Master Advanced Assessment and Diagnosis Skills for Advanced Nursing Practice

Question 1

When performing a neurological examination, which test is used to assess a patient's balance and coordination?

Accepted Answer

Romberg test

Answer

Otoscopy

Answer

Dermatoscope

Answer

Reflex hammer

Question 2

Which diagnostic test creates images of internal structures using high-frequency sound waves?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Question 3

Which of the following is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Accepted Answer

Dysuria

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Rash

Question 4

Which ethical principle guides nurses to act in the best interests of the patient?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 5

Which type of research design is best suited for exploring a phenomenon in detail?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative study

Answer

Descriptive study

Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Quantitative study

Question 6

In the initial evaluation of a patient's thyroid function, which diagnostic test is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid function tests

Answer

Flow cytometry

Answer

Thyroid scintigraphy

Answer

Ultrasound

Question 7

In advanced nursing practice, what is specifically NOT considered a key component of physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy

Answer

Assessment of vital signs

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Palpation

Question 8

Which diagnostic test is most appropriate to determine thyroid function?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone level

Answer

Electrocardiogram

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Urinalysis

Question 9

When differentiating between pneumonia and bronchitis during a respiratory examination, which finding is most indicative?

Accepted Answer

Crackles

Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Rhonchi

Answer

Diminished breath sounds

Question 10

When assessing a patient presenting with chest pain, what is the most important factor to consider initially?

Accepted Answer

Location, character, and duration of the pain

Answer

Associated symptoms

Answer

Past medical history

Answer

Family history of cardiac disease

Question 11

In advanced nursing practice, which of the following is NOT a valid indication for ordering a head computed tomography (CT) scan?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Suspected stroke

Answer

Severe headache

Answer

Head trauma

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a subjective data source in a patient assessment?

Accepted Answer

The patient's reported symptoms

Answer

Vital signs

Answer

Laboratory results

Answer

Imaging studies

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a component of evidence-based practice?

Accepted Answer

Intuition

Answer

Best available research evidence

Answer

Patient preferences and values

Answer

Clinical experience and expertise

Question 14

When performing a physical examination on an elderly patient, it is crucial to prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining their comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being

Answer

Adhering rigidly to a standardized examination protocol

Answer

Completing the examination as expeditiously as possible

Answer

Focusing predominantly on the presenting complaint

Question 15

When a patient presents with a headache accompanied by neck stiffness, photophobia, and phonophobia, which differential diagnosis should be considered?

Accepted Answer

Meningitis

Answer

Tension headache

Answer

Migraine

Answer

Cervical spondylosis

Question 16

During a neurological examination, the Romberg test is primarily used to evaluate:

Accepted Answer

Balance and coordination

Answer

Reflexes

Answer

Sensory function

Answer

Muscle strength

Question 17

In the context of diabetes, which assessment finding on a non-healing foot ulcer is most suggestive of a possible infection?

Accepted Answer

Erythema and warmth

Answer

Absence of pain

Answer

Presence of granulation tissue

Answer

Dry, cracked skin

Question 18

A fundamental principle of evidence-based practice in advanced nursing is:

Accepted Answer

Incorporating the best available research evidence

Answer

Relying exclusively on personal experiences

Answer

Following established protocols unconditionally

Answer

Prioritizing patient preferences over evidence

Question 19

In the context of an advanced nursing practice physical examination, which component is excluded?

Accepted Answer

Medication reconciliation

Answer

General survey and vital signs

Answer

Head-to-toe assessment

Answer

Review of systems

Question 20

When evaluating a patient presenting with chest pain, which assessment finding warrants immediate attention?

Accepted Answer

Diaphoresis

Answer

Positive Homans sign

Answer

JVD

Answer

Ascites

Question 21

When assessing a patient with suspected heart failure, which diagnostic test provides the most pertinent information?

Accepted Answer

Echocardiogram

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

Serum electrolytes

Answer

Complete blood count

Question 22

Which statement about structured assessment tools in advanced nursing practice is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Increases patient satisfaction

Answer

Enhances accuracy and consistency

Answer

Improves documentation

Answer

Reduces the time required for assessment

Question 23

In differential diagnosis, the process of 'ruling out' primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Eliminating less probable diagnoses

Answer

Confirming a specific diagnosis

Answer

Establishing the most likely diagnosis

Answer

Providing a definitive diagnosis

Question 24

Which component is NOT a part of a comprehensive nursing history?

Accepted Answer

Physical examination findings

Answer

Social history

Answer

Past medical history

Answer

Family history

Question 25

During a physical examination, which technique is used to assess for edema?

Accepted Answer

Palpation

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Percussion

Question 26

Which diagnostic test is used to evaluate cardiac function?

Accepted Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Question 27

When assessing a patient with a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI), which symptom is most indicative of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Dysuria

Answer

Fever

Answer

Headache

Answer

Nausea

Question 28

In assessing a patient with abdominal pain, what is the most crucial aspect to consider?

Accepted Answer

Character and location of pain

Answer

Bowel habits

Answer

Dietary history

Answer

Duration of pain

Question 29

Which test assesses motor function during a neurological examination?

Accepted Answer

Finger-to-nose test

Answer

Light touch sensation

Answer

Romberg test

Answer

Pinprick test

Question 30

Which technique is primarily used during a physical examination to assess the quality and symmetry of breath sounds?

Accepted Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Inspection

Question 31

Which ethical principle obligates advanced practice nurses to respect patient decision-making and their rights?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 32

Which of the following components are included in a comprehensive health assessment?

Accepted Answer

Patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing

Answer

Patient history and diagnostic testing

Answer

Physical examination and diagnostic testing

Answer

Patient history and physical examination

Question 33

Which diagnostic test is primarily used to evaluate the function of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Answer

X-ray

Question 34

In the process of differential diagnosis, which step is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and prioritizing potential diagnoses based on signs and symptoms

Answer

Isolating and evaluating test results

Answer

Ordering as many diagnostic tests as possible

Answer

Confirming the final diagnosis immediately

Question 35

During a physical examination, which technique involves touching and feeling the abdomen to assess for any unusual masses or areas of tenderness?

Accepted Answer

Palpation

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Percussion

Answer

Transillumination

Question 36

When diagnosing complex health conditions, which of the following poses a significant challenge?

Accepted Answer

Multiple co-existing conditions and use of various medications

Answer

Limited knowledge of medical conditions

Answer

Non-compliance by patients

Answer

Inaccessibility to healthcare services

Question 37

Which type of diagnostic test provides real-time moving pictures of the body's internal structures?

Accepted Answer

Imaging test

Answer

Functional test

Answer

Electrophysiological test

Answer

Laboratory test

Question 38

In patient-centered assessment, which element is essential?

Accepted Answer

Empathetic active listening

Answer

Objective data collection

Answer

Thorough documentation

Answer

Technological expertise

Question 39

A 55-year-old patient presents with persistent fatigue, unintended weight loss, and night sweats. Which of the following physical examination findings would be most suggestive of a diagnosis of lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Enlarged, non-tender lymph nodes in the neck and axillae

Answer

Elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate

Answer

Decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes of the lungs

Question 40

An 80-year-old patient with a history of atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, associated with shortness of breath and sweating. The electrocardiogram (ECG) reveals ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V4. Which of the following diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to confirm the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac troponin I and T

Answer

Electrolyte panel

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Answer

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Question 41

A 28-year-old pregnant patient presents with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Which of the following diagnostic tools would be most helpful in identifying the specific causative organism and guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Urine culture and sensitivity

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Answer

Urinalysis

Answer

Electrolyte panel

Question 42

A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents to the clinic with worsening shortness of breath and increased production of sputum. Which of the following assessment findings would raise concern for an acute exacerbation of COPD?

Accepted Answer

Increased sputum volume and purulent sputum production

Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Decreased body temperature

Answer

Improved sleep quality

Question 43

A 32-year-old patient with a history of migraines presents with a sudden onset of severe headache, fever, stiff neck, and photophobia. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Meningitis

Answer

Cluster headache

Answer

Tension headache

Answer

Sinusitis

Question 44

A 70-year-old patient with a history of congestive heart failure presents to the office with worsening shortness of breath, orthopnea, and lower extremity edema. Which of the following physical examination findings would be most consistent with worsening heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Crackles in the lung bases and jugular venous distention

Answer

Increased skin turgor and decreased urine output

Answer

Decreased bowel sounds and abdominal distention

Question 45

A 45-year-old patient presents with chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, and constipation. Which of the following laboratory tests would be most helpful in diagnosing hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Answer

Electrolyte panel

Answer

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Question 46

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to assess a patient's level of pain?

Accepted Answer

Using a validated pain assessment tool and asking the patient to rate their pain intensity on a scale of 0 to 10

Answer

Observing the patient's facial expressions and body language

Answer

Asking the patient to describe their pain in their own words

Question 47

A patient with a history of hypertension presents with a new onset of severe headache, blurred vision, and epistaxis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypertensive crisis

Answer

Sinusitis

Answer

Conjunctivitis

Answer

Migraine headache