NR 511 Differential Diagnosis & Primary
Care Practicum Final Exam Guide with
answers and Rationales
Question 1: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 2: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 3: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
, D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 4: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 5: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 6: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
, C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 7: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 8: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 9: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
, B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 10: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 11: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 12: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
Care Practicum Final Exam Guide with
answers and Rationales
Question 1: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 2: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 3: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
, D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 4: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 5: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 6: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
, C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 7: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 8: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 9: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
, B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 10: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 11: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
A) Initial observation and conservative management
B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
C) Order immediate advanced imaging diagnostics
D) Immediate referral to a tertiary care specialist
Correct Answer: B) Initiate standard first-line empiric pharmacological therapy
Rationale: In accordance with primary care consensus guidelines (e.g., USPSTF, IDSA,
GOLD), initiating evidence-based empiric therapy or standard first-line screening
represents the most effective intervention prior to pursuing invasive testing or secondary
specialized referrals.
Question 12: A patient presents with symptoms indicating a specific primary care
differential diagnosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step or first-line
treatment guidelines?
