PCAT Online Practice Questions and Answers

Which of the following would increase the pH of the blood?

A. severe damage to the kidneys

B. the digestion of a big meal

C. an increase in anaerobic respiration

D. an increase of the blood pCO2

When blood flow to human tissue is interrupted, the lack of sufficient blood supply is called ischemia. If ischemia is not restored quickly, the affected tissue may undergo a process called infarction, which involves a series of chemical changes that damage the tissue. The lack of blood supply results in lack of oxygen, and thus lactic acidosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction results. Microscopic examination and chemical analysis of ischemic cells reveal membrane degeneration, excessive calcium (Ca+) inside the cell, and free radical formation, accompanied by a reactive inflammation and free fatty acid formation. A research experiment is designed to evaluate the response of infarcted tissue to intra-arterial administration of an antioxidant. Preliminary results demonstrate that follow-up evaluation of tissue exposed to intra-arterial antioxidant injection resulted, on average, in a smaller area of infarcted tissue after seven days when compared to controls without exposure to the antioxidant. It was noted that 70% of the patients who demonstrated smaller areas of infarction also had a notable decease in edema of the ischemic tissue lasting about 6 to 10 hours after injection.

Which of the following chemical moieties forms the backbone of DNA?

A. Nitrogenous bases

B. Glycerol

C. Amino groups

D. Pentose and phosphate

In the process of Mitosis, if the number of chromosomes in the mother cell is designated as 2n, how many chromosomes will be present in each daughter cell?

A. 2n

B. n

C. 4n

D. 8n

If a population's growth rate is zero, it has likely reached its

A. Carrying capacity

B. Full range

C. Mature age structure

D. Minimal viable population size E. Intrinsic growth rate

The primary seat of tubercular infection is generally in the upper part of the lung. The invading organisms settle on the surface here and cause a multiplication of the cells and an inflammatory exudate in a small area. With the continuous growth of the bacilli in the localized region, adjoining areas of the lung become affected, and there is further extension into the immediate vicinity by means of the lymphatics. Small nodules form and then coalesce to create a larger area. The body primarily defends itself with the formation of dense masses of cicatricial tissue, which function to wall off the affected area. This results in unfavorable growth conditions for the bacilli. This mode of defense, combined with the production of substances antagonistic to the toxins produced by the bacilli, is so efficacious that in the great majority of cases no further extension of the process takes place. In certain cases, however, the growth of the bacilli in the focus area is unchecked, then the surrounding tissue is killed and converted into a soft semi-fluid material; further extension then takes place. All parts of the enormous surface of the lungs are connected by a system of air tubes or bronchi, and as a result, the bacilli have favorable opportunity for distribution. This opportunity is facilitated by sudden movements of the air currents in the lung produced by coughing. The body's defense; however, can still keep pace with the attack, and even in an advanced stage, the infection can sometimes be permanently checked; in other cases, the check is temporary, the process of softening continues, and large cavities are produced by the destruction of the tissue. On the inner surface of these cavities there may be a rapid growth of bacilli. From the lungs, the bacilli are carried by the lymphatics to the lymph nodes at the root of the lungs, in which a similar process takes place; this, on the whole, is favorable, because further extension by this route is for a time blocked. The extension across surfaces continues and the abundant sputum, which is formed in the lungs and contains large numbers of bacilli, becomes the vehicle of transportation. The windpipe and larynx may become infected, as the back parts of each are more closely in contact with the sputum and are the parts most generally infected. A large part of the sputum is swallowed and infection of the intestine takes place with the lesions taking the form of large ulcers. From the intestinal ulcers there is further extension by means of the lymphatics to the large lymph nodes in the back of the abdominal cavity.

According to the passage, which of the following is true about tubercular infection?

A. It can be stopped in the lungs, but not once it attacks the rest of the body.

B. It can always be stopped before fatality.

C. It can be checked until it reaches the intestines, but not after.

D. It can sometimes be checked in an advanced stage, but not always.

Coughs that linger after a cold or sinus problem cause constant disruption in the home, school, and workplace. Often, these dry, nonproductive coughs become increasingly troublesome although other symptoms ?fever, congestion, and fatigue ?resolved days or weeks ago. This stubborn cough persists for weeks, and plagues its victim and the victim's family night and day. The diagnosis might be a common, but overlooked cause of lingering cough: atypical pneumonia caused by mycoplasma. Mycoplasma ? pleomorphic bacteria that lack a cell wall ?are the smallest and simplest self-replicating organisms known to humans. They probably evolved from gram-positive, walled eubacteria by degenerative evolution. Smaller than amoebas, these 0.1-micrometer organisms grow and reproduce slowly and require no oxygen or host cell. They also change shapes asymmetrically, appearing as long, thin filaments, tiny spheres, or branches. Scientists have identified more than 100 mycoplasma species. Fifteen species are known to live in humans, most as normal symbiotic flora. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, previously called "walking pneumonia," is pathogenic in humans. Mycoplasma pneumoniae glides freely and uses its specialized filamentous tips to burrow between cilia within the respiratory epithelium, causing the respiratory epithelial cells to slough. It also produces hydrogen peroxide, which causes initial cell disruption in the respiratory tract and damages erythrocyte membranes. Researchers have determined that more than 40% of infants younger than 1 year old have had a mycoplasma infection. By age 5, approximately 65% of children have been infected. Nearly all adults have been infected at least once, often repeatedly. Mycoplasma pneumonia usually affects people younger than 40 years of age. The highest incidence is found in the 5- to 9-year age group. The risk of contracting mycoplasma pneumonia is greatest for people who live or work in crowded areas, such as daycare facilities, schools, homeless shelters, long-term care units, and military and prison environments. However, many people who develop mycoplasma infections have no identifiable risk factor. Most mycoplasma infections cause mild to moderate clinical symptoms, but the infection incubates over 3 weeks and can last weeks without treatment. This infection cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone; laboratory testing is essential. Infection can also cause ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, croup, severe sore throats, infectious asthma, and 1 type of the common cold. When mycoplasma infects children, about 25% of them develop nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Approximately what percentage of known mycoplasma species live in human beings?

A. 2

B. 15

C. 35

D. 100

Since 1997, the American Heart Association (AHA) has attempted to increase awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women. Fortunately, great progress has been made to educate individuals about CVD and its consequences. According to the AHA's 2011 Guidelines for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women, the misconception that CVD is a "man's disease" has been somewhat disproved, as awareness among the general public increased from 30% in 1997 to 54% in 2009. Unfortunately, CVD continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Since 1984, the number of deaths related to CVD in women exceeded those in men. In the United States, CVD death rates among women aged 35 to 54 years appear to be increasing by 1% annually, which is most likely attributable to the escalating obesity epidemic. According to the AHA, even though CVD is the number 1 cause of death among women, only 13% of women perceive CVD as a health threat. CVD is responsible for more deaths among women than the next 3 leading causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. Due to the ongoing prevalence of CVD, increasing awareness and understanding of CVD, especially among the female population, is still a top priority for many health care professionals. As one of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists are in a pivotal position to educate and inform their patients of the risks associated with CVD, possible drug therapies, and preventive measures. The AHA has set a goal for 2020 to improve cardiovascular health in all Americans by 20%, while reducing deaths from CVD and stroke by 20%. According to the American Heart Association, in the United States a woman dies of some form of CVD every minute and more than 1 in 3 females have some form of CVD. Studies have demonstrated that gender differences may play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CVD. Unfortunately, many women may not always recognize the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack because they sometimes appear more subtle when compared with those typically experienced by men. Results from a study of 515 women who had heart attacks report that 43% did not experience any type of chest pain or pressure during the heart attack. Although the classic symptoms include chest pain, tingling in the left arm, sweating, and shortness of breath, women may also experience some "atypical" symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, nausea, dizziness, indigestion, vomiting, and pain in the neck or back. By learning and recognizing the warning signs, women can take a proactive approach to their cardiovascular health and get treatment earlier to prevent further complications.

Of the following, which is an opinion expressed by the author?

A. "...only 13% of women perceive CVD as a health threat." In paragraph 1.

B. "...the misconception that CVD is a `man's disease'..." in paragraph 1.

C. "Unfortunately, many women may not always recognize..." in paragraph 4.

D. "...43% did not experience any type of chest pain..." in paragraph 5.

Solve for y in the following equation if x = -3 y = x + 5

A. y = -2

B. y = 2

C. y = 3

D. y = 8

Express 8% as a fraction.

A. 4/25

B. 4/100

C. 2/50

D. 2/25

What is the slope of the line passing through (2, 5) and (-1, -4) points?

A. 5

B. 6/5

C. 3

D. -1/2