NCCAOM-BIOMEDICINE EXAM 2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 55-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of severe, ‘tearing’ chest pain that
radiates to the back between the scapulae. The patient is hypertensive. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Aortic Dissection
C. Pulmonary Embolism
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aortic dissection typically presents with sudden, severe, tearing
or ripping pain that radiates to the back. It is often associated with a history of
hypertension.
2. Which of the following laboratory findings is most characteristic of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
A. Increased Serum Ferritin
B. Decreased Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
,C. Decreased Serum Ferritin and Increased TIBC
D. Macrocytic RBC indices
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In iron deficiency anemia, ferritin (stored iron) is low, and TIBC
is increased as the body tries to compensate by increasing the capacity to transport iron.
3. A positive McMurray’s test is most indicative of an injury to which structure?
A. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
B. Meniscus
C. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
D. Achilles Tendon
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: McMurray’s test is used to evaluate individuals for tears in the
meniscus of the knee.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of mastication?
A. CN VII (Facial)
B. CN V (Trigeminal)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Trigeminal nerve (CN V), specifically the mandibular branch
(V3), provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication.
5. A patient taking Lisinopril for hypertension develops a persistent, dry, non-productive
cough. This is a common side effect of which drug class?
A. Beta-Blockers
B. Calcium Channel Blockers
C. Diuretics
D. ACE Inhibitors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors (like Lisinopril) prevent the breakdown of
bradykinin, which can lead to a dry cough in some patients.
6. Which of the following is a ‘Red Flag’ symptom requiring immediate medical referral in a
patient with low back pain?
A. Pain relieved by rest
B. Pain radiating down the lateral leg
C. Muscle stiffness in the morning
D. Sudden urinary incontinence or saddle anesthesia
Answer: D
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 55-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of severe, ‘tearing’ chest pain that
radiates to the back between the scapulae. The patient is hypertensive. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Aortic Dissection
C. Pulmonary Embolism
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aortic dissection typically presents with sudden, severe, tearing
or ripping pain that radiates to the back. It is often associated with a history of
hypertension.
2. Which of the following laboratory findings is most characteristic of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
A. Increased Serum Ferritin
B. Decreased Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
,C. Decreased Serum Ferritin and Increased TIBC
D. Macrocytic RBC indices
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In iron deficiency anemia, ferritin (stored iron) is low, and TIBC
is increased as the body tries to compensate by increasing the capacity to transport iron.
3. A positive McMurray’s test is most indicative of an injury to which structure?
A. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
B. Meniscus
C. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
D. Achilles Tendon
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: McMurray’s test is used to evaluate individuals for tears in the
meniscus of the knee.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of mastication?
A. CN VII (Facial)
B. CN V (Trigeminal)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Trigeminal nerve (CN V), specifically the mandibular branch
(V3), provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication.
5. A patient taking Lisinopril for hypertension develops a persistent, dry, non-productive
cough. This is a common side effect of which drug class?
A. Beta-Blockers
B. Calcium Channel Blockers
C. Diuretics
D. ACE Inhibitors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors (like Lisinopril) prevent the breakdown of
bradykinin, which can lead to a dry cough in some patients.
6. Which of the following is a ‘Red Flag’ symptom requiring immediate medical referral in a
patient with low back pain?
A. Pain relieved by rest
B. Pain radiating down the lateral leg
C. Muscle stiffness in the morning
D. Sudden urinary incontinence or saddle anesthesia
Answer: D
