All of us have been there. We bend down to pick up a tiny, furry friend and suddenly, a sharp, searing pain shoots through our back. Or maybe we’re just getting up from a chair after a long study session, and our neck feels like it’s frozen in place. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re moments that remind us just how interconnected our bodies are. As a future DO, you understand this on a fundamental level. You know that these little “catches” or sprains are a direct result of our body’s structure and function being out of sync.
But did anyone wonder what it is to prepare and give the best shot at the COMLEX Level 2 exam? That unique, high-stakes pressure you feel when staring down a long, clinical vignette? Just like a muscle sprain, that test anxiety can “catch” you off guard and throw you off your game. Decoding those long, winding questions on your board exam requires a specific set of skills, and staying sharp under pressure is a muscle you need to train. Here are a few tips to help you navigate those challenging questions and stay confident on exam day.
Read the last line first: This is a golden rule for a reason. Often, the very last sentence of a question stem will ask you for a specific piece of information—the “most likely diagnosis,” the “best next step in management,” or the “most appropriate physical exam finding.” It helps you filter out the noise and zero in on the relevant details, turning a daunting paragraph into a focused search for key clues. It’s like having a treasure map before you start your hunt.
Look for the osteopathic clues: Remember your OMM knowledge! In a sea of clinical details, there are often subtle hints that point toward an osteopathic diagnosis or treatment. Look for descriptions of somatic dysfunction, specific tender points, or asymmetrical findings. These aren’t random details; they’re the breadcrumbs that lead you to a high-yield OMM question.
Think Thoroughly (But Verify): As you read through a vignette, a potential diagnosis might pop into your head almost instantly. Don’t dismiss that initial thought. Can you find two or three details in the question stem that support your initial hunch? Just as you would with a physical exam, use the available information to confirm your hypothesis.
Don’t Get Stuck: Time is a precious commodity on test day. If you find yourself agonizing over a single question, it’s a sign to move on. Flag it, make your best guess, and come back to it if you have time at the end of the block. Getting hung up on a difficult question can cause you to rush through easier ones later, leading to careless mistakes.
Conclusion:
When you face a tough COMLEX question, pause, trust your training, and use your skills to restore balance—just like you do for your patients. Stay sharp and confident—you’ve got this!
Bianca Johnson’s story begins with a strong enthusiasm for writing and motherhood. This passion drove her to launch the blog, Conversations with Bianca. Its purpose is to aid mothers in tackling their daily struggles. Bianca’s personal experiences, along with her love for raising children, inspired her to build a supportive community for parents.
As a mom of two, Bianca knows how hard parenting can be. On her blog, she gives advice on how to combine work and family duties with ease. The hope is that parents can find ways to manage their lives correctly, and still have time to enjoy raising their children. Conversations with Bianca aims to assist modern moms in preserving their autonomy while taking care of their families.