DPT Neurological Rehabilitation 4

Question 1

A patient with T10 complete spinal cord injury is beginning ambulation training. Which assistive device and orthotic combination is MOST appropriate for therapeutic ambulation?

Accepted Answer

Reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) with a walker or forearm crutches

Answer

T10 complete SCI patients lack lower extremity motor function and require a reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) with an appropriate assistive device to achieve therapeutic ambulation.

Question 2

Which mechanism BEST explains why constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) improves upper extremity function after stroke?

Accepted Answer

Forced use of the affected limb counters learned non-use and promotes cortical reorganization

Answer

CIMT overcomes learned non-use — where patients habitually avoid using the affected limb — while intense massed practice drives cortical reorganization of the motor cortex.

Question 3

A patient with vestibular hypofunction secondary to acoustic neuroma resection reports oscillopsia during walking. Which intervention DIRECTLY addresses this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Gaze stabilization exercises using the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) x1 protocol

Answer

Oscillopsia from vestibular hypofunction reflects VOR impairment; gaze stabilization exercises using the VOR x1 protocol promote central adaptation and substitution to reduce image blur during head movement.

Question 4

During a functional mobility assessment, a patient with ALS demonstrates difficulty with transfers but retains adequate upper extremity strength. Which adaptive strategy should be prioritized FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Teach sliding board transfers to preserve independence while reducing fall risk

Answer

Sliding board transfers allow patients with adequate upper extremity function to maintain transfer independence safely, preserving autonomy while adapting to motor decline.

Question 5

Which finding during gait analysis MOST suggests hypertonicity of the plantar flexors (spastic equinus) as the cause of a patient's reduced step length?

Accepted Answer

Premature heel rise and excessive plantar flexion during mid-stance

Answer

Spastic equinus causes premature heel rise during stance and limits forward tibial progression, resulting in reduced step length due to restricted ankle mobility.

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

DPT Neurological Rehabilitation 4