ABPS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ABPS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A physician prescribes metformin for a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to metformin use? → eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²
2. How should American Board of Physician Specialties professionals handle updated procedures? → Review updates, complete training, implement revisions
3. How do administrators handle healthcare compliance? → By adhering to legal and regulatory standards
4. What is the CORRECT sequence when performing a American Board of Physician Specialties technical procedure? → Plan, prepare, execute, verify, and document
5. What role does calibration play in American Board of Physician Specialties technical accuracy? → Ensures instruments produce accurate results over time
6. What is the role of electronic health records (EHR)? → To store and access patient health information digitally
7. A 70-year-old woman presents with hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds following blunt chest trauma. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Cardiac tamponade
8. A physician prescribes a statin along with gemfibrozil for combined hyperlipidemia. What serious adverse effect risk is significantly increased? → Rhabdomyolysis
9. When interpreting a tuberculin skin test (TST), a 10 mm induration is considered positive for which patient group? → Recent immigrants from high-prevalence countries
10. Which assessment method provides the MOST reliable data for ABPS professionals? → Standardized tools combined with professional observation
11. A bone marrow biopsy in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) reveals the Philadelphia chromosome. Which gene fusion does this represent? → BCR-ABL1
12. When prescribing ACE inhibitors, which electrolyte abnormality must be monitored closely? → Hyperkalemia
13. Which reversal agent is used for life-threatening bleeding in a patient on direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) rivaroxaban? → Andexanet alfa
14. Which lab finding would differentiate hemolytic anemia from other causes of anemia? → Elevated LDH, low haptoglobin, and elevated indirect bilirubin
15. A 45-year-old with a history of alcoholism presents with confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia. Which treatment should be given immediately? → Thiamine (Vitamin B1) IV before glucose
16. Why is differential diagnosis important in clinical practice? → To narrow down the cause and guide testing and treatment
17. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial fluid resuscitation for septic shock in adults per Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines? → 30 mL/kg IV crystalloid within the first 3 hours
18. Asked to provide ABPS services outside scope of competence, the CORRECT response is to: → Decline and refer to a qualified professional
19. When documenting ABPS assessment findings, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Record objective findings and observations factually
20. When pressured to compromise ABPS professional standards, the BEST response is to: → Document the pressure and uphold standards
21. What is the ethical principle of autonomy? → Respecting a patient’s informed choices
22. What is MOST important when selecting assessment tools for ABPS work? → Validity, reliability, and contextual appropriateness
23. Which maneuver is used during rapid sequence intubation (RSI) to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric contents? → Sellick maneuver (cricoid pressure)
24. In American Board of Physician Specialties practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
25. Which medication is used to reverse the anticoagulant effect of warfarin in a patient with life-threatening bleeding? → Fresh frozen plasma plus Vitamin K
26. When conducting a risk assessment for ABPS operations, which factor gets HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
27. A ABPS professional discovers a conflict of interest. What is the MOST ethical action? → Disclose immediately and recuse if necessary
28. Why should physicians avoid conflicts of interest? → To protect patient interests and maintain integrity
29. Why is maintaining patient confidentiality essential? → To protect patient privacy and trust
30. When American Board of Physician Specialties assessment results are inconclusive, the BEST practice is to: → Conduct additional assessment using alternative methods