NPLEX II case studies
NPLEX II · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) are the examinations that regulatory authorities in the United States and Canada (with some exceptions) use as part of the licensure or registration process for naturopathic physicians. They are administered by NABNE, the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners, an independent nonprofit that qualifies candidates, administers the exams, and sends results and transcripts to regulators. The NPLEX II case studies are 5 cases and about 2,179 words.
1Low TSH, Low Free T4, and High-Dose Biotin
A 52-year-old woman presents with 6 months of fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and a 4.5 kg weight gain. She has dry skin and no palpable goiter.
447 words, about 2 min2Back Pain with Saddle Numbness and Urinary Retention
A 41-year-old man presents 2 days after lifting a heavy box with sudden low back pain that now radiates to both buttocks and posterior thighs. Over the past 12 hours he has developed progressive weakness in both feet, numbness in the saddle area, and difficulty initiating urination; he has not had a bowel movement since yesterday.
410 words, about 2 min3ACE Inhibitor Cough in CKD with Potassium 5.4
A 68-year-old woman with hypertension and stage 3b chronic kidney disease (eGFR 38 mL/min/1.73 m²) presents with an 8-week dry, tickling cough. She takes lisinopril 20 mg daily, hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily, potassium chloride 20 mEq daily, and ibuprofen 400 mg two to three times daily for knee osteoarthritis.
452 words, about 2 min4Warfarin and a Supplement Bag for Low Mood
A 74-year-old man with atrial fibrillation takes warfarin 5 mg daily; his INR has been stable at 2.4–2.8 for 8 months. He now reports 6 weeks of low mood, poor sleep, and reduced appetite after his wife moved to assisted living.
420 words, about 2 min5Child with Polyuria, Vomiting, and Kussmaul Breathing
A 9-year-old boy is brought to the clinic by his mother with 3 weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, and a 3 kg weight loss. For the past 24 hours he has had vomiting, abdominal pain, and rapid deep breathing.
450 words, about 2 min