Diagnostic Procedures & Interpretation Flashcards

Which technique is commonly used to quantify foot and ankle swelling?

Answer: Figure-eight measurement

The figure-eight method tracks ankle and foot girth reliably.

Which statement about Homans sign for DVT is accurate?

Answer: It is unreliable and should be paired with clinical prediction rules like Wells

Homans sign has poor sensitivity and specificity; the Wells criteria guide DVT risk.

Pitting edema that leaves about a 4 mm depression is graded as:

Answer: 2+

Grading is 1+ ≈2 mm, 2+ ≈4 mm, 3+ ≈6 mm, 4+ ≈8 mm.

An ankle-brachial index below which value suggests peripheral arterial disease?

Answer: 0.9

An ABI of 0.90 or less indicates PAD.

Which finding at intake is a contraindication to aquatic therapy that day?

Answer: Active fever

Fever is a contraindication because of infection risk and impaired thermoregulation.

Which condition is generally an absolute contraindication to pool participation?

Answer: Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence poses a contamination and public health risk to the pool.

Neck-deep immersion generally has what effect on vital capacity?

Answer: Decreases it due to hydrostatic pressure on the chest

Hydrostatic pressure on the thorax increases work of breathing and reduces vital capacity.