ATC Clinical Assessment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Speed test is used to evaluate which shoulder structure?
- Supraspinatus tendon
- Long head of the biceps tendon (Correct answer)
- Acromioclavicular joint
- Subscapularis muscle
Correct answer: Long head of the biceps tendon
The Speed test (resisted forward flexion with the elbow extended and forearm supinated) produces anterior shoulder pain when the long head of the biceps tendon is irritated.
Question 2: During a neurological screen, an athlete demonstrates weakness of wrist extension, numbness over the dorsal web space between the thumb and index finger, and inability to extend the thumb. Which nerve is MOST likely involved?
- Median nerve
- Ulnar nerve
- Radial nerve (Correct answer)
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Radial nerve
The radial nerve innervates wrist and thumb extensors and provides sensation to the dorsal web space, making its injury consistent with this clinical picture.
Question 3: A positive Finkelstein test indicates pathology of which structure?
- Extensor carpi ulnaris
- Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis (Correct answer)
- Flexor pollicis longus
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis
Correct answer: Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis
Finkelstein's test (thumb in palm with ulnar deviation) stresses the first dorsal compartment tendons and is positive in De Quervain tenosynovitis.
Question 4: When assessing for a meniscal tear, which test involves applying axial compression with tibial rotation?
- Apley compression test (Correct answer)
- McMurray test
- Thessaly test
- Noble compression test
Correct answer: Apley compression test
The Apley compression test applies downward compression with internal and external rotation in the prone position to stress the menisci.
Question 5: An athlete reports gradual onset anterior knee pain that worsens with prolonged sitting and stair climbing. There is no history of acute trauma. The MOST likely diagnosis is:
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (Correct answer)
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Iliotibial band syndrome
Correct answer: Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by peripatellar pain worsened by prolonged flexion (movie sign), stair use, and squatting without acute trauma.
Question 6: Which vital sign finding would MOST suggest hypovolemic shock in an injured athlete?
- Bradycardia with high blood pressure
- Tachycardia with low blood pressure and pale, clammy skin (Correct answer)
- Normal heart rate with elevated temperature
- Hypertension with bounding pulse
Correct answer: Tachycardia with low blood pressure and pale, clammy skin
Hypovolemic shock presents with compensatory tachycardia, hypotension, and poor peripheral perfusion (pale, cool, moist skin) due to significant blood or fluid loss.
Question 7: A positive Hawkins-Kennedy test is indicative of:
- Biceps tendon rupture
- Subacromial impingement (Correct answer)
- Glenohumeral instability
- Acromioclavicular joint sprain
Correct answer: Subacromial impingement
The Hawkins-Kennedy test (forward flexion to 90° with forced internal rotation) narrows the subacromial space and reproduces impingement symptoms.
ATC Clinical Assessment 3
The Speed test is used to evaluate which shoulder structure?