Practice and Application 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 Practice and Application flashcards as text
A patient with lateral epicondylitis reports pain with resisted wrist extension. Which intervention is most appropriate in the acute phase?
Answer: Relative rest and activity modification
In acute lateral epicondylitis, relative rest and activity modification reduce mechanical load and allow tissue healing.
During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates excessive trunk lateral flexion toward the stance limb. Which muscle weakness is most likely responsible?
Answer: Gluteus medius
Weakness of the gluteus medius causes a Trendelenburg gait pattern, where the trunk shifts over the weakened hip to maintain balance.
A therapist applies ultrasound at 3 MHz frequency to a superficial tendon. What depth of penetration is primarily targeted?
Answer: Up to 2 cm
3 MHz ultrasound penetrates to approximately 1–2 cm depth and is best suited for superficial tissues.
A patient with T6 complete spinal cord injury is learning wheelchair propulsion. Which functional ability would be expected?
Answer: Full independence in manual wheelchair on level surfaces
A person with T6 complete SCI has intact upper extremity function and can achieve full independence in manual wheelchair propulsion on level surfaces.
Which outcome measure is most appropriate for assessing functional balance in community-dwelling older adults?
Answer: Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale is a validated 14-item tool used to assess static and dynamic balance in older adults.
A patient presents with a positive Phalen's test and nocturnal hand paresthesias in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Which structure is most likely compressed?
Answer: Median nerve at the carpal tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves median nerve compression and produces Phalen's sign positivity with paresthesias in the median nerve distribution.
A physiotherapist is treating a patient post-ACL reconstruction. At 12 weeks post-op, which criterion is most important before initiating running?
Answer: Quadriceps strength ≥80% of the contralateral limb
Limb symmetry index of ≥80% quadriceps strength is a key criterion before progressing to running after ACL reconstruction.