APEA 3P High Stakes Exam Study Guide
(2026/2027 Edition) – Advanced Practice
Nursing Review | Verified Notes &
Comprehensive Exam Preparation|| PASS!!
Risk factors for skin cancer(melanoma and both non-melanoma) -
ANSWERS-Blistering sunburn as a child, history of sunburns, light skin,
chronic exposure to UV light (sunlight/tanning beds), moles, family hx
for skin cancer
Melanoma symptoms (ABCDE) - ANSWERS-asymmetry (shape/uneven
texture)
border (irregular/notched/blurred)
color (variegated colors from black, blue, dark to light brown)
diameter (size >6mm size of pencil eraser or larger)
evolving (changes in color/size/shape)
may be itchy
Acral lengtiginous melanoma - ANSWERS-Most common type of
melanoma in dark skinned individuals (blacks & asians)
--> look for longitudinal brown to black bands under the nailbed. a
changing spot or mole in the palms, or the soles of the feet
,seborrheic keratosis - ANSWERS-soft, round, wart-like growth that is
light tan to black and looks pasted on
asymptomatic &benign
Most common type of skin cancer in USA - ANSWERS-Skin cancer
Most common type of skin cancer - ANSWERS-basal cell carcinoma
basal cell carcinoma symptoms - ANSWERS-Appearance varies;
smooth, shiny bump, pink to pearly white
Basal cell carcinoma common locations - ANSWERS-cheeks, nose,
face, neck, arms, back
basal cell carcinoma diagnosis gold standard - ANSWERS-biopsy. if not
an option, refer to derm
Actinic keratosis - ANSWERS-Precursor to squamous cell carcinoma
numerous dry, round and pink to red lesions w/ rough and scaly texture
--> does not heal, slow growing in sun exposed areas
Actinic keratosis diagnosis gold standard - ANSWERS-Biopsy.
if not an option, refer to derm
Actinic keratosis treatment gold standard - ANSWERS-small-
cryotherapy
,large- number 5-FU (5-flouracil aka efudex). 5-FU medication Causes
skin to ooze, crust, scab and be red
**5-flouracil/ efudex-wear sunscreen!!**
squamous cell cancer - ANSWERS-chronic red scaly rough textured
lesion w/ irregular borders
crusting or bleeding may be present
Squamous cell carcinoma common locations - ANSWERS-rims of ears,
lips, nose, face and top of hands
precursor lesion to squamous cell cancer - ANSWERS-actinic keratosis
squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis by? - ANSWERS-biopsy gold
standard. if biopsy is not an option, refer to dermatology .
Bacterial Meningitis Bacteria - ANSWERS-Streptococcus pneumoniae-
most common strain
Haemophilus influenzae
Neisseria meningitidis
Escherichia coli
*others
Bacterial meningitis symptoms (Classic Triad) - ANSWERS-High fever
, Nuchal rigidity
rapid change in mental status w/ headache
Triad=neck up
erythematous spot-like rash (petechiae) ecchymosis to purple-colored
lesions (purpura) which are non-blanchable
Is bacterial meningitis a reportable disease - ANSWERS-yes!
Treatment for Bacterial meningitis-patient - ANSWERS-IV Abx ASAP,
resp/droplet iso for first 24-48 hrs, hydrate (low maintenance after
initial fluid correction), Maintain ventilation and reduce increased intra
cranial pressure if present (dexamethosone(to reduce inflammation,
mannitol to diurese the brain), low stim environment, tx complications
that may arrive and support family
Treatment for bacterial meningitis-close encounter - ANSWERS-Close
contacts should be treated w/ rifampin 600 mg q 12 hours x 2 days
**Rifampin changes urine color to reddish orange and can stain
contacts
**AVOID RIFAMPIN IN PREGNANCY
Brudzinkski sign (meningeal irritation) - ANSWERS-Tests for meningeal
irritation
Patient supine, raise BACK of head and flex chin towards chest
+ result if pt automatically beds both hips
(2026/2027 Edition) – Advanced Practice
Nursing Review | Verified Notes &
Comprehensive Exam Preparation|| PASS!!
Risk factors for skin cancer(melanoma and both non-melanoma) -
ANSWERS-Blistering sunburn as a child, history of sunburns, light skin,
chronic exposure to UV light (sunlight/tanning beds), moles, family hx
for skin cancer
Melanoma symptoms (ABCDE) - ANSWERS-asymmetry (shape/uneven
texture)
border (irregular/notched/blurred)
color (variegated colors from black, blue, dark to light brown)
diameter (size >6mm size of pencil eraser or larger)
evolving (changes in color/size/shape)
may be itchy
Acral lengtiginous melanoma - ANSWERS-Most common type of
melanoma in dark skinned individuals (blacks & asians)
--> look for longitudinal brown to black bands under the nailbed. a
changing spot or mole in the palms, or the soles of the feet
,seborrheic keratosis - ANSWERS-soft, round, wart-like growth that is
light tan to black and looks pasted on
asymptomatic &benign
Most common type of skin cancer in USA - ANSWERS-Skin cancer
Most common type of skin cancer - ANSWERS-basal cell carcinoma
basal cell carcinoma symptoms - ANSWERS-Appearance varies;
smooth, shiny bump, pink to pearly white
Basal cell carcinoma common locations - ANSWERS-cheeks, nose,
face, neck, arms, back
basal cell carcinoma diagnosis gold standard - ANSWERS-biopsy. if not
an option, refer to derm
Actinic keratosis - ANSWERS-Precursor to squamous cell carcinoma
numerous dry, round and pink to red lesions w/ rough and scaly texture
--> does not heal, slow growing in sun exposed areas
Actinic keratosis diagnosis gold standard - ANSWERS-Biopsy.
if not an option, refer to derm
Actinic keratosis treatment gold standard - ANSWERS-small-
cryotherapy
,large- number 5-FU (5-flouracil aka efudex). 5-FU medication Causes
skin to ooze, crust, scab and be red
**5-flouracil/ efudex-wear sunscreen!!**
squamous cell cancer - ANSWERS-chronic red scaly rough textured
lesion w/ irregular borders
crusting or bleeding may be present
Squamous cell carcinoma common locations - ANSWERS-rims of ears,
lips, nose, face and top of hands
precursor lesion to squamous cell cancer - ANSWERS-actinic keratosis
squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis by? - ANSWERS-biopsy gold
standard. if biopsy is not an option, refer to dermatology .
Bacterial Meningitis Bacteria - ANSWERS-Streptococcus pneumoniae-
most common strain
Haemophilus influenzae
Neisseria meningitidis
Escherichia coli
*others
Bacterial meningitis symptoms (Classic Triad) - ANSWERS-High fever
, Nuchal rigidity
rapid change in mental status w/ headache
Triad=neck up
erythematous spot-like rash (petechiae) ecchymosis to purple-colored
lesions (purpura) which are non-blanchable
Is bacterial meningitis a reportable disease - ANSWERS-yes!
Treatment for Bacterial meningitis-patient - ANSWERS-IV Abx ASAP,
resp/droplet iso for first 24-48 hrs, hydrate (low maintenance after
initial fluid correction), Maintain ventilation and reduce increased intra
cranial pressure if present (dexamethosone(to reduce inflammation,
mannitol to diurese the brain), low stim environment, tx complications
that may arrive and support family
Treatment for bacterial meningitis-close encounter - ANSWERS-Close
contacts should be treated w/ rifampin 600 mg q 12 hours x 2 days
**Rifampin changes urine color to reddish orange and can stain
contacts
**AVOID RIFAMPIN IN PREGNANCY
Brudzinkski sign (meningeal irritation) - ANSWERS-Tests for meningeal
irritation
Patient supine, raise BACK of head and flex chin towards chest
+ result if pt automatically beds both hips
