NR 511 FINAL EXAM: DIFFERENTIAL
DIAGNOSIS COMPREHENSIVE PREP
QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. According to the GOLD criteria, which spirometry result is essential for the diagnosis of
COPD?
A. Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.70
B. Pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.80
C. FVC > 80% predicted
D. FEV1 improvement of 12% after albuterol
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
(GOLD) guidelines state that a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.70 is
required to confirm the presence of persistent airflow limitation.
,2. In diagnostic testing, the ability of a test to correctly identify those without the disease is
known as:
A. Sensitivity
B. Positive Predictive Value
C. Specificity
D. Negative Predictive Value
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Specificity refers to the proportion of people who do not have
the disease who test negative (True Negative Rate). SpPin: A highly specific test, when
positive, helps rule in the disease.
3. Which physical exam finding is most indicative of Acute Cholecystitis?
A. Rovsing’s Sign
B. McBurney’s Point tenderness
C. Psoas Sign
D. Murphy’s Sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign, which is inspiratory arrest during deep palpation
of the right upper quadrant, is highly suggestive of acute cholecystitis.
, 4. A 24-year-old female presents with a single, 3cm oval, salmon-colored patch on her trunk,
followed by a ‘Christmas tree’ distribution of smaller lesions. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Tinea Corporis
B. Pityriasis Rosea
C. Psoriasis
D. Secondary Syphilis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pityriasis rosea typically begins with a herald patch (the larger
initial lesion) followed by a generalized eruption in a Christmas tree distribution along skin
cleavage lines.
5. Which of the following is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ for diagnosing a meniscus tear?
A. McMurray Test
B. Lachman Test
C. MRI
D. Arthroscopy
Answer: D
DIAGNOSIS COMPREHENSIVE PREP
QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. According to the GOLD criteria, which spirometry result is essential for the diagnosis of
COPD?
A. Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.70
B. Pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.80
C. FVC > 80% predicted
D. FEV1 improvement of 12% after albuterol
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
(GOLD) guidelines state that a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.70 is
required to confirm the presence of persistent airflow limitation.
,2. In diagnostic testing, the ability of a test to correctly identify those without the disease is
known as:
A. Sensitivity
B. Positive Predictive Value
C. Specificity
D. Negative Predictive Value
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Specificity refers to the proportion of people who do not have
the disease who test negative (True Negative Rate). SpPin: A highly specific test, when
positive, helps rule in the disease.
3. Which physical exam finding is most indicative of Acute Cholecystitis?
A. Rovsing’s Sign
B. McBurney’s Point tenderness
C. Psoas Sign
D. Murphy’s Sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign, which is inspiratory arrest during deep palpation
of the right upper quadrant, is highly suggestive of acute cholecystitis.
, 4. A 24-year-old female presents with a single, 3cm oval, salmon-colored patch on her trunk,
followed by a ‘Christmas tree’ distribution of smaller lesions. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Tinea Corporis
B. Pityriasis Rosea
C. Psoriasis
D. Secondary Syphilis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pityriasis rosea typically begins with a herald patch (the larger
initial lesion) followed by a generalized eruption in a Christmas tree distribution along skin
cleavage lines.
5. Which of the following is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ for diagnosing a meniscus tear?
A. McMurray Test
B. Lachman Test
C. MRI
D. Arthroscopy
Answer: D
