NBCE Part 4 Chiro Practice 202 practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21Which patient position is most appropriate when performing a posterior-to-anterior thoracic spine adjustment?
✓ Correct answer: D. Prone
The prone position provides optimal access to the posterior thoracic spine, allowing the chiropractor to direct force along the posterior-to-anterior vector while maintaining proper stabilization of the patient.
Q22Which of the following is a contraindication for high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) cervical manipulation?
✓ Correct answer: C. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a clear contraindication for HVLA cervical manipulation due to the risk of compromising blood flow to the brain, which could lead to serious neurological complications.
Q23When performing an Activator technique adjustment, what is the primary mechanical principle being applied?
✓ Correct answer: B. High-speed, low-force thrust
The Activator instrument delivers a high-speed, low-force thrust that minimizes the body's muscular resistance, allowing for precise force application with minimal patient movement.
Q24During a side-posture lumbar adjustment, which hand position is most appropriate for the contact hand?
✓ Correct answer: A. Pisiform contact on the mamillary process
The pisiform contact provides stability and a focused contact point, allowing for precise force application to the mamillary or transverse process of the lumbar vertebra.
Q25Which therapeutic exercise would be most appropriate to prescribe immediately following a first rib adjustment?
✓ Correct answer: D. Scalene stretches
Scalene stretches help to maintain the mobility achieved with the first rib adjustment by addressing the muscular component that often contributes to first rib dysfunction.
Q26What is the primary goal of the Thompson Terminal Point technique?
✓ Correct answer: C. To reduce adjustment force through drop-piece mechanisms
The Thompson Terminal Point technique uses drop pieces to reduce the force needed for adjustment while facilitating the correction of vertebral misalignments through controlled table movement.
Q27When performing a cervical chair adjustment, what is the proper position of the patient's head?
✓ Correct answer: B. Lateral flexion toward and rotation away from the contact point
The cervical chair adjustment requires lateral flexion toward the side of contact to open the facet joint on the contralateral side, with rotation away from the contact point to position the joint for optimal adjustment.
Q28Which biomechanical principle is most important to consider when adjusting the sacroiliac joint?
✓ Correct answer: A. Nutation and counternutation
Understanding the nutation and counternutation mechanics of the sacroiliac joint is essential for effective adjustment, as these motions define the normal movement patterns of the joint that may be restricted in dysfunction.
Q29When performing a Gonstead pelvic adjustment, which patient position provides optimal leverage for the practitioner?
✓ Correct answer: D. Side-lying with the upper leg flexed at hip and knee
The side-lying position with the upper leg flexed at the hip and knee provides optimal patient stability and practitioner leverage for a Gonstead pelvic adjustment, allowing for specific contact and force application.
Q30Which adjustment technique is most appropriate for a patient with acute neck pain who cannot tolerate rotation?
✓ Correct answer: C. Lateral break technique
The lateral break technique avoids rotation of the cervical spine while still providing joint mobilization, making it suitable for patients with acute neck pain who cannot tolerate rotational movements.
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Theory