OCC Cheat Sheet 2026
The 30 highest-yield OCC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here ā free, no sign-up.
100 questions
120 min time limit
70% to pass
- Which NSAID is preferred in elderly patients due to its shorter half-life and lack of active metabolites? ā Ibuprofen
- Which cranial nerve carries the afferent limb of the corneal reflex? ā CN V ophthalmic branch (V1)
- Which immunization is recommended annually for all persons aged 6 months and older in the US? ā Influenza vaccine
- A patient taking SSRIs for depression also takes tramadol for pain. What serious drug interaction should be monitored? ā Serotonin syndrome
- When transitioning a patient from inpatient to outpatient care, which intervention has the strongest evidence for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions? ā Structured transition of care with follow-up phone call within 48 hours
- A systematic review finds significant heterogeneity among included studies (I² = 78%). What does this indicate? ā High variability across studies suggests caution in pooling results
- Which medication class is first-line for chronic stable angina due to its ability to reduce heart rate, contractility, and myocardial oxygen demand? ā Beta-blockers
- How does osteopathic medicine view the relationship between structure and function? ā Structure and function are interconnected.
- A positive Babinski sign (upgoing plantar response) indicates a lesion of which neural pathway? ā Corticospinal (pyramidal) tract
- Which preventive health strategy targets an entire population rather than individuals identified as high-risk? ā Population-based (mass) strategy
- Within the first few hours of acute ischemic stroke, which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting early infarction? ā MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)
- Which cranial bone is considered the 'keystone' of the cranial base, articulating with all other cranial bones? ā Sphenoid
- An osteopathic physician joins an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). What is the primary goal of an ACO? ā Coordinate care to improve quality and reduce costs
- What is the first step in patient assessment? ā Obtaining a detailed medical history
- Carpal tunnel syndrome produces paresthesias in which sensory distribution? ā Thumb, index, middle, and radial half of ring finger
- Which study design is most appropriate for investigating the cause of a rare disease? ā Case-control study
- Which action is critical in medication administration? ā Following the 'five rights' of medication administration
- Why is reflective practice important in medical education? ā It enhances self-awareness and continuous improvement
- A patient on a fluoroquinolone antibiotic develops tendon pain. Which tendon is most commonly affected? ā Achilles tendon
- Which class of antihypertensive medication is contraindicated in bilateral renal artery stenosis? ā ACE inhibitors and ARBs
- What does patient confidentiality protect? ā Protection of patient privacy and trust
- A 45-year-old woman with no family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening at what age according to updated USPSTF guidelines? ā 45 years
- Why is patient communication critical in healthcare? ā It builds trust and improves care outcomes
- Which medication used for osteoporosis works by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption? ā Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate)
- In a diagnostic test evaluation, a test with high sensitivity is best used for which purpose? ā Screening (ruling out disease when negative)
- Why is continuing education essential for osteopathic physicians? ā To maintain licensure and improve patient care
- How does osteopathic medicine differ from allopathic medicine? ā Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a whole-body approach and manual treatments.
- A patient asks about alcohol use. Which tool is a validated brief alcohol screening instrument used in primary care? ā AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption)
- What is the foundation of medical professionalism? ā Commitment to ethical principles and patient care
- Which type of medical malpractice insurance provides coverage only if the claim is filed while the policy is active, regardless of when the incident occurred? ā Claims-made policy
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