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DREXEL UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS
NURS 550 | Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
Professional Advanced work Nursing | 2026/2027 Edition
DREXEL NUR 550
FINAL EXAM 2026/2027
Verified Questions • Complete Answer Key • Detailed Rationales
INSTITUTION | Drexel University | College of Nursing and Health Professions
PROGRAM | Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
COURSE CODE | NURS 550
EXAM TITLE | Drexel NUR 550 Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
COURSE TITLE | Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
ACADEMIC YEAR | 2026/2027
TOTAL QUESTIONS | 150 Questions
CORE DOMAINS | 6 Domains
PASSING STANDARD | 70% or Higher
Core Domains: Advanced Health History & Interviewing • Physical Examination Techniques & Systems • Diagnostic Reasoning & Differential
Diagnosis • Health Promotion & Disease Prevention • Special Populations & Lifespan Considerations • Documentation & Clinical Decision-Making
2026/2027 Edition — Aligned with the Drexel University NURS 550 Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning curriculum, AACN
Essentials of Master's Education, and evidence-based advanced work nursing standards
© BestSellerStuvia
Academic Year 2026/2027
NURS 550 | 2026/2027
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Advanced Health History & Interviewing
Question 1. Which technique is most effective for eliciting a complete and accurate health history from
a reluctant patient?
A. Using open-ended questions followed by focused clarifying questions
B. Relying exclusively on closed-ended yes/no questions
C. Avoiding any discussion of sensitive topics
D. Allowing family members to answer all questions for the patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage narrative responses; focused questions then refine details without interrupting the patient’s story.
Question 2. When obtaining a history of present illness, the OLDCARTS mnemonic is used to
systematically explore:
© BestSellerStuvia | | NURS 550 | Academic Year 2026/2027
, © BestSellerStuvia |
A. Family history exclusively
B. Only the patient’s medication list
C. Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating/Alleviating factors, Radiation, Timing, and Severity
D. Social determinants of health only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OLDCARTS provides a structured approach to characterizing the chief complaint and associated symptoms.
Question 3. A patient reports a family history of early-onset coronary artery disease. The advanced
work nurse should:
A. Explore the ages and relationships of affected relatives and incorporate the information into risk assessment
B. Ignore the information because family history is not modifiable
C. Focus only on the patient’s personal habits
D. Defer all discussion of family history to a genetic counselor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Detailed family history of early CAD informs personal risk stratification and preventive strategies.
Question 4. Which communication technique best demonstrates active listening during the health
interview?
A. Frequently interrupting to redirect the conversation
B. Reflecting the patient’s statements and allowing silence when appropriate
C. Taking continuous notes without eye contact
D. Completing the electronic record before the patient finishes speaking
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reflection and appropriate silence convey attentiveness and encourage fuller disclosure.
Question 5. When assessing a patient’s medication history, the nurse practitioner should specifically
inquire about:
A. Medications prescribed by specialists only
B. Only prescription medications from the last 30 days
C. Only medications the patient considers important
D. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and adherence patterns
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A complete medication history includes all pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents and adherence.
Question 6. The Examine of systems (ROS) is primarily intended to:
A. Replace the need for a physical examination
B. Uncover symptoms the patient may not have mentioned and identify patterns across organ systems
C. Serve as the sole basis for diagnosis
D. Focus exclusively on the chief complaint
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ROS systematically screens for additional symptoms that may relate to the present illness or other conditions.
Question 7. A patient becomes tearful when discussing a recent loss. The most appropriate response is
to:
A. Leave the room to give the patient privacy without comment
B. Immediately change the subject to avoid discomfort
C. Acknowledge the emotion and offer a supportive presence while allowing the patient to continue if ready
D. Document the emotion and proceed without further interaction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Empathic acknowledgment validates the patient’s experience and maintains the therapeutic relationship.
Question 8. Which element is essential when documenting the history of present illness?
A. The examiner’s differential diagnosis exclusively
B. Only the patient’s exact words without organization
C. A list of laboratory values
D. A clear chronological narrative that includes pertinent positives and negatives
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A well-organized HPI with pertinent positives and negatives supports clinical reasoning.
Question 9. When interviewing an adolescent, the advanced work nurse should:
© BestSellerStuvia | | NURS 550 | Academic Year 2026/2027
, © BestSellerStuvia |
A. Provide opportunity for private conversation and address confidentiality limits at the outset
B. Always require a parent to remain in the room
C. Avoid any discussion of sensitive topics such as sexual activity or substance use
D. Use only closed-ended questions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Privacy and clear confidentiality boundaries promote honest disclosure in adolescent interviews.
Question 10. A patient with limited English proficiency requires an interpreter. The preferred
approach is to:
A. Speak more loudly and slowly in English
B. Rely on a family member to translate complex medical information
C. Use a professional medical interpreter and speak directly to the patient
D. Use only written materials in English
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Professional interpreters ensure accuracy and protect patient privacy and autonomy.
Question 11. Social determinants of health should be assessed because they:
A. Significantly influence health outcomes and access to care
B. Have no impact on clinical decision-making
C. Are relevant only for public health reports
D. Replace the need for physical examination
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SDOH affect risk, adherence, and outcomes and must inform the care plan.
Question 12. When a patient reports multiple symptoms, the advanced work nurse should first:
A. Focus only on the symptom that is easiest to evaluate
B. Address every symptom in random order
C. Prioritize the most concerning or time-sensitive symptom while ensuring all are eventually addressed
D. Defer all evaluation to a specialist
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clinical prioritization ensures urgent issues are not overlooked while maintaining comprehensive care.
Question 13. The chief concern (chief complaint) is best documented as:
A. Only the duration of symptoms
B. The examiner’s preliminary diagnosis
C. A list of all active problems
D. The patient’s own words describing the primary reason for the visit
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recording the patient’s own words preserves the authentic reason for seeking care.
Question 14. A thorough past medical history includes:
A. Childhood and adult illnesses, hospitalizations, surgeries, injuries, and immunizations
B. Only the current active problems
C. Only surgical history
D. Only hospitalizations within the last year
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A complete PMH provides context for current findings and future risk.
Question 15. When assessing alcohol use, a validated screening tool such as AUDIT-C is preferred
because it:
A. Replaces the need for any further history
B. Is required by every state licensing board
C. Provides standardized, evidence-based quantification of risk
D. Is useful only in inpatient settings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Validated tools improve detection and quantification of unhealthy alcohol use.
Question 16. The advanced work nurse recognizes that a patient’s cultural background may influence:
A. Only the choice of laboratory tests
B. Symptom expression, explanatory models of illness, and preferences for decision-making
© BestSellerStuvia | | NURS 550 | Academic Year 2026/2027
DREXEL UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS
NURS 550 | Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
Professional Advanced work Nursing | 2026/2027 Edition
DREXEL NUR 550
FINAL EXAM 2026/2027
Verified Questions • Complete Answer Key • Detailed Rationales
INSTITUTION | Drexel University | College of Nursing and Health Professions
PROGRAM | Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
COURSE CODE | NURS 550
EXAM TITLE | Drexel NUR 550 Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
COURSE TITLE | Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
ACADEMIC YEAR | 2026/2027
TOTAL QUESTIONS | 150 Questions
CORE DOMAINS | 6 Domains
PASSING STANDARD | 70% or Higher
Core Domains: Advanced Health History & Interviewing • Physical Examination Techniques & Systems • Diagnostic Reasoning & Differential
Diagnosis • Health Promotion & Disease Prevention • Special Populations & Lifespan Considerations • Documentation & Clinical Decision-Making
2026/2027 Edition — Aligned with the Drexel University NURS 550 Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning curriculum, AACN
Essentials of Master's Education, and evidence-based advanced work nursing standards
© BestSellerStuvia
Academic Year 2026/2027
NURS 550 | 2026/2027
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Advanced Health History & Interviewing
Question 1. Which technique is most effective for eliciting a complete and accurate health history from
a reluctant patient?
A. Using open-ended questions followed by focused clarifying questions
B. Relying exclusively on closed-ended yes/no questions
C. Avoiding any discussion of sensitive topics
D. Allowing family members to answer all questions for the patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage narrative responses; focused questions then refine details without interrupting the patient’s story.
Question 2. When obtaining a history of present illness, the OLDCARTS mnemonic is used to
systematically explore:
© BestSellerStuvia | | NURS 550 | Academic Year 2026/2027
, © BestSellerStuvia |
A. Family history exclusively
B. Only the patient’s medication list
C. Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating/Alleviating factors, Radiation, Timing, and Severity
D. Social determinants of health only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OLDCARTS provides a structured approach to characterizing the chief complaint and associated symptoms.
Question 3. A patient reports a family history of early-onset coronary artery disease. The advanced
work nurse should:
A. Explore the ages and relationships of affected relatives and incorporate the information into risk assessment
B. Ignore the information because family history is not modifiable
C. Focus only on the patient’s personal habits
D. Defer all discussion of family history to a genetic counselor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Detailed family history of early CAD informs personal risk stratification and preventive strategies.
Question 4. Which communication technique best demonstrates active listening during the health
interview?
A. Frequently interrupting to redirect the conversation
B. Reflecting the patient’s statements and allowing silence when appropriate
C. Taking continuous notes without eye contact
D. Completing the electronic record before the patient finishes speaking
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reflection and appropriate silence convey attentiveness and encourage fuller disclosure.
Question 5. When assessing a patient’s medication history, the nurse practitioner should specifically
inquire about:
A. Medications prescribed by specialists only
B. Only prescription medications from the last 30 days
C. Only medications the patient considers important
D. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and adherence patterns
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A complete medication history includes all pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents and adherence.
Question 6. The Examine of systems (ROS) is primarily intended to:
A. Replace the need for a physical examination
B. Uncover symptoms the patient may not have mentioned and identify patterns across organ systems
C. Serve as the sole basis for diagnosis
D. Focus exclusively on the chief complaint
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ROS systematically screens for additional symptoms that may relate to the present illness or other conditions.
Question 7. A patient becomes tearful when discussing a recent loss. The most appropriate response is
to:
A. Leave the room to give the patient privacy without comment
B. Immediately change the subject to avoid discomfort
C. Acknowledge the emotion and offer a supportive presence while allowing the patient to continue if ready
D. Document the emotion and proceed without further interaction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Empathic acknowledgment validates the patient’s experience and maintains the therapeutic relationship.
Question 8. Which element is essential when documenting the history of present illness?
A. The examiner’s differential diagnosis exclusively
B. Only the patient’s exact words without organization
C. A list of laboratory values
D. A clear chronological narrative that includes pertinent positives and negatives
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A well-organized HPI with pertinent positives and negatives supports clinical reasoning.
Question 9. When interviewing an adolescent, the advanced work nurse should:
© BestSellerStuvia | | NURS 550 | Academic Year 2026/2027
, © BestSellerStuvia |
A. Provide opportunity for private conversation and address confidentiality limits at the outset
B. Always require a parent to remain in the room
C. Avoid any discussion of sensitive topics such as sexual activity or substance use
D. Use only closed-ended questions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Privacy and clear confidentiality boundaries promote honest disclosure in adolescent interviews.
Question 10. A patient with limited English proficiency requires an interpreter. The preferred
approach is to:
A. Speak more loudly and slowly in English
B. Rely on a family member to translate complex medical information
C. Use a professional medical interpreter and speak directly to the patient
D. Use only written materials in English
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Professional interpreters ensure accuracy and protect patient privacy and autonomy.
Question 11. Social determinants of health should be assessed because they:
A. Significantly influence health outcomes and access to care
B. Have no impact on clinical decision-making
C. Are relevant only for public health reports
D. Replace the need for physical examination
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SDOH affect risk, adherence, and outcomes and must inform the care plan.
Question 12. When a patient reports multiple symptoms, the advanced work nurse should first:
A. Focus only on the symptom that is easiest to evaluate
B. Address every symptom in random order
C. Prioritize the most concerning or time-sensitive symptom while ensuring all are eventually addressed
D. Defer all evaluation to a specialist
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clinical prioritization ensures urgent issues are not overlooked while maintaining comprehensive care.
Question 13. The chief concern (chief complaint) is best documented as:
A. Only the duration of symptoms
B. The examiner’s preliminary diagnosis
C. A list of all active problems
D. The patient’s own words describing the primary reason for the visit
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recording the patient’s own words preserves the authentic reason for seeking care.
Question 14. A thorough past medical history includes:
A. Childhood and adult illnesses, hospitalizations, surgeries, injuries, and immunizations
B. Only the current active problems
C. Only surgical history
D. Only hospitalizations within the last year
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A complete PMH provides context for current findings and future risk.
Question 15. When assessing alcohol use, a validated screening tool such as AUDIT-C is preferred
because it:
A. Replaces the need for any further history
B. Is required by every state licensing board
C. Provides standardized, evidence-based quantification of risk
D. Is useful only in inpatient settings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Validated tools improve detection and quantification of unhealthy alcohol use.
Question 16. The advanced work nurse recognizes that a patient’s cultural background may influence:
A. Only the choice of laboratory tests
B. Symptom expression, explanatory models of illness, and preferences for decision-making
© BestSellerStuvia | | NURS 550 | Academic Year 2026/2027
