MSN 6100 Final Exam With Detailed
Questions And Correct
Answers||Latest Exam 2025-
2026||Graded A+
Summarize and explain the core principles of functional medicine -ANS BPDWHE
(1) biochemical individuality (2) pt centered care (3) dynamic balance between external
and internal factors (4) web-like interconnectedness (5) health as a positive vitality (6)
enhancement of organ reserve
State the characteristics and explain the importance of biochemical individuality State
the characteristics and explain the importance of biochemical individuality and patient
centered care -ANS -concept that each individual has a unique physiological and
biochemical composition, based upon his or her individual genetic make-up, that
interacts with the individual's specific environment and inputs (experiences, nutrients,
activity, toxins, medications, etc.), to influence gene expression.
-gene expression related to proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics
-Considers variations in DNA → affect gene expression & Our dietary habits,
environment, and lifestyle → affect gene expression (i.e., these effects are NOT
attributed to changes in DNA sequence)
State the characteristics and explain the importance of patient centered care -ANS -
Applying the model of person-centered diagnosis to patients facilitates a broader
understanding of a patient's chronic illness and how to most effectively approach it.
-Disease pathogenesis is conceptualized in the antecedents, triggers, and mediators
(ATMs).
7 Factors to pt centered care -ANS --Person centered dx, considering ATMs and
--Consider also the physical and social environment in which sickness occurs
--dietary habits of the person who is sick (present diet and preillness diet)
--beliefs of the patient about the illness
--impact of illness on social and psychological function
--factors that aggravate or ameliorate symptoms
--factors that predispose to illness or facilitate recovery
Antecedants -ANS factors, genetic or acquired, that predispose to illness.
Triggers -ANS factors that provoke the symptoms and signs of illness.
,Mediators -ANS factors, biochemical or psychosocial, that contribute to pathological
changes and dysfunctional responses.
State the characteristics and explain the importance of dynamic balance -ANS -
homeostasis: balance of internal and external factors (not only internal)
allostasis -ANS The process of achieving stability, or homeostasis, through
physiological or behavioral change.
Homeodynamics -ANS the tendency of homeostatic set points to change throughout an
organism's lifespan, and thus describes how departures from a homeostatic norm can
be adaptive (e.g., fever) or pathological, depending on the context.
homeostasis . -ANS the tendency of living things to maintain physiological parameters
within a narrow range usually considered normal in order to maintain optimal function.
Under this definition, disease can be defined as a departure from the homeostatic state
State the characteristics and explain the importance of web-like interconnections - why
do we use a multidirectional web? -ANS Definition: when multiple core imbalances lead
to one disease/condition AND/OR one core imbalance leads to multiple
diseases/conditions
• Core imbalances can influence many different body functions and systems
• Sometimes there is no core imbalance, but there are several biochemical pathways
that are off-center and affect health.
Core Imbalances -ANS ADEBCTS (1) Assimilation (2) Defense and repair (3) energy
(4) biotransformation (5) communication (6) transport (7) structural integrity
State the characteristics and explain the importance of health as a positive vitality -
ANS state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity
State the characteristics and explain the importance of promotion of organ reserve -
ANS -Definition: difference between the maximal function of a vital organ and the level
of function required to maintain an individual's daily life
-i.e. "reserve power" - ability to go above & beyond what is required
-declines with stress (medications, toxins), aging, and illness
-most sig changes occur in heart, lungs, and kidney
Identify the similarities between functional medicine and conventional Western medicine
-ANS
Identify the differences between functional medicine and conventional Western
medicine -ANS · Root causes vs symptoms of the disease.
· Patient-centered as opposed to disease-centered.
, · Preventive: treats the disease at an early stage instead of at a later stage when the
disease requires clinical intervention.
· Emphasizes that diseases are caused by altered physiological processes (root
causes) and imbalanced bodily systems (core imbalances).
Analyses the patient's story, signs, symptoms, and laboratory results instead of
matching diagnosis with drug/hardware interventions
· Describe and clarify scenarios when one type of healthcare might be more appropriate
and beneficial to the patient -ANS i. For acute conditions (e.g., a heart attack, a broken
leg, appendicitis, a sudden lung infection, etc.), you need CM with its life-saving
technology, surgery, and antibiotics.
ii. For chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, IBS, neurological disorders,
musculoskeletal disorders, autoimmune diseases, obesity, & certain types of cancers),
FM might be an effective approach.
· Explain the importance of gather -ANS -Information through intake forms,
questionnaires, the initial consultation, physical exam, and objective data.
-A detailed functional medicine history taken appropriate to age, gender, and nature of
presenting problems.
-ABCDs (Anthropometrics, Biomarkers, clinical indicators, diet and lifestyle assessment)
-Form ex: Medical symptom questionnaire (MSQ) • Diet and lifestyle assessments (e.g.,
sleep questionnaire; exercise history; diet, nutrition, and lifestyle; depression, anxiety,
and stress scales; adult (or child) toxin exposure questionnaire; life stress
questionnaire; environmental sensitivity questionnaire, FM timeline
Explain the importance of organize -ANS the subjective and objective details from the
patient's story within the functional medicine paradigm. Positioning the patient's
presenting signs and symptoms, along with the details of the case history on the
timeline
-Put timeline into FM matrix (ATM), modifiable personal lifestyle factor, and retelling pt's
story/ATMs
Explain the importance of tell -ANS Tell the story back to the patient in your own words
to ensure accuracy and understanding. The re-telling of the patient's story is a dialogue
about the case highlights including the antecedents, triggers, and mediators identified in
the history, correlating them to the timeline and matrix. The patient is asked to join in
correcting and amplifying the story.
Explain the Importance of Order -ANS -order and prioritize the patient's information:
-1) Acknowledge patient's goals. 2) Address modifiable lifestyle factors. 3) What are the
insufficiencies/excesses?
-Identify core imbalances or disruptions on FM matrix.
Root Causes of Disease -ANS -Toxins (biologic, elemental, synthetic)
-Allergens (food, mold, dust, animal products, pollen, chemicals)
Questions And Correct
Answers||Latest Exam 2025-
2026||Graded A+
Summarize and explain the core principles of functional medicine -ANS BPDWHE
(1) biochemical individuality (2) pt centered care (3) dynamic balance between external
and internal factors (4) web-like interconnectedness (5) health as a positive vitality (6)
enhancement of organ reserve
State the characteristics and explain the importance of biochemical individuality State
the characteristics and explain the importance of biochemical individuality and patient
centered care -ANS -concept that each individual has a unique physiological and
biochemical composition, based upon his or her individual genetic make-up, that
interacts with the individual's specific environment and inputs (experiences, nutrients,
activity, toxins, medications, etc.), to influence gene expression.
-gene expression related to proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics
-Considers variations in DNA → affect gene expression & Our dietary habits,
environment, and lifestyle → affect gene expression (i.e., these effects are NOT
attributed to changes in DNA sequence)
State the characteristics and explain the importance of patient centered care -ANS -
Applying the model of person-centered diagnosis to patients facilitates a broader
understanding of a patient's chronic illness and how to most effectively approach it.
-Disease pathogenesis is conceptualized in the antecedents, triggers, and mediators
(ATMs).
7 Factors to pt centered care -ANS --Person centered dx, considering ATMs and
--Consider also the physical and social environment in which sickness occurs
--dietary habits of the person who is sick (present diet and preillness diet)
--beliefs of the patient about the illness
--impact of illness on social and psychological function
--factors that aggravate or ameliorate symptoms
--factors that predispose to illness or facilitate recovery
Antecedants -ANS factors, genetic or acquired, that predispose to illness.
Triggers -ANS factors that provoke the symptoms and signs of illness.
,Mediators -ANS factors, biochemical or psychosocial, that contribute to pathological
changes and dysfunctional responses.
State the characteristics and explain the importance of dynamic balance -ANS -
homeostasis: balance of internal and external factors (not only internal)
allostasis -ANS The process of achieving stability, or homeostasis, through
physiological or behavioral change.
Homeodynamics -ANS the tendency of homeostatic set points to change throughout an
organism's lifespan, and thus describes how departures from a homeostatic norm can
be adaptive (e.g., fever) or pathological, depending on the context.
homeostasis . -ANS the tendency of living things to maintain physiological parameters
within a narrow range usually considered normal in order to maintain optimal function.
Under this definition, disease can be defined as a departure from the homeostatic state
State the characteristics and explain the importance of web-like interconnections - why
do we use a multidirectional web? -ANS Definition: when multiple core imbalances lead
to one disease/condition AND/OR one core imbalance leads to multiple
diseases/conditions
• Core imbalances can influence many different body functions and systems
• Sometimes there is no core imbalance, but there are several biochemical pathways
that are off-center and affect health.
Core Imbalances -ANS ADEBCTS (1) Assimilation (2) Defense and repair (3) energy
(4) biotransformation (5) communication (6) transport (7) structural integrity
State the characteristics and explain the importance of health as a positive vitality -
ANS state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity
State the characteristics and explain the importance of promotion of organ reserve -
ANS -Definition: difference between the maximal function of a vital organ and the level
of function required to maintain an individual's daily life
-i.e. "reserve power" - ability to go above & beyond what is required
-declines with stress (medications, toxins), aging, and illness
-most sig changes occur in heart, lungs, and kidney
Identify the similarities between functional medicine and conventional Western medicine
-ANS
Identify the differences between functional medicine and conventional Western
medicine -ANS · Root causes vs symptoms of the disease.
· Patient-centered as opposed to disease-centered.
, · Preventive: treats the disease at an early stage instead of at a later stage when the
disease requires clinical intervention.
· Emphasizes that diseases are caused by altered physiological processes (root
causes) and imbalanced bodily systems (core imbalances).
Analyses the patient's story, signs, symptoms, and laboratory results instead of
matching diagnosis with drug/hardware interventions
· Describe and clarify scenarios when one type of healthcare might be more appropriate
and beneficial to the patient -ANS i. For acute conditions (e.g., a heart attack, a broken
leg, appendicitis, a sudden lung infection, etc.), you need CM with its life-saving
technology, surgery, and antibiotics.
ii. For chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, IBS, neurological disorders,
musculoskeletal disorders, autoimmune diseases, obesity, & certain types of cancers),
FM might be an effective approach.
· Explain the importance of gather -ANS -Information through intake forms,
questionnaires, the initial consultation, physical exam, and objective data.
-A detailed functional medicine history taken appropriate to age, gender, and nature of
presenting problems.
-ABCDs (Anthropometrics, Biomarkers, clinical indicators, diet and lifestyle assessment)
-Form ex: Medical symptom questionnaire (MSQ) • Diet and lifestyle assessments (e.g.,
sleep questionnaire; exercise history; diet, nutrition, and lifestyle; depression, anxiety,
and stress scales; adult (or child) toxin exposure questionnaire; life stress
questionnaire; environmental sensitivity questionnaire, FM timeline
Explain the importance of organize -ANS the subjective and objective details from the
patient's story within the functional medicine paradigm. Positioning the patient's
presenting signs and symptoms, along with the details of the case history on the
timeline
-Put timeline into FM matrix (ATM), modifiable personal lifestyle factor, and retelling pt's
story/ATMs
Explain the importance of tell -ANS Tell the story back to the patient in your own words
to ensure accuracy and understanding. The re-telling of the patient's story is a dialogue
about the case highlights including the antecedents, triggers, and mediators identified in
the history, correlating them to the timeline and matrix. The patient is asked to join in
correcting and amplifying the story.
Explain the Importance of Order -ANS -order and prioritize the patient's information:
-1) Acknowledge patient's goals. 2) Address modifiable lifestyle factors. 3) What are the
insufficiencies/excesses?
-Identify core imbalances or disruptions on FM matrix.
Root Causes of Disease -ANS -Toxins (biologic, elemental, synthetic)
-Allergens (food, mold, dust, animal products, pollen, chemicals)
