Free Pediatric Physician Assistant Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which PA has the higher pay?

Pediatric Subspecialty (Correct answer)
General Pediatrics

Correct answer: Pediatric Subspecialty

A Pediatric Subspecialty PA typically earns more than a General Pediatrics PA because specialized expertise generally commands higher compensation. Focused, advanced training in a subspecialty raises earning potential compared to general practice.

Question 2: What age range do pediatric physician assistants see?

1-18
Birth-21 (Correct answer)
Birth-Death
Bith-18

Correct answer: Birth-21

Pediatric Physician Assistants (PAs) typically see patients from birth up to 21 years of age. They may work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices, and may provide a wide range of medical services, including physical exams, preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of complex medical conditions. Additionally, they may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and therapists, to provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents.

Question 3: Where are pediatric PAs employed?

Outpatient
Both patient and outpatient (Correct answer)
Inpatient

Correct answer: Both patient and outpatient

Pediatric Physician Assistants (PAs) can work in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient settings. Inpatient settings may include hospitals, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric wards, and emergency departments, where they may provide care for acutely ill children and manage complex medical conditions. Outpatient settings may include clinics, private practices, and community health centers, where they may provide preventive care, routine check-ups, and diagnosis and treatment of chronic and acute illnesses. Additionally, they may work in schools, child care centers, and other community settings to provide health education and promote healthy lifestyles for children and families.

Question 4: How many PAs are employed in general pediatrics?

1.3%
1.9% (Correct answer)
5.6%
2.1%

Correct answer: 1.9%

According to the 2020 Statistical Profile of Certified Physician Assistants, 1.8% of physician assistants (PAs) work in pediatrics, which includes both general pediatrics and pediatric subspecialties.

Question 5: Are there any additional requirements for a pediatric PA?

No, but it is recommended (Correct answer)
Yes, you need to pass the CAQ exam
Yes, you need to complete a fellowship

Correct answer: No, but it is recommended

While there is no additional formal training required to become a Pediatric PA, it is highly recommended to complete a pediatric-focused postgraduate residency or fellowship program after completing a PA program. These programs provide specialized training and experience in the care of pediatric patients, which can better prepare PAs for working in pediatric healthcare settings. Additionally, obtaining certification from the Pediatric Specialty Exam offered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) can demonstrate a PA's expertise and competency in the field of pediatrics.

Question 6: Do you want to work as a pediatric PA?

No, children are icky
Yes, I love children! (Correct answer)
No, not for me

Correct answer: Yes, I love children!

This is a personal reflection question with no objectively right or wrong answer—'Yes, I love children!' reflects genuine interest in working with pediatric patients. The other responses simply indicate the role isn't a personal fit.

Question 7: Which of the following statements about autism in children is accurate?

Environmental factors likely do not play a role in this condition
Benzodiazepines are a mainstay of treatment
Kids with autism do well with changing routines
Childhood autism is usually diagnosed before the age of 3 years (Correct answer)
Females are more affected than males

Correct answer: Childhood autism is usually diagnosed before the age of 3 years

Childhood autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is typically diagnosed before the age of 3 years. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Early diagnosis and intervention can help improve outcomes for individuals with ASD.

Question 8: Which of the following is a risk factor for the syndrome of sudden infant death (SIDS)?

Newborn lying on his or her side
Advanced maternal age
Macrosomia
Exposure to cigarette smoke (Correct answer)
Newborn lying on his or her back

Correct answer: Exposure to cigarette smoke

Smoking cigarettes is regarded as a risk factor for the emergence of SIDS. The danger factor is laying on one's stomach, however lying on one's side or back is also possible.

Question 9: Which one of the following is true concerning the characteristics of childhood autism?

Benzodiazepines are a mainstay of treatment.
Kids with autism do well with changing routines.
Childhood autism is usually diagnosed before the age of 3 years. (Correct answer)
Females are more affected than males.
Environmental factors likely do not play a role in this condition.

Correct answer: Childhood autism is usually diagnosed before the age of 3 years.

Autism in children is identified before the third birthday. Choice (A) is incorrect because routines work best for autistic children. Males are far more likely than females to have autism.

Question 10: A 4-month-old baby who has a tonic-clonic seizure with a 39.4°C (103°F) fever is being evaluated by you. There is no previous history of epilepsy or seizures. Lumbar punctures don't disclose anything. Which of the following is most likely to be the reason for this baby's seizures?

Meningitis
Encephalitis
Malignancy
Fever (Correct answer)
Epilepsy

Correct answer: Fever

This child is experiencing a febrile seizure (a fever fit). Meningitis and encephalitis are ruled out by a normal lumbar puncture.

Question 11: Which of the following contributes to the likelihood of developing Down syndrome?

Gestational diabetes
Maternal alcohol use
Advanced maternal age (Correct answer)
Folate deficiency during pregnancy
Lead poisoning

Correct answer: Advanced maternal age

A child's risk of developing Down syndrome is increased by an older mother.

Question 12: Which of the following is most helpful in determining whether a newborn has congenital hip dysplasia in addition to a physical examination?

Radiograph
Ultrasound (Correct answer)
CT scan
MRI
Bone scan

Correct answer: Ultrasound

The Barlow and Ortolani maneuvers are frequently brought up in PANCE concerns about congenital hip dysplasia in newborns. The ultrasound is the most effective imaging test for newborns. Much of the joint may not be clearly seen on routine radiologic imaging during the first few months of life.

Question 13: Which of the following increases the risk of testicular cancer?

Hypospadias
Cryptorchidism (Correct answer)
Varicocele
Hydrocele
Paraphimosis

Correct answer: Cryptorchidism

Testicular undegression, or cryptorchidism, raises the risk of testicular cancer. Varicocele, hydrocele, paraphimosis, and hypospadias are the remaining options; none of these are known risk factors.

Question 14: Phenomenon in which one or more fingers or toes are completely or partially joined, either naturally (as in web-footed animals) or as a deformity.

homograft (allograft)
inframammary
sydactyl (Correct answer)
partial colectomy

Correct answer: sydactyl

Syndactyly is the condition in which fingers or toes are fully or partially fused, either naturally or as a deformity (the prefix 'syn-' means together). Homograft refers to a tissue graft, inframammary means below the breast, and partial colectomy is bowel surgery—none describe fused digits.

Question 15: To create a stoma and drag the colon through the abdominal opening to facilitate healing.

ventricle
appendectomy
colostomy (Correct answer)
anastomosis

Correct answer: colostomy

A colostomy creates a stoma by bringing the colon through an opening in the abdominal wall to allow waste to bypass and the bowel to heal. A ventricle is a heart/brain chamber, appendectomy removes the appendix, and anastomosis joins two structures—none match this description.

Question 16: Deficits in every component of the blood cell (red, white, platelets).

anemia
osteopenia
pancytopenia (Correct answer)
polycythemia

Correct answer: pancytopenia

Pancytopenia is a deficiency in all three blood cell lines—red cells, white cells, and platelets (the prefix 'pan-' means all). Anemia affects only red cells, osteopenia involves bone density, and polycythemia is an excess (not a deficit) of red cells.

Free Pediatric Physician Assistant Questions and Answers

Which PA has the higher pay?