FCE Sincerity of Effort & Symptom Validity 3

Question 1

In FCE practice, 'validity' of the evaluation is BEST defined as:

Accepted Answer

The degree to which the FCE accurately measures the examinee's true physical abilities

Answer

The examinee completing all required test items without stopping

Answer

Agreement between the evaluator's findings and the physician's opinion

Answer

The examinee's reported pain level matching observed behavior

Question 2

Which factor can MOST legitimately cause inconsistent grip strength results without indicating submaximal effort?

Accepted Answer

Diurnal variation in grip strength due to time of day

Answer

Fear of re-injury or pain during testing

Answer

Evaluator encouragement during repeated trials

Answer

Use of a hydraulic dynamometer instead of a digital one

Question 3

When an FCE evaluator observes that an examinee's walking speed observed outside the formal testing area is significantly faster than during the timed walking test, this BEST illustrates:

Accepted Answer

A behavioral inconsistency that may indicate submaximal effort during formal testing

Answer

Normal variability in gait speed due to surface differences

Answer

The evaluator is using an incorrect timing methodology

Answer

Evidence of symptom improvement during the evaluation

Question 4

The ethical obligation of an FCE evaluator when validity indicators suggest submaximal effort is to:

Accepted Answer

Document objective findings accurately and note the validity concern without concluding intent

Answer

Terminate the evaluation immediately and notify the referral source

Answer

Counsel the examinee about the consequences of submaximal effort

Answer

Repeat all testing the following day to obtain valid results

Question 5

Which statistical measure is used to express the variability in repeated grip strength measurements as a percentage of the mean?

Accepted Answer

Coefficient of variation (CV)

Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

Pearson correlation coefficient

Answer

Interrater reliability index

Question 6

Which of the following is LEAST reliable as a sole indicator of submaximal effort in FCE?

Accepted Answer

Examinee subjective report of giving full effort

Answer

Coefficient of variation exceeding 15% across five grip trials

Answer

Rapid Exchange Grip values significantly exceeding sustained grip values

Answer

Observable inconsistencies between formal testing and informal observation

Question 7

A referral source asks an FCE evaluator to include a definitive statement that the examinee is 'faking' in the report. The evaluator should:

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that FCE evaluators document objective inconsistencies without determining intent

Answer

Include the statement if multiple validity indicators were not met

Answer

Use softer language such as 'likely faking' to accommodate the request

Answer

Defer the decision to the treating physician