CDS Treatment Protocols & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with multiple sclerosis experiences heat-induced symptom exacerbation (Uhthoff's phenomenon). Which treatment modification is most appropriate?
- Schedule therapy sessions during the hottest part of the day to build tolerance
- Incorporate cooling strategies such as cool vests before and during exercise (Correct answer)
- Avoid all exercise because it will worsen the condition permanently
- Increase session intensity to overcome the heat sensitivity
Correct answer: Incorporate cooling strategies such as cool vests before and during exercise
Pre-cooling and cooling vests lower core body temperature, reducing conduction impairment and allowing safer exercise participation.
Question 2: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a reasonable accommodation in a treatment setting refers to:
- A modification that eliminates an essential function of the job or program
- An adjustment that enables a qualified person with a disability to participate without causing undue hardship (Correct answer)
- Any accommodation requested regardless of organizational cost
- Modifications required only when the disability is visible
Correct answer: An adjustment that enables a qualified person with a disability to participate without causing undue hardship
The ADA defines reasonable accommodation as any change that enables participation without fundamentally altering the program or imposing undue hardship.
Question 3: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) in disability management?
- To diagnose the underlying medical condition causing the disability
- To objectively measure a client's physical abilities and work tolerances (Correct answer)
- To determine the client's eligibility for Social Security benefits exclusively
- To assess cognitive function and learning ability
Correct answer: To objectively measure a client's physical abilities and work tolerances
An FCE uses standardized tests to measure strength, endurance, and functional tolerances relevant to work or daily activities.
Question 4: A certified disability specialist is creating a pain management protocol for a client with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Which interdisciplinary approach is most evidence-based?
- Opioid medication only, titrated to complete pain elimination
- Multimodal pain management combining physical therapy, psychology, and medication management (Correct answer)
- Complete rest and activity avoidance until pain resolves
- Acupuncture as the sole intervention
Correct answer: Multimodal pain management combining physical therapy, psychology, and medication management
Multimodal interdisciplinary pain programs consistently show superior outcomes over single-modality treatments for chronic pain.
Question 5: When using motivational interviewing with a client resistant to a recommended treatment protocol, the specialist should FIRST:
- Confront the client directly about the consequences of non-compliance
- Express empathy and explore the client's ambivalence about the treatment (Correct answer)
- Postpone all treatment until the client agrees to comply
- Involve family members to pressure the client into compliance
Correct answer: Express empathy and explore the client's ambivalence about the treatment
Motivational interviewing begins with empathy and reflective listening to understand the client's perspective and resolve ambivalence collaboratively.
Question 6: Which seating parameter is most critical when prescribing a wheelchair for a client with high-level spinal cord injury to prevent postural deformity?
- Seat width that allows maximum lateral space
- Appropriate seat-to-back angle and pelvic positioning (Correct answer)
- Footrest height set to the maximum elevation
- Armrests positioned significantly higher than elbow level
Correct answer: Appropriate seat-to-back angle and pelvic positioning
Correct pelvic positioning and seat-to-back angle create the neutral spinal alignment that prevents scoliosis and pressure complications.
Question 7: A specialist is reviewing a transfer training protocol for a client with lower-limb amputation. Which safety element is MOST important to establish first?
- Teaching the client to always transfer toward the prosthesis side
- Ensuring the client has adequate upper-extremity strength and sitting balance (Correct answer)
- Having the client attempt standing pivot transfers immediately
- Using a gait belt only after the client masters independent transfers
Correct answer: Ensuring the client has adequate upper-extremity strength and sitting balance
Assessing and establishing upper-extremity strength and sitting balance are prerequisites for safe transfer training after lower-limb amputation.
CDS Treatment Protocols & Procedures 3
A client with multiple sclerosis experiences heat-induced symptom exacerbation (Uhthoff's phenomenon).
Which treatment modification is most appropriate?