WILKES NSG 550 EXAM 1 –
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When evaluating the utility of a diagnostic test, which term describes the proportion of
people with a disease who have a positive test result?
A. Sensitivity
B. Positive Predictive Value
C. Specificity
D. Negative Predictive Value
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Sensitivity is the ability of a test to correctly identify those with
the disease (true positive rate).
2. In the hypothetico-deductive reasoning model, what is the primary purpose of the initial
data collection?
A. To confirm the final diagnosis immediately
B. To perform a comprehensive head-to-toe examination
,C. To generate early hypotheses about the patient’s condition
D. To bill for a high-complexity office visit
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The diagnostic reasoning process begins with the generation of
early hypotheses based on initial clues, which are then tested.
3. Which component of the clinical note is considered subjective data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. A Grade II systolic murmur heard at the apex
C. The patient stating, ‘My chest feels heavy’
D. A visible rash on the patient’s forearm
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data is what the patient reports or feels, whereas
objective data is what the provider observes or measures.
4. A test with high specificity is most useful for which of the following?
A. Screening the general population for rare diseases
B. Ruling out a disease when the test is negative
C. Confirming a diagnosis when the test is positive
D. Determining the prevalence of a disease in a community
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Specificity refers to the ability to identify those without the
disease. A highly specific test has few false positives, making it useful for ruling ‘in’ a
disease (SpPIn).
5. What is the correct sequence for an abdominal physical examination?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal exams, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
6. Which heuristic bias occurs when a clinician relies too heavily on the first piece of
information encountered?
A. Availability bias
B. Confirmation bias
C. Anchoring bias
D. Premature closure
Answer: C
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When evaluating the utility of a diagnostic test, which term describes the proportion of
people with a disease who have a positive test result?
A. Sensitivity
B. Positive Predictive Value
C. Specificity
D. Negative Predictive Value
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Sensitivity is the ability of a test to correctly identify those with
the disease (true positive rate).
2. In the hypothetico-deductive reasoning model, what is the primary purpose of the initial
data collection?
A. To confirm the final diagnosis immediately
B. To perform a comprehensive head-to-toe examination
,C. To generate early hypotheses about the patient’s condition
D. To bill for a high-complexity office visit
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The diagnostic reasoning process begins with the generation of
early hypotheses based on initial clues, which are then tested.
3. Which component of the clinical note is considered subjective data?
A. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. A Grade II systolic murmur heard at the apex
C. The patient stating, ‘My chest feels heavy’
D. A visible rash on the patient’s forearm
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Subjective data is what the patient reports or feels, whereas
objective data is what the provider observes or measures.
4. A test with high specificity is most useful for which of the following?
A. Screening the general population for rare diseases
B. Ruling out a disease when the test is negative
C. Confirming a diagnosis when the test is positive
D. Determining the prevalence of a disease in a community
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Specificity refers to the ability to identify those without the
disease. A highly specific test has few false positives, making it useful for ruling ‘in’ a
disease (SpPIn).
5. What is the correct sequence for an abdominal physical examination?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
C. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
D. Percussion, Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In abdominal exams, auscultation is performed before
percussion and palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
6. Which heuristic bias occurs when a clinician relies too heavily on the first piece of
information encountered?
A. Availability bias
B. Confirmation bias
C. Anchoring bias
D. Premature closure
Answer: C
