MPT Master of Physical Therapy 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scale is used to objectively measure spasticity in clinical practice?
- Visual Analog Scale
- Modified Ashworth Scale (Correct answer)
- Numerical Rating Scale
- Functional Independence Measure
Correct answer: Modified Ashworth Scale
The Modified Ashworth Scale grades resistance to passive stretch on a 0–4 scale and is the standard clinical tool for quantifying spasticity.
Question 2: A PT is treating a patient with osteoporosis. Which exercise type provides the MOST bone-building stimulus?
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Weight-bearing resistance training (Correct answer)
- Aquatic aerobics
Correct answer: Weight-bearing resistance training
Weight-bearing resistance exercises generate ground reaction forces and muscle pull forces that stimulate osteoblast activity and increase bone mineral density more than non-weight-bearing activities.
Question 3: In evidence-based practice, which study design provides the highest level of evidence for treatment effectiveness?
- Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
- Systematic review with meta-analysis of RCTs (Correct answer)
- Cohort study
- Case-control study
Correct answer: Systematic review with meta-analysis of RCTs
Systematic reviews with meta-analyses pool data from multiple RCTs, providing the highest level of evidence in the hierarchy of study designs.
Question 4: A patient with chronic low back pain demonstrates fear-avoidance behavior. Which psychological measure is MOST appropriate to assess this?
- Oswestry Disability Index
- Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) (Correct answer)
- SF-36
- Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire
Correct answer: Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ)
The FABQ specifically measures fear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity and work in patients with low back pain, directly targeting psychological barriers.
Question 5: Which nerve is at risk during a posterior approach to the hip during total hip arthroplasty?
- Femoral nerve
- Obturator nerve
- Sciatic nerve (Correct answer)
- Superior gluteal nerve
Correct answer: Sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve runs posterior to the hip joint and is the structure most at risk of injury during posterior surgical approach for total hip arthroplasty.
Question 6: Which position reduces lumbar spine intradiscal pressure to the LOWEST level?
- Standing upright
- Sitting without back support
- Supine with hips and knees flexed (semi-Fowler) (Correct answer)
- Side-lying with pillow between knees
Correct answer: Supine with hips and knees flexed (semi-Fowler)
Supine positioning with hips and knees flexed unloads the lumbar spine and reduces intradiscal pressure more than standing or unsupported sitting.
Question 7: A pediatric patient demonstrates the inability to walk by 18 months of age. According to developmental milestones, which action is MOST appropriate?
- Reassure the parents that walking by 24 months is normal
- Immediately refer for neurological evaluation and PT assessment (Correct answer)
- Begin wheelchair assessment
- Initiate strengthening exercises and reassess in 6 months
Correct answer: Immediately refer for neurological evaluation and PT assessment
Typical independent walking is achieved by 12–15 months; failure to walk by 18 months is a developmental red flag requiring prompt neurological evaluation and physical therapy assessment.
MPT Master of Physical Therapy 5
Which scale is used to objectively measure spasticity in clinical practice?