Page 1 of 227
NSG 550 Exam 1 – Diagnostic Reasoning – Wilkes
University QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES
NSG 550 Exam 1 – Diagnostic Reasoning – Wilkes University Practice Questions
10 Most Tested Exam Coverage Areas
1. Clinical Reasoning & Diagnostic Models – ADPIE, differential diagnosis formulation, clinical decision-
making frameworks
2. Diagnostic Testing & Interpretation – Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, ACR Appropriateness
Criteria
3. Blood Studies – Complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, cardiac enzymes,
inflammation markers
4. Urinalysis & Renal Diagnostics – Physical/chemical/microscopic exam, microalbumin, creatinine, BUN,
GFR
5. Endocrine Diagnostics – Diabetes criteria (A1C, FPG, OGTT), thyroid function tests, adrenal testing,
PSA
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6. Immunologic & Skeletal Diagnostics – Antinuclear antibody, RF, ESR, CRP, bone densitometry (DXA), X-
ray/MRI
7. Imaging Modalities – X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine scans, indications and
contraindications
8. Electrodiagnostic Studies – ECG, EEG, EMG, nerve conduction studies
9. Endoscopic & Fluid Analysis Studies – Endoscopy indications, CSF analysis, pleural/pericardial fluid
analysis
10. Patient Safety & Ethical Considerations – Informed consent, incidental findings, results
communication, radiation safety
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## 250 Practice Questions
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, Page 3 of 227
Question 1: A 55-year-old male with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia presents for his annual
physical. His provider orders a PSA level. The nurse understands that an elevated PSA is most specific for
which condition?
A) Urinary tract infection
B) Prostate cancer
C) Acute kidney injury
D) Bladder obstruction
Answer: B
Rationale: PSA is the primary serum marker used for prostate cancer detection and monitoring. While
PSA can be elevated in BPH, prostatitis, and urinary retention, it is most specifically associated with
prostate cancer .
, Page 4 of 227
---
Question 2: A patient with diabetes mellitus is being monitored for early signs of diabetic nephropathy.
Which laboratory test is the best marker to detect patients at risk for developing this complication?
A) Serum creatinine
B) Blood urea nitrogen
C) Microalbuminuria
D) 24-hour urine protein
Answer: C
NSG 550 Exam 1 – Diagnostic Reasoning – Wilkes
University QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES
NSG 550 Exam 1 – Diagnostic Reasoning – Wilkes University Practice Questions
10 Most Tested Exam Coverage Areas
1. Clinical Reasoning & Diagnostic Models – ADPIE, differential diagnosis formulation, clinical decision-
making frameworks
2. Diagnostic Testing & Interpretation – Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, ACR Appropriateness
Criteria
3. Blood Studies – Complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, cardiac enzymes,
inflammation markers
4. Urinalysis & Renal Diagnostics – Physical/chemical/microscopic exam, microalbumin, creatinine, BUN,
GFR
5. Endocrine Diagnostics – Diabetes criteria (A1C, FPG, OGTT), thyroid function tests, adrenal testing,
PSA
, Page 2 of 227
6. Immunologic & Skeletal Diagnostics – Antinuclear antibody, RF, ESR, CRP, bone densitometry (DXA), X-
ray/MRI
7. Imaging Modalities – X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine scans, indications and
contraindications
8. Electrodiagnostic Studies – ECG, EEG, EMG, nerve conduction studies
9. Endoscopic & Fluid Analysis Studies – Endoscopy indications, CSF analysis, pleural/pericardial fluid
analysis
10. Patient Safety & Ethical Considerations – Informed consent, incidental findings, results
communication, radiation safety
---
## 250 Practice Questions
---
, Page 3 of 227
Question 1: A 55-year-old male with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia presents for his annual
physical. His provider orders a PSA level. The nurse understands that an elevated PSA is most specific for
which condition?
A) Urinary tract infection
B) Prostate cancer
C) Acute kidney injury
D) Bladder obstruction
Answer: B
Rationale: PSA is the primary serum marker used for prostate cancer detection and monitoring. While
PSA can be elevated in BPH, prostatitis, and urinary retention, it is most specifically associated with
prostate cancer .
, Page 4 of 227
---
Question 2: A patient with diabetes mellitus is being monitored for early signs of diabetic nephropathy.
Which laboratory test is the best marker to detect patients at risk for developing this complication?
A) Serum creatinine
B) Blood urea nitrogen
C) Microalbuminuria
D) 24-hour urine protein
Answer: C
