, McGee's Evidence-Based Physical
Diagnosis (Steven McGee, MD)
Edition/Reference: 6th Edition
(2025) – Test Bank
Chapters:
1. What is Evidence-Based Physical 15. Pulse Rate and Contour
Diagnosis?
16. Abnormalities of Pulse Rhythm
2. Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical
Findings 17. Blood Pressure
3. Using the Tables in This Book 18. Temperature
4. Using the EBM Calculator (Elsevier 19. Respiratory Rate and Abnormal
ebooks +) Breathing Patterns
5. Reliability of Physical Findings 20. Pulse Oximetry
6. Mental Status Examination 21. The Pupils
7. Stance and Gait 22. Diabetic Retinopathy
8. Jaundice 23. The Red Eye
9. Cyanosis 24. Hearing
10. Anemia 25. Thyroid and Its Disorders
11. Hypovolemia 26. Meninges
12. Protein-Energy Malnutrition and 27. Peripheral Lymphadenopathy
Weight Loss
28. Inspection of the Chest
13. Obesity
29. Palpation and Percussion of the Chest
14. Cushing Syndrome
30. Auscultation of the Lungs
,31. Ancillary Tests 52. Abdominal Pain and Tenderness
32. Pneumonia 53. Auscultation of the Abdomen
33. Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 54. Peripheral Vascular Disease
34. Pulmonary Embolism 55. Diabetic Foot
35. Pleural Effusion 56. Edema and Deep Vein Thrombosis
36. Inspection of the Neck Veins 57. Examination of the Musculoskeletal
System
37. Percussion of the Heart
58. Visual Field Testing
38. Palpation of the Heart
59. Nerves of the Eye Muscles (III, IV,
39. Auscultation of the Heart: General and VI): Approach to Diplopia
Principles
60. Miscellaneous Cranial Nerves
40. The First and Second Heart Sounds
61. Examination of the Motor System:
41. Third and Fourth Heart Sounds Approach to Weakness
42. Miscellaneous Heart Sounds 62. Examination of the Sensory System
43. Heart Murmurs: General Principles 63. Examination of the Reflexes
44. Aortic Stenosis 64. Disorders of the Nerve Roots,
Plexuses, and Peripheral Nerves
45. Aortic Regurgitation
65. Coordination and Cerebellar Testing
46. Miscellaneous Heart Murmurs
66. Tremor and Parkinson Disease
47. Disorders of the Pericardium
67. Hemorrhagic Versus Ischemic Stroke
48. Congestive Heart Failure
68. Acute Vertigo and Imbalance
49. Coronary Artery Disease
69. Examination of Functional
50. Inspection of the Abdomen
Neurological Disorders
51. Palpation and Percussion of the
70. Examination of Patients in the
Abdomen
Intensive Care Unit
,Chapter 1: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
Question 1. In a 28-year-old with acute symptoms in clinic, the clinician is
applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?'.
Which bedside decision is most appropriate to estimate post-test probability?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
B. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
C. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
D. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Difficult
,TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity
Question 2. In a 74-year-old evaluated in the emergency department, the
clinician is applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical
Diagnosis?'. Which bedside decision is most appropriate to prioritize high-
yield bedside findings?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
B. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
C. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
D. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
,differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Easy
TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Question 3. In a 46-year-old with chronic disease follow-up, the clinician is
applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?'.
Which bedside decision is most appropriate to reduce false reassurance from
a negative exam?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
B. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
C. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
D. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
✅ Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
,(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Moderate
TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Adaptation
Question 4. In a postoperative patient on hospital day 2, the clinician is
applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?'.
Which bedside decision is most appropriate to integrate pretest probability
with clinical signs?
A. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
B. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
C. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
, D. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
✅ Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Option A is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Difficult
TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Question 5. In a patient with limited access to advanced imaging, the
clinician is applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical
Diagnosis?'. Which bedside decision is most appropriate to distinguish
disease severity at bedside?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
Diagnosis (Steven McGee, MD)
Edition/Reference: 6th Edition
(2025) – Test Bank
Chapters:
1. What is Evidence-Based Physical 15. Pulse Rate and Contour
Diagnosis?
16. Abnormalities of Pulse Rhythm
2. Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical
Findings 17. Blood Pressure
3. Using the Tables in This Book 18. Temperature
4. Using the EBM Calculator (Elsevier 19. Respiratory Rate and Abnormal
ebooks +) Breathing Patterns
5. Reliability of Physical Findings 20. Pulse Oximetry
6. Mental Status Examination 21. The Pupils
7. Stance and Gait 22. Diabetic Retinopathy
8. Jaundice 23. The Red Eye
9. Cyanosis 24. Hearing
10. Anemia 25. Thyroid and Its Disorders
11. Hypovolemia 26. Meninges
12. Protein-Energy Malnutrition and 27. Peripheral Lymphadenopathy
Weight Loss
28. Inspection of the Chest
13. Obesity
29. Palpation and Percussion of the Chest
14. Cushing Syndrome
30. Auscultation of the Lungs
,31. Ancillary Tests 52. Abdominal Pain and Tenderness
32. Pneumonia 53. Auscultation of the Abdomen
33. Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 54. Peripheral Vascular Disease
34. Pulmonary Embolism 55. Diabetic Foot
35. Pleural Effusion 56. Edema and Deep Vein Thrombosis
36. Inspection of the Neck Veins 57. Examination of the Musculoskeletal
System
37. Percussion of the Heart
58. Visual Field Testing
38. Palpation of the Heart
59. Nerves of the Eye Muscles (III, IV,
39. Auscultation of the Heart: General and VI): Approach to Diplopia
Principles
60. Miscellaneous Cranial Nerves
40. The First and Second Heart Sounds
61. Examination of the Motor System:
41. Third and Fourth Heart Sounds Approach to Weakness
42. Miscellaneous Heart Sounds 62. Examination of the Sensory System
43. Heart Murmurs: General Principles 63. Examination of the Reflexes
44. Aortic Stenosis 64. Disorders of the Nerve Roots,
Plexuses, and Peripheral Nerves
45. Aortic Regurgitation
65. Coordination and Cerebellar Testing
46. Miscellaneous Heart Murmurs
66. Tremor and Parkinson Disease
47. Disorders of the Pericardium
67. Hemorrhagic Versus Ischemic Stroke
48. Congestive Heart Failure
68. Acute Vertigo and Imbalance
49. Coronary Artery Disease
69. Examination of Functional
50. Inspection of the Abdomen
Neurological Disorders
51. Palpation and Percussion of the
70. Examination of Patients in the
Abdomen
Intensive Care Unit
,Chapter 1: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
Question 1. In a 28-year-old with acute symptoms in clinic, the clinician is
applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?'.
Which bedside decision is most appropriate to estimate post-test probability?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
B. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
C. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
D. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Difficult
,TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity
Question 2. In a 74-year-old evaluated in the emergency department, the
clinician is applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical
Diagnosis?'. Which bedside decision is most appropriate to prioritize high-
yield bedside findings?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
B. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
C. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
D. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
,differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Easy
TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Question 3. In a 46-year-old with chronic disease follow-up, the clinician is
applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?'.
Which bedside decision is most appropriate to reduce false reassurance from
a negative exam?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
B. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
C. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
D. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
✅ Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
,(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Moderate
TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Adaptation
Question 4. In a postoperative patient on hospital day 2, the clinician is
applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?'.
Which bedside decision is most appropriate to integrate pretest probability
with clinical signs?
A. Combine the highest-quality physical finding(s) with baseline risk, then
update likelihood before choosing the next step.
B. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
C. Treat all physical signs as equally informative so bedside variability does
not influence interpretation.
, D. Prioritize immediate broad testing regardless of exam performance
characteristics or clinical context.
✅ Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Option A is correct because evidence-based physical diagnosis
requires weighting exam findings by their operating characteristics
(likelihood ratios, sensitivity/specificity context, and reliability) and
integrating them with pretest probability for this clinical setting in Chapter 1.
This approach produces a transparent post-test estimate that guides rational
triage, additional testing, and treatment timing. The alternatives are less
appropriate because they either overvalue isolated findings, ignore
differential diagnostic weight across signs, or bypass bedside synthesis in
favor of indiscriminate testing—each increasing diagnostic error, cost, or
delay.
DIF: Difficult
TOP: What is Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis?
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Question 5. In a patient with limited access to advanced imaging, the
clinician is applying principles from 'What is Evidence-Based Physical
Diagnosis?'. Which bedside decision is most appropriate to distinguish
disease severity at bedside?
A. Anchor diagnosis on a single classic finding and defer probability
revision until confirmatory testing is complete.
