Physician Assistant Exam Review

Vaginal discharge questions are “three-line trap” questions: a short stem with just enough detail to mix up BV, candidiasis, and trich. Add cervicitis, PID, cervical cancer screening, Bartholin masses, and inclusive sexual history… and a lot of smart PA students still miss points they don’t need to miss. In this episode, we walk through how […] The post 162: Stop Missing Vaginal Discharge & PID Questions on Exams appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Registration for the April 33 Days to Pass the PANCE cohort closes Wednesday, March 25 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. This episode is a focused “decision guide” for PA students and grads who are on the fence. If you’ve been hovering over the link thinking, “I don’t know if this is really for me…” listen to this first, then decide. In […] The post 161: Last Chance: Is 33 Days To Pass The PANCE Right For You? appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Failing the PANCE after doing “everything right” is gut‑punch territory. Taylee graduated from the University of Washington, used all the big‑name tools (Smarty PANCE, Kaplan, PANCE Prep Pearls, podcasts, Ninja Nerd) and still scored a 326 and failed her first attempt. In this conversation, she walks through how she stopped just adding more content… and […] The post 160 From 326 to 439: How Taylee Rebuilt Her PANCE Approach in 33 Days appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

From “uncertain, unconfident, and scared” to “confident, assertive, and ready” Madison started 33 Days at the end of didactic year feeling like a lot of PA students do: The idea of adding one more thing felt insane. He was skeptical too. In his words, there are so many “coaches” now that the default reaction is, […] The post 159 How 33 Days Turned Test Anxiety Into Test‑Day Confidence for Madison appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 158 Menstrual Disorders on Exams: How to Think, Not Just Memorize appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 157 Breast Complaints, Cancer Clues & Rewriting Your Study System appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 156 Burns, Wounds, Skin Cancer & The Study System That Exposes Your Gaps appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

In this episode of the Physician Assistant Exam Review Podcast, we walk through the “Do I worry?” side of derm: how to quickly sort benign vs concerning skin lesions using pattern recognition, not panic. Instead of memorizing every lesion in isolation, you’ll learn to organize them into buckets you’ll actually see on exams and in clinic: By […] The post 155 Benign vs Concerning Skin Lesions – “Do I Worry?” Patterns You’ll See on PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 154 Derm Patterns That Give You Easy Points – Hair, Nails & Rashes appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Desquamation Desquamation refers to the loss of the outer skin layers due to epidermal cell breakdown and shedding. In dermatology and on exams, the term is used when the epidermis begins to peel or slough. This ranges from mild peeling in well-appearing patients to life-threatening epidermal detachment in critically ill patients. Why it matters on […] The post 153 Desquamation, Blistering Disorders & Why Extra Time Might Hurt Your Score appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

In this episode of the Physician Assistant Exam Review Podcast, we talk with Ealum, a PA student who was stuck after three failed PANCE attempts and finally made a 90 point jump to pass on his 4th try. He had teenage kids at home waiting for life to move forward. He was in Alaska, couldn’t attend a single live […] The post 152 The 90 Point Comeback – Failing 3 PANCE Attempts to Passing on the 4th with 33 Days appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Viral Skin Conditions: Exam Organization Viral dermatologic conditions are best approached by age, distribution, and systemic involvement rather than by memorizing individual viruses. Confusion on exams often occurs when pediatric viral exanthems are tested against one another. Categories for exam organization:• Pediatric systemic viral patterns (viral exanthems, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, varicella)• Localized viral lesions (HSV, molluscum […] The post 151 Childhood Viral Rashes Made Simple – Exanthems, HFMD, Chickenpox & the Patterns That Show Up on PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Bacterial Skin InfectionsThese three are often tested against each other. The win is recognizing depth, borders, and systemic features, then choosing topical vs oral vs IV. Cellulitis Clinical Presentation Rash / Skin Findings Systemic Symptoms The question stem will likely include Physical Exam & Labs Treatment Exam Keys Erysipelas Clinical Presentation Rash / Skin Findings […] The post 150 Skin Infections, Bites & Infestations – Pattern Recognition, Treatment Buckets, and Easy PANCE Points appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 149 Acne vs Rashes – How To Think Through Derm Questions And Pick up Easy Points appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 148 PANCE Question Walkthrough GU appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 147 Organizing Testicular Disorders & beating PA School Anxiety appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 146 Penile disorders, BPH and a key to focus appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 145 GU Neoplasms. Only the pieces you need to pass. appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 144 GU Infectious disease and getting more questions right appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 143 Bladder disorders – How you’ll see them on your exam appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Nichole got devastating news. A 222! She had a ton of ground to make up. More than I would have thought possible. But… She did it. She went up 137 points! Listen to her story. The post 142 The Comeback: From 222 to Passing the PANCE in One Giant Leap appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

We’ve got an interview this week with Heather. She was feeling a little lost. A little behind, and she wanted to share with you a few ways that helped her turn it around. The post 141 From Struggling to Passing the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Mary’s story is AMAZING. She was the Valedictorian o her high school She graduated Cum laude in 3 years from undergrad while working 30-35 hours per week. Then she got to PA school and got her first 20 on 100 point test. That was followed promptly by her first 10 on a 100 point test. […] The post 140 High School Valedictorian Decelerated appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders Alcohol Use Disorder Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators Test Alert Opioid Use Disorder Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators Test Alert Stimulant Use Disorder (Cocaine, Amphetamines) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators […] The post 139 Sex, Sleep & Drugs – Get points on the easy stuff appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Personality Disorders Definition/Overview Clusters High-Yield Management Principles Cluster A: Odd / Eccentric (Mad) Paranoid Personality Disorder Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators Test Alert Schizoid Personality Disorder Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators Test Alert Schizotypal Personality Disorder Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, […] The post 138 Easy points on Personality Disorders and how to limit your studying appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 137: Never mix psychotic disorders again: Easy points on the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Clinical Presentation Inattention (≥6 symptoms if ≤16; ≥5 if ≥17): Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (≥6 symptoms if ≤16; ≥5 if ≥17): Functional impairment required (academic, social, occupational). Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment First-line: Stimulants (most effective) Non-stimulant alternatives Non-pharmacologic Key Differentiators Test Alert Autism Spectrum […] The post Stop losing psych points: ADHD vs Autism vs Conduct & Anorexia vs Bulimia —what the PANCE is really testing appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Bipolar and Related Disorders Chronic mood disorder with episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.Onset typically late teens–20s. Equal in men/women. Strong genetic predisposition. Clinical Presentation Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar II Disorder Cyclothymic Disorder Hallmark exam clues Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment First-line (mood stabilizers): Adjunctive / Antipsychotics: Antidepressants: Non-pharmacologic: Key Differentiators Bipolar I vs. […] The post 135: Bipolar and Depression appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Panic Disorder Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Phobias Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts The post 134: Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post Episode 133: Abuse, Violence, and Trauma Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 132 Neuro: Neoplasms & how to be a better student appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Cauda Equina Syndrome • Neurosurgical emergency due to compression of cauda equina nerve roots, usually from disc herniation, tumor, or trauma Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators Epidural Abscess • • Spinal epidural infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators […] The post 131 Neuro: Spinal Cord issues appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Over the past 14 years I’ve seen a lot of people make up A LOT of points, but I don’t think there’s anyone who’s done what this student did. Listen up. This is a good one. The post PANCE Skyrockets From 222 to a 359!!! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Last time, we covered the detailed medical content on infectious neurologic disorders. (If you missed it, you can find it here: physicianassistantexamreview.com/130) This week is about action. We’re taking everything you learned and making it stick by applying it to questions, clues, and decision-making strategies you’ll need on test day. We’ll work through: Instead of memorizing facts, you’ll learn how to […] The post 130B PANCE Prep for Infectious Neuro Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Encephalitis Inflammation of the brain parenchyma, often viral in origin, presenting with altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits. Can be life-threatening. Viral Encephalitis (Most Common) HSV-1 Encephalitis  Clinical Presentation: Labs & Imaging: Treatment:  Arboviral Encephalitis Clinical Presentation: Diagnosis: Treatment: Meningitis Acute Bacterial Meningitis Clinical Presentation: CSF Findings: Diagnosis: Empiric Treatment: Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis […] The post 130 Encephalitis Review for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Conditions Covered • Wernicke’s Encephalopathy • Hepatic Encephalopathy • Toxic & Metabolic Encephalopathy • Uremic Encephalopathy • Hypertensive Encephalopathy ⸻ Encephalopathy = Global brain dysfunction Encephalitis = Brain inflammation ⸻ Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Acute, reversible encephalopathy caused by thiamine (B1) deficiency. Key Differentiator: Confusion + Ataxia + Ophthalmoplegia in a malnourished or alcoholic patient. Essentials: • […] The post 129b: Quick Encephalopathy Review for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Hepatic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Toxic & Metabolic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Uremic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Hypertensive […] The post Episode 129: Encephalopathic Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Cranial Nerve Review: Full Breakdown Cranial Nerves in Order 1. Olfactory (CN I) – Smell 2. Optic (CN II) – Vision 3. Oculomotor (CN III) – Eye movement (SR, IR, MR, IO), pupil constriction, eyelid elevation 4. Trochlear (CN IV) – Eye movement (SO – superior oblique) 5. Trigeminal (CN V) – Facial sensation, mastication […] The post 128b Cranial Neves 6-12 PANCE Practice appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

CN VI (Abducens Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment Key Takeaways CN VII (Facial Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment Key Takeaways CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment […] The post 128: Cranial Nerves 6-12 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Not a lot of notes for today. Look back to Episode 127 for the complete notes. https://www.physicianassistantexamreview.com/127 The post 127b: Cranial Nerves 1-5 PANCE Questions and Review appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Cranial Nerves Overview 1. Olfactory – CN I – Smell 2. Optic – CN II – Vision 3. Oculomotor – CN III – Eye movement, pupil constriction, eyelid control 4. Trochlear – CN IV – Eye movement down and inward 5. Trigeminal – CN V – Facial sensation and chewing 6. Abducens – CN VI – Eye movement side to side […] The post 127: Cranial Nerve Palsies – Part 1 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Syncope Hydrocephalus Coma Final Step type Questions What key symptom differentiates syncope from seizure? What triad is seen in normal pressure hydrocephalus? At what Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is intubation typically required? What is the first-line treatment for increased intracranial pressure in hydrocephalus? What pupil finding suggests opioid toxicity? What test is used to […] The post 126b: Syncope, Hydrocephalus, Coma PANCE Questions appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Today I got something really special and I have two people who have done amazing things and want to share their experience. Let’s go ahead and get started.. The post +130 Points & From Struggling to Graduating! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Syncope, Hydrocephalus, and Coma Syncope Transient loss of consciousness due to global cerebral hypoperfusion, often with rapid onset, brief duration, and spontaneous recovery A key differential in cerebrovascular cases, distinct from stroke, TIA, and seizures Clinical Presentation Preceding Symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, diaphoresis Triggers: Prolonged standing, vasovagal (emotional stress) Orthostatic hypotension (sudden positional changes) […] The post 126 Syncope, Coma & Master Class Tonight! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Companion Episode: Cerebral Aneurysms, AVMs, and Intracranial Hemorrhage Companion Episode: Cerebral Aneurysms, AVMs, and Intracranial Hemorrhage Differentiation Cerebral Aneurysms vs. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) Cause of Hemorrhage: Cerebral Aneurysm: Weakening and bulging of an arterial wall. AVM: Abnormal connection between arteries and veins without capillaries. Location: Cerebral Aneurysms: Frequently at arterial bifurcations in the Circle of […] The post 125b Retention Practice & PANCE Questions for Cerebrovascular disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Physician Assistant Exam Review Upcoming Events Join us for the Pass the PANCE Master Class on January 14th and 16th. This interactive session is packed with proven strategies to help you… well pass the PANCE. Mark your calendars! Registration for the 33 Days to Pass the PANCE February Cohort opens on January 14th, 2025. Stay […] The post 125 Cerebrovascular Part 2 & Exciting things in January appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

This is a short episode walking through and reviewing the content we covered last week. Here’s the formatted blog post for easy readability: Stroke vs. TIA: Key Differentiators Symptom Duration Headache Severity and Acuity Imaging Findings Treatments TIA Ischemic Stroke Hemorrhagic Stroke The Final Step Style Questions PANCE Stye Questions Question 1 A 68-year-old woman […] The post 124 Companion Episode: Working Through TIAs and Strokes appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.