NCCAOM Biomedicine Exam Complete Study Guide with Explanations
Comprehensive NCCAOM Biomedicine study guide covering all major topics,
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and
clinical case explanations. Ideal for exam preparation with detailed,
organized notes and key concepts.
Latest Updated Exam Study Guide 2025/2026.
What does elevated ALT indicate? - ansViral hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, cirrhosis, mono
What does elevated AST indicate? - ansHeart attack, strenuous exercise, mono, trauma
What does ALT=or>AST indicate? - ansViral hepatitis, mono, acute hepatotoxicity
What does 2:1 AST:ALT indicate? - ansAlcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, passive congestion,
bile duct obstruction
What does an increase in bilirubin indicate? - ansBlocked bile ducts, liver disease, hemolysis,
GB disease (possibly cancer)
What does a decrease in serum albumin indicate? - ansLiver or kidney disease, malabsorption
syndromes
What does an increase in serum albumin indicate? - ansDehydration
What does an increase in GGT indicate? - ansLiver disease, alcoholism
What does high level of alkaline phosphatase without GGT indicate? - ansBone disease
What is prothrombin time used to measure? - ansClotting factor changes in regards to drugs
or liver disease
What is the normal body temperature for an adult? - ans98.6 degrees F
What is the normal body temperature for an infant? - ans98.2 degrees F
What are the pathological causes of increased body temperature? - ansInfection, increased
blood sugar
What are the pathological causes of decreased body temperature? - ansDecreased H&H,
decreased blood sugar
(Narcotics)
What is the range for normal heart rate? - ans60-100 BPM
What is the value for bradycardia? - ans<59BPM
What is the value for tachycardia? - ans101+ BPM
What are the pathological causes of tachycardia? - ansDecreased K+ (potassium)
What are the important causes of bradycardia? - ansBeta blockers, acute MI
What is the normal respiratory rate? - ans10-20 breaths per minute
What is tachypnea? - ans20+ breaths per minute
What is bradypnea? - ans16- breaths per minute
What are the pathological causes of increased respiratory rate? - ansDecrease H&H, increase
blood sugar, asthma
What is the normal systolic blood pressure? - ans<130
What is the normal diastolic blood pressure? - ans>85
What are the pathological causes of decreased blood pressure? - ansDecreased H&H,
narcotics
What are X-Rays used for? - ansDetection of pathology of skeletal system, also soft tissue
What are ultra sounds used for? - ansVisualize muscles, tendons, organs- damage and stones
What Is a CT scan used for? - ansGenerates a three dimensional image of body; used to see
internal bleeding
What is an MRI used for? - ansImages pathological or other physiological alterations of
living tissue
Brain, tumor, damage
What is the normal range for RBCs? - ansMen:5-6 million/microliter
,NCCAOM Biomedicine Exam Complete Study Guide with Explanations
Comprehensive NCCAOM Biomedicine study guide covering all major topics,
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and
clinical case explanations. Ideal for exam preparation with detailed,
organized notes and key concepts.
Latest Updated Exam Study Guide 2025/2026.
Women: 3.6-5.6 million/microliter
What pathologies might increase RBC's? - ansPolycythemia vera, renal disease, CV disease,
pulmonary disease
What pathologies might decrease RBCs? - ansAnemia, Hodgkins, sickle cell
What is the normal range for HCT? - ansMen: 35-55
Women: 45
What pathologies might increase H&H? - ansShock, dehydration, COPD, CHF, polycythemia
What pathologies might decrease H&H? - ansAnemia, leukemia, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis
What is the normal range for WBCs? - ans5,000-10,000
What pathologies might increase WBCs? - ansAcute infection, neoplasm, leukemia
What pathologies might decrease WBCs? - ansBone marrow dx, immunity dx, metastasis,
AIDS, chemo
What pathologies might increase ESR? - ansKD pathology, RA, lupus, thyroid dx,
inflammation
What pathologies might decrease ESR? - ansSickle cell, polycythemia
What pathologies might increase iron? - ansAcute hepatitis, nephrosis
What pathologies might decrease iron? - ansAnemia, lupus, RA, hypothyroidism
3rd trimester pregnancy
What pathologies might increase BUN? - ansKD pathology, GI bleed, HT failure, steroid use
What pathologies might decrease BUN? - ansPregnancy, malnutrition, LV pathology
What is the normal level for createnine? - ans0.6-1.2 mg/dl
What pathologies might increase createnine? - ansKD pathology, hyperthyroidism
What might decrease createnine? - ansLoss of muscle mass, aging
What pathologies might increase uric acid? - ansGout->KD stones, arthritis
What pathologies might decrease uric acid? - ansKD disease, toxemia, hypothyroidism,
alcohol
What pathologies might increase CPK? - ansMI, skeletal muscle disease
What pathologies might increase LDH? - ansMI, pulmonary infarction, anemia, leukemia
What pathologies might decrease LDH? - ansMalnutrition
What are the normal values for HCT? - ansMales: 40-55
Females: 36-46
What are the normal values for HgB? - ansMales: 13-18
Females: 12-16
What are the LV enzymes? - ansGGT, AST, SGOT, ALT, SGPT
What pathologies might increase LV enzymes? - ansLV pathology, cardiac mm damage,
muscle injury, MD, neoplasm
What pathologies might decrease LV enzymes? - ansMalnutrition, Vit B def, pregnancy,
hypothalamism, hypothyroidism
What pathologies might increase alkaline phosphatase? - ansGrowing children, pregnancy,
gallstones
What pathologies might decrease alkaline phosphatase? - ansGenetics, hypoadrenia,
malnutrition
What pathologies might increase LDL? - ansAtherosclerosis
, NCCAOM Biomedicine Exam Complete Study Guide with Explanations
Comprehensive NCCAOM Biomedicine study guide covering all major topics,
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and
clinical case explanations. Ideal for exam preparation with detailed,
organized notes and key concepts.
Latest Updated Exam Study Guide 2025/2026.
What pathologies might decrease LDL? - ansHemorrhagic stroke
What pathologies might increase HDL? - ansInsulin, estrogen
What pathologies might decrease HDL? - ansHypothyroidism, DM, LV disease
What pathologies might increase T4? - ansHyperthyroidism
What pathologies might decrease T4? - ansHypothyroidism
What pathologies might increase MCH? - ansMacrocytic anemia
What pathologies might decrease MCH? - ansMicrocytic anemia
What pathologies might increase MCHC? - ansSpherocytosis
What pathologies might decrease MCHC? - ansIron deficiency anemia
What are the causes of decreased Na+? - ansVomiting/diarrhea
Ketoacidosis, diuretic use, CHF, KD disease
What are the symptoms of decreased Na+? - ansHA, confusion, weakness, lethargy, N/V/D
What are the causes of increased Na+? - ansExcessive sweating, hypothalamic dx, diabetes,
hyperadrenalism
What are the symptoms of increased Na+? - ansThirst, oliguria, dry flushed skin, CNS
agitation, decreased DTRs and BP, tachycardia, weak thready pulse
What are the causes of decreased K+? - ansVomiting, diarrhea, corticosteriod use, diuretic
use
What are the symptoms of decreased K+? - ansMuscle cramps and weakness, SOB thirst,
polyuria, arrhythmia, vomiting
What are the causes of increased K+? - ansDiabetes, adrenal insufficiency, urinary
obstruction
What are the symptoms of increased K+? - ansMuscle cramps and weakness, N/V/D, Gi
distress, ECG changes
What are the causes of decreased Ca++? - ansVitamin D deficiency, KD disease,
hypoparathyroidism
What are the symptoms of decreased Ca++? - ansParesthesias, muscle cramps in LE,
increased DTRs, slow mental processing
+Chvostek test
+Trousseau test
What are the causes of increased Ca++? - ansHyperparathyroidism, metastatic cancer,
multiple myeloma
What are the symptoms of increased Ca++? - ansMuscle weakness, ataxia, deep bone pain,
HTN, renal dysfunction, AV block, N/V/C
What are the causes of decreased P? - ansHyperparathyroidism, dietary
What are the symptoms of decreased P? - ansIntention tremor, ataxia, paresthesia, decreased
DTRs, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, bleeding dx
What are the causes of increased P? - ansHypoparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, KD disease
What are the symptoms of increased P? - ansIncreased BP and cardiac work, risk of
decreased bone mineral density
What are the causes of decreased Mg++? - ansDietary, diabetes, alcohol
What are the symptoms of decreased Mg++? - ansAtheoid/choreiform movements,
nystagmus, HTN, tachycardia/arrhythmia
Comprehensive NCCAOM Biomedicine study guide covering all major topics,
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and
clinical case explanations. Ideal for exam preparation with detailed,
organized notes and key concepts.
Latest Updated Exam Study Guide 2025/2026.
What does elevated ALT indicate? - ansViral hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, cirrhosis, mono
What does elevated AST indicate? - ansHeart attack, strenuous exercise, mono, trauma
What does ALT=or>AST indicate? - ansViral hepatitis, mono, acute hepatotoxicity
What does 2:1 AST:ALT indicate? - ansAlcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, passive congestion,
bile duct obstruction
What does an increase in bilirubin indicate? - ansBlocked bile ducts, liver disease, hemolysis,
GB disease (possibly cancer)
What does a decrease in serum albumin indicate? - ansLiver or kidney disease, malabsorption
syndromes
What does an increase in serum albumin indicate? - ansDehydration
What does an increase in GGT indicate? - ansLiver disease, alcoholism
What does high level of alkaline phosphatase without GGT indicate? - ansBone disease
What is prothrombin time used to measure? - ansClotting factor changes in regards to drugs
or liver disease
What is the normal body temperature for an adult? - ans98.6 degrees F
What is the normal body temperature for an infant? - ans98.2 degrees F
What are the pathological causes of increased body temperature? - ansInfection, increased
blood sugar
What are the pathological causes of decreased body temperature? - ansDecreased H&H,
decreased blood sugar
(Narcotics)
What is the range for normal heart rate? - ans60-100 BPM
What is the value for bradycardia? - ans<59BPM
What is the value for tachycardia? - ans101+ BPM
What are the pathological causes of tachycardia? - ansDecreased K+ (potassium)
What are the important causes of bradycardia? - ansBeta blockers, acute MI
What is the normal respiratory rate? - ans10-20 breaths per minute
What is tachypnea? - ans20+ breaths per minute
What is bradypnea? - ans16- breaths per minute
What are the pathological causes of increased respiratory rate? - ansDecrease H&H, increase
blood sugar, asthma
What is the normal systolic blood pressure? - ans<130
What is the normal diastolic blood pressure? - ans>85
What are the pathological causes of decreased blood pressure? - ansDecreased H&H,
narcotics
What are X-Rays used for? - ansDetection of pathology of skeletal system, also soft tissue
What are ultra sounds used for? - ansVisualize muscles, tendons, organs- damage and stones
What Is a CT scan used for? - ansGenerates a three dimensional image of body; used to see
internal bleeding
What is an MRI used for? - ansImages pathological or other physiological alterations of
living tissue
Brain, tumor, damage
What is the normal range for RBCs? - ansMen:5-6 million/microliter
,NCCAOM Biomedicine Exam Complete Study Guide with Explanations
Comprehensive NCCAOM Biomedicine study guide covering all major topics,
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and
clinical case explanations. Ideal for exam preparation with detailed,
organized notes and key concepts.
Latest Updated Exam Study Guide 2025/2026.
Women: 3.6-5.6 million/microliter
What pathologies might increase RBC's? - ansPolycythemia vera, renal disease, CV disease,
pulmonary disease
What pathologies might decrease RBCs? - ansAnemia, Hodgkins, sickle cell
What is the normal range for HCT? - ansMen: 35-55
Women: 45
What pathologies might increase H&H? - ansShock, dehydration, COPD, CHF, polycythemia
What pathologies might decrease H&H? - ansAnemia, leukemia, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis
What is the normal range for WBCs? - ans5,000-10,000
What pathologies might increase WBCs? - ansAcute infection, neoplasm, leukemia
What pathologies might decrease WBCs? - ansBone marrow dx, immunity dx, metastasis,
AIDS, chemo
What pathologies might increase ESR? - ansKD pathology, RA, lupus, thyroid dx,
inflammation
What pathologies might decrease ESR? - ansSickle cell, polycythemia
What pathologies might increase iron? - ansAcute hepatitis, nephrosis
What pathologies might decrease iron? - ansAnemia, lupus, RA, hypothyroidism
3rd trimester pregnancy
What pathologies might increase BUN? - ansKD pathology, GI bleed, HT failure, steroid use
What pathologies might decrease BUN? - ansPregnancy, malnutrition, LV pathology
What is the normal level for createnine? - ans0.6-1.2 mg/dl
What pathologies might increase createnine? - ansKD pathology, hyperthyroidism
What might decrease createnine? - ansLoss of muscle mass, aging
What pathologies might increase uric acid? - ansGout->KD stones, arthritis
What pathologies might decrease uric acid? - ansKD disease, toxemia, hypothyroidism,
alcohol
What pathologies might increase CPK? - ansMI, skeletal muscle disease
What pathologies might increase LDH? - ansMI, pulmonary infarction, anemia, leukemia
What pathologies might decrease LDH? - ansMalnutrition
What are the normal values for HCT? - ansMales: 40-55
Females: 36-46
What are the normal values for HgB? - ansMales: 13-18
Females: 12-16
What are the LV enzymes? - ansGGT, AST, SGOT, ALT, SGPT
What pathologies might increase LV enzymes? - ansLV pathology, cardiac mm damage,
muscle injury, MD, neoplasm
What pathologies might decrease LV enzymes? - ansMalnutrition, Vit B def, pregnancy,
hypothalamism, hypothyroidism
What pathologies might increase alkaline phosphatase? - ansGrowing children, pregnancy,
gallstones
What pathologies might decrease alkaline phosphatase? - ansGenetics, hypoadrenia,
malnutrition
What pathologies might increase LDL? - ansAtherosclerosis
, NCCAOM Biomedicine Exam Complete Study Guide with Explanations
Comprehensive NCCAOM Biomedicine study guide covering all major topics,
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and
clinical case explanations. Ideal for exam preparation with detailed,
organized notes and key concepts.
Latest Updated Exam Study Guide 2025/2026.
What pathologies might decrease LDL? - ansHemorrhagic stroke
What pathologies might increase HDL? - ansInsulin, estrogen
What pathologies might decrease HDL? - ansHypothyroidism, DM, LV disease
What pathologies might increase T4? - ansHyperthyroidism
What pathologies might decrease T4? - ansHypothyroidism
What pathologies might increase MCH? - ansMacrocytic anemia
What pathologies might decrease MCH? - ansMicrocytic anemia
What pathologies might increase MCHC? - ansSpherocytosis
What pathologies might decrease MCHC? - ansIron deficiency anemia
What are the causes of decreased Na+? - ansVomiting/diarrhea
Ketoacidosis, diuretic use, CHF, KD disease
What are the symptoms of decreased Na+? - ansHA, confusion, weakness, lethargy, N/V/D
What are the causes of increased Na+? - ansExcessive sweating, hypothalamic dx, diabetes,
hyperadrenalism
What are the symptoms of increased Na+? - ansThirst, oliguria, dry flushed skin, CNS
agitation, decreased DTRs and BP, tachycardia, weak thready pulse
What are the causes of decreased K+? - ansVomiting, diarrhea, corticosteriod use, diuretic
use
What are the symptoms of decreased K+? - ansMuscle cramps and weakness, SOB thirst,
polyuria, arrhythmia, vomiting
What are the causes of increased K+? - ansDiabetes, adrenal insufficiency, urinary
obstruction
What are the symptoms of increased K+? - ansMuscle cramps and weakness, N/V/D, Gi
distress, ECG changes
What are the causes of decreased Ca++? - ansVitamin D deficiency, KD disease,
hypoparathyroidism
What are the symptoms of decreased Ca++? - ansParesthesias, muscle cramps in LE,
increased DTRs, slow mental processing
+Chvostek test
+Trousseau test
What are the causes of increased Ca++? - ansHyperparathyroidism, metastatic cancer,
multiple myeloma
What are the symptoms of increased Ca++? - ansMuscle weakness, ataxia, deep bone pain,
HTN, renal dysfunction, AV block, N/V/C
What are the causes of decreased P? - ansHyperparathyroidism, dietary
What are the symptoms of decreased P? - ansIntention tremor, ataxia, paresthesia, decreased
DTRs, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, bleeding dx
What are the causes of increased P? - ansHypoparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, KD disease
What are the symptoms of increased P? - ansIncreased BP and cardiac work, risk of
decreased bone mineral density
What are the causes of decreased Mg++? - ansDietary, diabetes, alcohol
What are the symptoms of decreased Mg++? - ansAtheoid/choreiform movements,
nystagmus, HTN, tachycardia/arrhythmia
