DPT Patient Evaluation & Diagnosis 5

Question 1

A PT reviews a plain radiograph and notes a 'fish-tail' vertebral deformity in the thoracic spine of a 14-year-old female. This finding is MOST associated with:

Accepted Answer

Scheuermann's disease

Answer

Scheuermann's disease produces anterior vertebral wedging and irregular endplates (Schmorl's nodes), creating a 'fish-tail' or kyphotic appearance on imaging.

Question 2

Which auscultation finding over the femoral artery would prompt a PT to withhold exercise and refer a patient for vascular evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Femoral bruit

Answer

A femoral bruit indicates turbulent blood flow consistent with arterial stenosis, warranting referral prior to exercise.

Question 3

According to the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, which of the following is considered a PT diagnosis rather than a medical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Impaired joint mobility and pain due to connective tissue dysfunction

Answer

PT diagnoses describe movement dysfunction and impairments (e.g., impaired mobility) rather than pathoanatomical tissue disease.

Question 4

When interpreting a diagnostic test's utility, a specificity of 97% means:

Accepted Answer

97% of people without the condition will test negative

Answer

Specificity is the proportion of true negatives — the test correctly identifies 97% of individuals who do NOT have the condition.

Question 5

A patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis scores 3 on the Wells Clinical Prediction Rule. This score indicates:

Accepted Answer

High probability — imaging required before treatment decision

Answer

A Wells score ≥3 indicates high DVT probability, requiring confirmatory duplex ultrasound before treatment initiation.

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

(DPT) Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy Practice Test

DPT Patient Evaluation & Diagnosis 5