Physician Assistant Exam Review

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Clinical Presentation Inattention (≥6 symptoms if ≤16; ≥5 if ≥17): Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (≥6 symptoms if ≤16; ≥5 if ≥17): Functional impairment required (academic, social, occupational). Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment First-line: Stimulants (most effective) Non-stimulant alternatives Non-pharmacologic Key Differentiators Test Alert Autism Spectrum […] The post Stop losing psych points: ADHD vs Autism vs Conduct & Anorexia vs Bulimia —what the PANCE is really testing appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Bipolar and Related Disorders Chronic mood disorder with episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.Onset typically late teens–20s. Equal in men/women. Strong genetic predisposition. Clinical Presentation Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar II Disorder Cyclothymic Disorder Hallmark exam clues Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment First-line (mood stabilizers): Adjunctive / Antipsychotics: Antidepressants: Non-pharmacologic: Key Differentiators Bipolar I vs. […] The post 135: Bipolar and Depression appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Panic Disorder Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Phobias Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts The post 134: Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post Episode 133: Abuse, Violence, and Trauma Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

The post 132 Neuro: Neoplasms & how to be a better student appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Cauda Equina Syndrome • Neurosurgical emergency due to compression of cauda equina nerve roots, usually from disc herniation, tumor, or trauma Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators Epidural Abscess • • Spinal epidural infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies, and Physical Exam Findings Treatment Key Differentiators […] The post 131 Neuro: Spinal Cord issues appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Over the past 14 years I’ve seen a lot of people make up A LOT of points, but I don’t think there’s anyone who’s done what this student did. Listen up. This is a good one. The post PANCE Skyrockets From 222 to a 359!!! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Last time, we covered the detailed medical content on infectious neurologic disorders. (If you missed it, you can find it here: physicianassistantexamreview.com/130) This week is about action. We’re taking everything you learned and making it stick by applying it to questions, clues, and decision-making strategies you’ll need on test day. We’ll work through: Instead of memorizing facts, you’ll learn how to […] The post 130B PANCE Prep for Infectious Neuro Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Encephalitis Inflammation of the brain parenchyma, often viral in origin, presenting with altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits. Can be life-threatening. Viral Encephalitis (Most Common) HSV-1 Encephalitis  Clinical Presentation: Labs & Imaging: Treatment:  Arboviral Encephalitis Clinical Presentation: Diagnosis: Treatment: Meningitis Acute Bacterial Meningitis Clinical Presentation: CSF Findings: Diagnosis: Empiric Treatment: Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis […] The post 130 Encephalitis Review for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Conditions Covered • Wernicke’s Encephalopathy • Hepatic Encephalopathy • Toxic & Metabolic Encephalopathy • Uremic Encephalopathy • Hypertensive Encephalopathy ⸻ Encephalopathy = Global brain dysfunction Encephalitis = Brain inflammation ⸻ Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Acute, reversible encephalopathy caused by thiamine (B1) deficiency. Key Differentiator: Confusion + Ataxia + Ophthalmoplegia in a malnourished or alcoholic patient. Essentials: • […] The post 129b: Quick Encephalopathy Review for the PANCE appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Hepatic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Toxic & Metabolic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Uremic Encephalopathy Clinical Presentation Labs, Studies & Imaging Treatment & Management High-Yield Facts Hypertensive […] The post Episode 129: Encephalopathic Disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Cranial Nerve Review: Full Breakdown Cranial Nerves in Order 1. Olfactory (CN I) – Smell 2. Optic (CN II) – Vision 3. Oculomotor (CN III) – Eye movement (SR, IR, MR, IO), pupil constriction, eyelid elevation 4. Trochlear (CN IV) – Eye movement (SO – superior oblique) 5. Trigeminal (CN V) – Facial sensation, mastication […] The post 128b Cranial Neves 6-12 PANCE Practice appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

CN VI (Abducens Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment Key Takeaways CN VII (Facial Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment Key Takeaways CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear Nerve Palsy) Definition/Overview Clinical Presentation Physical Exam Labs, Studies, and Imaging Common Causes Treatment […] The post 128: Cranial Nerves 6-12 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Not a lot of notes for today. Look back to Episode 127 for the complete notes. https://www.physicianassistantexamreview.com/127 The post 127b: Cranial Nerves 1-5 PANCE Questions and Review appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Cranial Nerves Overview 1. Olfactory – CN I – Smell 2. Optic – CN II – Vision 3. Oculomotor – CN III – Eye movement, pupil constriction, eyelid control 4. Trochlear – CN IV – Eye movement down and inward 5. Trigeminal – CN V – Facial sensation and chewing 6. Abducens – CN VI – Eye movement side to side […] The post 127: Cranial Nerve Palsies – Part 1 appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Syncope Hydrocephalus Coma Final Step type Questions What key symptom differentiates syncope from seizure? What triad is seen in normal pressure hydrocephalus? At what Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is intubation typically required? What is the first-line treatment for increased intracranial pressure in hydrocephalus? What pupil finding suggests opioid toxicity? What test is used to […] The post 126b: Syncope, Hydrocephalus, Coma PANCE Questions appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Today I got something really special and I have two people who have done amazing things and want to share their experience. Let’s go ahead and get started.. The post +130 Points & From Struggling to Graduating! appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Syncope, Hydrocephalus, and Coma Syncope Transient loss of consciousness due to global cerebral hypoperfusion, often with rapid onset, brief duration, and spontaneous recovery A key differential in cerebrovascular cases, distinct from stroke, TIA, and seizures Clinical Presentation Preceding Symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, diaphoresis Triggers: Prolonged standing, vasovagal (emotional stress) Orthostatic hypotension (sudden positional changes) […] The post 126 Syncope, Coma & Master Class Tonight!  appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Companion Episode: Cerebral Aneurysms, AVMs, and Intracranial Hemorrhage Companion Episode: Cerebral Aneurysms, AVMs, and Intracranial Hemorrhage Differentiation Cerebral Aneurysms vs. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) Cause of Hemorrhage: Cerebral Aneurysm: Weakening and bulging of an arterial wall. AVM: Abnormal connection between arteries and veins without capillaries. Location: Cerebral Aneurysms: Frequently at arterial bifurcations in the Circle of […] The post 125b Retention Practice & PANCE Questions for Cerebrovascular disorders appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.

Physician Assistant Exam Review Upcoming Events Join us for the Pass the PANCE Master Class on January 14th and 16th. This interactive session is packed with proven strategies to help you… well pass the PANCE. Mark your calendars! Registration for the 33 Days to Pass the PANCE February Cohort opens on January 14th, 2025. Stay […] The post 125 Cerebrovascular Part 2 & Exciting things in January appeared first on Physician Assistant Exam Review.