CBM Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which splinting position is recommended for a burn patient with a neck burn to prevent cervical contracture?
- Neck flexion with chin tucked
- Neck hyperextension with a conformer splint (Correct answer)
- Neutral neck position without splinting
- Lateral neck rotation held with tape
Correct answer: Neck hyperextension with a conformer splint
Neck hyperextension using a conformer or cervical splint counteracts the contractile forces of anterior neck burns.
Question 2: A burn patient develops a boutonniere deformity of the finger. Which joint is primarily affected by extensor tendon involvement?
- Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint
- Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint
- Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (Correct answer)
- Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint
Correct answer: Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint
Boutonniere deformity results from disruption of the central slip of the extensor tendon at the PIP joint, causing PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension.
Question 3: Which type of exercise is MOST appropriate during the acute inflammatory phase of burn rehabilitation?
- High-resistance isotonic exercises
- Gentle active and active-assisted range of motion (Correct answer)
- Aggressive passive stretching
- Isokinetic strengthening at maximal speed
Correct answer: Gentle active and active-assisted range of motion
Gentle active and active-assisted ROM maintains joint mobility and reduces edema without overstressing fragile healing tissues during acute inflammation.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of using compression therapy (pressure garments) in burn rehabilitation?
- To reduce pain during dressing changes
- To prevent and minimize hypertrophic scar formation (Correct answer)
- To maintain skin moisture and hydration
- To protect grafted areas from UV exposure
Correct answer: To prevent and minimize hypertrophic scar formation
Sustained compression (20–25 mmHg) applied by pressure garments inhibits excessive collagen synthesis and promotes scar maturation.
Question 5: A therapist is treating a patient with axillary burns. Which functional position should be maintained to prevent shoulder contracture?
- Shoulder adduction at 10 degrees
- Shoulder abduction at 90 degrees with external rotation (Correct answer)
- Shoulder flexion at 45 degrees across the chest
- Shoulder internal rotation with elbow flexion
Correct answer: Shoulder abduction at 90 degrees with external rotation
Positioning the shoulder at 90 degrees of abduction with external rotation keeps the axillary skin on stretch and prevents web-space contracture.
Question 6: In hydrotherapy for burn patients, what is the recommended water temperature range to minimize patient discomfort and avoid hypothermia?
- 95°F–104°F (35°C–40°C) (Correct answer)
- 80°F–85°F (27°C–29°C)
- 110°F–115°F (43°C–46°C)
- 65°F–70°F (18°C–21°C)
Correct answer: 95°F–104°F (35°C–40°C)
Water between 95°F and 104°F is warm enough to facilitate wound cleansing and exercise while preventing chilling of burn patients.
Question 7: Which outcome measure is most commonly used to assess functional recovery and activity limitation in adult burn survivors?
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
- Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) (Correct answer)
- Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS)
- Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI)
Correct answer: Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B)
The BSHS-B is a validated burn-specific instrument that assesses physical, psychological, and social dimensions of health-related quality of life in burn survivors.
CBM Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy 2
Which splinting position is recommended for a burn patient with a neck burn to prevent cervical contracture?