NSG 550 (Exams 1–3) Complete Full Course Study
Bundle
Course Overview: NSG 550 focuses on developing diagnostic reasoning processes
for formulating differential diagnoses of acute and chronic conditions across the
lifespan, using a case-study approach to prepare students for advanced practice .
EXAM 1: DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING & LABORATORY TESTS
# Diagnostic Imaging Modalities
Q1. What are ultrasounds ordered for?
- Correct Answer: Vessels (venous + arterial duplex) for DVT and carotid
stenosis; gold standard for ovaries/testes (reproductive organs); soft tissue
abnormalities such as abscesses, cysts, and thyroid masses/nodules; inflammation
of muscles .
Rationale: Ultrasound is non-invasive, lacks radiation, and is first-line for
evaluating vascular and reproductive pathology. It distinguishes solid from cystic
lesions and can guide biopsies .
1
,Q2. What are MRIs ordered for?
- Correct Answer: In-depth imaging of bones, tissues, and vessels. Very
expensive and takes the longest .
Rationale: MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast and is essential for evaluating
bone marrow, ligaments, brain, spinal cord, and vascular structures (MRA) without
radiation exposure .
Q3. What are x-rays ordered for?
- Correct Answer: Bones and bone densitometry (dual-energy X-ray
absorptiometry/DXA) .
Rationale: X-rays are first-line for fractures, bone alignment, and degenerative
changes. DXA is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis by measuring bone
mineral density .
Q4. What does nuclear medicine do?
- Correct Answer: Bone scans, thyroid scans (scintigraphy) .
2
, Rationale: Nuclear medicine detects bone metabolism disorders, metastatic
disease, and thyroid function by highlighting areas of increased or decreased
metabolic activity .
Q5. What is a VQ scan used for?
- Correct Answer: A screening test for the detection of perfusion defects of the
lungs, most commonly attributed to a pulmonary embolism (PE) .
Rationale: VQ (ventilation/perfusion) scans are nuclear medicine tests used when
CT angiography is contraindicated or inconclusive .
# Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests
Q6. What is a urinalysis? (Physical, Chemical, Microscopic)
- Correct Answer: Examination of physical and chemical properties of urine .
| Component | Elements Assessed |
|--|-|
| Physical (V O C C S) | Volume, Odor, Clarity, Color, Specific Gravity |
3
Bundle
Course Overview: NSG 550 focuses on developing diagnostic reasoning processes
for formulating differential diagnoses of acute and chronic conditions across the
lifespan, using a case-study approach to prepare students for advanced practice .
EXAM 1: DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING & LABORATORY TESTS
# Diagnostic Imaging Modalities
Q1. What are ultrasounds ordered for?
- Correct Answer: Vessels (venous + arterial duplex) for DVT and carotid
stenosis; gold standard for ovaries/testes (reproductive organs); soft tissue
abnormalities such as abscesses, cysts, and thyroid masses/nodules; inflammation
of muscles .
Rationale: Ultrasound is non-invasive, lacks radiation, and is first-line for
evaluating vascular and reproductive pathology. It distinguishes solid from cystic
lesions and can guide biopsies .
1
,Q2. What are MRIs ordered for?
- Correct Answer: In-depth imaging of bones, tissues, and vessels. Very
expensive and takes the longest .
Rationale: MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast and is essential for evaluating
bone marrow, ligaments, brain, spinal cord, and vascular structures (MRA) without
radiation exposure .
Q3. What are x-rays ordered for?
- Correct Answer: Bones and bone densitometry (dual-energy X-ray
absorptiometry/DXA) .
Rationale: X-rays are first-line for fractures, bone alignment, and degenerative
changes. DXA is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis by measuring bone
mineral density .
Q4. What does nuclear medicine do?
- Correct Answer: Bone scans, thyroid scans (scintigraphy) .
2
, Rationale: Nuclear medicine detects bone metabolism disorders, metastatic
disease, and thyroid function by highlighting areas of increased or decreased
metabolic activity .
Q5. What is a VQ scan used for?
- Correct Answer: A screening test for the detection of perfusion defects of the
lungs, most commonly attributed to a pulmonary embolism (PE) .
Rationale: VQ (ventilation/perfusion) scans are nuclear medicine tests used when
CT angiography is contraindicated or inconclusive .
# Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests
Q6. What is a urinalysis? (Physical, Chemical, Microscopic)
- Correct Answer: Examination of physical and chemical properties of urine .
| Component | Elements Assessed |
|--|-|
| Physical (V O C C S) | Volume, Odor, Clarity, Color, Specific Gravity |
3
