Patient Assessment and Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real ABFAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Assessment and Evaluation flashcards as text
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis presents with forefoot deformity. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of RA affecting the MTP joints?
Answer: Fibular deviation of all toes with plantar fat pad migration
Rheumatoid arthritis characteristically causes fibular/lateral deviation of all lesser toes with distal migration of the plantar fat pad due to MTP joint synovitis and capsular destruction.
When evaluating ankle instability, which clinical test assesses the integrity of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)?
Answer: Anterior drawer test
The anterior drawer test stresses the ATFL by applying anterior force to the heel with the ankle in slight plantarflexion; excessive anterior translation indicates ATFL insufficiency.
A 16-year-old athlete presents with heel pain worse in the morning and with activity. Point tenderness is elicited at the posterior calcaneal apophysis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis)
Sever's disease is apophysitis of the calcaneal growth plate, common in active adolescents, presenting with posterior heel pain and apophyseal tenderness.
On a weight-bearing lateral radiograph, Böhler's angle is measured at 12 degrees. What does this finding indicate?
Answer: Flattening of the posterior facet consistent with calcaneal fracture
Normal Böhler's angle is 20–40 degrees; a value of 12 degrees indicates depression of the posterior facet, consistent with calcaneal fracture or previous injury.
During neurological examination, a patient cannot plantarflex the ankle against resistance. Which nerve root and peripheral nerve should be evaluated?
Answer: S1, tibial nerve
Ankle plantarflexion is primarily an S1 function mediated by the tibial nerve through the gastrocnemius-soleus complex.
When evaluating a diabetic patient for peripheral neuropathy, the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 monofilament tests which sensory threshold?
Answer: Protective sensation (10 grams of force)
The 5.07 monofilament applies 10 grams of force and is used to assess protective sensation; inability to detect it indicates loss of protective sensation and high ulceration risk.
A patient presents with sudden-onset lateral ankle pain after an inversion injury. Radiographs are negative. The Ottawa Ankle Rules indicate radiographs are warranted when bone tenderness is present at which location?
Answer: Posterior edge or tip of the lateral malleolus within 6 cm
Ottawa Ankle Rules require radiographs if tenderness exists at the posterior edge or tip of the lateral or medial malleolus within the distal 6 cm, to rule out fracture.