UNIVERSITY AND PRACTICE QUESTIONS
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
|ALREADY GRADED A+
Question 1
A 68-year-old patient presents with progressive shortness of breath, orthopnea,
and bilateral lower extremity edema. Which finding is most indicative of left-sided
heart failure?
A. Jugular venous distention
B. Pulmonary crackles
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Ascites
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pulmonary crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a hallmark
of left-sided heart failure. Right-sided failure typically presents with systemic
congestion such as JVD, hepatomegaly, and ascites.
Question 2
A patient with type 2 diabetes has an HbA1c of 9.2% despite lifestyle
modifications. Which medication is most appropriate as first-line pharmacologic
therapy?
A. Insulin
B. Metformin
C. Sulfonylurea
D. GLP-1 receptor agonist
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for type 2 diabetes
unless contraindicated. It improves insulin sensitivity and has a favorable safety
profile.
Question 3
A patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis. What
is the priority initial diagnostic test?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Cardiac enzymes
C. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
D. Echocardiogram
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An ECG should be performed immediately to assess for ischemic
changes. It is the fastest and most critical initial test in suspected acute coronary
syndrome.
Question 4
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is noted to have hyperkalemia. Which
intervention is most appropriate for immediate management?
A. Administer oral potassium supplements
B. Initiate calcium gluconate IV
C. Restrict sodium intake
D. Encourage fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calcium gluconate stabilizes cardiac membranes and is used
immediately in hyperkalemia to prevent arrhythmias.
,Question 5
A 45-year-old patient presents with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Which lab finding supports hypothyroidism?
A. Decreased TSH
B. Increased T3
C. Increased TSH
D. Decreased T4 only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated TSH due to
decreased thyroid hormone production.
Question 6
A patient with asthma reports increased use of their rescue inhaler. What is the
next best step in management?
A. Continue current therapy
B. Add a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
C. Increase short-acting beta-agonist use
D. Discontinue inhaled corticosteroids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased rescue inhaler use indicates poor control; step-up therapy
includes adding a LABA to inhaled corticosteroids.
Question 7
Which symptom is most concerning for a patient with suspected meningitis?
A. Headache
B. Fever
C. Neck stiffness
D. Photophobia
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neck stiffness is a classic sign of meningeal irritation and is highly
concerning for meningitis.
Question 8
A patient presents with unilateral leg swelling and pain. What is the most
appropriate initial diagnostic test?
A. CT scan
B. D-dimer
C. Ultrasound Doppler
D. MRI
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Doppler ultrasound is the preferred initial diagnostic tool for suspected
deep vein thrombosis.
Question 9
Which finding is most consistent with iron deficiency anemia?
A. Elevated ferritin
B. Low total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
C. Microcytic, hypochromic RBCs
D. Increased hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia typically presents with microcytic, hypochromic
red blood cells.