SOAP Note
1. Chief complaint documentation belongs in which SOAP section? → Subjective
2. Where do vital signs go in a SOAP note? → Objective
3. Patient reports chest pain lasting 20 minutes. Which section? → Subjective
4. Physical exam findings are recorded under? → Objective
5. Family history of diabetes is documented in? → Subjective
Assessment & Plan
6. Primary diagnosis is listed in which SOAP section? → Assessment
7. Differential diagnoses are included in? → Assessment
8. Medication adjustments are documented under? → Plan
9. Lifestyle counseling recommendations belong in? → Plan
10. Diagnostic tests ordered are recorded in? → Plan
Clinical Reasoning
11. Best initial diagnostic for suspected pneumonia? → Chest X-ray
12. Most reliable sign of dehydration in adults? → Orthostatic hypotension
13. Classic triad of meningitis? → Fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status
14. Best screening tool for depression in primary care? → PHQ-9
15. First-line antihypertensive for African American patients (per guidelines)? →
Thiazide diuretic or calcium channel blocker
Advanced Assessment
16. Which cranial nerve controls lateral eye movement? → CN VI (Abducens)
17. Best test for appendicitis in children? → Ultrasound
18. Normal range for adult respiratory rate? → 12–20 breaths/min
19. Which heart sound is associated with heart failure? → S3 gallop
, 20. Best physical exam maneuver for detecting ascites? → Fluid wave test
Exam Prep Focus
21. SOAP note section for patient’s own words? → Subjective
22. SOAP note section for lab results? → Objective
23. SOAP note section for provider’s clinical judgment? → Assessment
24. SOAP note section for follow-up instructions? → Plan
25. SOAP note section for allergies? → Subjective
Advanced Physical Exam
26. Best landmark for auscultating the mitral valve? → 5th ICS, midclavicular line
27. Which cranial nerve tests smell? → CN I (Olfactory)
28. Which cranial nerve controls tongue movement? → CN XII (Hypoglossal)
29. Best test for carpal tunnel syndrome? → Phalen’s maneuver
30. Which percussion note indicates emphysema? → Hyperresonance
Clinical Diagnostics
31. Best imaging for suspected stroke? → CT head (non-contrast)
32. Screening test for cervical cancer? → Pap smear
33. Best lab test for thyroid function? → TSH
34. Gold standard for TB diagnosis? → Sputum culture
35. Best test for renal function? → Serum creatinine + eGFR
Pathophysiology
36. Classic sign of left-sided heart failure? → Pulmonary edema
37. Classic sign of right-sided heart failure? → Peripheral edema
38. Best indicator of liver disease? → Elevated ALT/AST
39. Most common cause of peptic ulcer disease? → H. pylori infection
40. Best test for diabetes diagnosis? → HbA1c ≥ 6.5%