Synthesis Simplified Final Actual Exam –
Walden University – 2026/2027 Academic
Year – Verified Questions and Answers
Simplified Study Cram Sheet Version
Instructions
Choose the single best answer. The answer and a brief rationale are provided immediately after each
question.
1. A 52-year-old patient has BP readings averaging 152/94 mmHg on repeated visits. Which
diagnosis is most appropriate after confirming persistent elevation?
• A. Normal blood pressure
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hypotension
• D. White-coat syndrome by definition
Answer: B. Hypertension
Rationale: Persistent elevated blood pressure confirmed with appropriate measurements supports a
diagnosis of hypertension. The clinician should also assess cardiovascular risk and possible secondary
causes when indicated.
2. A patient with chest pressure, diaphoresis, nausea, and pain radiating to the jaw presents to
primary care. What is the priority action?
• A. Schedule routine follow-up
• B. Obtain an emergency evaluation for possible acute coronary syndrome
• C. Recommend an antacid and reassess next month
• D. Encourage exercise
Answer: B. Obtain an emergency evaluation for possible acute coronary syndrome
Rationale: Chest pressure with autonomic symptoms and radiation can represent acute coronary
syndrome. Immediate emergency assessment is more important than routine outpatient management.
3. Which finding is most characteristic of asthma?
• A. Reversible airflow limitation with episodic symptoms
• B. Fixed obstruction with no variability
• C. Progressive edema only
,• D. Persistent jaundice
Answer: A. Reversible airflow limitation with episodic symptoms
Rationale: Asthma commonly causes variable respiratory symptoms and reversible airflow obstruction.
History, examination, and appropriate pulmonary testing help establish the diagnosis.
4. A patient with type 2 diabetes has an A1C above the individualized treatment goal despite
adherence to lifestyle measures and medication. What is the next step?
• A. Ignore the result
• B. Reassess adherence, treatment response, complications, and intensify therapy as appropriate
• C. Stop all diabetes medication
• D. Recommend fasting indefinitely
Answer: B. Reassess adherence, treatment response, complications, and intensify therapy as
appropriate
Rationale: Diabetes management should be individualized. Persistent hyperglycemia warrants review of
adherence, medications, lifestyle, comorbidities, complications, and appropriate treatment intensification.
5. Which preventive service is generally important during adult primary care visits?
• A. Risk-based screening and age-appropriate immunizations
• B. Antibiotics for every patient
• C. Imaging every month
• D. Avoidance of all vaccines
Answer: A. Risk-based screening and age-appropriate immunizations
Rationale: Preventive care includes evidence-based screening, immunizations, counseling, and risk
reduction tailored to age, sex, history, and individual risk.
6. A 68-year-old patient reports new unilateral weakness and difficulty speaking that began 30
minutes ago. What should the nurse practitioner do?
• A. Arrange routine outpatient follow-up
• B. Activate emergency stroke evaluation
• C. Recommend rest at home
• D. Wait until symptoms persist for 24 hours
Answer: B. Activate emergency stroke evaluation
Rationale: Sudden focal neurologic deficits are concerning for acute stroke. Time-sensitive emergency
evaluation is required to determine eligibility for acute treatment.
7. A patient has dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic discomfort without flank pain or
systemic illness. Which condition is most likely?
• A. Acute uncomplicated cystitis
,• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Migraine
• D. Heart failure
Answer: A. Acute uncomplicated cystitis
Rationale: Dysuria, frequency, and suprapubic discomfort are typical lower urinary tract symptoms.
Assessment should also consider pregnancy, complicated infection, STI causes, and red flags.
8. Which finding should raise concern for pyelonephritis rather than uncomplicated cystitis?
• A. Flank pain with fever
• B. Mild urinary frequency only
• C. Isolated urgency
• D. No urinary symptoms
Answer: A. Flank pain with fever
Rationale: Fever and flank pain, particularly with systemic illness or costovertebral-angle tenderness,
suggest upper urinary tract infection and require appropriate evaluation.
9. A patient reports black, tarry stools and dizziness. What is the priority concern?
• A. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
• B. Seasonal allergies
• C. Tension headache
• D. Otitis externa
Answer: A. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Rationale: Melena can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Dizziness may indicate significant blood loss, so
urgent assessment of hemodynamic stability and bleeding severity is appropriate.
10. Which symptom is most typical of hypothyroidism?
• A. Heat intolerance and tremor
• B. Cold intolerance, fatigue, and constipation
• C. Severe polyuria only
• D. Sudden unilateral paralysis
Answer: B. Cold intolerance, fatigue, and constipation
Rationale: Common hypothyroid symptoms include fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, weight
changes, and slowed cognition or mood.
11. A patient presents with a painful vesicular rash in a unilateral dermatomal distribution. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
• A. Herpes zoster
• B. Tinea corporis
, • C. Impetigo
• D. Urticaria
Answer: A. Herpes zoster
Rationale: Herpes zoster typically causes a painful unilateral vesicular eruption following a dermatome.
Early recognition supports timely antiviral treatment when indicated.
12. A 7-year-old has fever, sore throat, tender anterior cervical nodes, and tonsillar exudate without
cough. Which diagnosis should be considered?
• A. Group A streptococcal pharyngitis
• B. Otitis externa
• C. Allergic rhinitis only
• D. Migraine
Answer: A. Group A streptococcal pharyngitis
Rationale: The presentation is compatible with streptococcal pharyngitis. Clinical prediction tools and
appropriate testing help determine whether antimicrobial treatment is indicated.
13. Which pediatric finding requires urgent evaluation?
• A. Mild seasonal rhinorrhea
• B. Respiratory distress with cyanosis
• C. Occasional hiccups
• D. Mild transient appetite variation
Answer: B. Respiratory distress with cyanosis
Rationale: Respiratory distress and cyanosis are emergency findings because they indicate possible
inadequate oxygenation and require immediate assessment and intervention.
14. A pregnant patient has severe headache, visual changes, and markedly elevated blood pressure.
What complication should be considered?
• A. Preeclampsia with severe features
• B. Uncomplicated tension headache
• C. Allergic rhinitis
• D. Otitis media
Answer: A. Preeclampsia with severe features
Rationale: Severe hypertension with neurologic symptoms during pregnancy is concerning for
preeclampsia with severe features and requires urgent obstetric evaluation.
15. Which contraceptive counseling approach is most appropriate?
• A. Use the same method for every patient
• B. Discuss effectiveness, contraindications, preferences, risks, benefits, and alternatives