NSG 6020 3P EXAM — COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM
South University — 250 Questions with Verified Answers &
Rationales (2026/2027)
Questions 1–40
Question 1
1. A 28-year-old graduate student presents with pain "all over"
that is worse in the neck, shoulders, hands, low back, and knees.
She denies joint swelling and reports morning stiffness. Range of
motion is normal, but multiple tender points are noted in the
neck, shoulders, and back. Muscle strength is normal. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A) Rheumatoid arthritis
B) Fibromyalgia
C) Polymyalgia rheumatica
D) Osteoarthritis
,Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain
with multiple tender points, normal joint examination, and no
limitations in range of motion. Morning stiffness may occur but is
less prominent than in inflammatory arthritis. The absence of joint
swelling and normal strength differentiate it from rheumatoid
arthritis. ---
Question 2
2. Heberden's nodes are commonly found in which condition?
A) Rheumatoid arthritis
B) Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
C) Gout
D) Psoriatic arthritis
Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
,Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements of the distal
interphalangeal (DIP) joints and are a classic finding in osteoarthritis
(degenerative joint disease). Bouchard's nodes affect the proximal
interphalangeal (PIP) joints. ---
Question 3
3. A 72-year-old male presents for an annual physical. He reports
feeling "tired" but otherwise well. Which question is most
important to ask next?
A) "Do you have any chest pain?"
B) "Have you had any recent falls?"
C) "How is your appetite?"
D) "Are you sleeping well at night?"
Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
Falls in the elderly are a major safety concern and may indicate
underlying neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, or medication side
effects. Asking about falls should be prioritized in the geriatric
assessment. ---
, Question 4
4. A 65-year-old female presents with progressive joint pain and
stiffness in her hands, knees, and hips. She reports that the pain
worsens with activity and improves with rest. On examination,
you note bony enlargement of the DIP joints. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A) Rheumatoid arthritis
B) Osteoarthritis
C) Gout
D) Systemic lupus erythematosus
Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive joint pain that
worsens with activity and improves with rest. Bony enlargement of
the DIP joints (Heberden's nodes) is a classic finding. Rheumatoid
arthritis typically causes inflammatory joint pain that improves with
activity and worsens with rest. ---
Question 5
South University — 250 Questions with Verified Answers &
Rationales (2026/2027)
Questions 1–40
Question 1
1. A 28-year-old graduate student presents with pain "all over"
that is worse in the neck, shoulders, hands, low back, and knees.
She denies joint swelling and reports morning stiffness. Range of
motion is normal, but multiple tender points are noted in the
neck, shoulders, and back. Muscle strength is normal. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A) Rheumatoid arthritis
B) Fibromyalgia
C) Polymyalgia rheumatica
D) Osteoarthritis
,Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain
with multiple tender points, normal joint examination, and no
limitations in range of motion. Morning stiffness may occur but is
less prominent than in inflammatory arthritis. The absence of joint
swelling and normal strength differentiate it from rheumatoid
arthritis. ---
Question 2
2. Heberden's nodes are commonly found in which condition?
A) Rheumatoid arthritis
B) Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
C) Gout
D) Psoriatic arthritis
Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
,Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements of the distal
interphalangeal (DIP) joints and are a classic finding in osteoarthritis
(degenerative joint disease). Bouchard's nodes affect the proximal
interphalangeal (PIP) joints. ---
Question 3
3. A 72-year-old male presents for an annual physical. He reports
feeling "tired" but otherwise well. Which question is most
important to ask next?
A) "Do you have any chest pain?"
B) "Have you had any recent falls?"
C) "How is your appetite?"
D) "Are you sleeping well at night?"
Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
Falls in the elderly are a major safety concern and may indicate
underlying neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, or medication side
effects. Asking about falls should be prioritized in the geriatric
assessment. ---
, Question 4
4. A 65-year-old female presents with progressive joint pain and
stiffness in her hands, knees, and hips. She reports that the pain
worsens with activity and improves with rest. On examination,
you note bony enlargement of the DIP joints. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A) Rheumatoid arthritis
B) Osteoarthritis
C) Gout
D) Systemic lupus erythematosus
Answer
Answer B:
Rationale
Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive joint pain that
worsens with activity and improves with rest. Bony enlargement of
the DIP joints (Heberden's nodes) is a classic finding. Rheumatoid
arthritis typically causes inflammatory joint pain that improves with
activity and worsens with rest. ---
Question 5
