Wilkes NSG 550 Exam 3 – Diagnostic Reasoning 2026 UPDATE
1. Which component of the SOAP note includes the patient’s description of their chief
complaint and history of present illness?
A. Assessment
B. Objective
C. Subjective
D. Plan
Answer: C
Rationale: The Subjective section includes information provided by the patient, including
the chief complaint, HPI, and review of systems.
2. When performing a physical examination of the abdomen, which sequence is correct?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Rationale: In abdominal assessment, auscultation follows inspection to avoid altering
bowel sounds through percussion or palpation.
,3. A patient presents with a ‘curtain falling over the eye’ sensation and floaters. This is most
characteristic of:
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
C. Retinal Detachment
D. Macular Degeneration
Answer: C
Rationale: Retinal detachment often presents as a sudden sensation of a curtain closing,
accompanied by flashes or floaters.
4. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for visual acuity?
A. CN II
B. CN I
C. CN III
D. CN IV
Answer: A
Rationale: Cranial Nerve II (Optic) is responsible for vision and is tested using a Snellen
chart.
, 5. During a cardiac assessment, an S3 heart sound is most commonly associated with which
condition in older adults?
A. Mitral Valve Prolapse
B. Aortic Stenosis
C. Normal Aging
D. Heart Failure
Answer: D
Rationale: In adults, an S3 gallop is often a sign of ventricular volume overload, commonly
seen in congestive heart failure.
6. The Phalen maneuver is used to screen for which of the following?
A. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
B. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
C. Rotator Cuff Tear
D. Tennis Elbow
Answer: B
Rationale: The Phalen test, involving forced wrist flexion, is used to elicit symptoms of
carpal tunnel syndrome.
1. Which component of the SOAP note includes the patient’s description of their chief
complaint and history of present illness?
A. Assessment
B. Objective
C. Subjective
D. Plan
Answer: C
Rationale: The Subjective section includes information provided by the patient, including
the chief complaint, HPI, and review of systems.
2. When performing a physical examination of the abdomen, which sequence is correct?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
Answer: D
Rationale: In abdominal assessment, auscultation follows inspection to avoid altering
bowel sounds through percussion or palpation.
,3. A patient presents with a ‘curtain falling over the eye’ sensation and floaters. This is most
characteristic of:
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
C. Retinal Detachment
D. Macular Degeneration
Answer: C
Rationale: Retinal detachment often presents as a sudden sensation of a curtain closing,
accompanied by flashes or floaters.
4. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for visual acuity?
A. CN II
B. CN I
C. CN III
D. CN IV
Answer: A
Rationale: Cranial Nerve II (Optic) is responsible for vision and is tested using a Snellen
chart.
, 5. During a cardiac assessment, an S3 heart sound is most commonly associated with which
condition in older adults?
A. Mitral Valve Prolapse
B. Aortic Stenosis
C. Normal Aging
D. Heart Failure
Answer: D
Rationale: In adults, an S3 gallop is often a sign of ventricular volume overload, commonly
seen in congestive heart failure.
6. The Phalen maneuver is used to screen for which of the following?
A. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
B. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
C. Rotator Cuff Tear
D. Tennis Elbow
Answer: B
Rationale: The Phalen test, involving forced wrist flexion, is used to elicit symptoms of
carpal tunnel syndrome.
