Physician Assistant Pediatric 5

Question 1

A 2-year-old presents with sudden onset of high fever (40°C), toxic appearance, drooling, and tripod positioning. She is refusing to open her mouth. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis

Answer

Epiglottitis presents with the classic triad of drooling, dysphagia, and distress, often with a tripod position; it is a true airway emergency requiring immediate stabilization.

Question 2

A 16-year-old female athlete presents with stress fracture, amenorrhea for 8 months, and BMI of 16.5. What is this triad called?

Accepted Answer

Female athlete triad

Answer

The female athlete triad consists of energy deficiency (often with disordered eating), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density.

Question 3

A 6-year-old with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) presents for a well-child visit. Which screening is uniquely important in this population?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid function tests

Answer

Children with Down syndrome have a markedly increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease (hypothyroidism) and should have TSH screened annually.

Question 4

A breastfed 3-week-old has jaundice with a total bilirubin of 18 mg/dL. The infant is feeding well, gaining weight, and has a normal exam. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Continue breastfeeding and recheck bilirubin in 24 hours

Answer

Breast milk jaundice is benign, peaks at 2–3 weeks, and resolves spontaneously; breastfeeding should be continued with close monitoring unless bilirubin exceeds phototherapy thresholds.

Question 5

A 12-year-old presents with new-onset polyuria, polydipsia, and a 5 kg weight loss over 3 weeks. Random glucose is 320 mg/dL with positive ketones. What is the immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV fluids and insulin infusion for DKA

Answer

This presentation is classic for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in new-onset type 1 diabetes, requiring urgent IV fluid resuscitation and insulin infusion.

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Pediatric 5