Physician Assistant Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the Physician Assistant exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 Physician Assistant Exam Format at a Glance
📚 Physician Assistant Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample Physician Assistant Questions & Answers
1. Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of which nerve?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, causing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger.
2. Which of the following DON'T add to the causes of atrial fibrillation?
Hypothyroidism is generally associated with bradycardia and a *decreased* risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), or at least is not a direct cause. In contrast, hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) is a well-established cause of AFib due to increased adrenergic tone and myocardial excitability. Pulmonary disease, ischemia, and rheumatic heart disease are all recognized risk factors for developing AFib.
3. A 30-year-old woman presents with galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and bitemporal headaches. MRI shows a pituitary mass and prolactin is 160 ng/mL. What is the first-line treatment?
Dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment for prolactinomas, as they suppress prolactin secretion and reduce tumor size.
4. Do you want to work as a pediatric PA?
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.
5. What is the time window for administration of IV alteplase (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke?
IV alteplase is approved for administration within 3 hours of symptom onset, with select patients eligible up to 4.5 hours based on AHA/ASA guidelines.
6. A 30-year-old with epilepsy presents in status epilepticus. After two doses of lorazepam, seizures persist. What is the next pharmacological treatment?
After benzodiazepine failure in status epilepticus, the next step is IV second-line agents such as levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, or valproate per established treatment algorithms.