Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What test should be performed to assess for a herniated disc in a patient with low back pain?
• What is considered a systemic cause of joint pain?
• Which finding during a neurological examination may indicate a mass lesion in the brain?
• Intermittent lower right-sided chest pain that worsens with deep breaths may suggest which condition?
• A 21-year-old woman has frequent, loose stools that worsen with anxiety. What is the likely cause of her diarrhea?
• What is the most likely reason for a patient to present with nystagmus and dizziness with sudden onset?
• Which examination technique is best for assessing cardiovascular health during a physical exam?
• When brachial and radial pulses are described as "bounding," what does this indicate on a scale of 0 to 3?
• Which of the following is an example of a condylar joint?
• If a patient has a visual acuity of 20/100 in her left eye, what does this indicate about her vision?
• Which valve lesion produces a murmur of equal intensity throughout systole?
• A patient’s skin shows actinic lentigines. Which is not a risk factor for melanoma in this individual?
• What condition is likely in a patient with elbow pain aggravated by wrist dorsiflexion against resistance?
• What type of urinary incontinence occurs when a person is unable to reach the bathroom in time?
• A child presents with a clearly demarcated, round patch of hair loss without any signs of inflammation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Which of the following findings is most closely related to heart failure?
• A middle-aged man has multiple small blood-red raised lesions on his chest. He is concerned it may indicate a dangerous condition. What should you do?
• According to American Heart Association guidelines, how often should blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and pulse be assessed in healthy adults over 20?
• What correlates with a sustained, high-amplitude PMI?
• A 42-year-old florist presents with chronic constipation and fatigue. What endocrine disorder could be contributing to her symptoms?
• What condition is characterized by the presence of a cough with mucus but no blood in a long-time smoker?
• Which statement is true regarding the splitting of the second heart sound?
• What lifestyle factor significantly increases the risk for both pneumonia and peripheral vascular disease?
• What condition should be suspected in a patient experiencing pain with adduction of the left arm?
• What should be advised to a patient with a BMI of 26.0 kg/m2 regarding weight management?
• Which type of alopecia presents with a round patch of hair loss without inflammation?
• What is the most likely cause of joint pain in a patient presenting with a target-shaped red spot after camping?
• When palpating the pulse of a patient with congestive heart failure, what is the expected quality?
• Which condition may require the patient to be in a left lateral decubitus position for proper auscultation?
• A stroke patient is unable to see your fingers on his entire right side during confrontation testing. What is this finding called?
• What is a characteristic of peripheral CN VII paralysis as observed in a patient unable to close one eye?
• Which statement best describes the obturator sign?
• A sudden painless unilateral vision loss may be indicative of which condition?
• When suspecting lung cancer in a patient with significant weight loss, what question is most important to ask?
• In an abdominal examination, what is the correct sequence of assessments to perform?
• A 41-year-old man with recent facial weakness likely has which condition that could follow a febrile illness?
• What diagnosis is indicated by significant distress and pain after physical activity in an older patient with known risk factors?
• What condition is suggested by severe left-sided back pain that radiates into the groin and blood in the urine?
• In assessing a patient with coronary artery disease and diabetes, what physical examination finding could suggest peripheral vascular disease?
• What type of diarrhea is characterized by cramping abdominal pain and gas followed by watery stools without specific smell?
• A chronic cough and occasional shortness of breath in a lifelong smoker may indicate which condition?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a headache described as a tightening sensation lasting multiple days with no associated nausea or light sensitivity?
• What is a common cause of secondary headaches?
• Which pair of ischemic symptoms versus vascular supply is correctly matched?
• Which condition is a common cause of sudden painful unilateral loss of vision?
• What condition is most likely if a patient presents with back pain associated with constipation and urinary retention?
• What is the most likely cause of a painful ulcerative lesion near the medial malleolus with accompanying hyperpigmentation?
• During a family reunion football game, your uncle sustains an injury to his right lateral thorax. What should you do next?
• What is the expected skin texture in a patient with hypothyroidism?
• Which part of your hand is most effective for assessing skin temperature?
• What physical examination finding suggests increased left atrial pressure?
• The vertebral bodies of the spine are classified as which type of joint?
• During a physical exam, a retired bus driver has a positive occult blood test. What could this indicate?
• During a cardiac examination, which chamber of the heart can be assessed by palpation?
• In a tuning fork test for a patient, what does better left side hearing indicate?
• In a patient with prostatitis, what examination finding is typically noted?
• What psychological state is most likely reflected in a patient who is usually well-groomed but arrives wearing old jeans and avoiding eye contact?
• The Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is utilized primarily to evaluate what?
• What is the appropriate response to a mother concerned about her child that occasionally "turns blue" at the hands and feet but shows no other symptoms?
• A daycare worker presenting with jaundice and no high-risk behaviors is most likely suffering from which type of hepatitis?
• A 60-year-old male patient presents with difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and increased frequency. What condition is most likely indicated?
• What type of pulse would you expect in a patient with a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit?
• Which condition could be a potential cause of elevated jugular venous pressure (JVP)?
• If a mass feels mobile in both directions, what is it most likely to be?
• Which examination finding would suggest a CN X lesion?
• A young woman comes in today, complaining of fatigue, irregular menses, and polyuria which have gradually increased over the past few months. Which eye findings would be consistent with her condition?
• A patient with hearing loss shows that bone conduction is greater than air conduction on the left side. What condition is most likely?
• When assessing a bodybuilder classified as "high risk" due to obesity, what should you measure next?
• Which cranial nerve weakness may lead to the most common causes of double vision?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a young patient with intermittent chest pain and a specific systolic murmur heard best over the apex?
• Which of the following could be a characteristic of a cervical sprain after an accident?
• Which risk factor is associated with increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis?
• What term describes the phenomenon when one pupil contracts as a response to light in the other pupil?
• In a follow-up visit, Ms. Whiting has flat red and purple lesions on her forearms that are tender. What is the best course of action?
• A patient presents with a daily headache which has worsened over the past several months. On funduscopic examination, you notice that the disk edge is indistinct and the veins do not pulsate. Which is most likely?
• What should be done to hear a soft murmur or bruit effectively?
• In a patient with claudication symptoms, which sign is associated with chronic arterial insufficiency?
• A blood pressure reading of 132/85 is categorized as which of the following?
• What condition is suspected in a 50-year-old woman experiencing left hip pain with marked tenderness over the proximal lateral thigh?
• What is a characteristic feature of actinic keratosis?
• Which condition is characterized by a unilateral drooping of the pupil and ptosis?
• When assessing a patient with abdominal pain, what does involuntary guarding often indicate?
• What type of pain is often associated with rashes that have a burning sensation when touched?
• Which of the following best describes vesicular breathing sounds?
• What skin condition is indicated by a flattened papule with a dry scale, commonly found on the forehead of a retired farmer?
• Which type of pain is commonly associated with nerve damage?
• A 55-year-old bank teller has episodes of dizziness with tinnitus lasting several hours. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What could be a possible complication of untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia?
• Which of the following is considered a "red flag" symptom in patients presenting with headache?
• Which heart sound is associated with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves?
• What is a common symptom of increased intracranial pressure?
• Which finding on a fundoscopic exam is a potential sign of uncontrolled diabetes?
• Which ailment is characterized by a history of difficulty in breathing while lying flat?
• Which symptom is least helpful in determining the inflammatory nature of a joint problem?
• Which symptom is associated with gastritis or peptic ulcers rather than appendicitis?
• A 55-year-old smoker complains of chest pain and gestures with a closed fist over her sternum. Which of the following diagnoses should you consider because of her gesture?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient presenting with ear pain, drainage, and erythematous canal after swimming?
• Which condition commonly correlates with polyuria in young adults?
• In a patient presenting with diarrhea that is worse when anxious, which diagnosis should be considered?
• A woman presenting with intermittent lower abdominal pain and relief with defecation is most likely suffering from which condition?
• Performing the Allen test checks the patency of which artery?
• Which area is least important to observe during the General Survey?
• What is the likely next step for a patient with longstanding COPD and an enlarged liver found during an examination?
• In the context of heart murmurs, which of the following characteristics tends to indicate aortic stenosis?
• Which laboratory result is most associated with diagnosing heart failure?
• In a 72-year-old smoker with a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass, what is the next appropriate step?
• When observing Beau's lines in an unconscious patient, what should the next step be?
• In a patient with widespread pain primarily in muscles and no joint swelling, what is the probable condition?
• Which condition would produce a hyperresonant percussion note?
• What is the likely diagnosis for a patient with left lateral knee pain, tenderness over the medial joint line, and a locking sensation?
• Which examination finding is consistent with a mechanical cause of low back pain?
• Which of the following is NOT a common symptom to inquire about during the General Survey?
• A young woman presenting with a red, painful, swollen DIP joint is most likely experiencing which condition?
• What gastrointestinal symptom is typically associated with hypothyroidism?
• For a patient with a history of significant alcohol consumption, what finding might indicate acute pancreatitis?
• What is the typical appearance of a pulse in a patient experiencing shortness of breath due to a severe condition?
• After a cranial nerve exam, a patient’s uvula deviates to the left upon touching the soft palate. What is likely to be affected?
• A 14-year-old boy has developed small red marks on his ankles that do not blanch when pressed and has a slight fever. What action should be taken?
• In a patient with decreased sensation in the pulp of the index finger, which nerve is likely affected?
• A 73-year-old nurse presents with tremors and slowed movements. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
• A 58-year-old teacher reports breathlessness during activity. What symptom is crucial to include in the cardiovascular review?
• What should be considered if a patient presents with orthopnea?
• An elderly patient with a history of gradual vision changes is at risk for which eye condition?
• Which of the following occurs in respiratory distress?
• A 49-year-old administrative assistant experiences dizziness characterized by a spinning sensation with nausea. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What characteristic is typical of the carotid pulse?
• What symptom is indicative of esophageal varices in a patient with cirrhosis?
• You are participating in a health fair and performing cholesterol screens. One person has a cholesterol of 225. She is concerned about her risk for developing heart disease. Which of the following factors is used to estimate the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease?
• Which of the following statements about prostate cancer is true?
• Which of the following describes the cause of a third heart sound (S3)?
• In a patient with bilateral back pain that awakens them at night, which symptom is most reassuring?
• By how much does cardiovascular risk increase for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure?
• Which condition is suggested by acute respiratory distress and absent breath sounds on one side of the chest?
• A college student with abdominal pain localized just medial and inferior to the right iliac crest is most likely suffering from which condition?
• What is the most appropriate weekly weight reduction goal for a person with a BMI of 30.0 kg/m2?
• What would be the best explanation for Mrs. Lenzo's 4-pound weight gain over two days?
• Diminished radial pulses may be indicative of which condition?
• In measuring jugular venous pressure (JVP), which factor is important to consider?
• What is a classic symptom of cauda equina syndrome?
• Which symptom would be indicative of an inflammatory process when assessing joint pain?
• Which symptom is commonly associated with peripheral vascular disease in a patient who smokes?
• What type of headache is described as a throbbing sensation with accompanying nausea and sensitivity to light?
• What finding is common in patients with fibromyalgia during a physical examination?
• Where is the point of maximal impulse (PMI) normally located?
• What condition is characterized by sharp, knifelike pain that worsens with breathing?
• What is a classic symptom of chronic arterial insufficiency?
• A sudden loss of vision associated with eye pain is most likely what?
• What pathologic cause could be indicated by the finding of anisocoria in a patient?
• A high school football player has wrist tenderness between two tendons at the base of his thumb. What should be considered?
• In the context of headaches, what does a bitemporal hemianopsia suggest?
• What is the target heart rate Mrs. Adams should achieve if she wants to exercise at 60% or greater of her maximum heart rate? She is 52 years old.
• What would an examination of the right ventricle primarily assess?
• Which mechanism is responsible for the consensual reaction in pupillary response?
• What does a minimally tender smooth lower abdominal mass with dullness to percussion likely represent in an 84-year-old?
• What symptom in patients suggests the presence of a kidney stone?
• Which of the following is a risk factor for peripheral vascular disease in an older patient?
• What is the usual cause of a decrease in heart rate observed in athletes at rest?
• Finding red reflexes bilaterally during an examination effectively excludes which condition from consideration?
• Patients who sleep upright to relieve shortness of breath may be experiencing what condition?
• A 12-year-old presents with a painful lump in the left eyelid. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What does a rough grating noise in a teenager's left upper quadrant indicate during examination?
• An increased amplitude of the apical impulse could be caused by which of the following conditions?
• In what situation might a patient present with a bradycardic pulse that correlates with acute stress?
• What might explain a patient's low blood pressure reading despite having hypertensive changes in her retinas?
• What finding on funduscopic examination is typically associated with glaucoma?
• When is the S3 heart sound typically heard?
• Which of the following is consistent with good percussion technique?
• A 52-year-old woman is experiencing urinary incontinence when she coughs or sneezes. What type of urinary incontinence does she have?
• In the assessment of an older adult presenting with sudden abdominal pain, what could a high-pitched bowel sound indicate?
• A patient complains of shortness of breath. On examination, you note late inspiratory crackles in the lower third of the chest. What is the most likely explanation for these?
• What type of joint disease is indicated when a patient has full range of motion without pain but experiences pain when attempting to lift the arm?
• What is a common presentation for tinea versicolor?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a hard mass found midline in the palate, with no other symptoms?
• What common finding might you expect on a skin exam for a patient with hyperthyroidism?
• If you notice a patient has alternating strong and weak pulses, what is likely the condition?
• What should be the next step in management for a 62-year-old woman with recent onset hypertension despite three medications and a family history of heart disease?
• In advising a patient with obesity and a significant weight loss goal, what is the most constructive message to convey?
• Persistent episodes of dizziness accompanied by tinnitus in a 55-year-old may indicate what condition?
• A 38-year-old woman with multiple small joints involved with pain, swelling, and stiffness most likely has which condition?
• A 25-year-old technician hears a murmur only at the cardiac apex during examination. Which valve is likely involved?
• When palpating the abdomen and feeling a small mass, what is the recommended next step?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with a visibly depressed sternum and no accompanying symptoms?
• What is the most likely diagnosis when a patient presents with both abdominal pain and significant splenic enlargement?
• Which lung sound is louder, higher in pitch, with a short silence between inspiration and expiration and longer expiration?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for Jacob, whose "lump on his back" over the scapula has been growing and can yield a cheesy-textured substance?
• Mrs. Anderson displays an itchy raised rash that appears and disappears at various locations. What is the most likely cause of this rash?
• During a physical examination, which sign may indicate a serious underlying health issue?
• A 58-year-old gardener presents with a brown, slightly elevated lesion on her upper chest that feels rough and wartlike. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Which of the following is a clinical identifier of metabolic syndrome?
• What is a common feature of rotator cuff tendinitis?
• What is a likely diagnosis for a patient with abdominal pain associated with nausea and worsening pain upon movement?
• Which of the following best indicates the significance of a diastolic murmur?
• In an 11-month-old child exhibiting jaundice, what area should the physician focus on in subsequent questions concerning the child's health?
• What factor can cause a false high blood pressure reading?
• What might a raised, dark red rash on the legs of a woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus indicate?
• In a 14-year-old boy with a sore throat and dullness in the last intercostal space, what might this signify?
• What symptom is least likely associated with a herniated disc?
• What condition is suspected when an elderly woman presents with diffuse abdominal pain that is not exacerbated by palpation?
• A patient presents with left-sided facial droop and inability to wrinkle left forehead. How would you classify this lesion?
• Which jugular venous pulsation reflects a systolic phenomenon?
• Which area of the fundus is known as the central focal point for incoming images?
• What would be the most appropriate next step when a 64-year-old man presents with a palpable liver that is 4 centimeters below the costal arch?
• Where would a patient with atherosclerosis in the lower extremities most likely experience pain?
• For a patient with acute abdominal pain, which physical exam finding would suggest peritonitis?
• In assessing a patient’s 10-year risk for coronary heart disease, which factor is most critical?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a rash that appears as dark tan patches with a reddish cast and fine scales, notably on a young construction worker's back, arms, and neck?
• How can you determine if a murmur is systolic or diastolic?
• Which type of arthritic condition is characterized by acute onset and often involves a single joint?
• What physical exam sign suggests spinal stenosis in a patient with calf cramps?
• When crackles, wheezes, or rhonchi clear with a cough, which of the following is a likely etiology?
• A 62-year-old smoker complains of "coughing up small amounts of blood," leading you to consider hemoptysis. Which of the following should you also consider?
• What symptoms would likely indicate articular joint pain?
• What is true regarding a grade 4-intensity murmur?
• A patient presents with black stools and a history of cirrhosis. What is the most likely cause of this symptom?
• A 76-year-old man has abdominal pain and constipation after eating popcorn. What condition does he likely have?
• Which examination finding is characteristic of glaucoma?
• What is the most common position for auscultating mitral valve sounds?
• Which symptom is classically associated with aortic stenosis?
• What is the most likely cause of neck pain in a patient with severe pain and stiffness after a motor vehicle collision?
• A painful eyelid condition with a red, raised area may suggest what diagnosis?
• What is the likely cause of low back pain in a patient with no history of trauma and muscle spasm upon examination?
• What is the most likely cause of shoulder pain with a sensation of grating during overhead movement?
• A 35-year-old woman with fair skin and a family history of melanoma is at risk for melanoma due to all factors except?
• What stage is assigned to a pressure ulcer characterized by full-thickness skin loss and damage to the subcutaneous tissue, but not affecting the underlying muscle?
• What ABI value is consistent with mild peripheral arterial disease?
• What is considered a subtle sign of left-sided heart failure during auscultation?
• In a patient with sympathetic nervous system activation, which heart sound is most likely to be accentuated?
• What event occurs at the start of diastole?
• Which imaging test is most beneficial for assessing peripheral arterial disease?
• In which position is the mitral valvular defect best heard?
• A young man presents with an extremely pruritic rash on his knees and elbows, characterized by silvery scales and nail pitting. What condition does this suggest?
• In assessing a patient for peripheral vascular disease in the arms, which pulse locations are crucial to examine?
• What is the most appropriate advice for a patient with a BMI of 19.5 kg/m2 who is concerned about her weight?
• What type of respiration pattern is characterized by cycles of deep breaths followed by periods of apnea?
• In assessing a patient's abdomen, what does shifting dullness indicate?
• What condition is characterized by shortness of breath and a nonproductive nocturnal cough?
• How would you document a heart rhythm that is irregular but consistent?
• Which of the following percussion notes would you obtain over the gastric bubble?
• If a bounding carotid pulse is found on a 62-year-old patient, which murmur should be investigated?
• Which condition is not responsible for causing ulcers in the lower extremities?
• What does an elevated jugular venous pressure suggest in a clinical assessment?
• Which joint is likely to exhibit symptoms of pain and swelling due to gout?
• During a physical examination, the presence of an indistinct optic disc margin is significant for which condition?
• Which condition is indicated by excruciating pain starting under the lower ribs and moving to the right lower quadrant?
• Which condition could result in a pulse rate less than 60 in a patient?
• Which statement is true regarding the testing of the olfactory nerve?
• What condition involves severe anterior chest pain associated with nausea and may indicate an aortic issue?
• A 29-year-old physical therapist has an eyeball that appears to be protruding. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Which of the following conditions involves scotomas as a symptom?
• Which condition is characterized by diminshed radial pulses?
• A rash appears suddenly on a young patient, characterized by multiple erythematous papules in a Christmas tree pattern. What is the likely diagnosis?
• Which skin condition is characterized by a "stuck on" appearance and a wartlike texture?
• When diagnosing a patient with a history of head trauma, which accompanying symptom suggests a more serious condition?
• What symptom might suggest that a patient suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia requires further evaluation for prostate cancer?
• What symptom would indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia?
• What is the typical progression of visual field loss associated with glaucoma?
• What diagnostic test is recommended for an initial evaluation of peripheral vascular disease?
• What is the typical finding in muscular injury compared to articular joint pain?
• What condition might be suggested by a patient's symptoms of sore throat, fever, and exudates on enlarged tonsils?
• Which factor is least likely to contribute to the formation of lower extremity ulcers?
• A 15-year-old presents with blood in the eye after coughing. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Asymmetric blood pressures are typically seen in which condition?
• In elderly patients, which of the following is an appropriate assessment focus during cardiovascular evaluation?
• Which condition is considered a coronary heart disease risk equivalent?
• What is the best position to accentuate a murmur caused by aortic regurgitation?
• What finding is consistent with the diagnosis of prostate cancer in a patient reporting night sweats and chronic low-grade fever?
• A patient with abdominal pain reports no urinary symptoms but presents with unexplained nausea and vomiting; what should be considered?
• In the context of a pressure ulcer, what condition is indicated by skin and subcutaneous tissue damage without muscle involvement?
• How does resistance change as the diameter of a blood vessel changes?
• In patients with a history of glaucoma, what should be monitored during eye examinations?
• What constitutes the ABCDEs of melanoma?
• A 67-year-old lawyer has a triangular thickening of the conjunctiva. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What does the presence of dark, granular substance resembling coffee grounds in a patient’s vomit suggest?
• In a young male patient with burning during urination and low-grade fever, what is the likely diagnosis if he has a history of a recent unprotected encounter?
• What physical finding is associated with the diagnosis of pericardial effusion?
• What is the most likely cause of unilateral pain during chewing in a patient with no facial tenderness?
• What should you do if you are having difficulty hearing heart sounds in a patient with emphysema?
• Which of the following is NOT part of the stance phase of gait?
• A middle-aged African-American man presents with discomfort between the scrotum and anus along with fever. What is the likely diagnosis?
• In a patient diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, what pattern of breathing is expected?
• How would you classify Breathing in a patient with a high temperature and inflammation?
• What causes the inspiratory splitting of S2 during the cardiac cycle?
• What finding would argue in favor of ascites in a patient with increasing abdominal girth?
• A productive cough with golden sputum is indicative of which respiratory condition?
• If a patient has significantly lower blood pressure readings at home compared to your office, what should be the next step in your assessment?
• Which method is considered the most sensitive for detecting hearing loss?
• What characteristic of the stools would indicate diarrhea of osmotic origin?
• Which of the following anatomic landmark associations is correct?
• What is the term for the type of visual field loss characterized by the inability to see objects in one half of the visual field?
• When a patient experiences epistaxis, which other condition should be considered?
• What is a common complaint of a patient with peripheral vascular disease in the context of leg health?
• During a cardiac examination, what change is expected in the jugular venous pulsation with changes in position?
• Which test might be necessary to confirm the presence of mitral stenosis?
• A 22-year-old male experiences severe abdominal pain after heavy drinking. What condition is he likely suffering from?
• Which blood vessel's health is crucial when performing an Allen's test?
• In a knee injury resulting from an external impact, which structure is considered an extra-articular structure?
• The presence of elevated temperature and shortness of breath following a cold may indicate what condition?
• Which clinical finding is commonly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy?
• Which group of lymph nodes can be found just behind the sternocleidomastoid muscles?
• A patient presents with transient vision loss. What is the most likely associated finding on examination?
• If a patient experiences significant weight loss without an effort to lose weight, what question might be pertinent to ask?
• Which technique helps to hear S2 splitting more clearly?
• What might cause a patient to develop edema in the lower extremities?
• What is the expected physical examination finding in a patient with aortic regurgitation?
• What health concern should a healthcare provider ask about regarding any significant changes in a patient's weight over time?
• In a 55-year-old man with epigastric pain lasting for over 30 minutes, which potential cause should be considered?
• What is the risk of death annually in patients classified as having 'severe' peripheral arterial disease?
• Radiating chest pain creating a sensation similar to "tearing" is often associated with which condition?