NCCAOM BIOMEDICINE
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 65-year-old male presents with sudden onset of severe ‘tearing’ chest pain radiating to
the back between the scapulae. His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg in the right arm and
140/80 mmHg in the left arm. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Acute Myocardial Infarction
B. Pulmonary Embolism
C. Aortic Dissection
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aortic dissection typically presents with sudden, tearing chest
pain radiating to the back and a significant difference in blood pressure between arms.
2. Which of the following physical exam maneuvers is most specific for detecting an ACL
(Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear?
A. McMurray Test
,B. Apley Compression Test
C. Lachman Test
D. Valgus Stress Test
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Lachman test is considered the most sensitive and specific
clinical test for ACL insufficiency.
3. A patient taking Warfarin (Coumadin) should be monitored primarily using which
laboratory value?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet Count
C. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
D. Bleeding Time
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard measurement used to monitor the
effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sensory perception of the anterior two-thirds of
the tongue?
A. CN X (Vagus)
B. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
, C. CN V (Trigeminal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
E. CN VII (Facial)
Answer: E
Conceptual Explanation: The chorda tympani branch of CN VII provides taste sensation to
the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, while CN V3 provides general sensation.
5. A positive Murphy’s sign is highly suggestive of which condition?
A. Appendicitis
B. Pancreatitis
C. Nephrolithiasis
D. Acute Cholecystitis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign (cessation of inspiration on deep palpation of the
RUQ) is a classic indicator of acute cholecystitis.
6. Which medication is classified as an ACE inhibitor?
A. Losartan
B. Amlodipine
C. Lisinopril
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 65-year-old male presents with sudden onset of severe ‘tearing’ chest pain radiating to
the back between the scapulae. His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg in the right arm and
140/80 mmHg in the left arm. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Acute Myocardial Infarction
B. Pulmonary Embolism
C. Aortic Dissection
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aortic dissection typically presents with sudden, tearing chest
pain radiating to the back and a significant difference in blood pressure between arms.
2. Which of the following physical exam maneuvers is most specific for detecting an ACL
(Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear?
A. McMurray Test
,B. Apley Compression Test
C. Lachman Test
D. Valgus Stress Test
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Lachman test is considered the most sensitive and specific
clinical test for ACL insufficiency.
3. A patient taking Warfarin (Coumadin) should be monitored primarily using which
laboratory value?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet Count
C. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
D. Bleeding Time
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: INR is the standard measurement used to monitor the
effectiveness and safety of Warfarin therapy.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sensory perception of the anterior two-thirds of
the tongue?
A. CN X (Vagus)
B. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
, C. CN V (Trigeminal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
E. CN VII (Facial)
Answer: E
Conceptual Explanation: The chorda tympani branch of CN VII provides taste sensation to
the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, while CN V3 provides general sensation.
5. A positive Murphy’s sign is highly suggestive of which condition?
A. Appendicitis
B. Pancreatitis
C. Nephrolithiasis
D. Acute Cholecystitis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Murphy’s sign (cessation of inspiration on deep palpation of the
RUQ) is a classic indicator of acute cholecystitis.
6. Which medication is classified as an ACE inhibitor?
A. Losartan
B. Amlodipine
C. Lisinopril
