PAM Mechanical Modalities & Traction Therapy 2

Question 1

What patient position is recommended for lumbar traction to reduce lumbar lordosis and paraspinal muscle tension?

Accepted Answer

Supine with hips and knees flexed to 90 degrees

Answer

Supine with hips and knees at 90 degrees (hook-lying or 90/90) flattens the lumbar lordosis and reduces paraspinal guarding, optimizing traction effectiveness.

Question 2

The typical maximum recommended force for cervical mechanical traction is:

Accepted Answer

15–25 lbs

Answer

Cervical traction force is typically limited to 15–25 lbs maximum, as the cervical spine's delicate structures are at risk with higher forces.

Question 3

Intermittent traction is preferred over sustained traction when the primary treatment goal is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce acute paraspinal muscle guarding and spasm

Answer

The cyclic on/off phases of intermittent traction create a pumping effect that reflexively reduces acute muscle guarding more effectively than sustained traction.

Question 4

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is contraindicated in patients with:

Accepted Answer

Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

DVT is a contraindication for IPC because compressive force could dislodge the thrombus, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Question 5

A cervical traction halter is designed to transmit traction force primarily through the:

Accepted Answer

Occiput and mandible/chin

Answer

The cervical halter applies traction force through the occiput posteriorly and the mandible/chin anteriorly to distract the cervical vertebral segments.

(PAM) Physical Agent Modalities Certification Practice Test

(PAM) Physical Agent Modalities Certification Practice Test

PAM Mechanical Modalities & Traction Therapy 2