DPT Geriatric Rehabilitation 4

Question 1

Which cognitive screening tool is MOST commonly used by physical therapists to identify cognitive impairment that may affect rehabilitation participation?

Accepted Answer

Mini-Cog

Answer

The Mini-Cog is a brief, validated screening tool combining a 3-word recall and clock drawing test that can be administered quickly in clinical settings.

Question 2

A 79-year-old male with Parkinson's disease exhibits festinating gait. Which cueing strategy is MOST effective for improving gait in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Auditory rhythmic cueing using a metronome

Answer

Auditory rhythmic cueing (e.g., metronome) bypasses defective basal ganglia timing circuits by providing an external rhythm that improves stride length and cadence in Parkinson's disease.

Question 3

An 88-year-old nursing home resident has stage 3 pressure injury on the sacrum. Which positioning strategy BEST reduces further tissue breakdown?

Accepted Answer

Reposition every 2 hours and use a pressure-redistribution mattress

Answer

Repositioning every 2 hours combined with a pressure-redistribution mattress reduces sustained mechanical load on vulnerable tissues to prevent further injury.

Question 4

Which factor is the STRONGEST independent predictor of functional decline following hospitalization in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Pre-hospital functional status

Answer

Pre-hospital functional status is the strongest independent predictor of post-hospitalization functional outcomes, superseding age and diagnosis severity.

Question 5

A 73-year-old woman with diabetic peripheral neuropathy demonstrates impaired protective sensation in both feet. Which intervention is HIGHEST priority?

Accepted Answer

Foot inspection education, appropriate footwear, and supervised balance training

Answer

Patients with impaired protective sensation are at high risk for unrecognized foot injury; education on foot inspection and appropriate footwear combined with supervised balance training is the safest, highest-priority approach.

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

DPT Geriatric Rehabilitation 4