Electrophysiology and Wound Care Flashcards
6 cards from real MPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Electrophysiology and Wound Care flashcards as text
The H-reflex in electromyographic testing is the electrical analogue of which clinical reflex?
Answer: Achilles tendon reflex (S1-S2)
The H-reflex tests the S1 reflex arc (afferent Ia fibers to spinal cord to efferent motor fibers to soleus) and is the electrophysiological equivalent of the clinical Achilles tendon or ankle jerk reflex.
Pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) is most appropriately used for which clinical application?
Answer: Acute inflammatory phase wound healing (non-thermal effects)
Pulsed (non-thermal) shortwave diathermy is used in the acute inflammatory phase to promote healing through non-thermal electromagnetic field effects, including enhanced cell membrane permeability and edema reduction.
Lymphedema management using complete decongestive therapy (CDT) includes all of the following components EXCEPT:
Answer: Thermal ultrasound over the affected limb
Thermal ultrasound is NOT a component of CDT and may be harmful as it can increase tissue temperature and potentially worsen lymphedema. The four components of CDT are MLD, compression, exercise, and skin care.
Which finding on EMG needle examination indicates active denervation (ongoing nerve injury)?
Answer: Fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves at rest
Fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves recorded at rest indicate spontaneous activity of individual denervated muscle fibers, which is pathognomonic of active denervation.
A patient with a Stage 4 pressure ulcer over the sacrum has exposed bone. Which debridement method should be AVOIDED?
Answer: Wet-to-dry gauze debridement of the exposed bone surface
Wet-to-dry gauze debridement is non-selective and traumatic; when applied to exposed bone, it can cause direct bone trauma, desiccation, and is contraindicated in wounds with exposed structures.
Biofeedback using surface EMG (sEMG) is most appropriate for which clinical condition?
Answer: Relaxation training for upper trapezius tension headaches or motor re-education after stroke
Surface EMG biofeedback provides visual or auditory feedback of muscle activity, making it effective for both muscle relaxation training (tension headaches, TMJ) and motor re-education (post-stroke, post-surgery).