NR 603 CEA Midterm Exam (2026) - Advanced Clinical Diagnosis
2026/2027 Chamberlain College
1. According to the ACC/AHA guidelines, what blood pressure reading defines
Stage 2 Hypertension?
A. 120-129 / <80 mmHg
B. 130--89 mmHg
C. ≥140 / ≥90 mmHg
D. 130-139 / <80 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of at least 140 mmHg or a
diastolic pressure of at least 90 mmHg.
2. Which of the following Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ranges is diagnostic for
prediabetes?
A. 5.0% - 5.6%
B. 6.5% - 7.0%
C. 5.7% - 6.4%
D. < 5.7%
Answer: C
Rationale: The American Diabetes Association defines prediabetes as an HbA1c between
5.7% and 6.4%.
,3. A 65-year-old male presents with a holosystolic murmur heard best at the
apex, radiating to the left axilla. This is most likely:
A. Aortic Stenosis
B. Mitral Stenosis
C. Aortic Regurgitation
D. Mitral Regurgitation
Answer: D
Rationale: Mitral regurgitation typically presents as a holosystolic murmur at the apex
that radiates to the axilla.
4. In the treatment of acute gouty arthritis, which medication is often
considered first-line for patients without renal impairment?
A. Naproxen
B. Probenecid
C. Allopurinol
D. Febuxostat
Answer: A
Rationale: NSAIDs like Naproxen are first-line for acute attacks; Allopurinol is for long-
term prevention and should not be started during an acute flare.
5. What is the gold standard diagnostic test for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD)?
A. Spirometry
B. Chest X-ray
C. Pulse Oximetry
D. Peak Flow Meter
Answer: A
Rationale: Spirometry is the required gold standard to confirm airflow limitation and
diagnose COPD.
, 6. A patient presents with a ‘herald patch’ followed by a ‘Christmas tree’
distribution of smaller maculopapular lesions. What is the diagnosis?
A. Pityriasis Rosea
B. Tinea Corporis
C. Psoriasis
D. Eczema
Answer: A
Rationale: Pityriasis Rosea typically begins with a herald patch and follows a Christmas
tree pattern on the trunk.
7. Which physical exam maneuver is most sensitive for detecting an Anterior
Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear?
A. McMurray Test
B. Valgus Stress Test
C. Drawer Test
D. Lachman Test
Answer: D
Rationale: The Lachman test is considered more sensitive and specific than the anterior
drawer test for ACL injury.
8. A patient with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease) will typically show which lab
results?
A. High TSH, Low Free T4
B. Low TSH, Low Free T4
C. High TSH, High Free T4
D. Low TSH, High Free T4
Answer: D
Rationale: Primary hyperthyroidism results in a suppressed TSH (low) and elevated
thyroid hormone levels (High T4).
2026/2027 Chamberlain College
1. According to the ACC/AHA guidelines, what blood pressure reading defines
Stage 2 Hypertension?
A. 120-129 / <80 mmHg
B. 130--89 mmHg
C. ≥140 / ≥90 mmHg
D. 130-139 / <80 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of at least 140 mmHg or a
diastolic pressure of at least 90 mmHg.
2. Which of the following Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ranges is diagnostic for
prediabetes?
A. 5.0% - 5.6%
B. 6.5% - 7.0%
C. 5.7% - 6.4%
D. < 5.7%
Answer: C
Rationale: The American Diabetes Association defines prediabetes as an HbA1c between
5.7% and 6.4%.
,3. A 65-year-old male presents with a holosystolic murmur heard best at the
apex, radiating to the left axilla. This is most likely:
A. Aortic Stenosis
B. Mitral Stenosis
C. Aortic Regurgitation
D. Mitral Regurgitation
Answer: D
Rationale: Mitral regurgitation typically presents as a holosystolic murmur at the apex
that radiates to the axilla.
4. In the treatment of acute gouty arthritis, which medication is often
considered first-line for patients without renal impairment?
A. Naproxen
B. Probenecid
C. Allopurinol
D. Febuxostat
Answer: A
Rationale: NSAIDs like Naproxen are first-line for acute attacks; Allopurinol is for long-
term prevention and should not be started during an acute flare.
5. What is the gold standard diagnostic test for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD)?
A. Spirometry
B. Chest X-ray
C. Pulse Oximetry
D. Peak Flow Meter
Answer: A
Rationale: Spirometry is the required gold standard to confirm airflow limitation and
diagnose COPD.
, 6. A patient presents with a ‘herald patch’ followed by a ‘Christmas tree’
distribution of smaller maculopapular lesions. What is the diagnosis?
A. Pityriasis Rosea
B. Tinea Corporis
C. Psoriasis
D. Eczema
Answer: A
Rationale: Pityriasis Rosea typically begins with a herald patch and follows a Christmas
tree pattern on the trunk.
7. Which physical exam maneuver is most sensitive for detecting an Anterior
Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear?
A. McMurray Test
B. Valgus Stress Test
C. Drawer Test
D. Lachman Test
Answer: D
Rationale: The Lachman test is considered more sensitive and specific than the anterior
drawer test for ACL injury.
8. A patient with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease) will typically show which lab
results?
A. High TSH, Low Free T4
B. Low TSH, Low Free T4
C. High TSH, High Free T4
D. Low TSH, High Free T4
Answer: D
Rationale: Primary hyperthyroidism results in a suppressed TSH (low) and elevated
thyroid hormone levels (High T4).
