COMSAE Phase 1 Form 115 Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. A 24-year-old woman presents with fever, fatigue, and pallor.
Laboratory tests reveal hemoglobin of 8 g/dL, MCV 70 fL, and
serum ferritin of 5 ng/mL. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Vitamin B12 deficiency
B. Iron deficiency anemia
C. Hemolytic anemia
D. Aplastic anemia
Rationale: The low MCV indicates microcytic anemia. Low ferritin
confirms iron deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency typically causes
macrocytic anemia, hemolytic anemia shows elevated reticulocyte
count and LDH, and aplastic anemia presents with pancytopenia.
, 2. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sensation of taste on
the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
A. Trigeminal (CN V)
B. Facial (CN VII)
C. Glossopharyngeal (CN IX)
D. Vagus (CN X)
Rationale: CN VII (facial nerve) via the chorda tympani branch carries
taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. CN IX
carries taste from the posterior third, and CN V carries general
sensation but not taste.
3. A patient presents with a severe headache described as “the
worst ever,” neck stiffness, and photophobia. Which of the
following is the most appropriate initial test?
A. MRI brain
B. Non-contrast CT scan of the head
C. Lumbar puncture
D. EEG
Rationale: A sudden, severe headache raises suspicion for
subarachnoid hemorrhage. Non-contrast CT is the initial imaging of
choice. Lumbar puncture is indicated if CT is negative but clinical
suspicion remains.
, 4. Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with
chronic kidney disease?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Rationale: CKD leads to impaired potassium excretion, causing
hyperkalemia. Hypocalcemia may also occur, but hyperkalemia is
more acute and dangerous.
5. A 3-year-old child presents with a barking cough and stridor. What
is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Epiglottitis
B. Bronchiolitis
C. Croup (laryngotracheitis)
D. Foreign body aspiration
Rationale: Barking cough and stridor in a toddler suggest viral croup.
Epiglottitis presents with drooling and high fever, bronchiolitis
primarily shows wheezing, and foreign body aspiration has sudden
onset with asymmetric lung findings.
6. Which of the following antibiotics is contraindicated in pregnancy?
A. Penicillin
, B. Cephalosporin
C. Tetracycline
D. Erythromycin
Rationale: Tetracyclines cause permanent teeth discoloration and
bone growth inhibition in the fetus. Penicillins and cephalosporins are
generally safe, and erythromycin is considered safe (except for the
estolate form).
7. In the cardiac cycle, which event corresponds to the first heart
sound (S1)?
A. Closure of aortic and pulmonic valves
B. Closure of mitral and tricuspid valves
C. Opening of mitral valve
D. Opening of aortic valve
Rationale: S1 occurs due to closure of the atrioventricular valves
(mitral and tricuspid) at the beginning of ventricular systole. S2
corresponds to semilunar valve closure.
8. Which of the following is the most common cause of Cushing
syndrome?
A. Ectopic ACTH secretion
B. Adrenal carcinoma
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A 24-year-old woman presents with fever, fatigue, and pallor.
Laboratory tests reveal hemoglobin of 8 g/dL, MCV 70 fL, and
serum ferritin of 5 ng/mL. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Vitamin B12 deficiency
B. Iron deficiency anemia
C. Hemolytic anemia
D. Aplastic anemia
Rationale: The low MCV indicates microcytic anemia. Low ferritin
confirms iron deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency typically causes
macrocytic anemia, hemolytic anemia shows elevated reticulocyte
count and LDH, and aplastic anemia presents with pancytopenia.
, 2. Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sensation of taste on
the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
A. Trigeminal (CN V)
B. Facial (CN VII)
C. Glossopharyngeal (CN IX)
D. Vagus (CN X)
Rationale: CN VII (facial nerve) via the chorda tympani branch carries
taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. CN IX
carries taste from the posterior third, and CN V carries general
sensation but not taste.
3. A patient presents with a severe headache described as “the
worst ever,” neck stiffness, and photophobia. Which of the
following is the most appropriate initial test?
A. MRI brain
B. Non-contrast CT scan of the head
C. Lumbar puncture
D. EEG
Rationale: A sudden, severe headache raises suspicion for
subarachnoid hemorrhage. Non-contrast CT is the initial imaging of
choice. Lumbar puncture is indicated if CT is negative but clinical
suspicion remains.
, 4. Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with
chronic kidney disease?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Rationale: CKD leads to impaired potassium excretion, causing
hyperkalemia. Hypocalcemia may also occur, but hyperkalemia is
more acute and dangerous.
5. A 3-year-old child presents with a barking cough and stridor. What
is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Epiglottitis
B. Bronchiolitis
C. Croup (laryngotracheitis)
D. Foreign body aspiration
Rationale: Barking cough and stridor in a toddler suggest viral croup.
Epiglottitis presents with drooling and high fever, bronchiolitis
primarily shows wheezing, and foreign body aspiration has sudden
onset with asymmetric lung findings.
6. Which of the following antibiotics is contraindicated in pregnancy?
A. Penicillin
, B. Cephalosporin
C. Tetracycline
D. Erythromycin
Rationale: Tetracyclines cause permanent teeth discoloration and
bone growth inhibition in the fetus. Penicillins and cephalosporins are
generally safe, and erythromycin is considered safe (except for the
estolate form).
7. In the cardiac cycle, which event corresponds to the first heart
sound (S1)?
A. Closure of aortic and pulmonic valves
B. Closure of mitral and tricuspid valves
C. Opening of mitral valve
D. Opening of aortic valve
Rationale: S1 occurs due to closure of the atrioventricular valves
(mitral and tricuspid) at the beginning of ventricular systole. S2
corresponds to semilunar valve closure.
8. Which of the following is the most common cause of Cushing
syndrome?
A. Ectopic ACTH secretion
B. Adrenal carcinoma
