March 6, 2026

Free Physician Assistant Board Review Question

Written By: The TrueLearn Team | Share:

See why TrueLearn is a trusted resource for thousands of medical students. We understand that it’s all about the content. That’s why we have high-yield physician assistant test questions written and screened by high-performing authors that are updated on a regular basis to ensure our SmartBanks stay up-to-date with PANCE and PANRE blueprint changes. Below is a free PA board review question so you can see exactly what we mean.

Free PA Board Review Question

A neonate presents with the following eye finding. What is the most likely cause of this finding?

Image of infant with unequal pupil sizes.

A. Alport syndrome
B. cytomegalovirus
C. idiopathic
D. traumatic delivery
E. trisomy 21

The Answer and Explanation

Did you get it right? The correct answer is: B

This neonate has cataracts. Cataracts are one of the most common causes of childhood visual impairment. Cataracts recognized in the neonatal period are most frequently from TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex).

Incorrect Answer Explanations

Answer A: Cataracts may also be associated with a variety of systemic illnesses and syndromes, including Alport syndrome, but this is not as likely at this age as one of the TORCH infections. Alport syndrome is an inherited blood disorder that damages the small blood vessels of the kidneys.

Answer C: Unilateral pediatric cataracts are commonly idiopathic; bilateral are more commonly hereditary and less likely to be idiopathic. Cataracts in the neonatal period are most likely to be caused by one of the TORCH infections.

Answer D: Cataracts may be due to perinatal injury but usually related to infection and not trauma.

Answer E: Cataracts may also be associated with a variety of systemic illnesses and syndromes, including trisomy 21, but this is not as likely at this age as one of the TORCH infections. Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, is characterized by the presence of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.

Bottom Line

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of childhood visual impairment. Cataracts identified in the neonatal period are most frequently associated with TORCH infections.

For more information, see:

Tintinalli 7th Edition, Chapter 115 Eye Problems in Infants and Children.

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