Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis Flashcards
7 cards from real ATC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis flashcards as text
During a dermatome assessment, an athlete reports loss of sensation along the lateral forearm and thumb. Which nerve root is most likely involved?
Answer: C6
The C6 dermatome covers the lateral forearm, thumb, and index finger.
A positive Ober test indicates tightness of which structure?
Answer: Iliotibial band
The Ober test assesses iliotibial band and tensor fasciae latae tightness by lowering the leg in a sidelying position.
Which special test is used to evaluate for a SLAP lesion of the shoulder?
Answer: O'Brien active compression test
The O'Brien active compression test is specifically designed to detect SLAP lesions and AC joint pathology.
A basketball player presents with acute knee swelling within 2 hours of injury. This hemarthrosis most commonly suggests injury to which structure?
Answer: Anterior cruciate ligament
Rapid hemarthrosis (within 1–2 hours) is the hallmark of ACL tears due to disruption of the middle geniculate artery.
When assessing acute low back pain, which finding would most warrant immediate referral to a physician?
Answer: Loss of bowel or bladder control
Loss of bowel or bladder control suggests cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency requiring immediate referral.
The Thomas test is used to assess flexibility of which muscle group?
Answer: Hip flexors
The Thomas test evaluates hip flexor tightness, particularly the iliopsoas and rectus femoris.
An athlete demonstrates a positive Lachman test but a negative anterior drawer test. What is the most likely explanation?
Answer: Hamstring guarding limits the anterior drawer
At 90° of knee flexion, hamstring contraction can mask ACL laxity, making the Lachman at 20–30° more sensitive.