ATC Clinical Assessment 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which grading system classifies a muscle strain based on the degree of fiber disruption and functional loss?
- Neer classification
- Grade I–III strain scale (Correct answer)
- AIS scale
- Gustilo-Anderson classification
Correct answer: Grade I–III strain scale
Muscle strains are graded I (mild fiber microtear, minimal strength loss), II (partial tear, moderate loss), and III (complete rupture, total loss of function).
Question 2: During a cervical spine screen, the Spurling test is performed. A positive result is indicated by:
- Increased pain with cervical distraction
- Reproduction of radicular symptoms with compression and lateral flexion (Correct answer)
- Weakness of the deltoid only
- Pain at the posterior base of the skull
Correct answer: Reproduction of radicular symptoms with compression and lateral flexion
The Spurling test (cervical compression with lateral flexion toward the symptomatic side) narrows the foramen and reproduces radiculopathy if nerve root compromise is present.
Question 3: A basketball player lands awkwardly and reports hearing a 'pop' in the ankle with immediate swelling and inability to bear weight. The talar tilt test is markedly positive. Which ligament is MOST likely ruptured?
- Deltoid ligament
- Calcaneofibular ligament (Correct answer)
- Anterior tibiofibular ligament
- Spring ligament
Correct answer: Calcaneofibular ligament
A markedly positive talar tilt test (inversion stress) indicates disruption of the calcaneofibular ligament, often injured in severe lateral ankle sprains.
Question 4: When documenting a SOAP note, subjective information would include:
- Range of motion measurements
- Athlete's description of pain and mechanism of injury (Correct answer)
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
- Objective girth measurements
Correct answer: Athlete's description of pain and mechanism of injury
The subjective section records what the athlete reports, including pain description, mechanism, and functional complaints, not measurable data.
Question 5: Which special test assesses for thoracic outlet syndrome by monitoring for radial pulse obliteration with the arm in abduction and external rotation?
- Adson test
- Roos test (EAST)
- Allen test
- Wright test (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Wright test
The Wright test (hyperabduction test) places the arm in maximum abduction and external rotation, which can compress neurovascular structures and obliterate the radial pulse in thoracic outlet syndrome.
Question 6: A positive anterior drawer test of the ankle, performed with the foot in slight plantarflexion, indicates injury to which structure?
- Posterior talofibular ligament
- Anterior talofibular ligament (Correct answer)
- Calcaneofibular ligament
- Deltoid ligament
Correct answer: Anterior talofibular ligament
The anterior drawer test stresses the ATFL by translating the talus anteriorly; excessive movement compared to the contralateral side indicates ATFL disruption.
Question 7: During a sideline evaluation of a potential concussion, which assessment component measures visual-motor speed and reaction time?
- BESS (Balance Error Scoring System)
- King-Devick test (Correct answer)
- SAC (Standardized Assessment of Concussion)
- Digit Span test
Correct answer: King-Devick test
The King-Devick test measures rapid number reading and saccadic eye movements; slowed performance post-injury correlates with concussion.
ATC Clinical Assessment 4
Which grading system classifies a muscle strain based on the degree of fiber disruption and functional loss?