NPTE-PTA Neuromuscular Rehabilitation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with multiple sclerosis reports symptoms worsening with heat. This is known as:
- Lhermitte's sign
- Uhthoff's phenomenon (Correct answer)
- Lhermitte–McAlpine syndrome
- Devic's phenomenon
Correct answer: Uhthoff's phenomenon
Uhthoff's phenomenon describes the temporary worsening of MS symptoms with increased body temperature, such as during exercise or hot baths.
Question 2: Which cranial nerve palsy causes an inability to abduct the eye (lateral gaze palsy)?
- CN III
- CN IV
- CN VI (Correct answer)
- CN VII
Correct answer: CN VI
Cranial nerve VI (abducens) controls the lateral rectus muscle; palsy causes inability to abduct the eye on the affected side.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of CIMT (Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy)?
- Reduce spasticity through inhibitory techniques
- Force use of the affected limb by restraining the unaffected limb (Correct answer)
- Strengthen the unaffected limb for compensation
- Provide biofeedback during bilateral tasks
Correct answer: Force use of the affected limb by restraining the unaffected limb
CIMT restrains the unaffected upper extremity to force intensive use of the hemiparetic limb, promoting cortical reorganization and functional recovery.
Question 4: Which balance assessment tool uses a 14-item ordinal scale and is commonly used to predict fall risk in older adults?
- Timed Up and Go Test
- Berg Balance Scale (Correct answer)
- Dynamic Gait Index
- Functional Reach Test
Correct answer: Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-item, 0–4 ordinal scale with a maximum of 56 points; scores below 45 indicate increased fall risk.
Question 5: In a patient with foot drop following a common peroneal nerve injury, which orthosis is most appropriate?
- Knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO)
- Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) with dorsiflexion assist (Correct answer)
- Patellar tendon-bearing orthosis
- Supramalleolar orthosis (SMO)
Correct answer: Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) with dorsiflexion assist
An AFO with a dorsiflexion assist spring mechanism compensates for weak or absent dorsiflexors, preventing toe drag during the swing phase of gait.
Question 6: Which of the following is a sign of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with a spinal cord injury at C6?
- Hypotension and bradycardia below the lesion
- Severe hypertension with pounding headache and diaphoresis above the lesion (Correct answer)
- Hyperthermia and tachycardia throughout the body
- Muscle spasticity below the level of injury
Correct answer: Severe hypertension with pounding headache and diaphoresis above the lesion
Autonomic dysreflexia presents with severe hypertension, pounding headache, profuse sweating, and flushing above the SCI level, triggered by a noxious stimulus below.
NPTE-PTA Neuromuscular Rehabilitation 2
A patient with multiple sclerosis reports symptoms worsening with heat.
This is known as: