Differential Diagnosis Exam 1 Practice Questions (Ch 1-8, 5th ed).Final Test
2026\2027.
Goodman & Snyder: Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists,
5th Edition
Chapter 01: Introduction to Screening for Referral in Physical Therapy
Answers to Practice Questions
1. In the context of screening for referral, primary purpose of a diagnosis is:
a. To obtain reimbursement
b. To guide the plan of care and intervention strategies
c. To practice within the scope of physical therapy
d. To meet the established standards for accreditation
b) The function of a diagnosis and diagnostic classifications is to provide
information (i.e., identify as closely as possible the underlying
neuromusculoskeletal [NMS] pathology) that can guide efficient treatment and
effective management of the client.
2. Direct access is the only reason physical therapists must screen for
systemic disease.
False—See Box 1-1. (8)
direct access
quicker and sicker client base
signed rx withouth physically seeing physician
medial specialization
disease progression
Pt/slient disclosure
,Differential Diagnosis Exam 1 Practice Questions (Ch 1-8, 5th ed).Final Test
2026\2027.
client doesn't report symptoms to physician
presence of one or more yellow/red flags
3. A patient/client gives you a written prescription from a physician,
chiropractor, or dentist. The first screening question to ask is:
a. What did the physician or dentist, chiropractor say is the problem?
b. Did the physician or dentist, chiropractor examine you?
c. When do you go back to see the doctor or dentist, chiropractor?
d. How many times per week did the doctor or dentist, chiropractor suggest
you come to therapy?
b)
want to check that the patient actually saw the physician, and that they did a
physical examination
4. Screening for medical disease takes place:
a. Only during the first interview
b. Just before the client returns to the physician for his/her next
appointment
c. Throughout the episode of care
d. None of the above
c)
5. Physical therapists are qualified to make a human movement system
diagnosis regarding primary neuromusculoskeletal conditions, but we must
do so in accordance with:
a. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice
b. The State Practice Act
,Differential Diagnosis Exam 1 Practice Questions (Ch 1-8, 5th ed).Final Test
2026\2027.
c. The screening process
d. The SOAP method
b)
6. Medical referral for a problem outside the scope of the physical therapy
practice occurs when:
a. No apparent movement dysfunction exists
b. No causative factors can be identified
c. Findings are not consistent with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal
dysfunction
d. Client presents with suspicious red-flag symptoms
e. Any of the above
f. None of the above
e)
7. Physical therapy evaluation and intervention may be part of the
physician's differential diagnosis. T/F
a) true
8. What is the difference between yellow and red flag?
A yellow flag is a cautionary or warning symptom that signals, "Slow down, and
think about the need for screening." A red flag symptom requires immediate
attention, either to pursue further screening questions or tests, or to make an
appropriate referral. The presence of a single yellow or red flag is not usually
cause for immediate medical attention. Each cautionary or warning flag must be
viewed in the context of the whole person, given his or her age, gender, past
medical history, and current clinical presentation.
9. What are the major decision-making tools used in the screening process?
, Differential Diagnosis Exam 1 Practice Questions (Ch 1-8, 5th ed).Final Test
2026\2027.
Past medical history, risk factor assessment, clinical presentation (including pain
types and pain patterns), associated signs and symptoms, review of systems.
Each client can be framed by these five components. Any suspicious finding or
response in any of these areas warrants a closer look.
10. See if you can quickly name 6 to 10 red flags that suggest the need for
further screening.
Check your list against Box 1-2; see also Appendix A-2.
Chapter 02: Interviewing as a Screening Tool
Answers to Practice Questions
1. What is the effect of NSAIDs e.g., Naprosyn, Motrin, Anaprox, ibuprofen on
blood pressure?
a. No effect
b. Increases blood pressure
c. Decreases blood pressure
b) Increase BP
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be potent renal
vasoconstrictors that cause increased blood pressure and resultant lower
extremity edema as sodium and water are conserved by the body.
2. Most of the information needed to determine the cause of symptoms is
contained in the:
a. Subjective examination
b. Family/Personal History Form
c. Objective information
d. All of the above
e. a and c
2026\2027.
Goodman & Snyder: Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists,
5th Edition
Chapter 01: Introduction to Screening for Referral in Physical Therapy
Answers to Practice Questions
1. In the context of screening for referral, primary purpose of a diagnosis is:
a. To obtain reimbursement
b. To guide the plan of care and intervention strategies
c. To practice within the scope of physical therapy
d. To meet the established standards for accreditation
b) The function of a diagnosis and diagnostic classifications is to provide
information (i.e., identify as closely as possible the underlying
neuromusculoskeletal [NMS] pathology) that can guide efficient treatment and
effective management of the client.
2. Direct access is the only reason physical therapists must screen for
systemic disease.
False—See Box 1-1. (8)
direct access
quicker and sicker client base
signed rx withouth physically seeing physician
medial specialization
disease progression
Pt/slient disclosure
,Differential Diagnosis Exam 1 Practice Questions (Ch 1-8, 5th ed).Final Test
2026\2027.
client doesn't report symptoms to physician
presence of one or more yellow/red flags
3. A patient/client gives you a written prescription from a physician,
chiropractor, or dentist. The first screening question to ask is:
a. What did the physician or dentist, chiropractor say is the problem?
b. Did the physician or dentist, chiropractor examine you?
c. When do you go back to see the doctor or dentist, chiropractor?
d. How many times per week did the doctor or dentist, chiropractor suggest
you come to therapy?
b)
want to check that the patient actually saw the physician, and that they did a
physical examination
4. Screening for medical disease takes place:
a. Only during the first interview
b. Just before the client returns to the physician for his/her next
appointment
c. Throughout the episode of care
d. None of the above
c)
5. Physical therapists are qualified to make a human movement system
diagnosis regarding primary neuromusculoskeletal conditions, but we must
do so in accordance with:
a. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice
b. The State Practice Act
,Differential Diagnosis Exam 1 Practice Questions (Ch 1-8, 5th ed).Final Test
2026\2027.
c. The screening process
d. The SOAP method
b)
6. Medical referral for a problem outside the scope of the physical therapy
practice occurs when:
a. No apparent movement dysfunction exists
b. No causative factors can be identified
c. Findings are not consistent with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal
dysfunction
d. Client presents with suspicious red-flag symptoms
e. Any of the above
f. None of the above
e)
7. Physical therapy evaluation and intervention may be part of the
physician's differential diagnosis. T/F
a) true
8. What is the difference between yellow and red flag?
A yellow flag is a cautionary or warning symptom that signals, "Slow down, and
think about the need for screening." A red flag symptom requires immediate
attention, either to pursue further screening questions or tests, or to make an
appropriate referral. The presence of a single yellow or red flag is not usually
cause for immediate medical attention. Each cautionary or warning flag must be
viewed in the context of the whole person, given his or her age, gender, past
medical history, and current clinical presentation.
9. What are the major decision-making tools used in the screening process?
, Differential Diagnosis Exam 1 Practice Questions (Ch 1-8, 5th ed).Final Test
2026\2027.
Past medical history, risk factor assessment, clinical presentation (including pain
types and pain patterns), associated signs and symptoms, review of systems.
Each client can be framed by these five components. Any suspicious finding or
response in any of these areas warrants a closer look.
10. See if you can quickly name 6 to 10 red flags that suggest the need for
further screening.
Check your list against Box 1-2; see also Appendix A-2.
Chapter 02: Interviewing as a Screening Tool
Answers to Practice Questions
1. What is the effect of NSAIDs e.g., Naprosyn, Motrin, Anaprox, ibuprofen on
blood pressure?
a. No effect
b. Increases blood pressure
c. Decreases blood pressure
b) Increase BP
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be potent renal
vasoconstrictors that cause increased blood pressure and resultant lower
extremity edema as sodium and water are conserved by the body.
2. Most of the information needed to determine the cause of symptoms is
contained in the:
a. Subjective examination
b. Family/Personal History Form
c. Objective information
d. All of the above
e. a and c
