NCCAOM Biomedicine and Diagnosis 3

Question 1

A patient has a blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg, papilledema, and confusion. This presentation is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

Hypertensive emergency

Answer

Hypertensive emergency is defined by severely elevated BP with acute target organ damage such as papilledema and altered mental status requiring immediate intervention.

Question 2

The Romberg test primarily evaluates the integrity of which sensory system?

Accepted Answer

Proprioception and dorsal column function

Answer

The Romberg test assesses proprioception; a positive result (increased sway with eyes closed) indicates loss of dorsal column sensory input rather than cerebellar dysfunction.

Question 3

Which dermatome corresponds to the umbilicus?

Accepted Answer

T10

Answer

The T10 dermatome innervates the skin at the level of the umbilicus, a landmark used in neurological and spinal cord injury assessment.

Question 4

A patient's CBC shows microcytic, hypochromic anemia with low serum ferritin. The most likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Iron-deficiency anemia

Answer

Low serum ferritin is the most specific finding for iron-deficiency anemia, which produces small, pale red blood cells (microcytic, hypochromic).

Question 5

Crepitus detected over a joint on passive range-of-motion testing most commonly suggests:

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis

Answer

Crepitus (grinding or crackling sensation) during joint movement is a hallmark of osteoarthritis, reflecting irregular cartilage surfaces rubbing together.

(NCCAOM) National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practice Test

(NCCAOM) National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practice Test

NCCAOM Biomedicine and Diagnosis 3