NCLEX Question for diagnosis or determining the person's needs

NCLEX Review Question

Which of the following items is considered the single most important factor in assisting the health professional in arriving at a diagnosis or determining the person's needs?

a.History of present illness
b.Physical examination
c.Diagnostic test results
d.Biographical data

Correct Answer: A
History of present illness
Rationale: The history of the present illness is the single most important factor in assisting the health professional in arriving at a diagnosis or determining the person's needs.

Physical examination
Rationale: The physical examination is helpful but often only validates the information obtained from the history.

Diagnostic test results
Rationale: Diagnostic test results can be helpful, but they often only verify rather than establish the diagnosis.

Biographical data
Rationale: Biographical information puts the health history in context but does not focus the diagnosis.

Posted in: MSN NCLEX