C HAPTER 04: C LINICAL R EASONING
Ball: Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination, 9th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. After the subjective and objective data have been prioritized, the next step is to:
a. order laboratory tests.
b. formulate a problem list.
c. initiate appropriate referrals.
d. initiate therapy.
ANS: B
After the data have been prioritized and a presumed diagnosis is made, the
next step is to consider the appropriate laboratory tests, imaging studies, or
specialty consultations.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) OBJ: Nursing
process— evaluating MSC: Safe and Effective Care: Management of
Care
2. New findings of unknown causes are:
a. problems to be noted on the problem list.
b. deferred for subsequent visits.
c. diagnosed before physical examination.
d. reserved for specialists.
, ANS: A
New findings of unknown causes are added to the problem list, but do not let
them become a red herring that distracts your attention from the central
issues.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) OBJ: Nursing
process— diagnosis MSC: Safe and Effective Care: Management of Care
3. Which is an accepted method of making a diagnosis?
a. Relying on intuition
b. Making maximal use of laboratory tests
c. Using first assumptions
d. Using algorithms
ANS: D
Methods to make a diagnosis include recognizing patterns, sampling the
universe, and using algorithms. Do not rely on intuition, extensive use of
laboratory findings, or always going with your first ass umptions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge) OBJ: Nursing
process— diagnosis MSC: Safe and Effective Care: Management of Care
4. The adage that “common problems occur commonly‖” advises the practitioner to:
a. always diagnose the patient's problem in terms of what their practice
usually sees.
b. refer any uncommon complaints to specialists as soon as possible.
c. not consider more than one diagnosis unless necessary.
Ball: Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination, 9th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. After the subjective and objective data have been prioritized, the next step is to:
a. order laboratory tests.
b. formulate a problem list.
c. initiate appropriate referrals.
d. initiate therapy.
ANS: B
After the data have been prioritized and a presumed diagnosis is made, the
next step is to consider the appropriate laboratory tests, imaging studies, or
specialty consultations.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) OBJ: Nursing
process— evaluating MSC: Safe and Effective Care: Management of
Care
2. New findings of unknown causes are:
a. problems to be noted on the problem list.
b. deferred for subsequent visits.
c. diagnosed before physical examination.
d. reserved for specialists.
, ANS: A
New findings of unknown causes are added to the problem list, but do not let
them become a red herring that distracts your attention from the central
issues.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) OBJ: Nursing
process— diagnosis MSC: Safe and Effective Care: Management of Care
3. Which is an accepted method of making a diagnosis?
a. Relying on intuition
b. Making maximal use of laboratory tests
c. Using first assumptions
d. Using algorithms
ANS: D
Methods to make a diagnosis include recognizing patterns, sampling the
universe, and using algorithms. Do not rely on intuition, extensive use of
laboratory findings, or always going with your first ass umptions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge) OBJ: Nursing
process— diagnosis MSC: Safe and Effective Care: Management of Care
4. The adage that “common problems occur commonly‖” advises the practitioner to:
a. always diagnose the patient's problem in terms of what their practice
usually sees.
b. refer any uncommon complaints to specialists as soon as possible.
c. not consider more than one diagnosis unless necessary.
