A patient is evaluated in physical therapy three days following a lateral ankle reconstruction. Which of the following weight bearing limitations would be MOST typical for this patient? 1. Non-weight bearing with bilateral axillary crutches 2. Partial weight bearing with a single axillary crutch 3. Weight bearing as tolerated with bilateral axillary crutches 4. Weight bearing as tolerated with a single axillary crutch Watch the video version...

A 55-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. As part of the clinical decision making process, a physical therapist considers the Wells Score to assess the probability of pulmonary embolism. Which of the following findings would increase the Wells Score, indicating a higher clinical suspicion for pulmonary embolism? 1. Wheezing during physical activity 2. Bilateral lower extremity swelling 3. Heart rate of 115 beats per minute 4. Productive...

A patient with cubital tunnel syndrome is being fitted for a night brace. Which of the following braces would be the MOST appropriate to help minimize the patient’s symptoms? 1. Elbow brace, positioned in 40 degrees of flexion 2. Elbow brace, positioned in 100 degrees of flexion 3. Wrist brace, positioned in 20 degrees of extension 4. Wrist brace, positioned in neutral Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/SgJNDqJtiQs

A patient presents with weakness extending the fingers and thumb and weakness with supination. The patient reports pain in the lateral elbow, but denies pain or sensory changes in the hand or forearm. Which of the following entrapment syndromes BEST explains these findings? 1. Radial tunnel syndrome 2. Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome 3. Posterior interosseous nerve syndrome 4. Carpal tunnel syndrome Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/c0zQaRMI-sU

A physical therapist uses the Ottawa Knee Rules to assess a patient with acute knee trauma. Which of the following findings would indicate a possible knee fracture and justify the need for radiographic imaging? 1. A 15 degree loss of passive knee extension 2. Isolated tenderness of the patella 3. Tenderness along the medial and lateral joint lines 4. Active knee flexion limited to 105 degrees Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/0eZiwNEO3hY

A physical therapist examines a patient who complains of forearm pain and weakness in the hand. During the examination, the therapist identifies weakness with wrist flexion, finger flexion, and thumb adduction. Froment’s sign is positive. Which of the following nerves is MOST likely affected? 1. Ulnar 2. Radial 3. Median 4. Musculocutaneous Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/1hbFq_Q3tP0

A physical therapist evaluates a patient who sustained an ankle injury during a recreational soccer game. To determine whether imaging is necessary, the therapist applies the Ottawa Foot and Ankle Rules. According to this screening tool, which of the following factors would meet the criteria to refer the patient for an x-ray? 1. Pain near the medial malleolus and an inability to bear weight 2. Pain near the lateral malleolus and passive dorsiflexion limited to five degrees 3. Pain near the p...

A physical therapist evaluates a patient who presents with leg swelling and discomfort. The patient has a history of recent surgery and prolonged immobility. Based on the Wells Criteria for deep vein thrombosis, which of the following would be the MOST relevant factor in assessing the patient's risk for deep vein thrombosis? Body mass index greater than 28 2. Previous history of deep vein thrombosis 10 years ago 3. Previous history of prostate cancer 5 years ago 4. Current diagnosis of cell...

A physical therapist works on various balance tasks with a patient who has known balance deficits. The patient has intact visual and vestibular systems, though has deficits with somatosensory inputs. Which of the following activities would be MOST useful in improving utilization of the somatosensory system to maintain balance? 1. Standing on a firm surface with eyes open 2. Standing on a firm surface with eyes closed 3. Standing on a foam pad with eyes open 4. Standing on one leg with eyes o...

A patient status post right transfemoral amputation is prescribed a standard wheelchair with recommendation for posterior rear wheel axle placement. What is the result of this positioning? 1. Decreased wheelchair rear stability 2. Decreased wheelchair rolling resistance 3. Decreased turning radius 4. Decreased ease of performing wheelies Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/FfRviGBbeD4

A physical therapist orders a wheelchair with anti-tip tubes for a patient in preparation for discharge from a rehabilitation hospital. A patient with which of the following conditions would benefit the MOST from this option? 1. Guillain-Barre syndrome 2. C5 tetraplegia 3. Stroke with hemiparesis 4. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/M4lVSR6bwC8

A physical therapist prepares to assist a patient with a sliding board transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. Which of the following directions would be MOST appropriate when directing the patient to perform the sliding board transfer? 1. Adjust the bed height so it is four inches lower than the wheelchair seat 2. Position the wheelchair so that it is at a slight angle to the bed 3. Remove both armrests from the wheelchair before positioning the transfer board 4. Leave the elbows bent sl...

A patient with atrial flutter suddenly becomes extremely lightheaded while exercising and appears to lose consciousness. Which of the following physiologic responses BEST explains the change in the patient’s status? 1. Increased filling of the ventricles 2. Increased system congestion 3. Decreased atrial depolarization 4. Decreased blood traveling to the brain Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/eXsure_4i_I

A patient is treated for low back pain with unilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The MRI report indicates the patient’s condition is caused by a moderate L3 disk herniation. Which of the following special tests would be MOST likely to recreate the patient’s symptoms? 1. Straight leg raise test 2. Prone knee bending test 3. Slump test 4. Crossed straight leg raise test Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/8OJwWPY7CZY

A physical therapist working in a high school setting has an athlete come into the treatment room complaining of a headache, fever, and a painful neck. The therapist positions the athlete in supine and flexes the hip to 90 degrees. When the therapist attempts to extend the knee in this position, the patient complains of significant pain. Which finding is MOST consistent with this scenario? 1. Positive Kernig’s sign 2. Negative Kernig’s sign 3. Positive Brudzinski’s sign 4. Negative Bru...

What is the MOST appropriate form of education to facilitate a safe discharge? 1. Perform hands-on training sessions with the patient and family members 2. Videotape the patient performing transfers and activities of daily living 3. Provide written instructions on all activities of daily living and functional tasks 4. Meet with family members to discuss the patient’s present status and abilities Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://yout...

A physical therapist works with a patient on proprioceptive and balance activities due to a history of recent falls. The patient informs the therapist that they have recently been diagnosed with optic neuritis. Which of the following medical conditions is MOST likely associated with the patient’s diagnosis? 1. Parkinson's disease 2. Guillain-Barre syndrome 3. Myasthenia gravis 4. Multiple sclerosis Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/rYX0wwlWXZg

A physical therapist attempts to explain to a patient how electrical stimulation can help decrease the perception of pain. Which of the following descriptions would be used to explain the gate control theory of pain? 1. The threshold for stimulating peripheral nociceptors is decreased. 2. The threshold for stimulating peripheral nociceptors is increased. 3. Nociceptive signals are inhibited by stimulating non-nociceptive sensory nerves. 4. Nociceptive signals are inhibited when endorphins bi...

A patient being treated for low back pain with bilateral radiating thigh pain has been seen in physical therapy for six weeks. The patient notes a lack of improvement and feels their symptoms may be worsening. Which of the following new symptom complaints would be the MOST concerning? 1. Sensory disturbance along the posterior thighs 2. Pain radiating to the thoracic spine 3. Inability to fully empty the bladder 4. Weight gain of 5% of body weight Watch the video version of this episode on...

A patient is referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of right thoracic outlet syndrome. The physical therapist identifies that the patient’s symptoms are being caused by entrapment at the subcoracoid space. Which of the following activities would MOST likely exacerbate the patient’s symptoms? 1. Reaching overhead to change a light bulb 2. Reaching over to wash the left armpit 3. Looking upward to shave the neck 4. Looking downward while reading a book Watch the video version of t...