Medical History and Physical Exam: Master the Basics for Accurate Diagnosis

Question 1

To obtain a thorough medical history, which of the following is of paramount importance?

Accepted Answer

Listening attentively to the patient's concerns

Answer

Applying analytical thinking to interpret the information

Answer

Conducting a thorough physical examination

Answer

Ordering comprehensive diagnostic tests

Question 2

When initiating a physical examination of the cardiovascular system, which assessment should be performed first?

Accepted Answer

Measuring blood pressure and pulse rate

Answer

Assessing jugular venous pressure

Answer

Listening for heart murmurs

Answer

Auscultating the carotid arteries

Question 3

In evaluating visual acuity, which instrument is commonly employed?

Accepted Answer

A Snellen chart

Answer

An ophthalmoscope

Answer

An otoscope

Answer

A dermatoscope

Question 4

For a patient presenting with respiratory symptoms, which physical examination maneuver is most effective in detecting wheezing?

Accepted Answer

Auscultation of the lungs

Answer

Percussion of the chest

Answer

Palpation of the trachea

Answer

Inspection of the respiratory rate

Question 5

When synthesizing physical examination findings, which approach is essential for accurate diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Recognition of patterns and correlations

Answer

Generation of a differential diagnosis list

Answer

Understanding the underlying pathophysiology

Answer

Application of evidence-based medicine principles

Question 6

In a patient suspected of gastrointestinal bleeding, which physical examination finding is most concerning?

Accepted Answer

The presence of melena in the stool

Answer

The vomiting of blood (hematemesis)

Answer

The accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)

Answer

The enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly)

Question 7

During cardiac auscultation, which technique is used to identify an S3 gallop?

Accepted Answer

Auscultation of the mitral valve area

Answer

Palpation of the apical impulse

Answer

Auscultation of the aortic valve area

Answer

Percussion of the left lower sternal border

Question 8

Which physical examination maneuver is used to detect crepitus in a joint?

Accepted Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Range of motion testing

Question 9

What is the initial step in a comprehensive physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Inspection

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Question 10

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to performing a jugular venous pressure measurement?

Accepted Answer

Suspected carotid artery dissection

Answer

Uncooperative patient

Answer

Severe obesity

Answer

Recent stroke

Question 11

What is the clinical significance of a palpable thrill over the carotid artery?

Accepted Answer

May indicate carotid artery stenosis

Answer

Is always a sign of aortic regurgitation

Answer

Is a common finding in healthy individuals

Answer

Requires no further evaluation

Question 12

When performing a neurological examination, what is the purpose of testing for pronator drift?

Accepted Answer

To assess for pyramidal tract dysfunction

Answer

To detect sensory abnormalities in the hand

Answer

To evaluate muscle strength in the arm

Answer

To test for coordination and balance

Question 13

Which ethical principle requires doctors to protect the privacy of patient information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT an essential component of a thorough medical history?

Accepted Answer

Physical examination results

Answer

Chief complaint

Answer

History of present illness

Answer

Past medical history

Question 15

During a physical examination of the abdomen, which technique is employed to evaluate the size, shape, and tenderness of the liver?

Accepted Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Inspection

Question 16

During a physical examination, why is palpation of regional lymph nodes essential? Describe how different characteristics of lymph nodes (e.g., size, consistency, tenderness) can provide insights into a patient's health.

Accepted Answer

Palpating lymph nodes helps detect early signs of infection or malignancy in the corresponding anatomical region.

Answer

Lymph node palpation aids in assessing the patient's hydration status.

Answer

Palpating lymph nodes is crucial for ruling out hernias in the abdominal wall.

Answer

Lymph node palpation is essential for assessing the range of motion of the patient's joints.

Question 17

A percussion note known as 'tympany' typically indicates the presence of which substance within a body cavity?

Accepted Answer

Air or gas

Answer

Fluid or liquid

Answer

Solid or mass

Answer

Empty space

Question 18

Under normal conditions, the typical heart rate range for adults falls within which range?

Accepted Answer

60-100 bpm

Answer

50-70 beats per minute (bpm)

Answer

70-115 bpm

Answer

80-140 bpm

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic finding associated with the presence of a pleural effusion?

Accepted Answer

Dullness on percussion and diminished breath sounds

Answer

Resonance on percussion and increased breath sounds

Answer

Hyperresonance on percussion and absent breath sounds

Answer

Tympany on percussion and wheezing

Question 20

A sign indicative of orthostatic hypotension is:

Accepted Answer

A decrease in systolic blood pressure by more than 10 mmHg upon standing

Answer

An increase in diastolic blood pressure by more than 10 mmHg upon standing

Answer

A decrease in heart rate by more than 10 bpm upon standing

Answer

An increase in heart rate by more than 10 bpm upon standing

Question 21

To obtain a comprehensive medical history, what is the initial step?

Accepted Answer

Gathering the patient's subjective symptoms

Answer

Performing a head-to-toe physical examination

Answer

Ordering laboratory tests for analysis

Answer

Reviewing the patient's medical records

Question 22

When auscultating the heart, which area should be examined initially?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve area

Answer

Pulmonary valve area

Answer

Mitral valve area

Answer

Tricuspid valve area

Question 23

In women over 30 years of age who are considered average-risk, what is the recommended interval for Pap smear screenings?

Accepted Answer

Biennially (every two years)

Answer

Annually (every year)

Answer

Triennially (every three years)

Answer

Quinquennially (every five years)

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a crucial aspect of obtaining a comprehensive medical history?

Accepted Answer

Performing a physical examination

Answer

Delineating the primary concern

Answer

Exploring past medical ailments

Answer

Documenting family health history

Question 25

During a physical examination, which technique is primarily employed to assess abdominal discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Feeling the abdomen for abnormalities

Answer

Scrutinizing the abdomen's appearance

Answer

Tapping the abdomen to evaluate sounds

Answer

Listening to the abdomen for specific noises

Question 26

When examining the skin, which observation holds particular significance and should be carefully documented?

Accepted Answer

The presence of lesions

Answer

Its coloration

Answer

Its texture

Answer

Its temperature

Question 27

Which component of the respiratory examination is particularly important?

Accepted Answer

Listening to breath sounds

Answer

Observing the chest cavity

Answer

Feeling the lungs

Answer

Tapping the chest to assess sounds

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of the Romberg test during a neurological examination?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating balance and spatial awareness

Answer

Testing coordination

Answer

Assessing muscle strength

Answer

Examining reflexes

Question 29

During a physical examination, which instrument is used to measure blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Sphygmomanometer

Answer

Stethoscope

Answer

Otoscope

Answer

Mallet

Question 30

Which body system is the primary focus of an abdominal examination?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal

Answer

Cardiovascular

Answer

Respiratory

Answer

Musculoskeletal

Question 31

Which of the following observations during a physical examination suggests a potential respiratory infection?

Accepted Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Pitting edema

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Jaundice

Question 32

When performing a neurological examination, which reflex is used to assess the trigeminal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Corneal reflex

Answer

Biceps reflex

Answer

Patellar reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Question 33

Which examination technique involves listening to sounds produced by structures within the body?

Accepted Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Ophthalmoscopy

Question 34

During a physical examination, what is the proper technique for palpating the abdomen?

Accepted Answer

Using light, superficial pressure

Answer

Using deep, forceful pressure

Answer

Percussing the abdomen

Answer

Auscultating the abdomen

Question 35

Which of the following is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Accepted Answer

Heartburn

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Anxiety

Question 36

When performing an abdominal examination, which of the following is the correct order of steps?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation

Answer

Palpation, percussion, inspection, and auscultation

Answer

Auscultation, inspection, palpation, and percussion

Question 37

In the sequential steps of a comprehensive physical examination, what is the initial step?

Accepted Answer

Patient interview

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Inspection

Question 38

In percussion of the chest, which note is indicative of an air-filled cavity?

Accepted Answer

Tympany

Answer

Flatness

Answer

Dullness

Answer

Resonance

Question 39

In children, what is the most common cause of a diastolic heart murmur?

Accepted Answer

Innocent murmur

Answer

Mitral regurgitation

Answer

Pulmonary stenosis

Answer

Aortic stenosis

Question 40

For optimal examination of the thyroid gland, what is the recommended patient positioning?

Accepted Answer

Sitting or standing with the neck slightly extended and tilted back

Answer

Standing with the head tilted forward

Answer

Lying down with the head supported

Question 41

Which symptom is commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Accepted Answer

Heartburn

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Cough

Answer

Abdominal pain

Question 42

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for developing osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Postmenopausal status

Answer

Adequate calcium intake

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Question 43

During a bimanual pelvic examination, a palpable, mobile mass is identified in the left lower quadrant. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Ovarian cyst

Answer

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Answer

Ectopic pregnancy

Answer

Uterine fibroid

Question 44

In constructing a patient's medical history, what component holds the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Chief complaint

Answer

Social history

Answer

Family history

Question 45

During a physical examination, which assessment should be conducted initially?

Accepted Answer

Vital signs

Answer

Respiratory system

Answer

Abdomen

Answer

Cardiovascular system

Question 46

Identify an example of an open-ended question used in medical history-taking.

Accepted Answer

Can you describe the nature of your symptoms?

Answer

Is your pain sharp?

Answer

Do you experience pain?

Question 47

While auscultating the heart, which sound corresponds to the closure of the mitral valve?

Accepted Answer

S1

Answer

S3

Answer

S2

Question 48

A common sign of respiratory distress is:

Accepted Answer

Tachypnea

Answer

Hyperthermia

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Question 49

During a physical examination, what is a common pitfall to be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Over-reliance on visual cues without incorporating other examination techniques

Answer

Using appropriate equipment

Answer

Maintaining patient privacy

Answer

Documenting findings accurately

Question 50

A 65-year-old male presents with new-onset dyspnea. Which of the following questions is MOST important to ask during the history-taking?

Accepted Answer

Have you ever smoked?

Answer

What medications are you currently taking?

Answer

Do you have any family history of lung disease?

Answer

What is your usual diet?

Question 51

During a physical examination, you are assessing a patient's gait. Which of the following is NOT a component of gait analysis?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate

Answer

Stride length

Answer

Step length

Question 52

A 32-year-old female complains of recurrent headaches. Which of the following questions is MOST relevant to the history of present illness?

Accepted Answer

Can you describe the pain: location, quality, intensity, duration, and associated symptoms?

Answer

What medications do you take for headaches?

Answer

Do you have any family history of headaches?

Question 53

You are examining a patient's cardiovascular system. Which of the following is the CORRECT sequence for auscultation of heart sounds?

Accepted Answer

Aortic, Pulmonic, Erb's point, Tricuspid, Mitral

Answer

Mitral, Tricuspid, Erb's point, Pulmonic, Aortic

Answer

Pulmonic, Aortic, Tricuspid, Mitral, Erb's point

Question 54

While examining a patient's abdomen, you notice a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. Which of the following techniques is MOST appropriate for further evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Percussion

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Inspection

Question 55

A 70-year-old female presents with a history of falls. Which of the following questions is MOST important to ask in the social history?

Accepted Answer

Do you live alone?

Answer

What is your exercise routine?

Answer

What is your diet like?

Answer

Do you smoke or drink alcohol?

Question 56

You are performing a neurological examination. Which of the following is NOT a component of the cranial nerve assessment?

Accepted Answer

Muscle strength

Answer

Oculomotor function

Answer

Pupillary response

Answer

Facial sensation

Question 57

A 24-year-old male presents with a chief complaint of fever and sore throat. Which of the following is MOST relevant to include in the review of systems?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory symptoms

Answer

Genitourinary symptoms

Answer

Musculoskeletal symptoms

Answer

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Question 58

During the physical examination, you notice a patient's skin is dry and scaly. Which of the following tools is MOST helpful for further assessment?

Accepted Answer

Dermatoscope

Answer

Stethoscope

Answer

Ophthalmoscope

Answer

Otoscope

Question 59

Which of the following statements BEST reflects the importance of documenting a comprehensive history and physical examination?

Accepted Answer

It provides a baseline for future comparisons and helps establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Answer

It allows for easy sharing of information between healthcare providers.

Answer

It ensures accurate billing and reimbursement for services rendered.