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SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TAILORED FOR THE AMERICAN
ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS CERTIFICATION BOARD
(AANPCB®)
Clinical Management
1. What is the first-line treatment for essential hypertension in an adult patient
without comorbidities?
Answer: Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide).
2. A 6-year-old presents with a sore throat, fever, and tonsillar exudate. What is the
most appropriate next step?
Answer: Perform a rapid antigen detection test for Group A streptococcus.
3. What is the most likely diagnosis in a patient presenting with sudden onset of
unilateral facial weakness, drooping of the eyelid, and inability to close the eye?
Answer: Bell's Palsy.
4. What medication is first-line for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in a newly
diagnosed adult patient?
Answer: Metformin.
5. What is the recommended treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in a
healthy adult?
Answer: Amoxicillin or doxycycline.
Diagnostic Testing
6. What lab test is most appropriate to confirm a diagnosis of iron-deficiency
anemia?
Answer: Serum ferritin.
7. What imaging study is best for diagnosing a suspected pulmonary embolism?
Answer: CT pulmonary angiography.
8. What test is used to confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism?
Answer: Serum TSH and free T4.
9. What lab values are typically elevated in acute pancreatitis?
Answer: Serum amylase and lipase.
10. Which diagnostic tool is the gold standard for detecting coronary artery disease?
Answer: Coronary angiography.
Pharmacology
11. What is the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors?
Answer: They inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
12. What is the preferred treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection?
Answer: Triple therapy: proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin, and
amoxicillin.
13. Which medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm?
Answer: ACE inhibitors.
14. What is the first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
Answer: SSRIs (e.g., sertraline).
15. What is the recommended treatment for acute otitis media in children?
Answer: Amoxicillin.
