Physician Assistant Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What position does PA have among US News and World Report's "top 100 jobs"? → 3
2. 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. → sydactyl
3. A patient presents with pain and swelling over the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, worsened by wrist extension and gripping. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
4. A physical examination finding of weakness when shrugging the shoulders against resistance would indicate a deficit in which cranial nerve? → CN XI (Accessory)
5. What is the time window for administration of IV alteplase (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke? → Within 3–4.5 hours of symptom onset
6. Which of the following is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of cases? → Papillary thyroid carcinoma
7. Which of the ensuing antidotes best suits the toxicity at its core? → Acetaminophen — fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole)
8. Of the following, which one is macrocytic anemia? → Chronic liver disease
9. Which sign is used to diagnose De Quervain tenosynovitis? → Finkelstein test
10. How many PAs are employed in general pediatrics? → 1.9%
11. Which of the following side effects is most frequently experienced after using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for an extended period of time? → Cough
12. A patient with Alzheimer's disease has deficiency of which neurotransmitter? → Acetylcholine
13. After making lifestyle changes, which drug class is advised as the first-line treatment for hypercholesterolemia? → HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
14. Which PA has the higher pay? → Pediatric Subspecialty
15. Which of the aforementioned claims regarding Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accurate? → Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease
16. Which of the following cardiovascular conditions is most often connected to exophthalmos and jugular venous distension? → Massive tricuspid regurgitation
17. Which of the following is a contraindication to IV tPA in acute ischemic stroke? → Ischemic stroke or head trauma within the past 3 months
18. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial imaging study for a patient with suspected osteoporosis? → DEXA scan
19. Which of the following statements regarding the various forms of sleep apnea is FALSE? → Central apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea
20. Deficits in every component of the blood cell (red, white, platelets). → pancytopenia
21. All of the following, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF, constitute a typical duodenal ulcer. → Affects people over 65
22. Which of the following cardiomyopathies often exhibits a murmur that is less audible while the patient is standing or executing a Valsalva maneuver? → Restrictive cardiomyopathy
23. Which of the following cardiovascular diseases has aberrant pupillary reflexes (Argyll Robertson pupil) as a potential cause? → Thoracic aortic aneurysm
24. Which of the following negative effects of beta channel blockers is NOT one of them? → Hypertension
25. Which of the following is the most important initial intervention in the management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)? → IV fluid resuscitation with normal saline
26. Which of the following is the most common overall cause of Cushing's syndrome? → Exogenous corticosteroid use
27. Which organization became a supporting organization of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in 2011? → The PA History Society
28. Which physical exam finding is most specific for medial meniscus tear? → Positive McMurray test with medial joint line pain
29. Which one of the following conditions is NOT a long-term side effect of essential hypertension? → Asthma
30. Which medication class is contraindicated in patients with gout who are taking allopurinol and develop a skin rash? → Ampicillin-class antibiotics