All posttests must be taken on the AAPA Web site. To complete and submit a posttest, please go to
www.aapa.org and search for “JAAPA post-tests."
Irritable bowel syndrome
1. The neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is
a. Dopamine
b. Acetylcholine
c. Serotonin
d. Norepinephrine
2. A symptom that is inconsistent with IBS is
a. Bloating
b. Mucus in stool
c. Postprandial diarrhea
d. Weight loss
3. IBS is best characterized by abdominal pain that is relieved by defecation and by
a. Changes in bowel movement frequency or appearance
b. Onset in persons older than 50 years
c. Nocturnal symptoms
d. A low-grade fever
4. A medication that can provide symptomatic relief for IBS is
a. Primidone
b. Metoclopramide
c. Dicyclomine
d. Gabapentin
5. A tricyclic antidepressant that has analgesic properties at a low dosage independent of its effect on mood is
a. Bupropion
b. Amitriptyline
c. Trazodone
d. Carbamazepine
6. Tegaserod is approved by the FDA for persons who have IBS predominantly marked by
a. Crampy pain
b. Flatus
c. Diarrhea
d. Constipation
High-altitude illnesses
7. Susceptibility to high-altitude sickness is determined by the traveler's
a. Pretraining regimen
b. Degree of physical fitness
c. Prior response to high altitudes
d. Pulmonary function
8. In a study of Colorado tourists, the majority of symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) occurred
a. At 5,000 feet above sea level
b. Within 12 hours of arrival
c. Only with vigorous physical activity
d. At 10,000 feet above sea level
9. A symptom that differentiates AMS from viral illness is
a. Myalgia
b. Headache
c. Anorexia
d. Fatigue
10. For persons requiring treatment for AMS, the safest agent is
a. Clonazepam
b. Ethosuximide
c. Phenytoin
d. Acetazolamide
11. An early symptom of high-altitude pulmonary edema is
a. Dry cough
b. Cyanosis
c. Tachypnea
d. Frothy sputum
12. As soon as symptoms are recognized, a patient with high-altitude cerebral edema should be given
a. Sildenafil
b. Dexamethasone
c. Nifedipine
d. Metoclopramide