Physician Assistant Pediatric 2

Question 1

A 3-year-old presents with barky cough, stridor at rest, and low-grade fever. Which treatment is first-line?

Accepted Answer

Dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg IM/PO

Answer

Dexamethasone is the first-line treatment for croup, reducing airway edema with a single dose.

Question 2

Which vaccine is contraindicated in a 6-month-old with a severe egg allergy?

Accepted Answer

Influenza (egg-based)

Answer

Egg-based influenza vaccines contain egg protein and are contraindicated in severe egg allergy; cell-based alternatives should be used.

Question 3

A 10-year-old has recurrent episodes of severe headache with photophobia, nausea, and vomiting lasting 4-6 hours. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Migraine without aura

Answer

Pediatric migraine presents with unilateral or bilateral throbbing headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia.

Question 4

A neonate develops jaundice within the first 24 hours of life. What is the most concerning etiology?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic disease (ABO/Rh incompatibility)

Answer

Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of birth is always pathological and most commonly caused by hemolytic disease from ABO or Rh incompatibility.

Question 5

A 5-year-old with sickle cell disease presents with sudden onset of left-sided weakness and slurred speech. What is the immediate next step?

Accepted Answer

Exchange transfusion

Answer

Acute stroke in sickle cell disease requires urgent exchange transfusion to rapidly reduce HbS levels below 30%.

Physician Assistant Practice Test