PA Physician Assistant Exam
Question 1. Which physical exam finding is most characteristic of aortic
regurgitation?
A) Systolic ejection murmur heard best at the right upper sternal border
B) Diastolic decrescendo murmur at the left sternal border
C) Opening snap followed by diastolic rumble at the apex
D) Harsh holosystolic murmur at the apex
Answer: B
Explanation: Aortic regurgitation produces a high-pitched diastolic decrescendo
murmur best heard at the left sternal border due to backflow from the aorta into
the left ventricle during diastole.
Question 2. Which diagnostic study is first-line for evaluating suspected deep vein
thrombosis in the lower extremity?
A) CT angiography
B) D-dimer blood test
C) Compression ultrasonography
D) Venography
Answer: C
Explanation: Compression ultrasonography is non-invasive, sensitive, and specific
for DVT, making it the first-line imaging choice.
Question 3. A 3-year-old presents with a “machinery” murmur. Which congenital
heart defect is most likely?
