Therapeutic Interventions Flashcards

A patient with Dupuytren's contracture post-fasciectomy develops a flexion contracture at the PIP joint. Which orthotic intervention is most appropriate during the early postoperative phase?

Answer: Serial static extension splint worn continuously except during exercise

Serial static extension splints worn continuously (except during exercise) provide sustained stretch to correct PIP flexion contractures following fasciectomy.

When applying kinesiotaping to reduce dorsal hand edema, the tape should be applied with the elastic property oriented in which direction?

Answer: Distal to proximal with light tension on the base only

Kinesiotape for edema reduction is applied distal to proximal with tension only on the anchor to create lymphatic lift and direct fluid toward proximal lymph nodes.

A therapist is using iontophoresis with dexamethasone for a patient with trigger finger. Which polarity should the dexamethasone be placed under?

Answer: Negative (cathode)

Dexamethasone is negatively charged, so it is driven into tissue from the negative electrode (cathode) during iontophoresis.

Which technique is MOST appropriate for treating hypersensitivity in a patient with a healed fingertip amputation?

Answer: Graded desensitization using textures progressing from soft to coarse

Graded desensitization with progressively coarser textures systematically reduces hypersensitivity by habituating the nervous system.

A patient 4 weeks post-flexor tendon repair (zone II) is in a place-and-hold program. The BEST description of this exercise is:

Answer: Passive placement of the finger into flexion followed by active hold without active flexion

Place-and-hold involves passively positioning the finger in flexion and then having the patient actively maintain (hold) that position, generating low tendon tension without full excursion.

Which parameter is MOST important when selecting a frequency for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to produce a tetanic muscle contraction for hand intrinsic re-education?

Answer: Frequency of 35–50 Hz

A frequency of 35–50 Hz produces the fused tetanic contraction needed for functional muscle re-education during NMES.

A CHT is fabricating a wrist cock-up splint for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. The recommended wrist position to minimize carpal tunnel pressure is:

Answer: 10–15° of wrist extension

Mild wrist extension of 10–15° minimizes carpal tunnel pressure and is the standard orthotic position for carpal tunnel syndrome management.