Pennsylvania Chiropractic Licensing Exam
(NBCE Part II) Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. The most common cause of a subluxation is:
A. Trauma
B. Infection
C. Degeneration
D. Muscle imbalance
Muscle imbalance can create abnormal stress on joints leading to
subluxations.
2. Which of the following tests is used to assess sacroiliac joint
dysfunction?
A. Spurling’s test
B. Kemp’s test
C. Gaenslen’s test
D. Valsalva maneuver
Gaenslen’s test stresses the SI joint to identify pain originating
from that joint.
3. A patient presents with unilateral low back pain radiating to the
lateral thigh and calf, with diminished patellar reflex. Which nerve
root is most likely involved?
A. L3
B. L4
, C. L5
D. S1
The L4 nerve root supplies sensation to the medial leg and affects
the patellar reflex.
4. During cervical flexion, the anterior longitudinal ligament is:
A. Relaxed
B. Stretched
C. Compressed
D. Unaffected
The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the anterior spine
and is stretched during flexion.
5. The knee jerk reflex is mediated by which spinal segment?
A. L2-L3
B. L3-L4
C. L4-L5
D. S1
The patellar reflex tests the integrity of the L3-L4 spinal segment.
6. Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting early
osteomyelitis?
A. X-ray
B. Ultrasound
C. MRI
D. CT scan
MRI can detect bone marrow changes and soft tissue involvement
before radiographic changes are visible.
7. The Babinski sign is an indication of:
A. Peripheral neuropathy
, B. Upper motor neuron lesion
C. Lower motor neuron lesion
D. Muscular dystrophy
An extensor plantar response indicates corticospinal tract
dysfunction.
8. A patient with loss of pain and temperature sensation in a “cape-
like” distribution likely has a lesion in the:
A. Anterior horn
B. Central spinal cord
C. Posterior columns
D. Peripheral nerves
Central cord lesions affect decussating spinothalamic fibers in the
cervical region.
9. Which of the following is a contraindication for spinal
manipulation?
A. Mild disc herniation
B. Acute fracture
C. Chronic low back pain
D. Muscle strain
Manipulating an acute fracture could worsen injury or displace
bone fragments.
10. The most common site of cervical disc herniation is:
A. C2-C3
B. C3-C4
C. C5-C6
D. C7-T1
(NBCE Part II) Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. The most common cause of a subluxation is:
A. Trauma
B. Infection
C. Degeneration
D. Muscle imbalance
Muscle imbalance can create abnormal stress on joints leading to
subluxations.
2. Which of the following tests is used to assess sacroiliac joint
dysfunction?
A. Spurling’s test
B. Kemp’s test
C. Gaenslen’s test
D. Valsalva maneuver
Gaenslen’s test stresses the SI joint to identify pain originating
from that joint.
3. A patient presents with unilateral low back pain radiating to the
lateral thigh and calf, with diminished patellar reflex. Which nerve
root is most likely involved?
A. L3
B. L4
, C. L5
D. S1
The L4 nerve root supplies sensation to the medial leg and affects
the patellar reflex.
4. During cervical flexion, the anterior longitudinal ligament is:
A. Relaxed
B. Stretched
C. Compressed
D. Unaffected
The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the anterior spine
and is stretched during flexion.
5. The knee jerk reflex is mediated by which spinal segment?
A. L2-L3
B. L3-L4
C. L4-L5
D. S1
The patellar reflex tests the integrity of the L3-L4 spinal segment.
6. Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting early
osteomyelitis?
A. X-ray
B. Ultrasound
C. MRI
D. CT scan
MRI can detect bone marrow changes and soft tissue involvement
before radiographic changes are visible.
7. The Babinski sign is an indication of:
A. Peripheral neuropathy
, B. Upper motor neuron lesion
C. Lower motor neuron lesion
D. Muscular dystrophy
An extensor plantar response indicates corticospinal tract
dysfunction.
8. A patient with loss of pain and temperature sensation in a “cape-
like” distribution likely has a lesion in the:
A. Anterior horn
B. Central spinal cord
C. Posterior columns
D. Peripheral nerves
Central cord lesions affect decussating spinothalamic fibers in the
cervical region.
9. Which of the following is a contraindication for spinal
manipulation?
A. Mild disc herniation
B. Acute fracture
C. Chronic low back pain
D. Muscle strain
Manipulating an acute fracture could worsen injury or displace
bone fragments.
10. The most common site of cervical disc herniation is:
A. C2-C3
B. C3-C4
C. C5-C6
D. C7-T1
