Musculoskeletal System Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real NRCME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Musculoskeletal System Assessment flashcards as text
A commercial driver reports chronic low back pain radiating down the left leg to the foot. Which finding would most likely disqualify them from CMV operation?
Answer: Loss of ankle dorsiflexion strength (1/5) with foot drop
Foot drop due to severe motor deficit (1/5 strength) impairs safe vehicle operation and would disqualify the driver.
Which of the following best describes the FMCSA standard for evaluating a driver with a limb amputation?
Answer: Amputees may drive if they obtain a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate
Drivers with limb loss or impairment may qualify through the SPE certificate program if they can safely operate a CMV.
During musculoskeletal examination, a driver demonstrates inability to perform a single-leg stance on the right for more than 2 seconds. What is the primary safety concern?
Answer: Impaired balance affecting emergency egress and safe boarding/alighting
Poor single-leg balance raises concerns about safe emergency egress and the ability to board/alight from a CMV safely.
A truck driver has a history of cervical spine fusion at C5-C6. Which examination finding would be most concerning for certification?
Answer: Cervical rotation limited to 15 degrees bilaterally with inability to check blind spots
Severely restricted cervical rotation prevents adequate blind-spot checking, directly impairing safe driving ability.
Which condition involving the wrist and hand would most likely be disqualifying for a commercial driver without further evaluation?
Answer: Severe bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome causing grip weakness and loss of sensation in both hands
Bilateral grip weakness and sensory loss from severe carpal tunnel syndrome significantly impairs steering control and safe CMV operation.
A driver presents with a history of total hip replacement 8 months ago. What is the most important factor in determining fitness for duty?
Answer: Functional recovery including strength, range of motion, and ability to operate vehicle controls
Post-surgical functional recovery — including adequate strength, ROM, and ability to safely use vehicle controls — determines fitness for CMV operation.
When evaluating grip strength in a commercial driver, which side should be tested first according to standard examination protocol?
Answer: The dominant hand should always be tested first
Standard protocol typically begins with the dominant hand to establish the expected baseline for comparison with the non-dominant side.