Key terms can be a little tricky. I hear from people all the time who tell me they didn’t see any on their PANCE.
Of course, I laugh to myself when I hear this because the last time I took the PANRE I saw them on almost every single question. The difference is that once you memorize key terms you have to go one step deeper. You have to understand them.
No one is going to write a test question and say that a patient presents with “doughy hands.”
If you don’t know, “doughy hands” is a cue word for gigantism. When you see that phrase, you know exactly where the test writer is leading you which is precisely why they aren’t going to use it – too obvious. But, if you understand what “doughy hands” means, then you’ll have chance at getting the question right when they describe that characteristic using different words.
They may say something like…
- He has large soft hands.
- His hands seem too big for his body.
- You also note that his hands are soft and fleshy.
You see, “doughy hands” is a descriptive word you can use to paint a picture, but there are other words that can paint that same picture. If you understand the key terms, you’ll be able to spot the variations with ease.
Let’s do it together – Physician Assistant Exam Scholars
Brian Wallace
