CLINICAL LABORATORY EXAM
PREPARATION QUESTIONS WITH FULL
RATIONALES 2026
> A daughter states that her 72-year-old mother has a history of
hypertension, high cholesterol, and rheumatoid arthritis. Daily medications
include aspirin, Tenormin, Plaquenil, and Plavix. She is concerned as her
mother has mixed up her medications and is now lethargic with diminished
respirations. Vital signs are P 58 and regular, R 10 and shallow, and BP
90/74. Blood glucose level is 52mg/dL (2.8mmol/L). Which medication
toxicity would be indicative of this presentation? Answer: Beta Blocker
> If untreated, a cardiac tamponade will present with signs and symptoms
of which type of shock? Answer: Obstructive
> A patient presents anxious with difficulty in breathing and chest pain. An
assessment reveals hypotension, muffled heart tones, and distended neck
veins. There is a past medical history of pericarditis. The provider notes
that there is decrease in systolic blood pressure when the patient inhales.
Which diagnosis would be considered with this presentation? Answer:
Cardiac tamponade
> The healthcare provider is assessing a 60-year-old female patient with
complaints of indigestion and mild upper abdominal discomfort. This
presentation should prompt the provider to: Answer: Perform a 12-lead
ECG
> The most common underlying medical conditions found in patients with
acute pancreatitis is: Answer: Gall stones and heavy alcohol use
> A patient complaining of a 3-day history of left lower abdominal pain
describes it as sharp and, during the focused physical exam, the pain
intensifies during palpitation over the site. Differentials should include:
Answer: Ectopic pregnancy or diverticulitis
PREPARATION QUESTIONS WITH FULL
RATIONALES 2026
> A daughter states that her 72-year-old mother has a history of
hypertension, high cholesterol, and rheumatoid arthritis. Daily medications
include aspirin, Tenormin, Plaquenil, and Plavix. She is concerned as her
mother has mixed up her medications and is now lethargic with diminished
respirations. Vital signs are P 58 and regular, R 10 and shallow, and BP
90/74. Blood glucose level is 52mg/dL (2.8mmol/L). Which medication
toxicity would be indicative of this presentation? Answer: Beta Blocker
> If untreated, a cardiac tamponade will present with signs and symptoms
of which type of shock? Answer: Obstructive
> A patient presents anxious with difficulty in breathing and chest pain. An
assessment reveals hypotension, muffled heart tones, and distended neck
veins. There is a past medical history of pericarditis. The provider notes
that there is decrease in systolic blood pressure when the patient inhales.
Which diagnosis would be considered with this presentation? Answer:
Cardiac tamponade
> The healthcare provider is assessing a 60-year-old female patient with
complaints of indigestion and mild upper abdominal discomfort. This
presentation should prompt the provider to: Answer: Perform a 12-lead
ECG
> The most common underlying medical conditions found in patients with
acute pancreatitis is: Answer: Gall stones and heavy alcohol use
> A patient complaining of a 3-day history of left lower abdominal pain
describes it as sharp and, during the focused physical exam, the pain
intensifies during palpitation over the site. Differentials should include:
Answer: Ectopic pregnancy or diverticulitis
