Last Minute Lecture

Pediatrics Exam Review: Examination, Development & Common Pediatric Disorders for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this focused review of pediatric examination, development, and common pediatric disorders from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary highlights key assessment techniques, developmental milestones, newborn care, metabolic and chromosomal disorders, immunization guidelines, and adolescent health. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more pediatric exam prep and clinical insights. Examination of the Newborn Apgar Score: Evaluates newborn status at 1, 5, and 10 minutes on heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. New Ballard Score: Assesses neuromuscular and physical maturity including skin, lanugo, planta...

Geriatrics Exam Review: Comprehensive Overview of Aging & Care for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this comprehensive review of geriatrics from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary covers key aspects of aging, clinical assessment, prevention, pharmacology, rehabilitation, palliative care, and common syndromes affecting elderly patients. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clinical exam prep and geriatric care insights. Understanding Aging Life Expectancy: Average US life expectancy ~80 years; individuals 65+ expected to live additional 19-20 years. Clinical Impact: Aging increases chronic diseases and healthcare needs; affects organ systems variably. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Multifaceted Evaluation: Cognitive, physical, psy...

Surgical Patient Care Exam Review: Preoperative to Postoperative Management for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this detailed review of surgical patient care from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary includes preoperative risk assessment, trauma and burn management, surgical nutrition, and postoperative complication handling. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clinical exam prep and surgical patient care insights. Preoperative Evaluation Patient History & Examination: Use AMPLE mnemonic (Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events) and DRUGS mnemonic for drug history. Risk Assessment: Identify cardiac risks, anesthesia complications, and DVT risk; initiate prophylaxis with heparin, enoxaparin, warfarin, or fondaparinux. ...

Infectious Diseases Exam Review: Diagnosis & Treatment for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this thorough review of infectious diseases from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary covers critical infections including bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, sexually transmitted, and tick-borne illnesses, emphasizing diagnosis, clinical features, and management strategies. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more high-yield clinical reviews and PA exam prep. Fever and Sepsis Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO): Temperature >101.8°F for 3 weeks without clear cause; evaluate with labs, cultures, and imaging. Sepsis and SIRS: Symptomatic bacteremia with high mortality; treat with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care. Bacterial Infections ...

Dermatology Exam Review: Diagnosis & Common Skin Disorders for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this detailed review of dermatologic disorders from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary highlights key diagnostic techniques, clinical features, and management strategies for common skin diseases including eczematous, papulosquamous, vesiculobullous, papulopustular disorders, infections, tumors, ulcers, burns, hair, and nail conditions. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clinical insights and PA exam preparation. Diagnostic Approach in Dermatology History & Physical Exam: Consider medical history, medications, psychosocial, and environmental exposures. Use MAD criteria (Morphology, Arrangement, Distribution) to describe lesions. Special Signs:...

Psychiatric Disorders Exam Review: Diagnosis & Treatment for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this focused review of psychiatric disorders from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary covers the diagnostic criteria, clinical features, and treatment strategies for mood, anxiety, psychotic, somatic, personality, trauma-related, eating, substance-related, and childhood psychiatric conditions. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clinical reviews and PA exam prep. Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders DSM-5 Criteria: Psychiatric diagnoses require criteria from the DSM-5, focusing on functional impairment not due to other medical or substance causes. Psychotic Disorders Schizophrenia Spectrum: Includes brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disor...

Gynecology Exam Review: Menstrual & Related Disorders for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this concise review of menstrual and gynecologic disorders from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary covers diagnostic pearls, management strategies, and high-yield clinical concepts for menstrual irregularities, uterine and ovarian conditions, cervical pathology, breast disorders, and contraception. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for in-depth clinical review and medical exam prep. Menstrual Disorders Amenorrhea: Primary (no menses by age 15) or secondary (loss of menses after onset). Diagnose with hCG, hormone studies, and imaging. Management depends on cause (e.g., hormone therapy, lifestyle changes). Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation. Primary (due to pr...

Rheumatology & Orthopedics Exam Review: Musculoskeletal Conditions for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this focused review of musculoskeletal, rheumatologic, and orthopedic conditions from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary covers key concepts, diagnoses, and management strategies for common arthritic diseases, bone disorders, fractures, and regional musculoskeletal syndromes. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for in-depth clinical review and medical exam prep. Arthritis & Rheumatologic Conditions Osteoarthritis (OA): Degenerative disease of weight-bearing joints, presenting with pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Managed with lifestyle changes, NSAIDs, steroid injections, and surgery. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Autoimmune disorder...

Neurology Exam Review: Diagnosis of Neurologic Disorders for Physician Assistants Get ready for your physician assistant certification exam with this high-yield neurology review, based on A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This guide covers essential neurologic disorders, clinical presentations, diagnostic strategies, and treatment approaches to ensure exam success and strong clinical skills. Watch the complete podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more medical exam prep and clinical review content. Neurologic Examination & Diagnostics History & Physical: Evaluate mental status, cranial nerves, motor and sensory function, reflexes, and cerebellar signs. Special Diagnostics: Brain and spinal imaging (CT, MRI), EMG, nerve conduction studies, lumbar puncture (LP). Cerebrovascular Disorders Stroke (CVA): Ische...

Endocrinology Exam Review: Parathyroid, Thyroid, Pituitary, Adrenal, Diabetes & Lipids for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification exam with this comprehensive endocrinology review based on A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This summary covers key endocrine disorders—parathyroid, thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, diabetes, and lipid metabolism—ensuring you master high-yield concepts and clinical management for exam success and patient care. Watch the full podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more exam prep guides and clinical reviews. Parathyroid Disorders Hyperparathyroidism: Caused by adenomas, hyperplasia, or carcinoma. Leads to hypercalcemia, bone pain, renal stones, and psychiatric symptoms. Treated with hydration, bisphosphonates, or surgery. Hypoparathyroidism: Results in hypocalcemi...

Obstetrics Exam Review: Prenatal Care, Pregnancy Complications & Labor for Physician Assistants Sharpen your obstetric clinical knowledge with this podcast-style summary from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This review covers everything from prenatal care to high-risk pregnancy, labor, and postpartum complications—an essential resource for physician assistants preparing for certification exams and clinical success. Watch the summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more high-yield exam prep and medical study guides. Routine Prenatal Care Initial Prenatal Visit: Review of obstetric history, subjective symptoms (amenorrhea, nausea), and objective signs (Chadwick sign, uterine growth). Estimate due date using Nägele's Rule. Subsequent Visits: Monitor weight, blood pressure, fetal movement, fundal height, and heart tones. Addr...

Nephrology & Urology Exam Review: Renal and Urinary Disorders for Physician Assistants Strengthen your exam readiness with this podcast-style summary of key nephrology and urology concepts from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This high-yield review covers the kidneys, urinary tract, and male reproductive system—diagnostics, management, and clinical pearls—tailored for physician assistants preparing for certification and clinical excellence. Watch the full summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for ongoing medical study support and exam-focused content. Renal Disorders Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Rapid decline in renal function; classified by RIFLE and AKIN criteria. Causes include prerenal (dehydration), intrinsic renal (glomerulonephritis), and postrenal (obstruction). Management: treat the underlying cause and provide supportive ca...

Gastroenterology Exam Review: Digestive Tract Diseases, IBD, Hepatitis & GI Cancers for Physician Assistants Boost your exam performance with this concise podcast-style summary of essential gastroenterology topics from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. Covering the full digestive tract—esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, biliary tract, and pancreas—this review highlights core diseases, diagnostics, and treatments vital for both the PANCE and clinical practice. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more comprehensive exam prep and study resources. Esophageal Disorders Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia; managed with lifestyle changes and acid suppression (antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs). Infectious Esophagitis: Seen in immunocompromised patients; common pathogens i...

Hematology Exam Review: Anemia, Leukemia, Platelet Disorders & Coagulation for Physician Assistants Strengthen your exam prep with this podcast-style summary of the most essential hematology topics from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This guide reviews red and white blood cell disorders, platelet abnormalities, and key principles of coagulation—equipping physician assistants with crucial knowledge for certification and clinical care. Watch the video above for an in-depth audio-visual review, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more exam-focused summaries and medical study guides. Red Blood Cell Disorders Anemia: Includes microcytic (iron deficiency), normocytic (chronic disease), and macrocytic (B12 or folate deficiency) types. Symptoms: fatigue, pallor, weakness. Diagnosis: CBC, peripheral smear, iron/ferritin, B12, folate levels. Sic...

Cardiovascular Medicine Exam Prep: Cardiac Care, Heart Failure, Hypertension & Arrhythmias for Physician Assistants Prepare for your physician assistant certification with this focused summary of the most critical concepts in cardiovascular medicine from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This guide covers cardiac care principles, common and emergency pathologies, key diagnostics, and management strategies—vital for exam and clinical success. Watch the full podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more exam-focused content and medical study guides. Cardiac Care Principles & Shock Shock: Recognize hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive types. Key features: hypotension, altered mental status, tachycardia, cool extremities. Treat underlying cause, use IV fluids, and consider life support. Orthostasis/Post...

Pulmonology Exam Review: Infectious, Neoplastic, Obstructive, and Restrictive Diseases for Physician Assistants Get exam-ready with this high-yield podcast summary of key pulmonary conditions from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This review covers essential infectious, neoplastic, obstructive, and restrictive lung diseases—providing physician assistants with the must-know facts for certification and clinical success. Watch the video above for an in-depth audio-visual review, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more exam-focused summaries and study guides. Infectious Pulmonary Diseases Pneumonia: Infection of lung alveoli or interstitium, most often bacterial (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae), but also viral or fungal. Diagnosed by CXR and clinical findings; treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Tuberculosis (T...

Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, and Pulmonology Exam Prep — Certification Guide for Physician Assistants Preparing for your physician assistant certification or recertification exam? This high-yield podcast summary covers the most critical concepts in ophthalmology (eye disorders), otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), and pulmonology (respiratory system) from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants . Mastering these topics is essential for exam success and clinical practice. Watch the podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for comprehensive chapter reviews and clinical exam tips. Ophthalmology: Key Eye Disorders Eye Trauma: Immediate management includes shielding the eye, avoiding pressure, and consulting ophthalmology for penetrating injuries. Blow-out Fracture: Presents with swelling, misalignment, and impaired eye movement; diagnosis confirmed by CT scan. Corneal Abrasion &...