2026/2027 Questions And Answers SNHU
Q1. An adult presents with several concerns and begins describing
symptoms in an unstructured manner. Which interviewing approach
best facilitates collection of an accurate initial history?
A) Interrupt early to establish a fixed sequence of questions
B) Begin with an open-ended invitation, then use focused questions to clarify
details
C) Ask only closed-ended questions to minimize irrelevant information
D) Delay discussion of the chief concern until the review of systems
Correct Answer: B) Begin with an open-ended invitation, then use focused
questions to clarify details
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow the individual to describe concerns
in their own words and may reveal information that highly structured
questioning misses. Focused questions can then clarify chronology, severity,
associated symptoms, and other clinically relevant details.
Q2. Which information belongs most appropriately in the history of
present illness?
A) Complete childhood immunization history
B) Full family pedigree extending three generations
C) Every medication previously discontinued
D) Chronologic development and characteristics of the current problem
Correct Answer: D) Chronologic development and characteristics of the
current problem
Rationale: The history of present illness describes the current concern in
sufficient detail to support clinical reasoning. It generally includes onset,
location, duration, characteristics, aggravating or relieving factors,
associated symptoms, timing, severity, and progression.
Q3. A person reports intermittent abdominal discomfort. Which
question best explores the symptom's timing?
A) “When does the discomfort occur, and how long does each episode last?”
, B) “Do you consider the discomfort severe?”
C) “Has anyone in your family experienced abdominal discomfort?”
D) “What medications have you taken during the past year?”
Correct Answer: A) “When does the discomfort occur, and how long does
each episode last?”
Rationale: Timing includes when a symptom occurs, its duration, frequency,
pattern, and relationship to activities such as eating or sleeping. These
characteristics can help distinguish among possible causes and guide
subsequent questioning.
Q4. During medication history collection, a patient admits missing
several doses each week. What response is most likely to produce
useful additional information?
A) “You understand that skipping medication is dangerous, correct?”
B) “Why haven't you been taking it as prescribed?”
C) “Many people have difficulty taking medicines regularly. What tends to get
in the way for you?”
D) “I'll document that you are noncompliant.”
Correct Answer: C) “Many people have difficulty taking medicines regularly.
What tends to get in the way for you?”
Rationale: Normalizing the difficulty and using nonjudgmental language
encourages honest discussion of barriers such as cost, adverse effects,
misunderstanding, forgetfulness, or complex dosing. Identifying the actual
barrier is essential before an effective solution can be developed.
Q5. Which feature most directly determines whether information
from a historian should be considered reliable?
A) The historian's educational level
B) The historian's ability to understand, recall, and communicate relevant
information
C) Whether the historian agrees with the clinician
D) The number of previous healthcare visits