COMLEX-USA Practice Test

Question 1

A patient appears with an absent triceps tendon reflex and weakness in the extensors of the hand, wrist, and elbow due 
to a neurological deficiency. Which nerve is the most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Radial

Answer

Explanation:
The radial nerve innervates the extensors of the upper extremity (elbow, triceps, wrist & hand). An absent triceps (C7) reflex & wrist drop will indicate radial nerve pathology

Question 2

A 50-year-old man is experiencing low back pain. On examination, the TP of L5 is seen to be posterior
 on the R. The asymmetry is worsened by extending L5, but flexion restores rotational symmetry. Which 
of the following statements about this Pt's SD is the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

In the stretched posture, L5 will oppose L-rotation.

Answer

Explanation:
The patient flexed L5, twisted R, and sidebent R. When the spine is extended, the symmetry worsens and L5 resists the rotation of L.

Question 3

A 40-year-old man with diabetes presents to the emergency department with acute low back pain. He was 
sliding into home plate during a softball game earlier today when the pain began. The discomfort is acute 
and has spread to his right lower extremities. He says he feels an electric ache in his R foot. What are some
 of the things you'd anticipate to find if you examined him?

Accepted Answer

Warm tissue alterations, hypertonic muscles, and reduced L-Spine ROM

Answer

Explanation:
The patient has a severe L-Spine SD. One of his lumbar discs had also herniated. Acute SD is linked to acute sharp pain (particularly when palpated). Edematous, erythematous, and swampy are common descriptions for acute tissue texture alterations. There is an increase in moisture on the surface of the skin, as well as associated hypertonic muscles. Muscle contraction and guarding will limit the range of motion in the affected areas.

Question 4

The malfunctioning T12 segment has limitation in a transverse plane and around a transverse axis in a 
patient with low back pain. T12's position best describes which of the following dysfunctions?

Accepted Answer

T12 is rotated R and sidebent R.

Answer

Explanation:
Flexion and extension are the two types of vertebral motion around a transverse axis. As a result, T12 must be either flexed or stretched. In a transverse plane, vertebral motion is rotation. As a result, T12 needs to be rotated as well. If one understands Fryette's concepts, one must conclude that if a vertebra is flexed, extended, and rotated, it must also be sidebent to the same side.

Question 5

In which plane(s) does the 1st cervical segment (AA) have the most degree of freedom?

Accepted Answer

Transverse

Answer

Explanation:
Rotation is the motion in the transverse plain. The stated segment on the one below is traditionally defined as segmental motion. The initial cervical segment (the AA joint - the atlas on the axis) has the most degrees of freedom in the transverse plane because rotation is its primary motion.