Historically, PA classes and exams are replete with “buzzwords”—key words or phrases that are associated with particular diagnoses. And the thinking is, if you know the buzzwords, you’ll score higher on your exams. Meanwhile, there is talk that the boards are moving away from including buzzwords in their questions. Whether this is the case or read more…

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE): the word itself will send the average PA student into instant tachycardia. It’s what you’ve been told about, taught about, and worked for since the very first day of PA school. To add to the stress, you also know that the past 24+ months of hard work and read more…

Epiglottitis Patient will be complaining of rapid onset of fever and dysphagia PE will show the patient leaning forward, drooling, inspiratory stridor Imaging will show “thumbprint” sign Most commonly caused by H. influenzae, Streptococcus Treatment is IV antibiotics and airway management Sample question: A 5-year-old boy presents to the emergency department because of difficulty breathing that began a few hours prior to consult. read more…

Ottawa Foot and Ankle Rules X-rays required if Patient cannot bear weight for 4 steps Distal 6 cm tibia/fibula tenderness Medial/lateral malleolus tenderness 5th metatarsal tenderness Navicular tenderness Sample question: A 16-year-old boy presents complaining of right ankle pain after injuring himself while playing basketball. He states that he “twisted his ankle” when he landed on read more…

Sample question: A 17-year-old boy presents to the clinic with right-hand pain after punching a wall. Physical examination reveals swelling over the dorsum of the right hand with bony tenderness noted with palpation of the fifth metacarpal. What is the most likely diagnosis?