NCS Patient Management 2

Question 1

A patient with Parkinson's disease demonstrates freezing of gait when approaching a doorway. Which cueing strategy is MOST evidence-based for immediate gait initiation?

Accepted Answer

Visual transverse line cues on the floor

Answer

Transverse visual floor cues (lines or stripes) are the most evidence-supported strategy specifically for triggering gait initiation and overcoming freezing episodes at thresholds.

Question 2

During the Berg Balance Scale, a patient can pick up a shoe from the floor but requires two attempts and loses balance momentarily. What score should be recorded for that item?

Accepted Answer

2

Answer

A score of 2 is assigned when the patient is able to pick up the item but requires supervision due to loss of balance or instability during the task.

Question 3

A neurological patient has a goal to ascend stairs independently. Which clinical finding would MOST indicate readiness to progress to unassisted stair training?

Accepted Answer

Single-limb stance on the affected leg for at least 5 seconds

Answer

Single-limb stance of at least 5 seconds indicates the weight-bearing control and balance necessary for safe stair negotiation with alternating step pattern.

Question 4

A patient post-stroke has global aphasia. When setting goals with this patient, which approach BEST supports patient-centered care?

Accepted Answer

Using low-tech AAC boards with symbols and yes/no responses

Answer

Low-tech AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tools such as picture or symbol boards allow patients with global aphasia to express preferences and participate meaningfully in goal-setting.

Question 5

Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for tracking community ambulation capacity in a patient recovering from traumatic brain injury?

Accepted Answer

6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

Answer

The 6MWT measures walking endurance over a functional distance, directly reflecting the cardiovascular and neuromuscular demands of community-level ambulation.

(NCS) Neurologic Clinical Specialist Practice Test

(NCS) Neurologic Clinical Specialist Practice Test

NCS Patient Management 2