2026/2027 Actual Exam – Complete Questions &
Detailed Rationales – Pass Guaranteed – A+
Graded
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 | History Taking & Review of Systems | Q1 – Q10
Section 2 | Physical Examination Techniques | Q11 – Q20
Section 3 | Differential Diagnosis | Q21 – Q30
Section 4 | Diagnostic Testing & Interpretation | Q31 – Q40
Section 5 | Treatment Planning & Patient Education | Q41 – Q50
Instructions: Choose the single best answer. Pass: 40 in 90 minutes.
══════════════════════════════════════
SECTION 1: HISTORY TAKING & REVIEW OF SYSTEMS Q1 – Q10
══════════════════════════════════════
Question 1 of 50
A 52-year-old male presents to the primary care clinic for an annual wellness visit. He
reports feeling well overall but mentions occasional heartburn after large meals. He has
a 20-pack-year smoking history and drinks 2-3 beers nightly. His father died of
myocardial infarction at age 58. During the review of systems, the nurse practitioner
notices he has not had colonoscopy screening. When taking his family history, which
additional detail is most critical to explore further?
A. The age at which his father was first diagnosed with hypertension.
B. Whether any first-degree relatives have had colorectal cancer or advanced
adenomas. ✓ CORRECT
C. The specific brand of beer he consumes and its alcohol content.
D. His mother's history of osteoporosis and bone density screening.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Family history of colorectal cancer in first-degree relatives significantly
lowers the recommended age for initial colonoscopy screening from 45 to 40, or 10
years before the youngest affected relative's diagnosis. Option A is incorrect because
while cardiovascular family history matters for general risk stratification, it does not
alter colonoscopy recommendations the way colorectal cancer family history does. In
practice, many patients with average-risk profiles are surprised to learn that a single
first-degree relative with advanced adenomas changes their screening timeline
dramatically.
Question 2 of 50
A 34-year-old female presents with a 3-week history of fatigue, intermittent low-grade
fever, and joint stiffness in her hands that improves with movement. She works as a
dental hygienist and mentions her symptoms are worse on Monday mornings after
weekends off. Her review of systems is otherwise unremarkable except for mild dry
eyes. When gathering her social history, which occupational exposure is most relevant
to her presenting complaint?
A. Repeated exposure to latex gloves causing type I hypersensitivity.
B. Chronic low-level exposure to mercury from dental amalgam removal.
C. Repetitive hand strain from scaling and polishing instruments.
D. Frequent exposure to aerosolized silica from dental polishing pastes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Repetitive hand strain combined with morning stiffness that improves with
activity is characteristic of early inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis,
which disproportionately affects individuals with repetitive hand occupations. Option A
is incorrect because latex allergy typically presents with urticaria, angioedema, or
anaphylaxis rather than progressive joint stiffness and systemic symptoms. Dental
hygienists are a well-documented occupational group with elevated risk for hand
,osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathies due to sustained grip forces and
repetitive motion.
Question 3 of 50
A 67-year-old African American male with hypertension and type 2 diabetes presents for
a follow-up visit. His blood pressure has been poorly controlled despite adherence to
lisinopril 20 mg daily. During medication reconciliation, he mentions he stopped taking
his hydrochlorothiazide because it "made me pee too much at work." He works as a
long-haul truck driver. When taking his occupational history, which additional question is
most important for medication safety?
A. Whether he has ever been diagnosed with sleep apnea given his body habitus.
B. How many hours he typically drives between rest stops and bathroom breaks. ✓
CORRECT
C. Whether his employer provides health insurance that covers brand-name
medications.
D. If he has experienced any episodes of road rage or aggressive driving behavior.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diuretic timing and occupational bathroom access are directly linked to
adherence; understanding his driving schedule allows the clinician to recommend
evening dosing or alternative antihypertensives that do not interfere with his work.
Option A is incorrect because while sleep apnea screening is important in truck drivers,
it does not address the immediate adherence barrier that caused him to discontinue a
prescribed medication. In occupational medicine, matching pharmacotherapy to job
demands is a core adherence strategy, particularly for diuretics in workers without
regular bathroom access.
Question 4 of 50
, A 28-year-old female presents with a 6-month history of irregular menstrual cycles,
acne, and new facial hair growth. She has gained 15 pounds over the past year despite
no change in diet. Her review of systems reveals no galactorrhea, no headaches, and no
visual changes. During the menstrual history, she reports her cycles were regular every
28 days until age 27. Which additional historical detail most strongly supports the
leading diagnostic hypothesis?
A. A history of severe acne during her teenage years that resolved with oral
contraceptives.
B. Onset of symptoms within 3 months of discontinuing a combined oral contraceptive
pill. ✓ CORRECT
C. A family history of early menopause in her mother and maternal aunt.
D. Documentation of a normal pelvic ultrasound performed 2 years ago for
dysmenorrhea.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Post-pill amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea with androgenic symptoms strongly
suggests underlying polycystic ovary syndrome that was masked by the suppressive
effects of combined oral contraceptives, a common clinical scenario. Option A is
incorrect because teenage acne is common and nonspecific, whereas the temporal
relationship between pill discontinuation and symptom onset is highly specific for
unmasked PCOS. Many women with undiagnosed PCOS first present after stopping
hormonal contraception, making this history essential in the reproductive-age female
with new-onset menstrual irregularity.
Question 5 of 50
A 41-year-old male presents with a 2-week history of progressive dyspnea on exertion,
nonproductive cough, and pleuritic chest pain. He has no fever but reports unintentional
weight loss of 12 pounds over 2 months. He recently returned from a 3-month