Diagnostic Reasoning 4th Edition –
Test Bank
Description: Complete Chapters 1–18 | Updated 2025/2026 | Full Verified Solutions
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Keywords: Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostic Reasoning, Rhoads, Wiggins
Petersen, Test Bank, MCQ, Revision, Nursing, Chapters 1-18, Verified Solutions
Q1. The first step in the diagnostic reasoning process is:
A) Generating hypotheses
B) Gathering subjective and objective data ✅
C) Developing a plan of care
D) Evaluating outcomes
Q2. Which of the following is considered subjective data?
A) Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
B) Patient reports a headache ✅
C) Heart rate 72 bpm
D) Temperature 98.6°F
Q3. The primary purpose of the health history is to:
A) Establish a diagnosis
B) Collect subjective data about the patient's health ✅
,C) Perform a physical examination
D) Order diagnostic tests
Q4. Which technique is used to assess skin temperature?
A) Inspection
B) Palpation ✅
C) Percussion
D) Auscultation
Q5. The normal range for adult resting heart rate is:
A) 40–60 bpm
B) 60–100 bpm ✅
C) 100–120 bpm
D) 120–140 bpm
Q6. Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in an adult?
A) Moist mucous membranes
B) Poor skin turgor ✅
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypertension
Q7. The term "dyspnea" refers to:
A) Difficulty breathing ✅
B) Chest pain
C) Coughing up blood
D) Rapid breathing
Q8. Which sound is heard during percussion over a normal lung?
A) Dullness
B) Resonance ✅
,C) Tympany
D) Flatness
Q9. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses:
A) Pain level
B) Level of consciousness ✅
C) Muscle strength
D) Reflexes
Q10. Which of the following is a risk factor for coronary artery disease?
A) Low cholesterol
B) Smoking ✅
C) Regular exercise
D) Vegetarian diet
Q11. The "P" in the PQRST method of pain assessment stands for:
A) Palliation ✅
B) Pain level
C) Pulse
D) Position
Q12. Which cranial nerve is responsible for smell?
A) CN I ✅
B) CN II
C) CN III
D) CN IV
Q13. A patient with a BMI of 32 is classified as:
A) Underweight
B) Normal weight
, C) Overweight
D) Obese ✅
Q14. Which of the following is a normal finding in an older adult?
A) Increased skin turgor
B) Decreased hearing acuity ✅
C) Increased muscle mass
D) Decreased blood pressure
Q15. The term "orthopnea" refers to:
A) Difficulty breathing when lying flat ✅
B) Difficulty swallowing
C) Chest pain with exertion
D) Coughing at night
Q16. Which of the following is a sign of hypoxia?
A) Pink mucous membranes
B) Confusion ✅
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypertension
Q17. The correct order of the abdominal assessment is:
A) Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B) Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation ✅
C) Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
D) Palpation, percussion, inspection, auscultation
Q18. Which of the following is a normal finding in a breast examination?
A) Fixed mass
B) Nipple inversion