PCE Cardiopulmonary and Special Populations Flashcards

A physiotherapist is treating a patient with Parkinson's disease. Which exercise approach has the strongest evidence for improving gait and motor function?

Answer: Treadmill training with or without body weight support

Treadmill training, with or without partial body weight support, has strong evidence for improving gait speed, stride length, and overall motor function in Parkinson's disease.

During pulmonary rehabilitation, a patient with asthma reports increased dyspnea immediately after starting exercise. What is the most likely cause and initial management?

Answer: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction; administer prescribed short-acting bronchodilator and reduce intensity

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction commonly occurs in asthma patients; management includes reducing exercise intensity, allowing rest, and administering the prescribed short-acting bronchodilator.

A physiotherapist is assessing muscle tone in a patient with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at T6, classified as AIS A. Spasticity below the level of injury is managed primarily to:

Answer: Prevent contractures, maintain hygiene, and improve functional positioning

In complete SCI, spasticity management focuses on preventing secondary complications such as contractures, pressure injuries, and hygiene issues, and optimizing positioning for function.

Which principle guides exercise prescription for a patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) during Phase II cardiac rehabilitation?

Answer: Start with low-to-moderate intensity, monitor for symptoms, and progress gradually based on tolerance

Phase II cardiac rehabilitation for HFrEF uses conservative initial intensity with continuous symptom monitoring and gradual progression, guided by RPE, HR, and symptom response.

A physiotherapist working with a patient who has multiple sclerosis (MS) should be aware that fatigue management is critical because:

Answer: MS-related fatigue can be exacerbated by heat and overexertion, requiring energy conservation strategies

MS fatigue is often worsened by elevated body temperature (Uhthoff's phenomenon) and overexertion; energy conservation strategies, pacing, and cool environments are essential management components.

When treating a child with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), which intervention approach is most evidence-based according to current pediatric physiotherapy guidelines?

Answer: Task-oriented intervention focusing on child-specific functional goals with active participation

Task-oriented approaches, such as the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP), focus on child-specific functional goals and are the most evidence-supported intervention for DCD.