Answers and Explanations

Question 1:

According to the sources, a woman experiencing a soft or undefined abdominal mass along with abdominal distension, heaviness, and a sticky vaginal discharge is most likely experiencing which TCM pattern?

a) Qi and Blood Stagnation b) Cold Accumulation c) Phlegm-Damp Accumulation d) Deficiency of Qi and Blood

Answer: c) Phlegm-Damp Accumulation

Explanation: The sources indicate that Phlegm-Damp Accumulation is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal distension, heaviness, a sticky vaginal discharge, and a soft or undefined mass. This is often due to a weak Spleen function leading to poor fluid metabolism. Qi and Blood Stagnation typically presents with a fixed, painful mass; Cold Accumulation is associated with pain relieved by warmth and dark-colored blood with clots; and Deficiency of Qi and Blood presents with a soft, painless mass along with fatigue and a pale complexion.

Question 2:

Which of the following herbs, according to the sources, is used in TCM to warm the uterus and resolve cold stagnation related to abdominal masses?

a) Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Root) b) Ai Ye (Mugwort) c) Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) d) Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root)

Answer: b) Ai Ye (Mugwort)

Explanation: The sources state that Ai Ye (Mugwort) is specifically used to warm the uterus and resolve cold stagnation. Chuan Xiong is used to move qi and blood to alleviate pain. Cang Zhu dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen. Sheng Di Huang clears heat and nourishes yin.

Question 3:

According to the sources, which of the following is a typical symptom of Kidney Yang Deficiency related to abnormal vaginal discharge?

a) Yellow, thick, foul-smelling discharge b) Pink-red discharge with a burning sensation c) Large amounts of clear, sticky, or watery discharge d) White, thick, sticky discharge without odor

Answer: c) Large amounts of clear, sticky, or watery discharge

Explanation: The sources describe Kidney Yang Deficiency as resulting in a large amount of clear, sticky, or watery discharge. Yellow, thick, foul-smelling discharge is a sign of Damp-Heat. Pink-red discharge with a burning sensation is related to Kidney Yin deficiency. White, thick, sticky discharge without odor is associated with Spleen Qi deficiency.

Question 4:

Which of the following is a common characteristic of a "stony mass" (Ji) as described in the sources from a TCM perspective?

a) Movable and non-substantial mass b) Hard, fixed, and often associated with disorders of zang organs c) Invisible, with pain and unfixed location d) Temporary sensation of a mass that disappears when Qi disperses

Answer: b) Hard, fixed, and often associated with disorders of zang organs

Explanation: The sources explain that stony masses (Ji) are described as hard, fixed, and often associated with disorders of zang organs like the liver and spleen. Movable and non-substantial masses are considered Jia masses. Invisible masses with unfixed locations are Qi masses (Ju), which are temporary sensations that disappear when Qi disperses.

Question 5:

According to the sources, which of the following is a dietary recommendation for managing Damp-Phlegm Accumulation related to abdominal masses and/or abnormal discharge?

a) Include warming foods like ginger and cinnamon. b) Include blood-moving foods like beets and pomegranate. c) Avoid greasy, dairy, and cold foods. d) Incorporate cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber.

Answer: c) Avoid greasy, dairy, and cold foods.

Explanation: The sources advise that for Damp-Phlegm conditions, it is important to avoid greasy, dairy, and cold foods that can contribute to dampness. Warming foods like ginger and cinnamon are recommended for Cold Accumulation. Blood-moving foods are recommended for Blood Stasis. Cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber are advised for heat conditions.