DPT Geriatric Rehabilitation 2

Question 1

An 82-year-old woman with osteoporosis sustains a vertebral compression fracture at T12. Which activity should be AVOIDED during early rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Spinal flexion exercises

Answer

Spinal flexion exercises increase compressive forces on anterior vertebral bodies and are contraindicated with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Question 2

Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for assessing functional mobility and fall risk in a community-dwelling older adult?

Accepted Answer

Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

Answer

The TUG test is widely validated for predicting fall risk in community-dwelling older adults, with scores ≥12 seconds indicating increased risk.

Question 3

A 78-year-old male post-hip replacement demonstrates Trendelenburg gait. Which muscle group is the PRIMARY target for strengthening?

Accepted Answer

Hip abductors

Answer

Trendelenburg gait results from weakness of the hip abductors (primarily gluteus medius), causing the pelvis to drop on the contralateral side during stance.

Question 4

Which pharmacological class of medications is MOST associated with orthostatic hypotension and fall risk in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Antihypertensives

Answer

Antihypertensives, especially alpha-blockers and diuretics, commonly cause orthostatic hypotension by blunting the normal compensatory vasoconstriction upon standing.

Question 5

A PT is treating a 90-year-old with moderate dementia in a skilled nursing facility. Which communication strategy is MOST effective?

Accepted Answer

Use short simple sentences with visual cues and demonstration

Answer

Short simple sentences combined with visual cues and demonstration leverage preserved procedural memory and improve comprehension in patients with dementia.

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

DPT Geriatric Rehabilitation 2