NCS Intervention Techniques 3

Question 1

A patient with unilateral vestibular hypofunction has dizziness with horizontal head movement. Which instruction correctly describes a VOR x1 gaze stabilization exercise?

Accepted Answer

Move the head side to side while maintaining visual focus on a stationary target

Answer

Keep the head still and move a target card side to side while following it with the eyes

Answer

Move both the head and target simultaneously in the same direction

Answer

Close the eyes and rotate the head to challenge the semicircular canals without visual input

Question 2

A patient with MS has significant lower extremity spasticity limiting functional mobility. Which approach is most appropriate as a first-line physical therapy intervention?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged static stretching and positioning in patterns that inhibit the spastic muscles

Answer

Ice application for 20 minutes immediately before each exercise session

Answer

Rapid, repetitive stretch to fatigue the stretch reflex over multiple sets

Answer

High-intensity resistance training of the spastic muscles to improve voluntary control

Question 3

During aquatic therapy for a patient in the recovery phase of Guillain-Barré syndrome (3-/5 strength), which water temperature best supports rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Thermoneutral water (33–36°C) to reduce muscle tone and minimize cardiovascular stress

Answer

Cold water (< 25°C) to reduce metabolic demands and prevent overheating

Answer

Hot water (> 38°C) to maximize blood flow and promote muscle relaxation

Answer

Room temperature water (28–30°C) to maximize buoyancy and minimize weight-bearing stress

Question 4

A patient with Huntington's disease has choreiform movements significantly affecting upper extremity function during ADLs. Which PT intervention strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Weighted wrist cuffs and task simplification to reduce movement variability

Answer

Speed training to improve coordination through faster movement repetition

Answer

EMG biofeedback to increase patient awareness of involuntary muscle activity

Answer

Progressive resistance training targeting the muscles producing choreiform movements

Question 5

When using the NDT/Bobath approach to facilitate knee extension during loading response in a patient with spastic hemiplegia, which handling strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Handle at the pelvis to facilitate weight shift onto the affected limb and normalize loading response

Answer

Apply rapid stretch to the quadriceps muscle belly to trigger a facilitory stretch reflex

Answer

Apply progressive resistance to the knee extensors throughout full range to strengthen the muscle

Answer

Use verbal cueing alone without manual facilitation to promote cortical motor control

Question 6

A patient post-stroke develops shoulder-hand syndrome (CRPS Type I) in the affected upper extremity. Which intervention is most appropriate during the acute inflammatory phase?

Accepted Answer

Active-assisted exercises with upper extremity elevation combined with TENS for pain modulation

Answer

Aggressive passive ROM to maintain shoulder mobility and prevent adhesive capsulitis

Answer

Moist heat application to increase local circulation and reduce pain

Answer

Resistive exercises targeting shoulder and hand muscles to reverse disuse atrophy

Question 7

During tilt table training for a patient with severe TBI who has been bedbound for 6 weeks, what finding requires immediate return to supine?

Accepted Answer

Systolic blood pressure drop of 20 mmHg with concurrent dizziness and pallor

Answer

Heart rate increase of 10 bpm above supine baseline with no symptoms

Answer

Respiratory rate increase of 4 breaths per minute from baseline

Answer

Oxygen saturation decrease to 96% with no associated symptoms