These sample examination items are made available by BPS for the purposes of familiarizing certification candidates and other stakeholders with the structure and format of BPS certification examinations. This is not meant for use as a self-assessment. Performance on any of these items does not correlate with performance on the actual examination.
The content of these examples is meant to be illustrative of actual examination items, but these items do not appear on the certification examination and are not meant to identify the scope of the examination. For a more comprehensive indication of the scope of each certification examination, please refer to the Exam Content Outline for each specialty area.
Examination items are in multiple-choice format. The great majority of examination items are multiple-choice with a single response from among four options. Some examinations may include a small percentage of items that require selection of multiple (three or four) responses from among a larger set of available (up to eight) options. Examinations items may also be supplemented by an image.
A 56-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is on a current metformin dose of 1,000 mg twice daily. The patient's A1c was checked one week ago, and it was 7.9%. The patient's body mass index is 32 kg/m2, and she has no other significant medical history. Which medication should be added to the patient's regimen?
Correct!
Incorrect!
Which patient is a candidate for the 12-dose directly observed therapy regimen of isoniazid / rifapentine for latent tuberculosis infection?
Correct!
Incorrect!
Which guidance should be given to a patient receiving amphetamine / dextroamphetamine mixed salts ER 20 mg orally once daily for a recent diagnosis of ADHD?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A 48-year-old patient receives left-ventricular-assist device placement in the cardiothoracic surgery ICU. Two days later, the patient remains intubated and mechanically ventilated and continues to require hemodynamic support with several vasopressors.
The following laboratory values are observed:
| SCr | 1.9 mg/dL (baseline 0.7 mg/dL) |
| WBC | 13,600 cells/mm3 |
| Urine output (past 24 hours) | 20 mL |
| Plt | 248,000 cells/mm3 |
| AST | 37 units/L |
| ALT | 24 units/L |
| Total bilirubin | 1 mg/dL |
Which medication should be utilized for pain control in this patient?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A patient with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral artery disease and chronic heart failure (Class II, ejection fraction 40%) presents to a clinic with increased shortness of breath while walking on flat surfaces.
The patient's medications include:
Aspirin 81 mg daily
Furosemide 40 mg once daily
Potassium chloride 10 mEq once daily
Metoprolol succinate 100 mg once daily
Lisinopril 20 mg once daily
Cilostazol 100 mg twice daily
Which change should be made in the patient's medication regimen?
Correct!
Incorrect!
Current medications:
Conjugated equine estrogen
Medroxyprogesterone
Calcium
Which is an accurate statement regarding this patient's hormone replacement therapy?
Correct!
Incorrect!
Which is an accurate statement regarding the use of the HPV vaccine?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A patient received the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine 7 days ago and presents to a clinic with numerous bruises and small red spots on the lower legs. The patient is diagnosed with thrombocytopenia purpura, which is suspected to be vaccine-induced. Where should the pharmacotherapy specialist report this adverse effect?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A 54-year-old patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction is taking pravastatin 40 mg daily for coronary artery disease.
The following laboratory values were observed:
| Total cholesterol | 265 mg/dL |
| HDL-C | 30 mg/dL |
| LDL-C | 143 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | 370 mg/dL |
| A1c | 7.1% |
Which intervention is recommended?
Correct!
Incorrect!
Which of the following is the most appropriate choice for the management of acute migraine headache during pregnancy?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A 15-year-old patient with no past medical history requests treatment for acne. According to the physician, the patient has mild papulopustular acne and has not used anything in the past. Which treatment option is the most appropriate initial recommendation?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A 30-year-old patient presents to the dermatologist with mild to moderate psoriasis. The patient has no known drug allergies and is not on any medications. The patient is currently unemployed and has no health insurance. Which treatment option is most appropriate?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A patient has a nasogastric output of 8 L daily and respirations of 10 bpm.
Serum chemistries:
| Na | 142 mEq/L |
| K | 4.0 mEq/L |
| Cl | 90 mEq/L |
| HCO3- | 40 mEq/L |
ABGs on room air:
| pH | 7.45 |
| PaCO2 | 55 mm Hg |
| PaO2 | 80 mm Hg |
This clinical information is most consistent with which finding?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A patient with Parkinson disease who is taking carbidopa 25 mg / levodopa 250 mg four times daily was recently started on entacapone 200 mg with each carbidopa / levodopa dose. The patient has been experiencing disturbing visual hallucinations for the past few days and is demonstrating dyskinetic movements. Which therapeutic recommendation is most appropriate for symptom management at this time?
Correct!
Incorrect!
A patient with bipolar disorder is admitted for arthroscopic surgery. Baseline laboratory studies reveal leukocytosis. Which medication is most likely to elevate white blood cells and lead to an erroneous interpretation?
Correct!
Incorrect!
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