COLORADO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL
LICENSING (COMLEX-USA) PRACTICE
EXAM Questions with Verified Answers
& Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with acute low back pain after
lifting. Which OMT technique is most appropriate for lumbar
hypertonicity?
A. HVLA
B. Myofascial release
C. Lymphatic pump
D. Rib raising
Answer: B
Rationale: Myofascial release is gentle and appropriate for acute
muscular hypertonicity where HVLA may be contraindicated due
to acute pain and guarding.
2. A patient with asthma has increased respiratory effort. Which rib
motion is most likely impaired?
A. Bucket handle
B. Pump handle
C. Caliper
D. All motions
, Answer: D
Rationale: Asthma increases work of breathing affecting all rib
mechanics including pump handle, bucket handle, and caliper
motion.
3. Which medication is first-line for anaphylaxis?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
C. Albuterol
D. Prednisone
Answer: B
Rationale: Epinephrine is first-line due to its alpha and beta
agonist effects reversing airway edema and hypotension.
4. A patient has somatic dysfunction of T4–T6 with inhalation
dysfunction. What is the diagnosis?
A. Exhaled rib dysfunction
B. Type I dysfunction
C. Type II dysfunction
D. Chapman point
Answer: C
Rationale: Type II dysfunction involves single vertebrae flexed or
extended, often segmental like T4–T6.
5. Which cranial nerve controls facial expression?
A. CN V
B. CN VII
C. CN IX
D. CN X
Answer: B
, Rationale: CN VII (facial nerve) controls muscles of facial
expression.
6. What is the most common cause of community-acquired
pneumonia?
A. Klebsiella
B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
C. Pseudomonas
D. Legionella
Answer: B
Rationale: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause
of community-acquired pneumonia.
7. A patient has elevated creatinine and decreased GFR. Which
kidney structure is primarily affected?
A. Glomerulus
B. Loop of Henle
C. Collecting duct
D. Distal tubule
Answer: A
Rationale: GFR is directly determined by glomerular filtration
function.
8. Which OMT technique is best for rib raising?
A. Parasympathetic stimulation
B. Sympathetic stimulation
C. HVLA lumbar
D. Muscle energy
Answer: B
LICENSING (COMLEX-USA) PRACTICE
EXAM Questions with Verified Answers
& Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with acute low back pain after
lifting. Which OMT technique is most appropriate for lumbar
hypertonicity?
A. HVLA
B. Myofascial release
C. Lymphatic pump
D. Rib raising
Answer: B
Rationale: Myofascial release is gentle and appropriate for acute
muscular hypertonicity where HVLA may be contraindicated due
to acute pain and guarding.
2. A patient with asthma has increased respiratory effort. Which rib
motion is most likely impaired?
A. Bucket handle
B. Pump handle
C. Caliper
D. All motions
, Answer: D
Rationale: Asthma increases work of breathing affecting all rib
mechanics including pump handle, bucket handle, and caliper
motion.
3. Which medication is first-line for anaphylaxis?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
C. Albuterol
D. Prednisone
Answer: B
Rationale: Epinephrine is first-line due to its alpha and beta
agonist effects reversing airway edema and hypotension.
4. A patient has somatic dysfunction of T4–T6 with inhalation
dysfunction. What is the diagnosis?
A. Exhaled rib dysfunction
B. Type I dysfunction
C. Type II dysfunction
D. Chapman point
Answer: C
Rationale: Type II dysfunction involves single vertebrae flexed or
extended, often segmental like T4–T6.
5. Which cranial nerve controls facial expression?
A. CN V
B. CN VII
C. CN IX
D. CN X
Answer: B
, Rationale: CN VII (facial nerve) controls muscles of facial
expression.
6. What is the most common cause of community-acquired
pneumonia?
A. Klebsiella
B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
C. Pseudomonas
D. Legionella
Answer: B
Rationale: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause
of community-acquired pneumonia.
7. A patient has elevated creatinine and decreased GFR. Which
kidney structure is primarily affected?
A. Glomerulus
B. Loop of Henle
C. Collecting duct
D. Distal tubule
Answer: A
Rationale: GFR is directly determined by glomerular filtration
function.
8. Which OMT technique is best for rib raising?
A. Parasympathetic stimulation
B. Sympathetic stimulation
C. HVLA lumbar
D. Muscle energy
Answer: B
