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 COPD is prescribed pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary physiological benefit of this technique?
Answer: Slows exhalation to prevent airway collapse and reduce air trapping
Pursed-lip breathing creates back pressure that splints open collapsible airways, reducing dynamic hyperinflation and air trapping.
A patient with rotator cuff tendinopathy performs the empty can test, which reproduces their pain and shows weakness. Which muscle is most likely involved?
Answer: Supraspinatus
The empty can (Jobe) test isolates the supraspinatus by testing resisted abduction at 90° in the scapular plane with internal rotation.
Which grade of joint mobilization according to Maitland is most appropriate for treating acute pain with limited ROM?
Answer: Grade I or II
Grades I and II are small-amplitude oscillations that stimulate mechanoreceptors and inhibit pain without applying significant stretch.
During a shoulder examination, a patient is unable to hold their arm at 90° abduction when downward pressure is applied and reports a 'drop.' What does this finding indicate?
Answer: Full-thickness supraspinatus tear
A positive drop arm test indicates a full-thickness rotator cuff (typically supraspinatus) tear, preventing active maintenance of abduction.
A therapist notices a patient consistently compensates with lumbar extension during hip flexion exercises. Which impairment best explains this pattern?
Answer: Hip flexor tightness
Tight hip flexors have a shortened range, causing the pelvis to anteriorly tilt and lumbar spine to extend when hip flexion demand exceeds available range.
According to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) model, difficulty participating in a recreational soccer league due to a knee injury would be classified under which domain?
Answer: Participation
Participation in the ICF model refers to involvement in life situations such as recreational sports, which represents the societal level of functioning.
A patient with diabetes mellitus is referred for peripheral neuropathy management. Which assessment tool is most appropriate for detecting loss of protective sensation in the foot?
Answer: Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test
The 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test is the clinical standard for detecting loss of protective sensation and risk of diabetic foot ulcers.