NR 603 CEA Midterm Exam - Chamberlain Advanced Clinical Diagnosis
2026 Chamberlain College
1. Which of the following diagnostic tests is considered the ‘gold standard’ for
confirming a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Pulse Oximetry
C. Arterial Blood Gas
D. Spirometry (FEV1/FVC ratio)
Answer: D
Rationale: Spirometry is the objective gold standard for diagnosing COPD. A post-
bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.70 confirms persistent airflow limitation.
2. A 55-year-old male presents with a blood pressure of 138/86 mmHg.
According to the ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, this is classified as:
A. Stage 1 Hypertension
B. Elevated blood pressure
C. Normal blood pressure
D. Stage 2 Hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as systolic BP between 130-139 or diastolic BP
between 80-89 mmHg.
,3. What is the primary screening laboratory test for assessing thyroid function in
a primary care setting?
A. Free T4
B. Total T3
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody
Answer: C
Rationale: TSH is the most sensitive and initial screening test for both hyperthyroidism
and hypothyroidism.
4. A patient presents with a ‘slapped-cheek’ facial rash and lacy reticular rash on
the trunk. This is characteristic of:
A. Scarlet Fever
B. Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
C. Rubella
D. Roseola Infantum
Answer: B
Rationale: Erythema Infectiosum, caused by Parvovirus B19, typically presents with the
classic slapped-cheek rash followed by a lacy rash.
5. Which physical examination maneuver is most sensitive for detecting an
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear?
A. McMurray Test
B. Phalen’s Test
C. Drawer Test
D. Lachman’s Test
Answer: D
Rationale: Lachman’s test is widely considered more sensitive than the anterior drawer
test for evaluating ACL integrity.
, 6. Which of the following laboratory values meets the diagnostic criteria for
Diabetes Mellitus based on Hemoglobin A1C?
A. A1C >= 6.0%
B. A1C >= 6.5%
C. A1C >= 7.0%
D. A1C >= 5.7%
Answer: B
Rationale: According to the ADA, an A1C of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic for diabetes.
7. In a patient with microcytic hypochromic anemia, which lab value is the most
specific for diagnosing iron deficiency?
A. Low Serum Iron
B. High TIBC
C. Low Hemoglobin
D. Low Serum Ferritin
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum ferritin is the most sensitive and specific indicator of total body iron
stores.
8. A 60-year-old smoker presents with painless gross hematuria. What is the
most likely diagnosis that must be ruled out?
A. Urinary Tract Infection
B. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
C. Nephrolithiasis
D. Bladder Cancer
Answer: D
Rationale: Painless gross hematuria in an older adult with a smoking history is highly
suspicious for bladder malignancy.
2026 Chamberlain College
1. Which of the following diagnostic tests is considered the ‘gold standard’ for
confirming a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Pulse Oximetry
C. Arterial Blood Gas
D. Spirometry (FEV1/FVC ratio)
Answer: D
Rationale: Spirometry is the objective gold standard for diagnosing COPD. A post-
bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.70 confirms persistent airflow limitation.
2. A 55-year-old male presents with a blood pressure of 138/86 mmHg.
According to the ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, this is classified as:
A. Stage 1 Hypertension
B. Elevated blood pressure
C. Normal blood pressure
D. Stage 2 Hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as systolic BP between 130-139 or diastolic BP
between 80-89 mmHg.
,3. What is the primary screening laboratory test for assessing thyroid function in
a primary care setting?
A. Free T4
B. Total T3
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody
Answer: C
Rationale: TSH is the most sensitive and initial screening test for both hyperthyroidism
and hypothyroidism.
4. A patient presents with a ‘slapped-cheek’ facial rash and lacy reticular rash on
the trunk. This is characteristic of:
A. Scarlet Fever
B. Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
C. Rubella
D. Roseola Infantum
Answer: B
Rationale: Erythema Infectiosum, caused by Parvovirus B19, typically presents with the
classic slapped-cheek rash followed by a lacy rash.
5. Which physical examination maneuver is most sensitive for detecting an
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear?
A. McMurray Test
B. Phalen’s Test
C. Drawer Test
D. Lachman’s Test
Answer: D
Rationale: Lachman’s test is widely considered more sensitive than the anterior drawer
test for evaluating ACL integrity.
, 6. Which of the following laboratory values meets the diagnostic criteria for
Diabetes Mellitus based on Hemoglobin A1C?
A. A1C >= 6.0%
B. A1C >= 6.5%
C. A1C >= 7.0%
D. A1C >= 5.7%
Answer: B
Rationale: According to the ADA, an A1C of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic for diabetes.
7. In a patient with microcytic hypochromic anemia, which lab value is the most
specific for diagnosing iron deficiency?
A. Low Serum Iron
B. High TIBC
C. Low Hemoglobin
D. Low Serum Ferritin
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum ferritin is the most sensitive and specific indicator of total body iron
stores.
8. A 60-year-old smoker presents with painless gross hematuria. What is the
most likely diagnosis that must be ruled out?
A. Urinary Tract Infection
B. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
C. Nephrolithiasis
D. Bladder Cancer
Answer: D
Rationale: Painless gross hematuria in an older adult with a smoking history is highly
suspicious for bladder malignancy.
