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PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) Exam Cheat Sheet (2026)
A free, printable PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam cheat sheet: the 142 highest-yield points to know, grouped into 15 sections that follow the exam's content areas, each section with its published weight.
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- Last updated: September 2026.
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Cardiovascular System
11% of the exam- Pericarditis vs ischemia
- Pericardial pain is pleuritic and eased by sitting up and leaning forward; the ECG shows diffuse ST elevation with PR depression rather than a regional pattern with reciprocal change.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pericarditis
- Tamponade
- Hypotension, distended neck veins and muffled heart sounds with pulsus paradoxus (an inspiratory systolic fall above 10 mm Hg) call for immediate pericardiocentesis.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pericarditis
- Aortic dissection
- Abrupt tearing chest or back pain with pulse deficits suggests dissection; dissection involving the ascending aorta (Stanford type A) is a surgical emergency.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Aortic Dissection
- Unstable tachycardia
- A tachycardia with a pulse that causes hypotension or altered mental status is treated with synchronized cardioversion; pulseless VT and VF are treated with defibrillation.· AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- Aortic stenosis
- A crescendo-decrescendo murmur at the upper sternal border radiating to the carotids, a weak delayed carotid pulse, and the triad of syncope, angina and exertional dyspnea.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Aortic Stenosis
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- The outflow murmur gets louder with maneuvers that lower preload (Valsalva, standing) and softer with handgrip or squatting.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Upper-extremity hypertension with weak, delayed femoral pulses and an arm-leg pressure gradient; rib notching appears only in older children.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Coarctation of the Aorta
- Four pillars of HFrEF therapy
- An ARNI (or ACE inhibitor/ARB), an evidence-based beta-blocker, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and an SGLT2 inhibitor form guideline-directed therapy; loop diuretics treat congestion.· 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure
- Digoxin
- Digoxin can reduce symptoms and hospitalization in HFrEF but has no proven survival benefit.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Medications for Heart Failure
- Pregnancy and RAAS blockade
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs are contraindicated in pregnancy and are replaced with pregnancy-compatible agents.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hypertension
- Hypertensive emergency
- Severe hypertension with acute target-organ damage (encephalopathy, papilledema, heart failure, renal injury) is an emergency; severe elevation without it is urgency.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hypertension
Dermatologic System
4% of the exam- Pityriasis rosea
- A single herald patch followed by smaller oval lesions along skin cleavage lines in a Christmas tree pattern on the back.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pityriasis Rosea
- Scabies
- Intensely itchy papules and burrows in finger webs, wrists, waistline and genitals, often worse at night and shared by household contacts.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Scabies
- Actinic keratosis
- Rough, scaly papules on sun-exposed skin that are premalignant, with a risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Actinic Keratoses
- SJS and TEN
- Epidermal detachment below 10% of body surface area is SJS, 10 to 30% is overlap, and above 30% is TEN; the causative drug is stopped immediately.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Tense bullae in older adults, often preceded by itching, with a negative Nikolsky sign and little mucosal involvement.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Bullous Pemphigoid
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Flaccid bullae and painful oral erosions with a positive Nikolsky sign reflect loss of epidermal cohesion.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pemphigus Vulgaris
- Treat contacts in scabies
- Topical permethrin (or oral ivermectin in some cases) is used, with simultaneous treatment of close contacts to prevent reinfestation.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Scabies
- Dermatophytes
- Tinea infections are treated with antifungals, not antibacterials or steroids alone.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Overview of Dermatophytoses
- Impetigo
- Superficial bacterial infection with honey-colored crusts is typically treated with topical antibiotics when limited.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Impetigo and Ecthyma
Endocrine System
6% of the exam- Graves disease
- Hyperthyroidism with a diffuse goiter, exophthalmos or infiltrative dermopathy; the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hyperthyroidism
- Starting levothyroxine
- Older patients and those with heart disease start at a low dose (for example 25 mcg) with adjustments about every 6 weeks.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hypothyroidism
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- The most common cause is a solitary parathyroid adenoma.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hyperparathyroidism
- Addison disease
- Hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia; confirmed with serum cortisol, plasma ACTH and ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation testing.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
- Cushing syndrome screening
- Late-night salivary cortisol, 24-hour urinary free cortisol, or a dexamethasone suppression test establish cortisol excess before ACTH localizes the cause.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Cushing Syndrome
- Pheochromocytoma
- Screen with plasma free or urinary metanephrines; start alpha-blockade before any beta-blocker to avoid unopposed alpha stimulation.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pheochromocytoma
- DKA priorities
- Give IV 0.9% saline, correct hypokalemia, and start IV insulin only when potassium is at least 3.3 mEq/L.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Acute Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
- Prolactinoma
- A dopamine agonist is the usual initial treatment, and cabergoline is preferred because it is better tolerated.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Prolactinoma
- Thyroid nodules
- Ultrasound features and size decide whether fine-needle aspiration is needed.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Approach to the Patient With a Thyroid Nodule
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
6% of the exam- Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Severe eye pain, halos, headache and vomiting with a hazy cornea and fixed mid-dilated pupil; treat as an emergency and arrange laser iridotomy.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Central retinal artery occlusion
- Sudden painless monocular vision loss with a pale retina and cherry-red spot.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Retinal detachment
- Flashes, new floaters and a curtain-like field loss need urgent ophthalmology.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Retinal Detachment
- Orbital cellulitis
- Proptosis, painful or impaired eye movement and reduced vision separate it from preseptal cellulitis; CT or MRI and IV antibiotics.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis
- Acute otitis media
- A bulging tympanic membrane is the key sign; high-dose amoxicillin is generally the preferred antibiotic when one is used.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Otitis Media (Acute)
- Meniere disease
- Episodes of vertigo lasting hours with fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Meniere Disease
- Cerumen and external ear
- Cerumen impaction and otitis externa are external-ear disorders managed locally.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, How to Remove Cerumen
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Severe sore throat, trismus, a hot potato voice and uvular deviation; drain and give antibiotics.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Peritonsillar Abscess and Cellulitis
- Epiglottitis
- Rapid fever, drooling, stridor and tripod posture; protect the airway first.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Epiglottitis
- Epistaxis
- Most nosebleeds arise anteriorly from Kiesselbach area and often stop with direct pressure.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Epistaxis
Gastrointestinal System/Nutrition
8% of the exam- Acute cholecystitis
- RUQ pain with a Murphy sign; ultrasound is the first imaging test, and early cholecystectomy is preferred.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Acute Cholecystitis
- Cholangitis
- Fever, jaundice and RUQ pain (Charcot triad) require antibiotics and biliary drainage, typically by ERCP.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Choledocholithiasis and Cholangitis
- Acute pancreatitis
- Any two of typical pain, amylase or lipase above 3 times normal, and characteristic imaging; gallstones and alcohol are the most common triggers.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Acute Pancreatitis
- Appendicitis
- Periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant with McBurney point tenderness.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Appendicitis
- Pyloric stenosis
- Projectile nonbilious vomiting at 3 to 6 weeks, an olive mass, and hypochloremic hypokalemic alkalosis; ultrasound confirms.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
- Intussusception
- Intermittent colicky pain with lethargy, a sausage-shaped mass and bloody stool; ultrasound diagnoses and air enema reduces.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Intussusception
- Celiac disease
- IgA tissue transglutaminase with total IgA while eating gluten, confirmed by small-bowel biopsy.· American Family Physician 2022, Celiac Disease
- H. pylori
- Urea breath test or stool antigen detects active infection; serology does not confirm cure.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Helicobacter pylori Infection
- Variceal bleeding
- Resuscitation, octreotide, antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhosis and endoscopic banding, with TIPS for failure.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Varices
- Achalasia
- Dysphagia to solids and liquids with regurgitation; manometry confirms.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Achalasia
Genitourinary System
4% of the exam- Testicular torsion
- Sudden pain, a high-riding horizontal testis and absent cremasteric reflex; detorsion and surgery without delay.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Testicular Torsion
- Varicocele
- A bag of worms, usually on the left, that enlarges on standing or Valsalva.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Painless Scrotal Mass
- Hydrocele
- A smooth cystic swelling that transilluminates.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Painless Scrotal Mass
- BPH drugs
- Alpha-blockers relieve symptoms quickly; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink larger glands over months; combining them is more effective.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Fever, chills and urinary symptoms with an exquisitely tender, boggy prostate.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Prostatitis
- Prostate cancer
- Suggested by digital rectal examination or PSA and confirmed by biopsy; screening involves shared decision-making.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Prostate Cancer
- Imaging stones
- Noncontrast CT is the usual diagnostic test; ultrasound avoids radiation.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Urinary Calculi
- Medical expulsive therapy
- Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin can facilitate stone passage.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Urinary Calculi
- Pyelonephritis
- Flank pain and systemic symptoms with urinary symptoms suggest kidney infection.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections
Hematologic System
5% of the exam- Iron deficiency
- Microcytic anemia with low ferritin and low transferrin saturation.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Iron Deficiency
- B12 deficiency
- Macrocytic anemia with neurologic signs; folate alone can correct the anemia while neurologic damage progresses.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Sickle cell disease
- Hydroxyurea raises fetal hemoglobin and reduces pain crises and acute chest syndrome.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Sickle Cell Disease
- Hemophilia
- Prolonged PTT with normal PT and platelets; confirm with factor VIII and IX assays.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hemophilia
- Immune thrombocytopenia
- Isolated thrombocytopenia with a normal smear and spleen, after excluding causes such as HIV and hepatitis C.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Platelet vs factor bleeding
- Mucosal bleeding and petechiae suggest platelet problems; deep tissue and joint bleeding suggest factor deficiency.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hemophilia
- Multiple myeloma
- Bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia and renal insufficiency; serum and urine electrophoresis with immunofixation.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Multiple Myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Cytopenias from ineffective marrow production, mostly in older adults.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Bence Jones protein
- Free monoclonal light chains in urine occur in many myeloma patients.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Multiple Myeloma
Infectious Diseases
7% of the exam- C. difficile
- Oral fidaxomicin or oral vancomycin is first-line for an initial episode; metronidazole is no longer first-line.· IDSA/SHEA 2021 Focused Update on C. difficile Infection
- Syphilis
- Benzathine penicillin G is the treatment of choice for most stages; partners are evaluated.· CDC STI Treatment Guidelines, 2021
- Gonorrhea
- Ceftriaxone 500 mg IM once (1 g if 150 kg or more), plus doxycycline if chlamydia is not excluded.· CDC STI Treatment Guidelines, 2021
- Lyme disease
- Erythema migrans is diagnosed clinically because serology is often negative early; doxycycline is standard.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Lyme Disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Fever, headache and a rash starting at wrists and ankles; doxycycline for all ages, started on suspicion.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Measles
- Fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots and a head-to-trunk rash; airborne precautions.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Measles
- Septic shock
- Sepsis needing vasopressors for MAP of 65 mm Hg or more with lactate above 2 mmol/L after fluids.· Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Initial fluids
- Many patients need at least 30 mL/kg of crystalloid in the first 3 hours, guided by perfusion.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Sepsis and Septic Shock
- Pneumocystis prophylaxis
- Can stop once ART raises the CD4 count to 200 or more for at least 3 months.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia
Musculoskeletal System
8% of the exam- Septic arthritis
- Aspirate the joint; synovial white count is usually above 50,000/µL with neutrophil predominance.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Acute Infectious Arthritis
- Compartment syndrome
- Pain out of proportion and pain with passive stretch; treatment is fasciotomy.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Compartment Syndrome
- Gout
- Needle-shaped, negatively birefringent urate crystals; flares treated with NSAIDs, colchicine or glucocorticoids.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Gout
- SCFE
- Obese early adolescent with hip, thigh or knee pain; no weight-bearing and screw fixation.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
- DDH screening
- Barlow pushes an unstable hip out; Ortolani relocates a dislocated hip.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Tender tibial tubercle in active adolescents; analgesics and rest.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Osteoarthritis vs RA
- Heberden (DIP) and Bouchard (PIP) nodes in OA; symmetric wrist and MCP inflammation in RA.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Inflammatory back pain improving with activity, sacroiliitis, and HLA-B27.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Proximal stiffness over age 50 with high ESR and rapid response to low-dose prednisone.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Osteoporosis
- T-score of -2.5 or lower; osteopenia is between -1.0 and -2.5.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Osteoporosis
Neurologic System
7% of the exam- Acute stroke
- Noncontrast CT or MRI excludes hemorrhage before thrombolysis.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Ischemic Stroke
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Worst headache peaking in seconds; noncontrast CT and, if negative, lumbar puncture for xanthochromia.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Meningitis
- Give antibiotics and glucocorticoids after blood cultures but before imaging if lumbar puncture will be delayed.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Acute Bacterial Meningitis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Fatigable ptosis and diplopia; acetylcholine receptor antibodies confirm.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Myasthenia Gravis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Ascending weakness with areflexia after infection; monitor forced vital capacity; IVIG or plasma exchange.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Saddle anesthesia, bladder dysfunction and leg weakness; immediate MRI.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Parkinson disease
- Resting tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia; carbidopa-levodopa.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Parkinson Disease
- Essential tremor
- A postural and intention (action) tremor, usually bilateral; propranolol or primidone are standard treatments.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Tremor
- Cluster headache
- Unilateral orbital pain with autonomic features; oxygen or parenteral triptan acutely, verapamil to prevent.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Cluster Headache
Psychiatry/Behavioral Science
7% of the exam- Major depressive disorder
- Five or more symptoms including depressed mood or anhedonia nearly every day for 2 weeks.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Depressive Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Excessive, hard-to-control worry more days than not for at least 6 months.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic disorder
- Recurrent unexpected attacks with at least 1 month of worry or behavior change; SSRIs and CBT.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
- Acute stress disorder vs PTSD
- Within the first month it is acute stress disorder; PTSD requires more than 1 month.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- OCD
- Exposure and response prevention, SSRIs or clomipramine.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- ADHD
- Some symptoms present before age 12 and in more than one setting.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Benzodiazepines, guided by the CIWA-Ar score.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Alcohol Toxicity and Withdrawal
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability and high CK; stop the antipsychotic and cool.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Antipsychotic Medications
- Schizophrenia
- Symptoms must persist at least 6 months.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Schizophrenia
Pulmonary System
9% of the exam- COPD spirometry
- Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC below 0.70; FEV1 percent predicted grades severity.· GOLD 2026 Report
- Light's criteria
- Exudate if protein ratio above 0.5, LDH ratio above 0.6, or fluid LDH above two thirds of the serum upper limit.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pleural Effusion
- Sarcoidosis
- Bilateral hilar adenopathy with noncaseating granulomas.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Low probability: D-dimer; high probability or positive D-dimer: CT angiography.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pulmonary Embolism
- Tension pneumothorax
- Immediate needle decompression without waiting for a radiograph.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Pneumothorax
- Small cell lung cancer
- Central tumor associated with SIADH.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Lung Carcinoma
- Croup
- Barking cough and stridor; dexamethasone, plus racemic epinephrine when moderate to severe; steeple sign.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Croup
- Epiglottitis
- Thumb sign, drooling and toxicity; secure the airway.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Epiglottitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Supportive care; routine bronchodilators and steroids are not recommended.· AAP Clinical Practice Guideline: Bronchiolitis (2014)
- Sleep apnea and CF
- Sleep studies confirm OSA; elevated sweat chloride confirms cystic fibrosis.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Cystic Fibrosis
Renal System
5% of the exam- Prerenal pattern
- FENa below 1% and BUN-to-creatinine ratio above 20.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Acute Kidney Injury
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Heme-positive dipstick without red cells and a high CK; aggressive IV fluids.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Rhabdomyolysis
- Postrenal
- Check post-void residual or renal ultrasound for obstruction.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Acute Kidney Injury
- Anion gap
- Sodium minus the sum of chloride and bicarbonate; high-gap causes include methanol and ethylene glycol, while diarrhea causes a normal-gap acidosis.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Metabolic Acidosis
- Osmotic demyelination
- Too-rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia can cause it.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hyponatremia
- Hyponatremia by volume
- Hypovolemic: saline; hypervolemic: fluid restriction; euvolemic: treat the cause.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hyponatremia
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema and hyperlipidemia.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Overview of Nephrotic Syndrome
- ADPKD
- Enlarged cystic kidneys, hypertension, hematuria and intracranial aneurysms.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Renovascular hypertension
- Diagnosed with duplex ultrasound, CT or MR angiography.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Renovascular Hypertension
Reproductive System
7% of the exam- Ectopic pregnancy
- Positive hCG without intrauterine pregnancy; methotrexate if stable and eligible, surgery if unstable.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Ectopic Pregnancy
- Placenta previa
- Painless bright red bleeding; avoid digital exam until previa is excluded.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Vaginal Bleeding During Late Pregnancy
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Uterine atony is the most common cause; massage and uterotonics.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Preeclampsia
- New hypertension with proteinuria after 20 weeks; magnesium sulfate prevents eclamptic seizures.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
- Rh(D) prophylaxis
- Rho(D) immune globulin at 28 weeks and after delivery or sensitizing events.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Neonate
- Gestational diabetes
- All pregnant patients are screened, typically at 24 to 28 weeks.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy (citing ACOG)
- Combined hormonal contraception
- Contraindicated in smokers 35 or older and with migraine with aura.· CDC US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2024
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Amsel criteria: pH above 4.5, whiff test, clue cells; metronidazole.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Overview of Vaginitis
- Breast cancer screening
- Biennial mammography from 40 to 74 for average-risk women.· USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening, 2024
Professional Practice
6% of the exam- Informed refusal
- A capable patient may refuse care; refusal alone is not evidence of incapacity.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Informed Consent
- Emergency exception
- Consent is presumed for emergency care when the patient cannot consent and no surrogate is available.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Informed Consent
- Advance directives
- Living wills and health care powers of attorney guide care when capacity is lost.· Merck Manual Professional Edition, Advance Directives
- Minimum necessary
- Does not apply to disclosures to or requests by a provider for treatment.· 45 CFR 164.502(b)(2)(i)
- EMTALA screening
- A participating hospital ED must screen anyone who comes, regardless of ability to pay, without delay for insurance questions.· 42 CFR 489.24
- Treatment disclosures
- Covered entities may use and disclose PHI for treatment without authorization.· 45 CFR 164.506
- Impaired colleagues
- PAs must identify and assist impaired colleagues to protect patients.· AAPA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession
- Sexual relationships
- Sexual involvement with patients is unethical.· AAPA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession
- Teach-back
- Ask patients to explain in their own words; it tests the explanation, not the patient.· AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, 3rd ed., Tool 5
- NNT
- Number needed to treat equals 1 divided by the absolute risk reduction.· CDC Principles of Epidemiology
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