Functional Capacity Evaluation Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real FCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Functional Capacity Evaluation Principles flashcards as text
Under the ADA, what obligation does an employer have when FCE results reveal a worker cannot meet all essential job functions?
Answer: Consider reasonable accommodations before any employment decision
The ADA requires employers to explore reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities before making adverse employment decisions based on FCE findings.
In FCE reporting, what does 'functional work capacity' primarily describe?
Answer: The level of physical demand a client can sustain safely over a work day
Functional work capacity describes the level of physical work demand (e.g., sedentary, light, medium) a client can safely sustain throughout a full work day.
Which physiological measure is most commonly used to determine safe aerobic work capacity during an FCE?
Answer: Heart rate as a percentage of age-predicted maximum
Heart rate as a percentage of age-predicted maximum (typically 220 minus age) is the most common measure used to assess and limit aerobic work intensity during FCE.
What is the primary difference between an FCE and a Physical Capacities Evaluation (PCE)?
Answer: FCEs assess work-related function comprehensively; PCEs typically provide more limited physical measurements
An FCE provides a comprehensive work-related functional assessment, while a PCE typically offers a more limited set of physical measurements without full work capacity determination.
When an FCE report states a client is at 'medium' work capacity per DOT classifications, what maximum occasional lift weight does this imply?
Answer: 50 pounds
The DOT defines medium work as involving occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds.
Which of the following behaviors during FCE testing would most strongly suggest a client is exhibiting symptom magnification?
Answer: Performing better on formal tests than during observed functional tasks
Performing better on formal isolated tests than during observed functional tasks is a classic indicator of symptom magnification or inconsistent effort.
Which concept explains why an FCE evaluator must match test conditions to typical job task demands rather than testing isolated maximum strength?
Answer: Ecological validity
Ecological validity requires that FCE conditions mirror real-world job task demands so that results are meaningful and applicable to actual work performance.