Cough Basic DDx SOAP Note, Differential Diagnosis &
Management | 2026/2027 Edition | 200 Verified Questions -
200 Questions with Answers
NR 602 i-Human Case Study 2026-200 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified
Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive exam preparation document is meticulously crafted for nursing students enrolled
in NR 602, focusing on the i-Human case study of Javier Flores, an 18-month-old presenting with a
cough. It encompasses the complete process of building a SOAP note, formulating a basic differential
diagnosis, and outlining management strategies. With 200 verified questions, this resource ensures
thorough readiness for the 2026/2027 academic year, reflecting the most current clinical guidelines and
best practices in pediatric primary care.
Key Features:
Detailed SOAP note construction for pediatric cough cases
Systematic approach to differential diagnosis generation
Evidence-based management plans for common pediatric respiratory conditions
Integration of i-Human patient case data and findings
Updated to reflect 2026/2027 clinical practice guidelines
200 verified questions with rationales for each answer
Updates for 2026:
- Revised to align with the latest AAP and CDC guidelines for pediatric cough management
- Enhanced differential diagnosis tables to include emerging respiratory pathogens
- Updated pharmacological recommendations with new pediatric dosing information
- Incorporated telehealth considerations for pediatric assessments
- Expanded rationales to address common misconceptions and clinical reasoning pitfalls
Abstract:
This exam preparation guide is an indispensable tool for advanced practice nursing students tackling the NR 602
i-Human case study of Javier Flores, an 18-month-old with a cough. It provides a structured framework for
developing a comprehensive SOAP note, emphasizing the collection and interpretation of subjective and objective
data. The guide systematically walks through the formulation of a basic differential diagnosis, prioritizing common
and critical conditions such as viral upper respiratory infections, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and foreign body
aspiration. Management strategies are grounded in the latest evidence, including appropriate use of diagnostic
tests, symptomatic treatments, and parental education. Each of the 200 questions is accompanied by detailed
rationales, facilitating deep understanding and retention. This resource is updated for the 2026/2027 academic
year, ensuring alignment with current clinical guidelines and best practices in pediatric primary care.
Keywords:
NR 602, i-Human Case Study, Pediatric Cough, SOAP Note, Differential Diagnosis, Management, 18-Month-Old,
2026/2027
Answer Format:
Each question is presented in a multiple-choice format with four options. The correct answer is clearly indicated,
followed by a comprehensive rationale explaining why it is correct and why the other options are incorrect.
Rationales include references to clinical guidelines and pathophysiological reasoning to enhance learning.
Page 1
,Compliance Checklist:
Aligned with NR 602 course objectives and i-Human case study requirements
Incorporates 2026/2027 updates from AAP, CDC, and other relevant bodies
Includes evidence-based practice recommendations
Provides rationales for all answers to support critical thinking
Covers all components of SOAP note and differential diagnosis
Suitable for exam preparation and clinical practice application
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
History Taking & Subjective 1-40 Chief complaint, History of Present Illness, 20%
Data Past Medical History, Review of Systems
Physical Examination & 41-80 Vital signs, Respiratory assessment, ENT 20%
Objective Data exam, Developmental milestones
Differential Diagnosis 81-120 Viral URI, Bronchiolitis, Pneumonia, 20%
Foreign body aspiration, Allergic rhinitis
Diagnostic Testing & 121-160 Chest X-ray, RSV testing, CBC, Pulse 20%
Interpretation oximetry, Influenza testing
Management & Treatment Plan 161-200 Supportive care, Antipyretics, Hydration, 20%
When to refer, Parental education
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,Q1. In a toddler presenting with cough, which combination of historical features most
strongly suggests a diagnosis of asthma rather than acute viral bronchitis?
A. Productive cough, low-grade fever, and nasal congestion for 3 days
B. Intermittent dry cough at night, triggered by exercise, with a personal or family
history of atopy
C. Sudden onset of cough after choking on food, with unilateral wheezing
D. Chronic cough with failure to thrive and steatorrhea
Correct Answer: B. Intermittent dry cough at night, triggered by exercise, with a
personal or family history of atopy
Rationale: Asthma in toddlers often presents with recurrent, non-productive cough
(especially at night or with exercise) in the context of atopy or a family history of asthma.
Viral bronchitis typically features a productive cough with fever and nasal symptoms.
Foreign body aspiration presents with sudden onset and unilateral findings. Cystic fibrosis
presents with chronic cough, failure to thrive, and steatorrhea.
Why Wrong:
A - This suggests an acute infectious process, not asthma.
C - This points to foreign body aspiration, not asthma.
D - This is characteristic of cystic fibrosis, not asthma.
Reference: Lehne, R.A. (2026). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 12th Ed., Ch. 71
Q2. A toddler with a 5-day history of cough and rhinorrhea develops a fever of
103.2°F, tachypnea, and retractions. What is the most appropriate next step in
management?
A. Prescribe oral amoxicillin and send home with instructions to return if worsening
B. Obtain a chest radiograph and viral respiratory panel
C. Administer a bronchodilator via nebulizer and reassess in 20 minutes
D. Start oral corticosteroids and recommend fluid intake
Correct Answer: B. Obtain a chest radiograph and viral respiratory panel
Rationale: The presence of high fever, tachypnea, and retractions after a viral prodrome
raises suspicion for pneumonia. A chest X-ray and viral panel help confirm the diagnosis
and guide antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics should only be given if bacterial pneumonia is
confirmed. Bronchodilators are not first-line without wheezing. Corticosteroids are for
asthma exacerbations.
Why Wrong:
A - Antibiotics should not be prescribed without confirming bacterial pneumonia.
C - Bronchodilators are not indicated without wheezing or a known reactive airway
disease.
D - Corticosteroids are not indicated for infectious pneumonia without bronchospasm.
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, Reference: Mason, R.J., et al. (2025). Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory
Medicine, 7th Ed., Ch. 87
Q3. During the physical examination of a toddler with cough, which finding is most
specific for a retropharyngeal abscess?
A. Cervical lymphadenopathy
B. Stridor and drooling
C. Muffled voice and torticollis
D. Wheezing and cough
Correct Answer: C. Muffled voice and torticollis
Rationale: Retropharyngeal abscess presents with fever, sore throat, muffled voice,
torticollis, and possibly respiratory distress. Stridor and drooling are more common in
epiglottitis. Cervical lymphadenopathy is non-specific. Wheezing and cough are typical of
lower airway disease.
Why Wrong:
A - Lymphadenopathy is common in many infections and not specific.
B - Stridor and drooling suggest epiglottitis.
D - Wheezing and cough are not typical of a retropharyngeal abscess.
Reference: Kliegman, R.M., et al. (2025). Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd Ed., Ch.
391
Q4. Which clinical decision rule is most appropriate to determine the need for chest
radiography in a child with lower respiratory tract symptoms?
A. The Ottawa Ankle Rules
B. The Centor criteria
C. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for pneumonia
D. The PRISM III score
Correct Answer: C. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for pneumonia
Rationale: The WHO criteria use tachypnea and chest indrawing to identify pneumonia in
children, guiding the need for chest radiography and antibiotics. The Ottawa Ankle Rules
are for ankle injuries. Centor criteria are for streptococcal pharyngitis. PRISM III is for
ICU mortality risk.
Why Wrong:
A - Ottawa Ankle Rules are for ankle trauma.
B - Centor criteria are for strep throat.
D - PRISM III is a severity of illness score for ICU patients.
Reference: WHO (2025). Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children, 3rd Ed.
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