Core Knowledge and Fundamentals Flashcards
7 cards from real PCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Core Knowledge and Fundamentals flashcards as text
A patient has a positive Thomas test. This indicates tightness of which structure?
Answer: Hip flexor muscles (iliopsoas/rectus femoris)
A positive Thomas test, where the non-tested leg rises off the table, indicates tightness of the hip flexors including the iliopsoas and/or rectus femoris.
Which physiological principle explains why muscle strengthening gains occur more rapidly in the initial weeks of a training program before significant hypertrophy develops?
Answer: Neural adaptation and motor unit recruitment
Early strength gains are primarily due to neural adaptations including improved motor unit recruitment, firing rate, and synchronization before structural hypertrophy occurs.
Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of heat modalities?
Answer: Acute inflammation or hemorrhage
Heat is contraindicated in acute inflammation or hemorrhage because it increases blood flow and metabolic activity, worsening swelling and tissue damage.
The Romberg test primarily assesses which sensory system's contribution to balance?
Answer: Proprioceptive/somatosensory system
The Romberg test assesses proprioceptive input by comparing balance with eyes open versus closed; increased sway with eyes closed indicates somatosensory deficit.
Which classification system is commonly used to grade ligament sprains based on severity?
Answer: Grade I, II, III sprain scale
Ligament sprains are graded I (mild stretch, no instability), II (partial tear, mild laxity), and III (complete rupture, gross instability).
During shoulder elevation in the scapular plane, the ratio of glenohumeral to scapulothoracic motion is approximately:
Answer: 2:1
The scapulohumeral rhythm is approximately 2:1, meaning for every 3° of shoulder elevation, 2° occurs at the glenohumeral joint and 1° at the scapulothoracic joint.
Which of the following nerve roots contributes to the formation of the median nerve?
Answer: C6, C7, C8, T1
The median nerve is formed from lateral (C6, C7) and medial (C8, T1) cords of the brachial plexus, giving it contributions from C6 through T1.