PC Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PC exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📚 PC Topics to Study (69)
✍️ Sample PC Questions & Answers
1. A patient presents with pain and tenderness posterior to the lateral malleolus, worsening with resisted eversion and with a palpable snap during circumduction of the ankle. What is the diagnosis?
Peroneal tendon subluxation presents with a painful snap posterior to the lateral malleolus during ankle circumduction due to disruption of the superior peroneal retinaculum.
2. Which procedure is specifically indicated to correct an os trigonum causing posterior ankle impingement syndrome in a ballet dancer?
Posterior ankle arthroscopy allows minimally invasive excision of the os trigonum or prominent posterior talar process causing impingement in forced plantarflexion.
3. Which type of orthotic material is most appropriate for a patient with diabetic neuropathy requiring pressure reduction?
Accommodative orthotics made from soft materials redistribute plantar pressure and reduce shear forces, critical for preventing ulceration in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
4. When performing the monofilament test (Semmes-Weinstein) for diabetic neuropathy screening, which filament size indicates loss of protective sensation?
Inability to perceive the 10-gram (5.07 Semmes-Weinstein) monofilament at any plantar site indicates loss of protective sensation in diabetic patients.
5. What is the minimum recommended nail or skin scrub time before performing a minor podiatric surgical procedure?
A 5–10 minute surgical hand scrub is the standard minimum to reduce transient and resident flora on the hands before surgical procedures.
6. Which disinfectant class is considered the gold standard for high-level disinfection of semi-critical podiatric instruments?
2% glutaraldehyde is an FDA-approved high-level disinfectant effective against all microorganisms including bacterial spores on semi-critical items.