NSG550 / NSG 550 Exam 3
(Latest
Update): Diagnostic
Reasoning for Nurse
Practitioners | Questions
and Verified Answers with
rationales | 100% Correct |
Grade A – Wilkes
GUARANTEED PASS
,NSG550 / NSG 550 Exam 3 (Latest Update): Diagnostic
Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners | Questions and Verified Answers
with rationales | 100% Correct | Grade A – Wilkes GUARANTEED
PASS
1. A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and
constipation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Hypothyroidism
c) Depression
d) Iron-deficiency anemia
Answer: b) Hypothyroidism
Rationale: Hypothyroidism is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold
intolerance, constipation, and bradycardia. Hyperthyroidism typically presents with weight loss,
heat intolerance, and hyperactivity.
2. A patient presents with a painful, swollen left leg. The nurse suspects a deep
vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following signs would most likely confirm
the diagnosis?
a) Positive Homan's sign
b) Positive Murphy's sign
c) Decreased breath sounds on the left side
d) Elevated blood pressure
Answer: a) Positive Homan's sign
Rationale: Homan’s sign (pain in the calf with dorsiflexion of the foot) is suggestive of DVT,
though it is not a definitive diagnostic test. A venous ultrasound is typically used to confirm
DVT.
3. A 55-year-old patient with diabetes presents with frequent urination, excessive
thirst, and weight loss. What should the NP suspect as a potential cause?
,a) Type 1 diabetes
b) Acute myocardial infarction
c) Stroke
d) Dehydration
Answer: a) Type 1 diabetes
Rationale: The patient’s symptoms are consistent with hyperglycemia due to uncontrolled type 1
diabetes, which presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss.
4. A patient presents with sudden-onset chest pain, diaphoresis, and shortness of
breath. Which of the following is the most appropriate first diagnostic test?
a) Chest X-ray
b) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
c) MRI of the heart
d) Echocardiogram
Answer: b) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Rationale: An ECG is the first-line diagnostic test for chest pain to rule out acute myocardial
infarction or other cardiac issues.
5. A 60-year-old male with a history of hypertension presents with sudden loss of
vision in one eye. What is the most likely cause of his symptoms?
a) Acute angle-closure glaucoma
b) Retinal detachment
c) Macular degeneration
d) Optic neuritis
Answer: b) Retinal detachment
Rationale: Sudden vision loss in one eye with a history of hypertension is concerning for retinal
detachment, which requires urgent referral to an ophthalmologist.
6. A 34-year-old woman presents with a butterfly-shaped rash on her face, joint
pain, and fatigue. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
, a) Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
b) Rheumatoid arthritis
c) Fibromyalgia
d) Psoriasis
Answer: a) Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Rationale: The classic butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, along with joint pain
and fatigue, is characteristic of SLE, an autoimmune disease.
7. Which of the following laboratory findings would be most consistent with a
diagnosis of acute renal failure?
a) Decreased serum creatinine
b) Elevated serum creatinine
c) Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
d) Elevated potassium level
Answer: b) Elevated serum creatinine
Rationale: Elevated serum creatinine is a key indicator of kidney dysfunction and is commonly
seen in acute renal failure.
8. A patient presents with a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. The NP
suspects strep throat. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most useful in
confirming the diagnosis?
a) Rapid antigen detection test (RADT)
b) Throat culture
c) Monospot test
d) Complete blood count (CBC)
Answer: a) Rapid antigen detection test (RADT)
Rationale: The RADT is a quick and reliable test for diagnosing Group A Streptococcus (strep
throat). A throat culture may be used if RADT results are negative but suspicion remains high.
9. A patient presents with jaundice, dark urine, and light-colored stools. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
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