Page 1 of 223
Advanced Health Assessment and
Differential Diagnosis: Essentials for
Clinical Practice | Karen Myrick &
Laima Karosas | Latest Edition
QUESTION 1
The nurse is preparing to conduct a health history. Which
statement best describes the purpose of a health history?
A) To provide an opportunity for interaction between the patient
and the nurse
B) To provide a form for obtaining the patient’s biographic
information
C) To document the normal and abnormal findings of a physical
assessment
,Page 2 of 223
D) To provide a database of subjective information about the
patient’s past and current health
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The purpose of the health history is to collect
subjective data—what the person says about themselves. This
subjective data forms the foundation for clinical reasoning and
diagnosis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the
patient’s health status that cannot be obtained from a physical
exam alone. Options A, B, and C describe secondary benefits or
components of the assessment process rather than the primary
purpose.
Reference: Myrick, K. M., & Karosas, L. M. (2020). Advanced
health assessment and differential diagnosis: Essentials for clinical
practice (1st ed.). Springer Publishing Company. Chapter 1.
QUESTION 2
,Page 3 of 223
When the nurse is evaluating the reliability of a patient’s
responses, which statement would be correct?
A) A patient with a history of drug abuse is not reliable.
B) A patient who provided consistent information is reliable.
C) A patient who smiled throughout the interview is assumed
reliable.
D) A patient who would not answer questions concerning stress is
not reliable.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A reliable person consistently gives the same answers,
even when questions are rephrased or repeated later in the
interview. Reliability is determined by consistency and coherence
of information, not by the patient’s history, demeanor, or
selective disclosure. While certain factors may warrant careful
interpretation, they do not automatically determine reliability.
, Page 4 of 223
Reference: Myrick, K. M., & Karosas, L. M. (2020). Advanced
health assessment and differential diagnosis: Essentials for clinical
practice (1st ed.). Springer Publishing Company. Chapter 1.
QUESTION 3
A 59-year-old patient tells the nurse he has ulcerative colitis and
has been having black stools for the last 24 hours. How should
the nurse best document his reason for seeking care?
A) “J.M. is a 59-year-old man seeking treatment for ulcerative
colitis.”
B) “J.M. came into the clinic complaining of having black stools
for the past 24 hours.”
C) “J.M. is a 59-year-old man who states that he has ulcerative
colitis and wants it checked.”
D) “J.M. is a 59-year-old man who states that he has been
having black stools for the past 24 hours.”
Advanced Health Assessment and
Differential Diagnosis: Essentials for
Clinical Practice | Karen Myrick &
Laima Karosas | Latest Edition
QUESTION 1
The nurse is preparing to conduct a health history. Which
statement best describes the purpose of a health history?
A) To provide an opportunity for interaction between the patient
and the nurse
B) To provide a form for obtaining the patient’s biographic
information
C) To document the normal and abnormal findings of a physical
assessment
,Page 2 of 223
D) To provide a database of subjective information about the
patient’s past and current health
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The purpose of the health history is to collect
subjective data—what the person says about themselves. This
subjective data forms the foundation for clinical reasoning and
diagnosis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the
patient’s health status that cannot be obtained from a physical
exam alone. Options A, B, and C describe secondary benefits or
components of the assessment process rather than the primary
purpose.
Reference: Myrick, K. M., & Karosas, L. M. (2020). Advanced
health assessment and differential diagnosis: Essentials for clinical
practice (1st ed.). Springer Publishing Company. Chapter 1.
QUESTION 2
,Page 3 of 223
When the nurse is evaluating the reliability of a patient’s
responses, which statement would be correct?
A) A patient with a history of drug abuse is not reliable.
B) A patient who provided consistent information is reliable.
C) A patient who smiled throughout the interview is assumed
reliable.
D) A patient who would not answer questions concerning stress is
not reliable.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A reliable person consistently gives the same answers,
even when questions are rephrased or repeated later in the
interview. Reliability is determined by consistency and coherence
of information, not by the patient’s history, demeanor, or
selective disclosure. While certain factors may warrant careful
interpretation, they do not automatically determine reliability.
, Page 4 of 223
Reference: Myrick, K. M., & Karosas, L. M. (2020). Advanced
health assessment and differential diagnosis: Essentials for clinical
practice (1st ed.). Springer Publishing Company. Chapter 1.
QUESTION 3
A 59-year-old patient tells the nurse he has ulcerative colitis and
has been having black stools for the last 24 hours. How should
the nurse best document his reason for seeking care?
A) “J.M. is a 59-year-old man seeking treatment for ulcerative
colitis.”
B) “J.M. came into the clinic complaining of having black stools
for the past 24 hours.”
C) “J.M. is a 59-year-old man who states that he has ulcerative
colitis and wants it checked.”
D) “J.M. is a 59-year-old man who states that he has been
having black stools for the past 24 hours.”
