NURS 8026 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS EXAM 3 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NURS 8026 Differential
Diagnosis Exam 3 Questions
& Answers 2026-2027 |
Updated Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
298 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 298 questions with provided correct answers, covering
advanced differential diagnosis in nursing. It is an ideal resource for students to study and review complex
clinical scenarios, directly aligning with preparation for certification exams. This updated material offers a
structured approach to mastering differential diagnosis concepts.
CONTENTS
• Headache Fundamentals • Migraine Pathophysiology & Triggers
• Primary Headache Syndromes • Headache History & Assessment
• Secondary Headaches & Red Flags • Menstrual Cycle & AUB
• Amenorrhea • PCOS & Menopause
Page 1
,• Vulvovaginitis • STIs
• Endocrine & Male Reproductive • Low Back Pain & Sciatica
• Musculoskeletal Injuries • Joint Pain & Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel & Bone Health
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 298
Primary headaches
CORRECT ANSWER
90% of headaches
Tension, Migraine, cluster
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 298
Headaches in children
CORRECT ANSWER
Most are benign
many adults start having headaches as children (20% onset before age 10)
Migraines often run in families
Headaches may interfere with participation in activities, school, and may be a significant health problem.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 298
Page 2
,Primary headache causes
CORRECT ANSWER
Traction on a pain sensitive structure
Inflammation of vessels and meninges
Vascular dilation
Excessive muscle contraction
Dysregulation of ascending brain stem seratonergic system
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 298
Headache syndrome types
CORRECT ANSWER
Tension, migraine, cluster
Other:
- cold stimulus
- Medication - overuse h/a
- Benign cough
- Benigh exertional
- sexual activity
- post traumatic- post concussion
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 298
Secondary headaches
CORRECT ANSWER
Caused by a structural or physiological pathology (fewer than 2-10%)
- Lesions: tumors, abscesses, subdural, epidural hemorrhages, hydrocephaly, trauma
- Metabolic: food additives/toxins (nitrites, MSG), hypercapnia, medication side effects (nitrates, CCB, OC,
Bactrim, indomethacin)
- Vascular: embolic/thrombolitic event, giant cell arteritis, HTN
- Meningeal: Meningitis, SAH
- Neuropathic: trigeminal neuralgia, herpes zoster, retro-orbital disease
- Closed angle glaucoma
- paranasal sinusitis
- Dental abscesses
- TMJ syndrome
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 298
Primary Headache pathophysiology
CORRECT ANSWER
Combination of neuronal and vascular events
- H/A threshold differs with individuals
- genetics?
- balance between excitability and inhibition
- Multiple factors can cause imbalance: hormones, physiological/psychological stress, muscular factors,
changes in sensory stimuli, hunger, too much/lack of sleep
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 298
Headache History
CORRECT ANSWER
99% dx established via history
FH: Migraines, CAD/MI
PMH: previous headaches, co-morbidities, depression, substance/physical abuse, CAD, Hbg<10, fever
SH: SES, Stress, ETOH/drugs, OTC meds, diet/exercise/Sleep patters, exposures, work history, Medications
(nitrates, CCB, caffeine), work setting (poor air quality, second hand smoke, poor lighting, eye strain, exposure
to CO)
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 298
What is the importance of a thorough HPI and PE for headache diagnosis
CORRECT ANSWER
Helps to rule out a secondary cause or underlying condition causing headache
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 298
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NURS 8026 Differential
Diagnosis Exam 3 Questions
& Answers 2026-2027 |
Updated Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
298 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 298 questions with provided correct answers, covering
advanced differential diagnosis in nursing. It is an ideal resource for students to study and review complex
clinical scenarios, directly aligning with preparation for certification exams. This updated material offers a
structured approach to mastering differential diagnosis concepts.
CONTENTS
• Headache Fundamentals • Migraine Pathophysiology & Triggers
• Primary Headache Syndromes • Headache History & Assessment
• Secondary Headaches & Red Flags • Menstrual Cycle & AUB
• Amenorrhea • PCOS & Menopause
Page 1
,• Vulvovaginitis • STIs
• Endocrine & Male Reproductive • Low Back Pain & Sciatica
• Musculoskeletal Injuries • Joint Pain & Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel & Bone Health
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 298
Primary headaches
CORRECT ANSWER
90% of headaches
Tension, Migraine, cluster
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 298
Headaches in children
CORRECT ANSWER
Most are benign
many adults start having headaches as children (20% onset before age 10)
Migraines often run in families
Headaches may interfere with participation in activities, school, and may be a significant health problem.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 298
Page 2
,Primary headache causes
CORRECT ANSWER
Traction on a pain sensitive structure
Inflammation of vessels and meninges
Vascular dilation
Excessive muscle contraction
Dysregulation of ascending brain stem seratonergic system
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 298
Headache syndrome types
CORRECT ANSWER
Tension, migraine, cluster
Other:
- cold stimulus
- Medication - overuse h/a
- Benign cough
- Benigh exertional
- sexual activity
- post traumatic- post concussion
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 298
Secondary headaches
CORRECT ANSWER
Caused by a structural or physiological pathology (fewer than 2-10%)
- Lesions: tumors, abscesses, subdural, epidural hemorrhages, hydrocephaly, trauma
- Metabolic: food additives/toxins (nitrites, MSG), hypercapnia, medication side effects (nitrates, CCB, OC,
Bactrim, indomethacin)
- Vascular: embolic/thrombolitic event, giant cell arteritis, HTN
- Meningeal: Meningitis, SAH
- Neuropathic: trigeminal neuralgia, herpes zoster, retro-orbital disease
- Closed angle glaucoma
- paranasal sinusitis
- Dental abscesses
- TMJ syndrome
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 298
Primary Headache pathophysiology
CORRECT ANSWER
Combination of neuronal and vascular events
- H/A threshold differs with individuals
- genetics?
- balance between excitability and inhibition
- Multiple factors can cause imbalance: hormones, physiological/psychological stress, muscular factors,
changes in sensory stimuli, hunger, too much/lack of sleep
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 298
Headache History
CORRECT ANSWER
99% dx established via history
FH: Migraines, CAD/MI
PMH: previous headaches, co-morbidities, depression, substance/physical abuse, CAD, Hbg<10, fever
SH: SES, Stress, ETOH/drugs, OTC meds, diet/exercise/Sleep patters, exposures, work history, Medications
(nitrates, CCB, caffeine), work setting (poor air quality, second hand smoke, poor lighting, eye strain, exposure
to CO)
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 298
What is the importance of a thorough HPI and PE for headache diagnosis
CORRECT ANSWER
Helps to rule out a secondary cause or underlying condition causing headache
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 298
Page 4
