Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

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