuritis
Answer: A
Rationale: Acute, painless vision loss with pale retina and
cherry-red fovea is central retinal artery occlusion. Vein
occlusion shows “blood and thunder” retina; detachment has
floaters and flashes; optic neuritis is painful.
6. A patient complains of intermittent halos around lights and
occasional brow ache with reading glasses on. Examination
shows corneal edema and IOP of 45 mm Hg. She likely has:
,A. Chronic open-angle glaucoma
B. Pigment dispersion syndrome
C. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
D. Neovascular glaucoma
Answer: C
Rationale: Intermittent halos, episodic IOP spikes, and brow
ache indicate intermittent angle closure progressing to acute
episodes.
7. A child presents with a painless, yellowish nodule on the
conjunctiva near the limbus that is slowly enlarging but does
not invade the cornea. Diagnosis?
A. Pterygium
B. Pinguecula
C. Chalazion
D. Dermoid cyst
Answer: B
Rationale: Pinguecula are yellow, elevated conjunctival nodules
adjacent to the limbus. Pterygium invades the cornea; chalazion
is a lid lesion; dermoid is congenital.
8. A 28-year-old contact lens wearer has corneal pain,
photophobia, and a white corneal infiltrate. Fluorescein
staining shows a dendritic ulcer. Etiology?
A. Acanthamoeba
B. Staphylococcus aureus
, C. Herpes simplex virus
D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Answer: C
Rationale: Dendritic corneal ulcer is pathognomonic for HSV
keratitis. Pseudomonas in CL wear causes rapid ulcer but not
dendrites; Acanthamoeba causes ring infiltrate; Staph causes
marginal ulcer.
9. A 55-year-old complains of blurring of distant vision, glare at
night, and difficulty driving. Slit-lamp exam shows lens
opacification. Best next step?
A. Prescribe miotic drops
B. Schedule cataract extraction
C. Start topical steroids
D. Monitor with no treatment
Answer: B
Rationale: Symptomatic cataract impairing daily activities
warrants surgical extraction. Miotics and steroids are not
indicated; watchful waiting only if vision acceptable.
10. A 22-year-old presents with stiff, red eyelids and scales at
the lash base, with mild eye irritation. The likely diagnosis is:
A. Blepharitis
B. Hordeolum
C. Dacryocystitis
D. Chalazion
