,NSG 550 Exam 3 | Diagnostic Reasoning for NP
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Wilkes
1. Which imaging modality provides the most detailed visualization of brain
anatomy, including tumors and edema, but does not show blood flow?
A) MRI
B) MRA
C) CT brain
D) Carotid duplex
Correct Answer: MRI
Rationale: MRI excels at soft‑tissue contrast and anatomical detail, making it
the study of choice for brain tumors, demyelination, and herniated discs. It does
not directly visualize flowing blood; MRA is used for vascular evaluation.
2. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is specifically indicated to evaluate:
A) Brain parenchyma for tumors
B) Arterial blood flow and intracranial aneurysms
C) Spinal cord compression
D) Cortical electrical activity
Correct Answer: Arterial blood flow and intracranial aneurysms
,Rationale: MRA uses magnetic fields to image blood vessels without ionizing
radiation. It is the preferred non‑invasive test for suspected aneurysms and
arterial occlusions.
3. A BI‑RADS category 3 mammogram finding indicates:
A) Normal findings
B) Highly suggestive of malignancy
C) Probably benign; short‑interval follow‑up recommended
D) Known biopsy‑proven malignancy
Correct Answer: Probably benign; short‑interval follow‑up recommended
Rationale: BI‑RADS 3 carries a <2% risk of malignancy. Short‑interval (usually
6‑month) follow‑up imaging is recommended to confirm stability, rather than
immediate biopsy.
4. Which cervical cytology result on a Pap smear indicates a low‑grade
squamous intraepithelial lesion?
A) ASC‑US
B) HSIL
C) AGC
D) LSIL
Correct Answer: LSIL
, Rationale: LSIL is a low‑grade lesion often caused by HPV, with a high rate of
spontaneous regression. HSIL is high‑grade and requires colposcopy. ASC‑US is
equivocal; AGC involves glandular cells.
5. A DEXA scan T‑score of −2.8 is interpreted as:
A) Osteoporosis
B) Osteopenia
C) Normal bone density
D) Inconclusive
Correct Answer: Osteoporosis
Rationale: The WHO defines osteoporosis as a T‑score ≤−2.5 at the hip or spine.
A score of −2.8 indicates established osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.
6. Which Bethesda category requires HPV co‑testing to guide further
management?
A) LSIL
B) ASC‑US
C) HSIL
D) AGC
Correct Answer: ASC‑US
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Wilkes
1. Which imaging modality provides the most detailed visualization of brain
anatomy, including tumors and edema, but does not show blood flow?
A) MRI
B) MRA
C) CT brain
D) Carotid duplex
Correct Answer: MRI
Rationale: MRI excels at soft‑tissue contrast and anatomical detail, making it
the study of choice for brain tumors, demyelination, and herniated discs. It does
not directly visualize flowing blood; MRA is used for vascular evaluation.
2. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is specifically indicated to evaluate:
A) Brain parenchyma for tumors
B) Arterial blood flow and intracranial aneurysms
C) Spinal cord compression
D) Cortical electrical activity
Correct Answer: Arterial blood flow and intracranial aneurysms
,Rationale: MRA uses magnetic fields to image blood vessels without ionizing
radiation. It is the preferred non‑invasive test for suspected aneurysms and
arterial occlusions.
3. A BI‑RADS category 3 mammogram finding indicates:
A) Normal findings
B) Highly suggestive of malignancy
C) Probably benign; short‑interval follow‑up recommended
D) Known biopsy‑proven malignancy
Correct Answer: Probably benign; short‑interval follow‑up recommended
Rationale: BI‑RADS 3 carries a <2% risk of malignancy. Short‑interval (usually
6‑month) follow‑up imaging is recommended to confirm stability, rather than
immediate biopsy.
4. Which cervical cytology result on a Pap smear indicates a low‑grade
squamous intraepithelial lesion?
A) ASC‑US
B) HSIL
C) AGC
D) LSIL
Correct Answer: LSIL
, Rationale: LSIL is a low‑grade lesion often caused by HPV, with a high rate of
spontaneous regression. HSIL is high‑grade and requires colposcopy. ASC‑US is
equivocal; AGC involves glandular cells.
5. A DEXA scan T‑score of −2.8 is interpreted as:
A) Osteoporosis
B) Osteopenia
C) Normal bone density
D) Inconclusive
Correct Answer: Osteoporosis
Rationale: The WHO defines osteoporosis as a T‑score ≤−2.5 at the hip or spine.
A score of −2.8 indicates established osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.
6. Which Bethesda category requires HPV co‑testing to guide further
management?
A) LSIL
B) ASC‑US
C) HSIL
D) AGC
Correct Answer: ASC‑US
