NANP Board Practice Exam

Which one of the following is NOT a helpful question in differentiating between symptoms related to seasonal allergies and the common cold?

1. Do the symptoms occur at specific times of the year?

2. Is fatigue a predominant symptom?

3. Is there a presence of fever?

4. Is there an itchy, runny nose?

The correct answer is: Is fatigue a predominant symptom?

When assessing symptoms to distinguish between seasonal allergies and the common cold, focusing on the specific characteristics of those symptoms is crucial. The question regarding fatigue being a predominant symptom does not effectively differentiate between the two conditions. Both seasonal allergies and the common cold can potentially lead to feelings of fatigue, but this symptom is not exclusive to either condition. Identifying whether symptoms occur in specific seasons, checking for fever, or noticing if there are itchy, runny nose symptoms are far more indicative. Symptoms that align closely with the timing of the year (like seasonal allergies), the presence or absence of fever (which is usually associated with infections like the cold), and specific allergy symptoms (such as an itchy, runny nose) provide clearer distinctions for diagnosis. These factors can help healthcare providers determine the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms more accurately, whereas fatigue does not offer the same definitive clarity.