CCAT Patient Assessment and Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct sequence for performing a systematic musculoskeletal examination in a rehabilitation patient?
- Palpation → Range of motion → Gait analysis → Postural assessment
- Gait analysis → Postural assessment → Palpation → Range of motion
- History → Gait analysis → Postural assessment → Palpation → Range of motion (Correct answer)
- Range of motion → Palpation → History → Gait analysis
Correct answer: History → Gait analysis → Postural assessment → Palpation → Range of motion
A thorough rehabilitation examination begins with history, proceeds to dynamic assessment (gait), then static postural assessment, and concludes with hands-on palpation and joint ROM.
Question 2: When measuring passive range of motion (PROM) of the canine stifle, the normal extension value is approximately:
- 110–120°
- 145–162° (Correct answer)
- 90–100°
- 170–180°
Correct answer: 145–162°
Normal passive stifle extension in dogs is approximately 145–162°, with values below this range suggesting capsular tightness, effusion, or pain.
Question 3: A patient presents with an antalgic lean away from the right forelimb during standing assessment. This posture most likely indicates:
- Left forelimb weakness
- Pain or discomfort in the right forelimb (Correct answer)
- Right thoracic muscle hypertrophy
- Normal weight shifting behavior
Correct answer: Pain or discomfort in the right forelimb
An antalgic lean shifts body weight away from a painful limb to reduce loading on that side.
Question 4: Which orthopedic test is used to assess cranial cruciate ligament integrity in dogs?
- Ortolani test
- Cranial drawer test (Correct answer)
- Patellar grind test
- Finkelstein's test
Correct answer: Cranial drawer test
The cranial drawer test assesses cranial-caudal stability of the stifle; excessive cranial movement of the tibia relative to the femur indicates CCL insufficiency.
Question 5: In the Modified Functional Disability Score (MFDS) for cats, which parameter is evaluated?
- Electrodiagnostic nerve conduction velocity
- Ability to perform activities of daily living such as jumping and grooming (Correct answer)
- Serum creatine kinase concentration
- Radiographic bone remodeling score
Correct answer: Ability to perform activities of daily living such as jumping and grooming
The MFDS evaluates feline functional status based on the ability to perform daily activities including jumping, using the litter box, and self-grooming.
Question 6: Which finding during joint palpation specifically suggests synovial effusion rather than periarticular fibrosis?
- Firm, non-compressible swelling at joint margins
- Soft, fluctuant, compressible swelling that ballots the patella (Correct answer)
- Crepitus with passive flexion
- Thickened joint capsule with reduced ROM
Correct answer: Soft, fluctuant, compressible swelling that ballots the patella
Synovial effusion produces soft, fluctuant, compressible swelling that can cause patellar ballottement, while periarticular fibrosis produces firm, non-compressible thickening.
Question 7: A rehabilitation therapist documents a patient's pain as '3/5' on a numeric rating scale at rest. Which action should be taken before initiating a therapeutic exercise session?
- Proceed with full exercise protocol as planned
- Notify the supervising veterinarian and consider pain management adjustment before therapy (Correct answer)
- Increase exercise intensity to stimulate endorphin release
- Apply ice packs and discharge the patient for the day
Correct answer: Notify the supervising veterinarian and consider pain management adjustment before therapy
Moderate pain at rest (3/5) warrants communication with the veterinarian for analgesic optimization prior to rehabilitation to ensure patient welfare and treatment efficacy.
CCAT Patient Assessment and Evaluation 3
Which of the following is the correct sequence for performing a systematic musculoskeletal examination in a rehabilitation patient?