DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS CERTIFICATION
EVALUATION TEST 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GUARANTEED TO PASS
◉ Risk factor examples. Answer: Substance use/abuse
Tobacco use
Age
Gender
Body mass index (BMI)
Exposure to radiation
Alcohol use/abuse
Sedentary lifestyle
Race/ethnicity
Domestic violence
Hysterectomy/oophorectomy
Occupation
◉ Constitutional symptoms. Answer: Fever
Diaphoresis (unexplained perspiration)
Sweats (can occur anytime night or day)
Nausea
,Vomiting
Diarrhea
Pallor
Dizziness/
syncope (fainting)
Fatigue
Weight loss
◉ Medical screening. Answer: Detecting disease or body dysfunction
before an individual would normally seek medical care
Example:
mamogram, colonoscopy, annual physical exam, etc
◉ Screening for referral. Answer: Assessment if the pt is appropriate
for PT
Examples: history taking, test and measures, evaluation of findings
◉ Screening model important points. Answer: Take vital signs
Use the word "symptom(s)" rather than "pain" during the screening
interview
Watch for red flag histories, signs, and symptoms (pattern
recognition)
,Review medications; observe for signs and symptoms that could be a
result of drug combinations (polypharmacy), dual drug dosage;
consult with the pharmacist
Ask a final open-ended question
◉ What do vital signs tell us: temperature. Answer: Virus
Bacterial infection
Heat Exhaustion
Inflammatory conditions (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Malignant Tumor
Medications- antibiotics, HTN, Anti-convulsives
Immunizations- Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, pneumococcal
◉ What do vital signs tell us: HBP. Answer: Obstructive sleep apnea
Kidney disease
Adrenal gland tumors
Thyroid problems
Certain defects you're born with (congenital) in blood vessels
Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies,
decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some
prescription drugs
Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
, ◉ What do vital signs tell us: LBP. Answer: Uncontrolled bleeding
Infection
Allergic reaction
Pregnancy
Heart problems
Endocrine Problems
Dehydration
Lack or nutrients- B-12, folate, iron.
Medications- diurectics, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, parkinsons,
tricyclic antidepressants, erectile dysfunction
◉ What do vital signs tell us: tachycardia. Answer: Anemia
Caffeine
Alcohol
Exercise
Fever
High or low blood pressure
Electrolyte imbalance
Medication
Hyperthyroidism
Smoking
Stress
EVALUATION TEST 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GUARANTEED TO PASS
◉ Risk factor examples. Answer: Substance use/abuse
Tobacco use
Age
Gender
Body mass index (BMI)
Exposure to radiation
Alcohol use/abuse
Sedentary lifestyle
Race/ethnicity
Domestic violence
Hysterectomy/oophorectomy
Occupation
◉ Constitutional symptoms. Answer: Fever
Diaphoresis (unexplained perspiration)
Sweats (can occur anytime night or day)
Nausea
,Vomiting
Diarrhea
Pallor
Dizziness/
syncope (fainting)
Fatigue
Weight loss
◉ Medical screening. Answer: Detecting disease or body dysfunction
before an individual would normally seek medical care
Example:
mamogram, colonoscopy, annual physical exam, etc
◉ Screening for referral. Answer: Assessment if the pt is appropriate
for PT
Examples: history taking, test and measures, evaluation of findings
◉ Screening model important points. Answer: Take vital signs
Use the word "symptom(s)" rather than "pain" during the screening
interview
Watch for red flag histories, signs, and symptoms (pattern
recognition)
,Review medications; observe for signs and symptoms that could be a
result of drug combinations (polypharmacy), dual drug dosage;
consult with the pharmacist
Ask a final open-ended question
◉ What do vital signs tell us: temperature. Answer: Virus
Bacterial infection
Heat Exhaustion
Inflammatory conditions (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Malignant Tumor
Medications- antibiotics, HTN, Anti-convulsives
Immunizations- Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, pneumococcal
◉ What do vital signs tell us: HBP. Answer: Obstructive sleep apnea
Kidney disease
Adrenal gland tumors
Thyroid problems
Certain defects you're born with (congenital) in blood vessels
Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies,
decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some
prescription drugs
Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
, ◉ What do vital signs tell us: LBP. Answer: Uncontrolled bleeding
Infection
Allergic reaction
Pregnancy
Heart problems
Endocrine Problems
Dehydration
Lack or nutrients- B-12, folate, iron.
Medications- diurectics, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, parkinsons,
tricyclic antidepressants, erectile dysfunction
◉ What do vital signs tell us: tachycardia. Answer: Anemia
Caffeine
Alcohol
Exercise
Fever
High or low blood pressure
Electrolyte imbalance
Medication
Hyperthyroidism
Smoking
Stress
