FNP NR511 : Differential
Diagnosis Midterm Exam
at Chamberlain College
2024 Expected Questions
& Revised Correct
Answers. ()
100% Guarantee Pass
Section 1: Diagnostic Reasoning & Evidence-Based Practice
1. What is the most important step in developing a differential diagnosis?
,A. Ordering diagnostic tests
B. Performing a physical examination
C. Taking a comprehensive history
D. Referring to a specialist
Answer: C. Taking a comprehensive history
Rationale: History-taking provides 80-90% of the clues needed for diagnosis.
2. Which of the following best describes a "working diagnosis"?
A. A confirmed diagnosis
B. A diagnosis that is most likely and will guide initial treatment
C. A rare condition being ruled out
D. A diagnosis used for billing
Answer: B. A diagnosis that is most likely and will guide initial treatment
Rationale: A working diagnosis guides further evaluation and treatment while
remaining open to refinement.
3. In evidence-based practice, the “P” in PICO stands for:
A. Plan
B. Patient/Population/Problem
C. Probability
D. Prescription
Answer: B. Patient/Population/Problem
Section 2: Systems-Based Differential Diagnosis
4. A 55-year-old male presents with chest pain relieved by sitting forward. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. GERD
B. Acute pericarditis
C. Myocardial infarction
D. Pneumonia
Answer: B. Acute pericarditis
,Rationale: Positional chest pain that improves when leaning forward is classic for
pericarditis.
5. A 25-year-old woman presents with dysuria, urgency, and frequency. Which of the
following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Pyelonephritis
B. Urethritis
C. Cystitis
D. Vaginitis
Answer: C. Cystitis
Rationale: These are classic signs of lower urinary tract infection (UTI).
6. Which condition should be considered in an elderly patient with new-onset
confusion, fever, and no focal findings?
A. Dementia
B. Stroke
C. UTI
D. Brain tumor
Answer: C. UTI
Rationale: UTIs are a common cause of delirium in older adults.
7. A patient with a history of asthma presents with wheezing, dyspnea, and
decreased peak flow. What is the next best step?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Prescribe antibiotics
C. Administer a short-acting beta agonist
D. Order a CT scan
Answer: C. Administer a short-acting beta agonist
Rationale: This is the first-line treatment for acute bronchospasm.
Section 3: Physical Exam and Red Flags
, 8. Which of the following is considered a "red flag" in a patient presenting with low
back pain?
A. Age 30
B. Pain relieved with rest
C. History of cancer
D. Mild scoliosis
Answer: C. History of cancer
Rationale: Red flags include cancer, infection, trauma, or neurological deficits.
9. A 40-year-old female presents with fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Depression
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Anemia
Answer: C. Hypothyroidism
Rationale: Classic symptoms of underactive thyroid.
10. What physical exam finding is associated with appendicitis?
A. Murphy’s sign
B. McBurney’s point tenderness
C. Cullen’s sign
D. Rovsing’s sign
Answer: B. McBurney’s point tenderness
Rationale: Pain at McBurney’s point is a hallmark of appendicitis.
Section 4: Diagnostic Tools and Lab Interpretation
11. What lab finding is most specific for bacterial infection?
A. Elevated ESR
B. High WBC count
C. Positive CRP
D. Elevated neutrophils with left shift
Diagnosis Midterm Exam
at Chamberlain College
2024 Expected Questions
& Revised Correct
Answers. ()
100% Guarantee Pass
Section 1: Diagnostic Reasoning & Evidence-Based Practice
1. What is the most important step in developing a differential diagnosis?
,A. Ordering diagnostic tests
B. Performing a physical examination
C. Taking a comprehensive history
D. Referring to a specialist
Answer: C. Taking a comprehensive history
Rationale: History-taking provides 80-90% of the clues needed for diagnosis.
2. Which of the following best describes a "working diagnosis"?
A. A confirmed diagnosis
B. A diagnosis that is most likely and will guide initial treatment
C. A rare condition being ruled out
D. A diagnosis used for billing
Answer: B. A diagnosis that is most likely and will guide initial treatment
Rationale: A working diagnosis guides further evaluation and treatment while
remaining open to refinement.
3. In evidence-based practice, the “P” in PICO stands for:
A. Plan
B. Patient/Population/Problem
C. Probability
D. Prescription
Answer: B. Patient/Population/Problem
Section 2: Systems-Based Differential Diagnosis
4. A 55-year-old male presents with chest pain relieved by sitting forward. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. GERD
B. Acute pericarditis
C. Myocardial infarction
D. Pneumonia
Answer: B. Acute pericarditis
,Rationale: Positional chest pain that improves when leaning forward is classic for
pericarditis.
5. A 25-year-old woman presents with dysuria, urgency, and frequency. Which of the
following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Pyelonephritis
B. Urethritis
C. Cystitis
D. Vaginitis
Answer: C. Cystitis
Rationale: These are classic signs of lower urinary tract infection (UTI).
6. Which condition should be considered in an elderly patient with new-onset
confusion, fever, and no focal findings?
A. Dementia
B. Stroke
C. UTI
D. Brain tumor
Answer: C. UTI
Rationale: UTIs are a common cause of delirium in older adults.
7. A patient with a history of asthma presents with wheezing, dyspnea, and
decreased peak flow. What is the next best step?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Prescribe antibiotics
C. Administer a short-acting beta agonist
D. Order a CT scan
Answer: C. Administer a short-acting beta agonist
Rationale: This is the first-line treatment for acute bronchospasm.
Section 3: Physical Exam and Red Flags
, 8. Which of the following is considered a "red flag" in a patient presenting with low
back pain?
A. Age 30
B. Pain relieved with rest
C. History of cancer
D. Mild scoliosis
Answer: C. History of cancer
Rationale: Red flags include cancer, infection, trauma, or neurological deficits.
9. A 40-year-old female presents with fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Depression
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Anemia
Answer: C. Hypothyroidism
Rationale: Classic symptoms of underactive thyroid.
10. What physical exam finding is associated with appendicitis?
A. Murphy’s sign
B. McBurney’s point tenderness
C. Cullen’s sign
D. Rovsing’s sign
Answer: B. McBurney’s point tenderness
Rationale: Pain at McBurney’s point is a hallmark of appendicitis.
Section 4: Diagnostic Tools and Lab Interpretation
11. What lab finding is most specific for bacterial infection?
A. Elevated ESR
B. High WBC count
C. Positive CRP
D. Elevated neutrophils with left shift
