Patient Assessment & Measurement Flashcards

When performing a manual muscle test (MMT) for orthotic planning, a grade of 3/5 indicates the muscle can:

Answer: Move through full ROM against gravity only

An MMT grade of 3/5 means the muscle can complete full range of motion against gravity but cannot overcome any additional resistance.

A patient's skin assessment reveals stage 2 pressure injury under a previously worn orthosis. The FIRST step in the fitting process should be:

Answer: Document and refer to wound care before refitting

A stage 2 pressure injury requires wound care intervention and documentation before orthotic modification or refitting to prevent further tissue damage.

Which measurement is taken to determine the correct length of a Lofstrand (forearm) crutch for a patient?

Answer: From the floor to 2 inches below the elbow flexed at 15-20 degrees

Lofstrand crutch length is measured from the floor to approximately 2 inches below the elbow when flexed at 15-20 degrees, positioning the forearm cuff correctly.

During assessment, a patient exhibits clonus at the ankle. This finding suggests involvement of which neurological pathway?

Answer: Upper motor neuron

Clonus is a sign of upper motor neuron lesion causing hyperreflexia and loss of descending inhibitory control on the stretch reflex.

To measure the circumference of a lower limb for a compression orthosis, measurements should be taken at:

Answer: Standard anatomical landmarks at consistent intervals

Circumferential measurements for compression orthoses must be taken at standard anatomical landmarks and consistent intervals to ensure graduated compression and accurate fitting.

A patient reports that their AFO causes discomfort at the posterior heel. Which measurement error most likely caused this?

Answer: Insufficient heel-to-toe length measurement

An insufficient heel-to-toe length measurement results in a footplate that is too short, causing the posterior shell to impinge on the heel.

When assessing sensation for orthotic fitting, which test evaluates the patient's ability to detect light touch protective sensation?

Answer: Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test

The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test uses calibrated filaments to assess protective sensation thresholds, critical for diabetic or neuropathic patients.