Patient Assessment & Treatment Planning Flashcards

A dog presents with a 'bunny-hopping' gait in the pelvic limbs. This gait abnormality is most commonly associated with which condition?

Answer: Bilateral hip dysplasia

Bunny-hopping, where both pelvic limbs move simultaneously, is a classic compensatory gait pattern seen in dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia trying to minimize hip pain.

Which factor is MOST important to document when establishing a rehabilitation baseline in a post-surgical orthopedic patient?

Answer: Current analgesic medications and dosages

Documenting current analgesic medications and dosages is critical as pain management directly impacts the patient's ability to participate in rehabilitation and affects objective assessment findings.

When using the Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI) for treatment planning, what domains does it evaluate?

Answer: Stiffness, function, and wellbeing

The Canine Orthopaedic Index evaluates three domains: stiffness, function, and wellbeing, providing a comprehensive owner-reported quality of life assessment for dogs with orthopedic conditions.

A cat recovering from a femoral fracture repair shows pain on palpation of the fracture site at 6 weeks post-op. What should the rehabilitation therapist do first?

Answer: Consult with the attending veterinarian before proceeding with treatment

Unexpected pain at a fracture site at 6 weeks post-op may indicate implant failure, delayed union, or infection, requiring veterinary evaluation before rehabilitation continues.

Which grading scale is used to classify the severity of neurological deficits in small animal patients to guide rehabilitation prognosis?

Answer: Olby Scale (or Frankel-modified grading)

The Olby scale (a Frankel-modified grading system) classifies neurological deficits from grade 0 (no voluntary motor function) to grade 5 (normal), guiding prognosis and rehabilitation intensity.

During a therapeutic exercise session, a dog begins panting excessively, slows pace, and seeks shade. The MOST appropriate immediate action is to:

Answer: Stop exercise immediately, provide water and cooling, and monitor vital signs

Signs of heat stress require immediate cessation of activity, active cooling, hydration, and monitoring, as heat stroke can progress rapidly and become life-threatening.

In documenting a rehabilitation session using SOAP format, where would you record the patient's pain score and joint ROM measurements?

Answer: Objective

Measurable, quantifiable data such as pain scores, goniometric ROM measurements, and limb circumference belong in the Objective section of a SOAP note.