MCQ 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 MCQ flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of the pre-participation physical examination (PPE) in athletics?
Answer: To detect conditions that may predispose the athlete to injury or sudden death
The primary purpose of the PPE is to screen for conditions that could place the athlete at risk for injury, illness, or death during sports participation. Identifying potentially life-threatening conditions, particularly cardiovascular abnormalities, is the top priority.
Which law of physics explains why a cervical spine injury is more likely when a football player tackles with the head lowered (spear tackling)?
Answer: The principle of axial loading
Axial loading occurs when force is directed along the long axis of the cervical spine with the neck slightly flexed. This removes the natural lordotic curve, converting the spine into a straight column that cannot dissipate compressive forces, leading to fracture or dislocation.
An athletic trainer applies a cold pack to an acute ankle sprain. Which physiological response occurs first?
Answer: Vasoconstriction
Vasoconstriction is the first physiological response to cold application. The smooth muscle of blood vessel walls contracts in response to the temperature decrease, reducing blood flow to the area and limiting edema formation.
Which structure passes through the carpal tunnel along with the median nerve?
Answer: Flexor digitorum profundus tendons
The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve and nine flexor tendons: four flexor digitorum superficialis tendons, four flexor digitorum profundus tendons, and the flexor pollicis longus tendon.
During a SOAP note, which section would include goniometric measurements of range of motion?
Answer: Objective
Goniometric measurements are objective, quantifiable data obtained through clinical examination and belong in the Objective section of the SOAP note. The Objective section contains measurable findings from the physical examination.
An athlete is diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after an intense preseason workout. Which laboratory finding is most characteristic of this condition?
Answer: Markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels
Markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels are the hallmark laboratory finding in rhabdomyolysis. CK is released into the bloodstream from damaged skeletal muscle cells, and levels can exceed 5-10 times the normal upper limit.