NCCAOM-BIOMEDICINE FINAL EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 55-year-old male presents with sudden onset of excruciating pain in the big toe. The joint
is swollen, red, and warm to the touch. Which of the following lab findings is most likely to
confirm the diagnosis?
A. Elevated Rheumatoid Factor
B. High Uric Acid levels
C. Decreased Hemoglobin
D. Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The clinical presentation of acute pain in the first
metatarsophalangeal joint is classic for gout, which is characterized by hyperuricemia and
the deposition of monosodium urate crystals.
2. Which of the following physical examination maneuvers is specifically used to assess for a
tear in the meniscus of the knee?
A. McMurray test
,B. Drawer test
C. Lachman test
D. Phalen test
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The McMurray test is used to evaluate the meniscus, whereas
Lachman and Drawer tests assess the cruciate ligaments, and Phalen test is for carpal
tunnel syndrome.
3. A patient taking Warfarin (Coumadin) should be advised against taking which of the
following supplements due to a high risk of increasing the drug’s anticoagulant effect?
A. Calcium
B. Vitamin K
C. Coenzyme Q10
D. Dong Quai
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dong Quai has coumarin-like constituents that can potentiate
the effects of Warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Vitamin K and CoQ10 can actually
decrease the effectiveness of Warfarin.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of mastication?
A. CN V (Trigeminal)
, B. CN VII (Facial)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
E. N/A
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The mandibular branch of the Trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication, including the masseter and
temporalis.
5. A positive Babinski sign in an adult is indicative of:
A. Upper motor neuron lesion
B. Lower motor neuron lesion
C. Peripheral neuropathy
D. Cerebellar ataxia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Babinski sign (dorsiflexion of the big toe) in an adult
is a sign of central nervous system damage, specifically an upper motor neuron lesion.
6. Which of the following hormones is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?
A. Growth Hormone
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 55-year-old male presents with sudden onset of excruciating pain in the big toe. The joint
is swollen, red, and warm to the touch. Which of the following lab findings is most likely to
confirm the diagnosis?
A. Elevated Rheumatoid Factor
B. High Uric Acid levels
C. Decreased Hemoglobin
D. Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The clinical presentation of acute pain in the first
metatarsophalangeal joint is classic for gout, which is characterized by hyperuricemia and
the deposition of monosodium urate crystals.
2. Which of the following physical examination maneuvers is specifically used to assess for a
tear in the meniscus of the knee?
A. McMurray test
,B. Drawer test
C. Lachman test
D. Phalen test
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The McMurray test is used to evaluate the meniscus, whereas
Lachman and Drawer tests assess the cruciate ligaments, and Phalen test is for carpal
tunnel syndrome.
3. A patient taking Warfarin (Coumadin) should be advised against taking which of the
following supplements due to a high risk of increasing the drug’s anticoagulant effect?
A. Calcium
B. Vitamin K
C. Coenzyme Q10
D. Dong Quai
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dong Quai has coumarin-like constituents that can potentiate
the effects of Warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Vitamin K and CoQ10 can actually
decrease the effectiveness of Warfarin.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of mastication?
A. CN V (Trigeminal)
, B. CN VII (Facial)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
E. N/A
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The mandibular branch of the Trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication, including the masseter and
temporalis.
5. A positive Babinski sign in an adult is indicative of:
A. Upper motor neuron lesion
B. Lower motor neuron lesion
C. Peripheral neuropathy
D. Cerebellar ataxia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Babinski sign (dorsiflexion of the big toe) in an adult
is a sign of central nervous system damage, specifically an upper motor neuron lesion.
6. Which of the following hormones is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?
A. Growth Hormone
