CMC Vehicle Conversion & Hand Controls 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When evaluating a client for push-pull hand controls, which factor is MOST critical to assess first?
- Upper extremity strength and range of motion (Correct answer)
- Vehicle make and model preference
- Insurance coverage limits
- Client's prior driving history
Correct answer: Upper extremity strength and range of motion
Upper extremity strength and range of motion determine whether the client can safely operate push-pull hand controls under all driving conditions.
Question 2: A right-angle hand control is typically indicated for clients with which condition?
- Complete paraplegia with intact upper extremity function (Correct answer)
- Mild left hemiplegia with good grip strength
- Moderate lower extremity weakness only
- Bilateral upper extremity amputations
Correct answer: Complete paraplegia with intact upper extremity function
Right-angle (push-right-angle) hand controls are commonly prescribed for individuals with paraplegia who have full upper extremity function and need to operate both brake and accelerator via a single lever.
Question 3: Which type of hand control operates the accelerator by rotating or twisting the handle?
- Spinner knob with twist grip (Correct answer)
- Push-pull rod control
- Tri-pin secondary control
- Floor-mounted lever system
Correct answer: Spinner knob with twist grip
A spinner knob with twist grip allows the driver to accelerate by rotating the grip, useful for those with limited hand strength or grip.
Question 4: A vehicle conversion for a full-size wheelchair must comply with which federal standard for structural integrity of the modified floor?
- FMVSS 210 seat belt assembly anchorages (Correct answer)
- FMVSS 302 flammability of interior materials
- FMVSS 108 lighting equipment
- FMVSS 111 rearview mirrors
Correct answer: FMVSS 210 seat belt assembly anchorages
FMVSS 210 governs seat belt assembly anchorages, which is directly relevant when the floor is modified to accommodate wheelchair tie-down systems.
Question 5: Which hand control design is BEST suited for a client with spastic quadriplegia who retains only gross arm movement?
- Reduced effort electronic hand control (Correct answer)
- Standard mechanical push-pull control
- Foot-operated hand control substitute
- Conventional steering wheel with knob
Correct answer: Reduced effort electronic hand control
Reduced effort electronic hand controls minimize the force required to operate brake and accelerator, accommodating clients with very limited motor control.
Question 6: When installing a raised roof conversion on a minivan, which safety inspection step is mandatory before client delivery?
- Verifying roof structural integrity and seal against water intrusion (Correct answer)
- Replacing all exterior lighting
- Reprogramming the vehicle's ECU
- Recalibrating the transmission shift points
Correct answer: Verifying roof structural integrity and seal against water intrusion
Raised roof conversions alter the vehicle's structural envelope, so the seams and support members must be inspected for integrity and weatherproofing before delivery.
Question 7: A mobility consultant recommends lowered-floor minivan conversion over a raised-roof conversion primarily because:
- It provides greater headroom clearance for power wheelchair users without raising the vehicle's center of gravity (Correct answer)
- It is significantly less expensive to manufacture
- It eliminates the need for a ramp or lift
- It requires no structural modifications to the vehicle body
Correct answer: It provides greater headroom clearance for power wheelchair users without raising the vehicle's center of gravity
Lowering the floor increases interior height for standing or seated wheelchair users while keeping the roof at factory height, which preserves the center of gravity better than raising the roof.
CMC Vehicle Conversion & Hand Controls 2
When evaluating a client for push-pull hand controls, which factor is MOST critical to assess first?