QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF KEY MEDICAL TOPICS
1. Which of the following are responsibilities of a physician assistant in a clinical setting?
A. Conduct patient histories and physical exams
B. Prescribe medications independently without supervision
C. Assist in surgeries
D. Order and interpret lab tests
Correct answers: A, C, D — PAs can perform exams, assist in surgeries, and order/interpre lab
tests under supervision. Prescribing independently is typically restricted by state law.
2. A PA encounters a patient with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. What should
the PA do first?
A. Take a full medical history
B. Perform a focused physical exam
C. Call emergency services if unstable
D. Schedule a routine follow-up
Correct answers: B, C — Immediate assessment and activation of emergency services are crucial.
Full history and routine follow-up come later.
3. Which tasks are usually delegated to a PA by supervising physicians?
A. Performing routine physical exams
B. Developing treatment plans independently
C. Documenting patient encounters
D. Counseling patients on preventive care
Correct answers: A, C, D — Treatment plans are developed under physician supervision.
4. Which of the following infections are considered airborne?
A. Tuberculosis
B. Influenza
C. Hepatitis B
D. Measles
Correct answers: A, B, D — Hepatitis B is bloodborne, not airborne.
,5. When taking a patient’s history, which are important to include?
A. Chief complaint
B. Past medical history
C. Family history
D. Favorite hobbies
Correct answers: A, B, C — Hobbies are not typically clinically relevant unless affecting health.
6. Which of the following are part of the PA code of ethics?
A. Prioritizing patient welfare
B. Maintaining patient confidentiality
C. Making independent diagnoses without documentation
D. Collaborating with other healthcare providers
Correct answers: A, B, D — Diagnoses should always be documented and supervised as per
scope.
7. In administering medications, which safety checks are essential?
A. Right patient
B. Right dose
C. Right time
D. Right diagnosis
Correct answers: A, B, C — “Right diagnosis” is not a standard medication safety check.
8. Which procedures can a PA perform under supervision?
A. Suturing minor wounds
B. Intubation in emergencies
C. Prescribing controlled substances without physician approval
D. Joint injections
Correct answers: A, B, D — Controlled substances require supervision and appropriate licensing.
9. Which are common signs of anaphylaxis?
A. Swelling of lips and tongue
B. Hives
C. Low blood pressure
D. Increased appetite
Correct answers: A, B, C — Increased appetite is not a sign of anaphylaxis.
10. When documenting patient records, a PA must:
A. Use clear, legible handwriting
B. Include date and time
C. Use abbreviations freely without explanation
, D. Record all clinical decisions accurately
Correct answers: A, B, D — Abbreviations should be standardized to avoid errors.
11. Which are standard components of a physical exam?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Auscultation
D. Psychic reading
Correct answers: A, B, C — Psychic reading is not a medical exam component.
12. For pain assessment, a PA should:
A. Ask the patient to rate pain on a scale of 0–10
B. Observe nonverbal cues
C. Assume pain level based on diagnosis alone
D. Document findings in the chart
Correct answers: A, B, D — Pain should always be assessed and documented; assumptions are
not reliable.
13. Which are considered vital signs?
A. Heart rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Temperature
D. Cholesterol
Correct answers: A, B, C — Cholesterol is a lab test, not a vital sign.
14. In infection control, a PA should:
A. Wash hands before and after patient contact
B. Use gloves when needed
C. Reuse disposable equipment
D. Follow isolation protocols
Correct answers: A, B, D — Reusing disposable equipment is unsafe.
15. Which are contraindications for live vaccines?
A. Severe immunodeficiency
B. Pregnancy
C. Mild cold
D. History of severe allergy to vaccine component
Correct answers: A, B, D — Mild illness is not a contraindication.
16. Which findings suggest dehydration in a patient?
A. Dry mucous membranes