APEA APEA Differential Diagnosis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 32-year-old woman presents with fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, and constipation. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

The constellation of fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, and constipation is classic for hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate from insufficient thyroid hormone.

Question 2

A 55-year-old male smoker presents with hemoptysis, weight loss, and a new cough. The NP's first priority differential is:

Accepted Answer

Lung cancer

Answer

In a middle-aged smoker, hemoptysis with constitutional symptoms (weight loss) must raise lung cancer as the top priority until proven otherwise.

Question 3

A young woman presents with episodic headache, diaphoresis, and hypertension with heart palpitations. Which rare diagnosis must be considered?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

The triad of episodic headache, diaphoresis, and hypertension is the classic presentation of pheochromocytoma, a catecholamine-secreting adrenal tumor.

Question 4

A patient presents with unilateral facial pain, vesicular rash along the jaw line, and ear pain. The most likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Answer

Unilateral dermatomal vesicular rash with pain in the facial area represents herpes zoster reactivation along the trigeminal nerve distribution.

Question 5

A 40-year-old presents with symmetric joint pain, morning stiffness lasting over 1 hour, and fatigue. Which diagnosis best fits this presentation?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer

Symmetric joint involvement, prolonged morning stiffness exceeding 1 hour, and fatigue are hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune inflammatory arthropathy.

APEA - Advanced Practice Education Associates Practice Test

APEA - Advanced Practice Education Associates Practice Test

APEA APEA Differential Diagnosis Questions and Answers