Physician Assistant Exam Review

Cirrhosis (End Stage Liver Disease) Cirrhosis is a fibrosis or scaring of the liver. Normally functioning liver tissue is replaced with non functioning scar tissue over time. Typically an insidious onset over months or years Portal hypertension and decreased liver function cause most of the symptoms of cirrhosis Risk Factors/Causes Chronic hepatitis Chronic alcohol abuse […] The post S2 E089 Liver Cirrhosis and Studying in December appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Hepatitis An inflammation of the liver Acute hepatitis is less than six months. Chronic is greater than six months Causes Viruses Hep A Hep B Hep C Hep D Hep E And several others including CMV & Epstein Barr Alcohol Drugs Non alcoholic fatty liver disease Autoimmune disease Symptoms Jaundice Nausea Poor appetite Right upper […] The post S2 E088 Hepatitis & the Valley appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Polyps An abnormal growth of soft tissue projecting from a mucous membrane They may be flat, sessile or pedunculated 95% of adenocarcinoma of the colon are thought to come from polyps Clinical Presentation Surveillance According to the American Cancer society all patients of average risk should begin screening at age 45 with Fecal occult blood […] The post S2 E087 Colon & Rectum & 3 Words That Might Change Everything appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Important Definitions Abscess – a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infectionFistula – An abnormal connection between two body partStricture – A narrowing Study tip for today. Differentiate diagnosis and disease stats Alright now on the large intestine. Diverticular disease Having diverticula or pockets in the colon Diverticulitis is an inflammation of […] The post S2 E086 The Colon & Getting to the Right Answer appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Appendicitis Inflamed appendix Clinical Presentation Abdominal pain Beginning periumbilical and moving toward the RLQ Increasing in severity Pain with any movement Nausea and vomiting Fever Physical Exam Findings Abdominal tenderness even to light palpation Rebound tenderness Tenderness over McBurney’s point – located on the right side of the abdomen one third of the way from […] The post S2 E085 Small Bowel and a Job Hunt Tip appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Disorders of the Stomach Peptic Ulcer Disease Defined as a break in the mucosal lining of the stomach or the duodenum. An ulcer is four to five times more likely to be found in the duodenum than in the stomach. PUD is the most common cause of a GI bleed Risk factors Helicobacter pylori is […] The post S2 E084 Stomach, Pancreas and Anxiety appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Esophagitis An inflammation of the esophagus Causes GERD Medications NSAIDS Antibiotics Bisphosphonates Many others Excessive alcohol consumption Infectious causes are related to an immunocompromised patient. Candida Herpes Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Clinical Presentation Dysphagia (diffic ulty swallowing) Odynophagia (painful swallowing) Heartburn Nausea Cough Labs and Studies Endoscopy with biopsy Herpes – Multiple shallow ulcers throughout the esophagus […] The post S2 E083 The Esophagus and a little anxiety management appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Hypercoagulable states (Thrombophilia) Where is the problem? Clotting Factors Too many Too active Platelets Too many Too active Vascular injury Surgery Trauma Stasis Virchow’s triad Stasis Hypercoagulable state Vascular injury German doctor and scientist who first described the mechanism for a pulmonary embolism. The name Virchow’s triad was not used until well after his death. […] The post S2 E082 Hyper-coagulability appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Coagulation Factor Disorders von Willebrand Disease A spectrum of low production to production of poorly functioning von Willebrand’s Factor. von Willebrand’s factor (vWF) has two major functions. vWF helps platelets to stick together in the subendothelial collagen vWF binds to and maintains Factor VIII in circulation. Factor VIII breaks down very quickly in the bloodstream […] The post S2 E081 Coagulation Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Our two main players in coagulation are platelets and clotting factors.  To help make things clear we can split up these two agents into separate categories even though the work in concert. Primary hemostasis When a blood vessel is damaged, the subendothelium spaces are exposed to blood.  This triggers a number of events designed to […] The post S2 E080 Clotting overview appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Lymphoma A group of malignancies that develop from lymphocytes There are over 80 types of lymphoma. Unlike leukemia lymphoma is a solid tumor Generally speaking (this is by no means 100% true) lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system Think lymph nodes and spleen Leukemia develops in the bone marrow The two main classifications of lymphoma […] The post S2 E079 Lymphoma and an important tactic for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Leukemia Leukemia is a disease characterized by the overproduction of a particular type of blood cell. This process often inhibits the production of normal blood cells These leukemia cells do not function as proper cells Leukemia does not form a solid tumor. Rather it produces blood cells which may infiltrate tissue. Leukemic cells have unusually […] The post S2 E078 Leukemia appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Sickle Cell Anemia Genetic Pattern Autosomal recessive Homozygote inheritance of Hemoglobin S (HbS) Predominantly seen in the African American population Oxygenated HbS does not dissolve well and forms a gel that distorts the shape of the RBC into a sickle. This makes the cells “sticky” and less flexible leading to clogging of small blood vessels. […] The post S2 E077 Hemolytic Anemias appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Macrocytic Anemia Macrocytic anemias produce strange dysfunctional blood cells. This will result in some hemolysis and progress to splenic dysfunction as the spleen becomes overloaded. Howell-Jolly bodies are DNA remnants seen with a macrocytic anemia or a damaged spleen. You will find them in B12 deficiency anemia, folate deficient anemia, sickle cell anemia and celiac […] The post S2 E076 Macrocytic Anemia appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Anemia Anemia means low RBC or Hgb count. A patient could be bleeding out and have a low Hgb or they could have a dietary deficiency. Anemia is a starting place. As we get more detailed and more specific we can get a more clear diagnosis and treatment plan. One of the easiest places to […] The post S2 E075 Microcytic Anemia and a Better Way to Remember appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Red Blood Cells Priming Questions What are the four polypeptide chains that make up hemoglobin? Define polycythemia What does MCV stand for and what does it mean? Define hemolysis. Red Blood Cells Simplified The specific shape of a RBC gives it an increased surface area for better gas exchange and flexibility for fitting into tiny […] The post S2 E074 Red Blood Cells appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Red Blood cells, White blood cells, Platelets Our Three Basic Problems We either have to many We don’t have enough What’s being made isn’t working correctly Cytoses Polycythemia – to many RBC’s Thrombocytosis -to many Platelets Cytopenias Anemia – low RBC Leukopenia  -low WBC Coagulation disorders Clotting factor disorders – messed up clotting factors  Thrombocytopenias […] The post S2 E073 Hematology Overview appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Parotitis/Sialadentitis Painful swelling of the parotid one or both parotid glands Cause Viral infection Historically the number one cause was the mumps Parainfluenza and Epstein barr are the most common HIV Bacterial infection Staph Aureus is the most common bacteria Autoimmune disease Sjogrens Blockage Stone Mucus plug Dehydration Clinical Presentation Facial swelling Facial pain Difficulty […] The post S2 E072 Wrapping up EENT appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Oropharyngeal Infections/Inflammatory disorders Aphthous ulcers (Canker sore) Round ulcer on oral mucosa Unknown etiology Clinical Presentation Small open sore in the mouth The sore is yellow or white Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Clinical diagnosis Treatment Self limiting ½ hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine mouthwash Corticosteroids Oral candidiasis (Thrush) Yeast infection of the mouth 50% […] The post S2 E071 Throat and Mouth Infections and Inflammation appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Acute/chronic sinusitis An inflammation/infection of the sinuses Typically secondary to an upper respiratory infection or seasonal allergies Most common pathogens Strep pneumoniae Haemophilus Influenzae Moraxella catarrhalis Staph aureus Predisposing Factors Anything that obstructs drainage from the sinuses Smoking – (decreases movement of cilia) Deviated septum Cystic fibrosis Large adenoids Clinical Presentation I’ve had a cold […] The post S2 E70 The Nose and Sinuses appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 23 ENT questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) Slow growing benign tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve, CN VIII Occurs in males and females equally Most often found in those between the ages of 50 and 60. The are the most common intracranial tumor […] The post S2 E069 Inner Ear and Hearing Loss appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 23 ENT questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> External Ear Cerumen Impaction Ear wax built up in the external ear canal Cerumen can be impacted by the patients use of a cotton swab Clinical Presentation Routine office visit Progressive hearing loss Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings […] The post S2 E068 External and Inner Ear from the PANCE Blue Print appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

This week I’m bringing you an amazing person and an amazing interview. The interview with Alana in Episode 061 about her first failing and then passing her PANCE was so good I decided to put together another interview. This week, for the second ever interview on the PAER podcast, I have an amazing member of […] The post S2 E067 Failing PA School appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Vascular disorders Retinal Artery Occlusion Causes & Predisposing Factors Clot Sclerosis HTN DM Atrial Fibrillation Temporal arteritis Clinical Presentation ACUTE vision loss Partial Complete NO PAIN Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Fundal exam Optic atrophy Pale disc Cherry red spot – its actually that the rest of the retina is pale Boxcarring- narrowing of […] The post S2 E066 COVID-19 and the Eyeball appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 23 ENT questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> Blowout Fracture A fracture of the orbit Clinical Presentation “I got my face smashed in!” Ecchymosis Difficulty with vertical eye movement Diplopia Infraorbital anesthesia secondary to trauma to the infraorbital nerve Swelling Subconjunctival hemorrhage Labs, Studies and Physical Exam […] The post S2 E065 Eye and Trauma and Subconscious Study Cues appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Neuro-Ophthalmologic Disorders << Click here to get 23 ENT questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> Nystagmus An involuntary rhythmic eye movement Patient is usually unaware that it’s happening, but may have blurred vision Causes Congenital neurological problem Trauma Stroke Multiple Sclerosis Inner ear inflammation Alcohol Sudden head movements Looking out a train […] The post S2 E064 Nystagmus and Retinal issues for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 23 ENT questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> Blepharitis An infection of the eyelid Acute blepharitis is most commonly caused by Staph May be viral Seborrheic dermatitis or acne rosacea can also cause blepharitis Clinical Presentation Eyelid Loss of eyelashes Red Itchy Burning Scaly Swollen Labs and […] The post S2 E063 The Eyeball Part 2 for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

We start the eyeball today with conjunctivitis The post S2 E062 The Eyeball Part 1 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

I discuss with Alana what happens after you fail your PANCE. The post S2 EP 061 What to do When You Fail The PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 40 Pulmonology questions straight from my book The Final Step >> Other Pulmonary Disease Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Severe inflammation of the lung tissue which impairs gas exchange secondary to acute injury secondary to pulmonary edema Without treatment 90% of patients will die Things associated with the onset of […] The post S2 E060 Pulmonology – ARDS and more for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 40 Pulmonology questions straight from my book The Final Step >> Lung Cancer #1 cause of cancer related deaths 85% of cases are associated with smoking Multiple exposure and exposure to other toxins increases risk Five year survival rate is 15% Small Cell and Non Small Cell Complications SVC syndrome […] The post S2 E059 Pulm Neoplastic Disease appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 40 Pulmonology questions straight from my book The Final Step >> Influenza Influenza is an orthomyxovirus Most commonly seen during the fall and winter Incubation period of 18-72 hours Secondary diseases are a major concern Pneumonia Reye’s syndrome Children under 18 Biggest risk factors are having the Flu or Varicella […] The post S2 E058 Pulm Infections part 2 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 40 Pulmonology questions straight from my book The Final Step >> Acute bronchitis Infection of the large bronchi Most often caused by a virus RSV Rhinovirus Influenza 5-10% are bacterial Usually follows a URI Clinical Presentation Shortness of breath Cough can last for more than three weeks Wheezing Fever Labs, […] The post S2 E057 Pulmonary infections Part 1 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 40 Pulmonology questions straight from my book The Final Step >> Pneumonia Community Acquired Pneumonia From oxford dictionary – Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sacs fill with pus and may become solid. Inflammation may affect both lungs ( double pneumonia ), one lung […] The post S2 E056 Pneumonia appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

PA WEEK! and pulmonary HTN, PE and more The post S2 E055 Pulmonary Circ and PA WEEK! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Pneumothorax with a touch of decreasing your stress level The post S2 E054 Pleural disease for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 40 Pulmonology questions straight from my book The Final Step >> Restrictive Pulmonary Disease Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis The development of scar tissue within the lungs Clinical presentation Dyspnea Dry cough Chest discomfort Labs, Studies and Physical Exam Findings Fine crackles at the bases may be present FEV1 is reduced FVC […] The post S2 E053 Restrictive Lung Diseases and what to avoid on your breaks. appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Knowing your key terms might not be enough?? The post S2 E052 CF & why key terms aren’t enough appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 40 Pulmonology questions straight from my book The Final Step >> Obstructive Lung Diseases Spirometry The most used pulmonary function test. It measures volume and speed of exhalation and inspiration. Total lung capacity (TLC) The volume of the lungs at maximal inflation Tidal volume The volume of air moved into […] The post S2 E051 COPD & Asthma (and my best advice for struggling) appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 26 Derm questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> Acanthosis Nigricans Typically occurs in African Americans Causes May be inherited May appear in a healthy individual May be directly related to an underlying health issue which is usually an endocrine disorder Insulin resistant disorders are most common DM […] The post S2 E050 Derm Misc for the PANCE/PANRE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 26 Derm questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> Kaposi’s Sarcoma A systemic disease caused by herpes virus 8 Most often have lesions on the skin surface. Typically a very slow developing illness, but in conjunction with the AIDS virus it progresses very quickly. These lesions became linked […] The post S2 E049 Derm: Skin Cancer for the PANRE and PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Little red spots and gross blisters The post S2 E048 Vascular and blistering issues for the PANCE/PANRE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

demystifying TEN and SJS The post S2 E047 SJS/TEN for the PANCE or PANRE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

PANCE/PANRE review of Derm including burns and ulcers The post S2 E046 Derm integrity for the PANCE/PANRE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Derm viruses - chicken pox, herpes, warts and more The post S2 E045 Derm viruses appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

the six childhood exanthema The post S2 E044 Childhood Exanthem appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Erysipelas, Impetigo, Cellulitis The post S2 E043 Bacterial skin infections appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Derm Part 5 Moving right along The post S2 EO42 Spiders, Bugs and Fungal Infections (Yuck!) appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Derm part 4 The post S2 E041 Hair, Nails & Pigment Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

<< Click here to get 26 Derm questions straight from my book, The Final Step >> Acne Vulgaris Obstruction and inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands The most common skin disease affecting 80% of the US population Sebum is an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands How it happens Follicles get clogged with sebum […] The post S2 E040 Derm Part 3 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.