Physical Rehabilitation & Musculoskeletal OT Flashcards
7 cards from real OT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Physical Rehabilitation & Musculoskeletal OT flashcards as text
Which joint protection principle is MOST important to teach a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who presents with ulnar drift?
Answer: Avoiding activities that promote ulnar deviation of fingers
Avoiding activities that create ulnar deviation forces at the MCP joints is critical to preventing progression of ulnar drift in rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a dynamic splint in hand therapy?
Answer: To provide a low-load prolonged stretch to increase range of motion
Dynamic splints apply low-load prolonged stress to remodel connective tissue and increase passive range of motion through creep and stress relaxation.
Which assessment tool is used to evaluate two-point discrimination following peripheral nerve injury?
Answer: Disk-Criminator or aesthesiometer
Two-point discrimination is assessed with a Disk-Criminator or aesthesiometer, which measures the minimum distance at which two simultaneous touch stimuli are perceived as separate.
Following a total hip replacement via the posterior approach, which position is CONTRAINDICATED?
Answer: Hip flexion beyond 90° combined with internal rotation and adduction
The combination of hip flexion beyond 90°, internal rotation, and adduction places the femoral head at risk for posterior dislocation after posterior-approach total hip replacement.
When teaching energy conservation to a patient with osteoarthritis, which principle is MOST important?
Answer: Pacing activities and taking planned rest breaks throughout the day
Pacing activity with scheduled rest breaks prevents fatigue-induced joint stress, reduces pain flares, and allows sustained participation in meaningful occupations.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of retrograde massage in hand therapy?
Answer: To decrease edema by moving fluid proximally toward the lymphatic system
Retrograde massage uses distal-to-proximal strokes to mechanically move interstitial fluid toward lymphatic drainage channels, reducing edema in the hand.
Which patient-reported outcome measure is MOST commonly used to assess upper extremity disability in musculoskeletal conditions?
Answer: DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire
The DASH questionnaire is specifically designed to measure physical function and symptoms in the upper extremity across a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.