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DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN ACUTE CARE PRACTICUM -
MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM 2026-27 LATEST VERSION
QUESTIONS SET WITH ANSWERS
Identify three key clinical signs of ’Appendicitis with potential peritonitis’
as described in the abdominal assess-ment clinical reasoning notes.
Involuntary guarding, muscle rigidity, and a positive cough test (signs of peritoneal inflammation).
Model answer:
According to clinical reasoning for appendicitis with peritonitis, key signs include involuntary
guarding, ab-dominal muscle rigidity, and a positive cough test (which indicates peritoneal
inflammation). Other signs include rebound tenderness at McBurney’s point and positive
Rovsing/Psoas signs.
Key points:
• Involuntary guarding/rigidity.
Question 27 3
marks
How does ’pursed lip breathing’ assist a patient suffering from dyspnea?
Pursed lip breathing can lessen dynamic airway collapse during expiration.
Model answer:
Pursed lip breathing is a technique that can lessen dynamic airway collapse, helping to maintain
open airways during expiration and improve ventilation efficiency in patients with dyspnea.
Key points:
• Lessens dynamic airway collapse.
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DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN ACUTE CARE PRACTICUM -
MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM 2026-27 LATEST VERSION
QUESTIONS SET WITH ANSWERS
Identify three key clinical signs of ’Appendicitis with potential peritonitis’
as described in the abdominal assess-ment clinical reasoning notes.
Involuntary guarding, muscle rigidity, and a positive cough test (signs of peritoneal inflammation).
Model answer:
According to clinical reasoning for appendicitis with peritonitis, key signs include involuntary
guarding, ab-dominal muscle rigidity, and a positive cough test (which indicates peritoneal
inflammation). Other signs include rebound tenderness at McBurney’s point and positive
Rovsing/Psoas signs.
Key points:
• Involuntary guarding/rigidity.
Question 27 3
marks
How does ’pursed lip breathing’ assist a patient suffering from dyspnea?
Pursed lip breathing can lessen dynamic airway collapse during expiration.
Model answer:
Pursed lip breathing is a technique that can lessen dynamic airway collapse, helping to maintain
open airways during expiration and improve ventilation efficiency in patients with dyspnea.
Key points:
• Lessens dynamic airway collapse.
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