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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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% […]

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 […]

<< 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 […]

<< 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Today we cover Trauma to the eye and one way to get your brain to retain just a little more when you study.

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 […]