Functional Capacity Evaluation Flashcards

In vocational evaluation, the PRIMARY difference between an FCE and a Physical Capacities Evaluation (PCE) is that an FCE:

Answer: Includes comprehensive work simulation and occupational task performance

An FCE incorporates work simulation and broad functional assessment across multiple domains, whereas a PCE typically addresses specific physical parameters like range of motion and strength.

A referring physician requests an FCE to determine 'maximum medical improvement' (MMI). The evaluator should clarify that FCEs:

Answer: Measure functional capacity at the time of testing, not medical stability

FCEs measure current functional capacity as a snapshot in time; MMI is a medical determination made by a physician, not an FCE finding.

When conducting an FCE on a client with a below-elbow amputation who uses a prosthesis, the evaluator MUST:

Answer: Test with and without the prosthesis and document both sets of results

Testing with and without the prosthesis provides complete functional data; prosthetic function varies significantly by task and work conditions may not always permit prosthesis use.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that job demands analyses used in conjunction with FCEs must identify:

Answer: Essential job functions that define the core purpose of the position

ADA compliance requires that FCE comparisons focus on essential job functions, as employers cannot exclude qualified individuals with disabilities from positions they can perform with reasonable accommodation.

Which finding during an FCE would MOST suggest a fear-avoidance model of disability rather than structural physical limitation?

Answer: Marked performance improvement with verbal encouragement and reassurance

Performance that significantly improves with reassurance and encouragement is consistent with fear-avoidance, where psychological factors rather than structural damage limit participation.

Under the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) framework, FCE results PRIMARILY address which domain?

Answer: Activity limitations and participation restrictions

FCEs measure what individuals can do (activity) and the extent to which impairments affect work participation, which falls within the Activity and Participation domain of the ICF.

When an FCE evaluator is asked to provide transferable skills analysis alongside FCE results, the combination is used PRIMARILY to:

Answer: Identify occupational alternatives that match demonstrated functional capacity

Combining FCE capacity data with transferable skills analysis allows the vocational evaluator to identify feasible alternative occupations the client can perform given their functional limitations.