PAS Pain Assessment & Management 3

Question 1

A client with chronic low back pain displays catastrophizing thoughts about their condition. This cognitive pattern is BEST addressed by:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging concerns and referring to a mental health professional if appropriate

Answer

Pain catastrophizing is a psychosocial factor that warrants empathetic acknowledgment and possible referral to mental health support within the specialist's scope.

Question 2

Referred pain from the lumbar spine into the posterior thigh and calf follows which nerve root distribution?

Accepted Answer

L4–S1 dermatome (sciatic distribution)

Answer

The sciatic nerve, formed from L4–S1, distributes pain along the posterior thigh and into the calf when compressed or irritated.

Question 3

A client's pain is described as a constant 4/10 that is not affected by any posture or movement. This presentation is called:

Accepted Answer

Non-mechanical pain

Answer

Non-mechanical pain does not change with posture or movement and may indicate systemic, visceral, or serious pathology requiring medical evaluation.

Question 4

Which assessment tool uses body diagrams to help clients map the location and distribution of their pain?

Accepted Answer

Body Pain Diagram

Answer

A body pain diagram allows clients to shade or mark areas of pain, providing a visual map of pain distribution useful for identifying patterns.

Question 5

Centralization of pain during movement assessment—where peripheral pain moves toward the spine—is a sign that the assessment is:

Accepted Answer

Indicating a positive response suggesting a mechanical cause of pain

Answer

Centralization is a positive prognostic indicator in mechanical pain, suggesting the movement is beneficial and loading the spine appropriately.

(PAS) Postural Alignment Specialist Practice Test

(PAS) Postural Alignment Specialist Practice Test

PAS Pain Assessment & Management 3