NCCAOM Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient presents with irritability, hypochondriac distention, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and flatulence that provides temporary relief from abdominal discomfort.
The pulse is wiry.
Which Zang-Fu pattern is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Liver Qi Stagnation overacting on the Spleen

Answer

Spleen Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp

Answer

Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine

Answer

Stomach Food Stagnation

Question 2

A patient complains of palpitations, anxiety, insomnia with dream-disturbed sleep, and a persistent bitter taste in the mouth. Examination reveals a red tongue, especially at the tip, with a yellow coating, and a rapid, overflowing pulse. This clinical picture is most characteristic of which pattern?

Accepted Answer

Heart Fire Blazing Upwards

Answer

Heart Blood Deficiency

Answer

Gallbladder Phlegm-Heat

Answer

Liver Yang Rising

Question 3

Which of the following sets of symptoms is most indicative of a Kidney Yang Deficiency pattern?

Accepted Answer

Low back pain, feeling of cold in the knees and back, copious clear urination, and a deep, weak pulse.

Answer

Night sweats, malar flush, five-palm heat, and a thready, rapid pulse.

Answer

Dizziness, tinnitus, poor memory, and a dry throat.

Answer

Frequent urination with a burning sensation, dark urine, and a slippery, rapid pulse.

Question 4

A 35-year-old patient presents with a dry, non-productive cough, dry mouth and throat, and a sensation of heat in the afternoon. They also report a dull epigastric pain, thirst with no desire to drink, and constipation with dry stools. The tongue is red and dry with little coating. This presentation suggests a deficiency of Yin in which two Zang-Fu organs?

Accepted Answer

Lung and Stomach

Answer

Heart and Kidney

Answer

Spleen and Large Intestine

Answer

Liver and Gallbladder

Question 5

Jaundice with a bright yellow color, fever, dark scanty urine, hypochondriac pain, and a bitter taste in the mouth are key signs of which Fu organ pattern?

Accepted Answer

Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder

Answer

Damp-Cold in the Spleen

Answer

Food Stagnation in the Stomach

Answer

Dryness in the Large Intestine

Question 6

Which of the following is a key differentiating symptom between Liver Blood Deficiency and Heart Blood Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Blurred vision or eye floaters

Answer

A bitter taste in the mouth

Answer

Spontaneous sweating

Answer

Poor memory

A patient presents with irritability, hypochondriac distention, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and flatulence that provides temporary relief from abdominal discomfort.The pulse is wiry.Which Zang-Fu pattern is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient presents with irritability, hypochondriac distention, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and flatulence that provides temporary relief from abdominal discomfort.
The pulse is wiry.
Which Zang-Fu pattern is the most likely diagnosis?