Patient Evaluation Flashcards

When documenting residual limb shape during initial prosthetic evaluation, which shape is considered ideal for prosthetic fitting?

Answer: Conical or cylindrical with firm distal tissue

A cylindrical or conical residual limb with well-healed, firm distal tissue provides optimal socket fit and load transfer.

Which K-level classification is assigned to a patient who has the ability to ambulate with variable cadence and has the ability to traverse environmental barriers?

Answer: K3

K3 describes a community ambulator who can ambulate with variable cadence and traverse most environmental barriers.

A practitioner evaluates a patient with C6 spinal cord injury for upper extremity orthoses. Which wrist-hand orthosis function would be most appropriate to restore?

Answer: Tenodesis grasp utilizing wrist extension

C6 SCI patients retain wrist extension (radial wrist extensors), which can be harnessed through tenodesis to enable a functional grasp.

During evaluation of a patient with a partial foot amputation, which factor most significantly influences the choice of footwear modification versus custom orthosis?

Answer: Level of amputation and remaining lever arm length

The level of amputation determines the remaining plantar lever arm, which dictates whether footwear modification or a prosthetic device is needed for propulsion.

When assessing a patient's skin for suitability for a prosthetic socket, which finding would most urgently delay prosthetic fitting?

Answer: Open wound or active skin breakdown

Open wounds or active skin breakdown contraindicate prosthetic fitting until healing is complete to prevent infection and further tissue damage.

A practitioner is completing an initial evaluation for a patient who had a transtibial amputation 3 weeks ago. The residual limb is still edematous. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Recommend rigid removable dressing or shrinker sock to shape the limb

Rigid removable dressings or shrinker socks are used in the post-acute phase to reduce edema and shape the residual limb for eventual prosthetic fitting.

Which information from a patient's medical history is most critical for planning an orthosis for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Location of joint involvement, deformity pattern, and current disease activity

Joint involvement locations, deformity patterns, and disease activity determine which joints need support and the rigidity required of the orthosis.