MedSurg Domain 1: Assessment and Diagnosis

A nurse observes asymmetrical chest expansion in a patient after a motor vehicle accident. What should be the primary concern?

A patient with chronic kidney disease presents with nausea, vomiting, and an irregular heartbeat. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize assessing?

A patient reports intense localized pain, redness, and warmth over the calf muscle. What is the most important diagnostic test to perform initially?

In assessing a patient with suspected peptic ulcer disease, which symptom would the nurse expect to find?

Which assessment finding is most indicative of early hypoxia in a patient with pneumonia?

A nurse assessing a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm would be most concerned by which finding?

A patient presents with jaundice, dark urine, and pruritus. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient with no history of cardiovascular disease comes in with sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. What diagnostic test should be prioritized?

In assessing a patient for potential infection, which lab result is most critical for confirming an acute infection?

A nurse notes that a patient's Trousseau's sign is positive. This is indicative of what condition?

A nurse suspects a patient of having an acute pulmonary embolism. Which symptom is least likely to be present?

A patient reports severe, sharp pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. What additional symptom would suggest acute appendicitis?

During the assessment of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 'COPD', which finding would be most concerning?

What finding on a neurological exam is most indicative of a possible brain tumor in a patient complaining of headaches and visual disturbances?

A nurse is assessing a patient who has returned from surgery with a new surgical site on the abdomen. What finding would most suggest a surgical site infection?

Which symptom would be least likely in a patient presenting with acute liver failure?

A nurse assesses a patient with cirrhosis reporting worsening confusion. What specific condition should the nurse suspect?

During a cardiovascular assessment, a nurse finds a patient with diabetes mellitus has absent pedal pulses. What complication should the nurse consider first?

A patient presents with acute chest pain and a pericardial friction rub is heard on auscultation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A nurse assessing a patient with acute renal failure notes anuria. What is the most likely cause?

A patient presents with acute onset of lower back pain and blood pressure of 200/120 mm Hg. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

A patient is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. What clinical finding is most critical for the diagnosis?

What is the most indicative symptom of a patient experiencing a hypertensive crisis?

A patient complains of sudden, severe headache and stiff neck. What condition should be urgently ruled out by the nurse?

In assessing a patient with suspected meningitis, which finding would support this diagnosis?

Which finding would most likely indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst in a female patient presenting with acute abdominal pain?

A patient with asthma presents with new onset of chest tightness and wheezing. What diagnostic test should the nurse prioritize?

A patient reports feeling a "pop" in the knee followed by severe pain and swelling. What is the most likely diagnosis?

In evaluating a patient with sudden, unexplained weight loss and night sweats, which condition should the nurse primarily suspect?

A patient presents with a "curtain falling" sensation in the field of vision. What is the most urgent condition to rule out?

A patient presents with sudden palpitations, light-headedness, and a pulse of 160 bpm. What condition should be primarily considered?

A nurse finds a hard, irregular mass in the breast of a 50-year-old patient during a routine check-up. What is the most appropriate next step?

A patient with severe abdominal pain tests positive for Murphy's sign. What condition is most likely?

Which symptom in a patient with a history of prostate cancer would be most indicative of metastatic disease?

In a patient with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, what is the most definitive diagnostic test?

A patient presents with rapid onset of edema, especially in the legs. Which organ system should the nurse focus the assessment on primarily?

A nurse observes muffled heart sounds and distended neck veins in a patient after a chest injury. What condition should be urgently suspected?

A patient with a history of smoking presents with chronic cough and a new finding of hemoptysis. What is the most critical condition to rule out?

A nurse notes bilateral ankle edema and proteinuria in a patient. Which condition is most likely?

In assessing a patient with severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back and elevated serum amylase, what diagnosis should be considered?

A patient presents with sudden, severe headache and a blown pupil (dilated and non-reactive to light). What is the most likely diagnosis?

During assessment, a nurse discovers crepitus in the neck of a patient with a recent history of blunt trauma. What is the immediate implication?

A patient reports severe unilateral nasal congestion, facial pain, and purulent nasal discharge. What condition should the nurse suspect?

In a patient with suspected myocardial infarction, what ECG finding is most indicative of ongoing ischemia?

What finding would be most concerning in a patient with suspected acute liver failure?

A patient with acute shortness of breath and a history of deep vein thrombosis should be evaluated for what condition?

Which symptom is least likely to be found in a patient with acute hypoglycemia?

A patient complains of dyspnea and fatigue with high-output heart failure identified on assessment. What underlying condition should be primarily suspected?

In a patient with suspected rheumatoid arthritis, which laboratory test would provide the most specific diagnostic information?

A patient presents with unilateral leg swelling, pain, and erythema. What initial diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate?