DO (IQ) 5

Question 1

An osteopathic physician notices that a patient from a low socioeconomic background scores 10 points lower than expected on IQ testing. Which environmental factor has the STRONGEST evidence for depressing IQ scores?

Accepted Answer

Chronic psychosocial stress and poverty

Answer

Chronic poverty and psychosocial stress are among the strongest environmental suppressors of IQ, mediated by cortisol effects on developing brain architecture and reduced cognitive stimulation.

Question 2

A 35-year-old with Down syndrome presents with rapidly declining IQ scores and memory loss. Which diagnosis should be prioritized in the differential?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Individuals with Down syndrome have an extremely high lifetime risk of Alzheimer's disease, often presenting in the 40s–50s, due to triplication of the APP gene on chromosome 21.

Question 3

Which subtest of the WAIS-IV is considered the single best predictor of Full Scale IQ?

Accepted Answer

Vocabulary

Answer

Vocabulary is consistently the highest g-loaded subtest on the WAIS and the best single predictor of Full Scale IQ.

Question 4

A 2-year-old child is found to have an IQ equivalent of 40. The MOST important next diagnostic step is:

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive etiological workup including genetic and metabolic testing

Answer

An etiological workup including chromosomal microarray, metabolic screening, and neuroimaging is recommended to identify treatable causes and inform prognosis.

Question 5

Which statement about the relationship between IQ and academic achievement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

IQ accounts for approximately 25–50% of variance in academic achievement

Answer

Meta-analyses consistently show IQ explains approximately 25–50% of the variance in academic achievement, leaving substantial variance explained by motivation, teaching quality, and other factors.

DO - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Practice Test

DO - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Practice Test

DO (IQ) 5