Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Flashcards
6 cards from real NATA-BOC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis flashcards as text
A patient presents with a positive Thompson test. Which structure is most likely injured?
Answer: Achilles tendon
The Thompson test (calf squeeze test) assesses the integrity of the Achilles tendon. A positive result, indicated by the absence of passive plantar flexion when the calf is squeezed, suggests a rupture of the Achilles tendon.
Which clinical sign is most indicative of a Grade III lateral ankle sprain?
Answer: Positive talar tilt test with no endpoint
A positive talar tilt test with no definitive endpoint indicates complete rupture of the calcaneofibular ligament, consistent with a Grade III sprain involving multiple ligament tears and gross instability.
During evaluation of a shoulder injury, the patient cannot maintain 90 degrees of abduction against gravity. Which nerve is most likely compromised?
Answer: Axillary nerve
The axillary nerve innervates the deltoid muscle, which is the primary abductor of the shoulder beyond 15 degrees. Inability to maintain abduction against gravity suggests axillary nerve compromise.
An athlete complains of numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers that worsens at night. Which test would be most appropriate to confirm the suspected diagnosis?
Answer: Phalen test
The Phalen test is used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves compression of the median nerve. Numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers that worsens at night is a classic presentation of this condition.
Which clinical finding best differentiates a meniscal tear from a ligamentous injury of the knee?
Answer: Joint line tenderness with a positive McMurray test
Joint line tenderness combined with a positive McMurray test (pain and/or clicking with tibial rotation during knee extension) is highly suggestive of a meniscal tear, helping differentiate it from ligamentous injuries.
An athlete sustains a direct blow to the lateral aspect of the knee. Which structure is most at risk for injury?
Answer: Medial collateral ligament
A direct blow to the lateral knee creates a valgus force, placing stress on the medial structures. The medial collateral ligament is the primary restraint against valgus stress and is most commonly injured with this mechanism.