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 baseball pitcher presents with medial elbow pain that increases during the late cocking phase. Which special test is most appropriate?
Answer: Valgus stress test at 30 degrees of flexion
The valgus stress test at 30 degrees of flexion isolates the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which is the primary medial stabilizer of the elbow. Pain during late cocking in throwers is classic for UCL insufficiency.
Which dermatome corresponds to sensation over the lateral aspect of the foot?
Answer: S1
The S1 dermatome provides sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the foot and the sole. This is an important landmark when evaluating potential lumbar disc herniations or nerve root impingements.
An athlete reports a sensation of the knee 'giving way' during cutting maneuvers. Which ligament is most likely deficient?
Answer: Anterior cruciate ligament
The ACL is the primary restraint against anterior tibial translation and rotational instability. A feeling of the knee giving way during pivoting or cutting is the hallmark symptom of ACL deficiency.
During assessment of a cervical spine injury, the athletic trainer notes the athlete has bilateral grip strength weakness and numbness in both hands. What condition should be suspected?
Answer: Central cord syndrome
Central cord syndrome presents with bilateral upper extremity weakness that is worse in the hands than the arms, often with burning pain and sensory deficits. Bilateral symptoms distinguish it from a unilateral stinger or single-level disc herniation.
Which of the following is the most reliable clinical sign of an acute anterior shoulder dislocation?
Answer: Squared-off appearance of the shoulder with a palpable void
An acute anterior shoulder dislocation creates a visible and palpable deformity where the normally rounded deltoid contour appears flattened or squared off, with a palpable void beneath the acromion where the humeral head should be.
An athlete has difficulty with toe-off during gait and cannot perform a single-leg heel raise. Which myotome level should be assessed?
Answer: S1-S2
The S1-S2 myotome controls plantar flexion, primarily through the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Inability to perform a single-leg heel raise suggests weakness at this level.