CHT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the most effective method for preventing cross-contamination? → Proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment
2. The purpose of serial static casting or splinting in PIP flexion contracture is to: → Achieve incremental gains in extension through tissue creep
3. During pinch, the first dorsal interosseous muscle is responsible for: → Index finger radial abduction
4. What is the primary mechanism by which compression garments reduce hand edema? → Counteracting capillary filtration pressure to prevent fluid reaccumulation
5. When documenting active range of motion with a goniometer at the PIP joint, where is the axis of the goniometer placed? → Over the lateral aspect of the PIP joint
6. Which carpal bone articulates directly with the radius at the radiocarpal joint along with the lunate? → Scaphoid
7. When applying a circumferential orthosis, the therapist should ensure that the orthosis does not compress the: → Superficial sensory nerves and bony prominences
8. What is a primary goal of outcome evaluation in hand therapy? → To measure treatment effectiveness and function.
9. Why is baseline measurement important in evaluation? → It allows comparison of progress over time.
10. Which modality is commonly used to reduce inflammation in acute hand injuries? → Cold therapy (cryotherapy)
11. When using volumetric water displacement for serial edema measurements, what environmental factor must remain consistent? → Water temperature
12. Which metric best reflects patient-centered evaluation? → Patient-reported outcomes
13. Which forearm rotation motion is primarily performed by the supinator muscle? → Supination with elbow extended
14. In a hand therapy practice, informed consent must address which of the following? → Diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks, benefits, and alternatives
15. Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for capturing a patient's self-reported hand function disability after carpal tunnel release? → Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)
16. A CHT is performing nerve gliding exercises for a patient with pronator syndrome. Which sequence correctly describes a median nerve glide progression? → Wrist extension → elbow extension → shoulder depression → cervical lateral flexion away
17. Which clinical sign most strongly suggests wound infection requiring medical referral? → Increasing warmth, spreading erythema, and purulent drainage
18. The intrinsic muscles of the hand are primarily responsible for which combined finger motion? → IP extension with MCP flexion
19. A patient presents with inability to fully extend the DIP joint with the PIP held in extension. Which evaluation finding most suggests mallet finger? → Passive DIP extension is full but active extension is lost
20. A CHT documents that a patient demonstrated 'fair' grip strength without including specific measurement values. This documentation is problematic because: → Objective, measurable data are required to demonstrate progress and justify care
21. How frequently should ongoing assessments be conducted in Certified Hand Therapist practice? → At regular intervals based on established protocols and as conditions change
22. A therapist uses the moving two-point discrimination test. What is the normal threshold at the fingertip? → 2–3 mm
23. When treating a patient with a proximal phalanx fracture that is surgically fixed, active ROM exercises typically begin: → 3–5 days post-op with gentle protected active range of motion per surgeon protocol
24. When documenting assessment findings in CHT practice, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Record objective findings, measurements, and professional observations factually
25. A patient with de Quervain's tenosynovitis is fitted with a thumb spica splint. Which wrist and thumb position is MOST appropriate? → Wrist neutral, thumb CMC and MP in palmar abduction and extension
26. When conducting a risk assessment for CHT operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
27. Which pulley in the flexor tendon sheath is considered the most biomechanically critical for efficient finger flexion? → A2 pulley
28. Why are occupation-based activities important? → They restore functional daily tasks
29. How often should equipment be sterilized or disinfected? → Between each patient use according to manufacturer guidelines
30. A patient with a distal radius fracture reports pain with DRUJ loading 8 weeks post-fixation. Which structure should the CHT prioritize evaluating first? → TFCC