NCCAOM-BIOMEDICINE STUDY GUIDE
EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with sudden onset of severe right upper quadrant pain that radiates to
the right scapula. On physical examination, the clinician notes an inspiratory arrest during
deep palpation of the right subcostal region. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Acute Appendicitis
B. Acute Cholecystitis
C. Acute Pancreatitis
D. Nephrolithiasis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The clinical sign described is Murphy’s sign, which is highly
sensitive for acute cholecystitis. The pain radiation to the scapula (Boas’ sign) is also
characteristic of gallbladder disease.
,2. Which of the following classes of antihypertensive medications is most commonly
associated with a persistent dry cough as a side effect?
A. Calcium Channel Blockers
B. ACE Inhibitors
C. Beta-Blockers
D. Thiazide Diuretics
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors lead to an accumulation of bradykinin and
substance P in the respiratory tract, which can trigger a dry, non-productive cough in about
10-20% of patients.
3. A 45-year-old male complains of knee pain after a sports injury involving a twisting motion.
A positive McMurray test is observed. This finding most likely indicates damage to which
structure?
A. Meniscus
B. Anterior Crucial Ligament (ACL)
C. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
D. Patellar Tendon
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: The McMurray test is used to evaluate the integrity of the
menisci. A click or pain during the maneuver indicates a tear.
4. According to current clinical guidelines, a Hemoglobin A1c level of what percentage is the
minimum threshold for a diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus?
A. 5.7%
B. 6.0%
C. 6.5%
D. 7.0%
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests is
diagnostic for Diabetes Mellitus. 5.7% to 6.4% is considered pre-diabetes.
5. A positive Babinski sign in an adult patient is indicative of which of the following?
A. Lower Motor Neuron lesion
B. Upper Motor Neuron lesion
C. Peripheral Neuropathy
D. Normal aging process
Answer: B
EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with sudden onset of severe right upper quadrant pain that radiates to
the right scapula. On physical examination, the clinician notes an inspiratory arrest during
deep palpation of the right subcostal region. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Acute Appendicitis
B. Acute Cholecystitis
C. Acute Pancreatitis
D. Nephrolithiasis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The clinical sign described is Murphy’s sign, which is highly
sensitive for acute cholecystitis. The pain radiation to the scapula (Boas’ sign) is also
characteristic of gallbladder disease.
,2. Which of the following classes of antihypertensive medications is most commonly
associated with a persistent dry cough as a side effect?
A. Calcium Channel Blockers
B. ACE Inhibitors
C. Beta-Blockers
D. Thiazide Diuretics
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors lead to an accumulation of bradykinin and
substance P in the respiratory tract, which can trigger a dry, non-productive cough in about
10-20% of patients.
3. A 45-year-old male complains of knee pain after a sports injury involving a twisting motion.
A positive McMurray test is observed. This finding most likely indicates damage to which
structure?
A. Meniscus
B. Anterior Crucial Ligament (ACL)
C. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
D. Patellar Tendon
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: The McMurray test is used to evaluate the integrity of the
menisci. A click or pain during the maneuver indicates a tear.
4. According to current clinical guidelines, a Hemoglobin A1c level of what percentage is the
minimum threshold for a diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus?
A. 5.7%
B. 6.0%
C. 6.5%
D. 7.0%
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests is
diagnostic for Diabetes Mellitus. 5.7% to 6.4% is considered pre-diabetes.
5. A positive Babinski sign in an adult patient is indicative of which of the following?
A. Lower Motor Neuron lesion
B. Upper Motor Neuron lesion
C. Peripheral Neuropathy
D. Normal aging process
Answer: B
