2026 | Practice Questions & Verified Answers
1. Head Deviation Finding
Question:
During a physical exam, a patient’s head is laterally deviated
and rotated. What does this most likely indicate?
Answer:
A possible neurological condition such as torticollis or cervical
spine abnormality.
Rationale:
Abnormal head positioning is not typical and often suggests
musculoskeletal or neurological dysfunction, especially
torticollis (neck muscle contraction). It is not related to normal
development or cardiac issues.
2. RUQ Pain + Murphy’s Sign
Question:
A patient has RUQ pain, positive Murphy’s sign, gallstones, and
gallbladder wall thickening. What is the next step?
Answer:
Refer for surgical evaluation.
Rationale:
, These findings strongly indicate acute cholecystitis, and
definitive treatment is often cholecystectomy, not just antibiotics
or observation.
3. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis
Question:
What is required to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis?
Answer:
Both characteristic symptoms and radiographic evidence.
Rationale:
Diagnosis requires clinical presentation (e.g., neurogenic
claudication) plus imaging confirmation, ensuring accuracy and
ruling out other causes.
4. Unequal Pupils + Photophobia
Question:
Which cranial nerve is affected in a patient with unequal pupils
and light sensitivity?
Answer:
CN III (Oculomotor nerve)
Rationale:
CN III controls pupil constriction and eye movement. Damage
causes anisocoria and photophobia.
5. Speculum Exam During Heavy Menses