Patient Assessment Flashcards

A client presents with an anterior pelvic tilt. Which muscle group is most likely shortened?

Answer: Hip flexors and lumbar erectors

Anterior pelvic tilt is typically maintained by short, tight hip flexors (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) and lumbar erector spinae.

In an ideal lateral postural view, the plumb line should pass through which landmarks?

Answer: Earlobe, acromion, greater trochanter, slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus

The standard lateral plumb line runs through the earlobe, acromion, greater trochanter, just anterior to knee midline, and slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus.

Upper crossed syndrome is characterized by tight pectorals and upper trapezius along with which weak muscles?

Answer: Deep neck flexors and lower trapezius

Janda's upper crossed syndrome pairs tight pectorals/upper traps with weak deep cervical flexors and lower traps/serratus anterior.

During postural assessment, a client's right shoulder is noticeably higher than the left. Which muscles would you most likely find hypertonic on the right?

Answer: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae

Upper trapezius and levator scapulae elevate the scapula, so hypertonicity commonly raises the shoulder on that side.

A client stands with the knees touching and the ankles apart. This is documented as:

Answer: Genu valgum

Genu valgum (knock-knees) describes knees angled inward toward midline with the feet apart.

Forward head posture most commonly involves shortening of which muscles?

Answer: Suboccipitals and sternocleidomastoid

Forward head posture hyperextends the upper cervical spine, shortening the suboccipitals and SCM.

A flat-back posture is best described by which finding?

Answer: Posterior pelvic tilt with decreased lumbar lordosis

Flat-back posture shows a posteriorly tilted pelvis and a reduced or flattened lumbar curve.