Family Practice Exam Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A patient with known CAD develops new-onset dyspnea and orthopnea. Which test best evaluates cardiac function? → Echocardiogram
2. An 84-year-old nursing home patient has a Stage III pressure ulcer on his sacrum. What is the most important factor in promoting wound healing? → Adequate nutritional support including protein intake
3. What role does collaboration play in preventive medicine for Family Practice Exam professionals? → It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise
4. What is the most important factor in effective communication with patients regarding acute care? → Using clear, understandable language and confirming understanding
5. Which ethical principle requires Family Practice Exam professionals to act in the patient's best interest? → Beneficence
6. Which of the following best describes the murmur of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a child? → Harsh holosystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border
7. A 4-year-old presents with scrotal swelling that transilluminates and is non-tender. The mass does not reduce. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Hydrocele
8. What is the key benefit of evidence-based decision making in Family Practice Exam management? → It improves accuracy and reduces bias in decisions
9. A 4-year-old child is brought in with fever, drooling, and sitting in a tripod position with neck hyperextended. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Epiglottitis
10. A 62-year-old man on allopurinol presents with an acute gout flare. His serum urate is 5.5 mg/dL. What is the best approach? → Treat the flare; continue allopurinol at current dose
11. A patient with atrial fibrillation has a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 3. What is the recommended management? → Anticoagulation with a DOAC or warfarin
12. Which of the following is a hallmark feature of borderline personality disorder? → Identity disturbance and fear of abandonment
13. A 70-year-old diabetic presents with confusion, polyuria, and blood glucose of 850 mg/dL. Serum ketones are absent. What is the diagnosis? → Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
14. What is the most important factor in effective communication with patients regarding geriatric care? → Using clear, understandable language and confirming understanding
15. A patient has a blood pressure of 165/95 mmHg on two separate office visits. According to ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, what is the diagnosis? → Stage 2 hypertension
16. A 17-year-old is brought in after being found with a suicide note but denies current intent. What is the most appropriate next step? → Refer for inpatient psychiatric evaluation
17. A 29-year-old woman presents with amenorrhea for 3 months, galactorrhea, and headaches. Serum prolactin is 180 ng/mL. What is the most appropriate next step? → Perform pregnancy test and thyroid function tests first
18. Which blood pressure target is recommended for a 72-year-old patient with hypertension but no diabetes or CKD, according to current ACC/AHA guidelines? → Less than 130/80 mmHg
19. Which intervention is recommended to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older at increased fall risk, per USPSTF? → Exercise interventions (balance and strength training)
20. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? → Buspirone or an SSRI plus CBT
21. Barrett's esophagus is best defined as which of the following histological changes? → Replacement of normal squamous epithelium with intestinal-type columnar epithelium
22. A patient with schizophrenia shows flat affect, alogia, and avolition with intact thought organization. These symptoms are best described as: → Negative symptoms
23. Which of the following should be avoided while treating depression in the elderly due to the possibility of cardiotoxic adverse effects? → Amitriptyline
24. A 3-year-old has a temperature of 40°C and a petechial rash spreading rapidly from the trunk. She appears toxic. What is the most urgent concern? → Meningococcemia
25. Which of the following patients should receive aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease according to current USPSTF guidelines? → A 55-year-old with a 10-year ASCVD risk of 12% and no bleeding risk
26. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for stable angina refractory to nitrates and beta-blockers? → Add a long-acting calcium channel blocker (amlodipine)
27. Which of the following symptoms is used to identify Parkinson's disease? → Bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscular rigidity, and postural instability
28. Which ECG criterion is most commonly used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy? → S in V1 + R in V5 >35 mm (Sokolow-Lyon)
29. Which psychological therapy has the strongest evidence base for treating bulimia nervosa? → Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
30. A patient stabilized on warfarin is started on fluconazole for a fungal infection. What effect will this have on the INR? → Increase INR