ATC Therapeutic Intervention & Health Care Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An athletic trainer applies moist heat to a patient's lower back for 20 minutes. Which physiological effect is the PRIMARY therapeutic goal?
- Decreased nerve conduction velocity
- Increased local tissue metabolism and blood flow (Correct answer)
- Reduction of intramuscular edema
- Decreased pain threshold
Correct answer: Increased local tissue metabolism and blood flow
Moist heat primarily increases local tissue temperature, which elevates metabolic activity and vasodilates superficial blood vessels.
Question 2: Iontophoresis is best described as the use of which agent to drive medication transdermally?
- Ultrasonic waves
- Magnetic fields
- Direct electrical current (Correct answer)
- Infrared radiation
Correct answer: Direct electrical current
Iontophoresis uses low-level direct current to drive ionized medication molecules through the skin into underlying tissue.
Question 3: Which documentation method uses a structured format with subjective, objective, assessment, and plan components?
- SOAP notes (Correct answer)
- DAP notes
- CHEOPS scale
- PIE charting
Correct answer: SOAP notes
SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) are the standard structured documentation format used in athletic training and clinical settings.
Question 4: A football player has a confirmed Grade II MCL sprain. Which rehabilitation phase should emphasize restoring full ROM and beginning strengthening before sport-specific training?
- Phase I — Acute/Inflammatory
- Phase II — Repair/Subacute (Correct answer)
- Phase III — Remodeling/Return-to-Activity
- Phase IV — Prevention
Correct answer: Phase II — Repair/Subacute
Phase II (repair/subacute) focuses on restoring range of motion and initiating strengthening as initial inflammation subsides.
Question 5: Under the Affordable Care Act, what does the concept of 'preventive care' mandate that most health insurance plans cover at no cost to the patient?
- All specialist referrals
- Evidence-based preventive screenings and immunizations (Correct answer)
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy sessions
Correct answer: Evidence-based preventive screenings and immunizations
The ACA requires most health plans to cover evidence-based preventive services like immunizations and screenings without cost-sharing.
Question 6: Which standardized functional test assesses lower extremity single-leg dynamic stability by measuring reach distance in multiple directions?
- Functional Movement Screen
- Star Excursion Balance Test
- Y-Balance Test
- Both B and C are correct (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both B and C are correct
The Star Excursion Balance Test and Y-Balance Test both assess single-leg dynamic stability by measuring reach distance in multiple directions; they are closely related assessments.
Question 7: An AT working at a high school is required by state law to report suspected child abuse. This obligation is an example of which type of legal duty?
- Permissive reporting
- Mandatory reporting (Correct answer)
- Discretionary duty
- Standard of care duty
Correct answer: Mandatory reporting
Mandatory reporting laws legally require designated professionals, including healthcare providers, to report suspected child abuse regardless of personal judgment.
ATC Therapeutic Intervention & Health Care Administration 3
An athletic trainer applies moist heat to a patient's lower back for 20 minutes.
Which physiological effect is the PRIMARY therapeutic goal?