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 Parkinson's disease has difficulty initiating gait and experiences freezing episodes. Which cueing strategy has the strongest evidence for improving gait initiation?
Answer: Rhythmic auditory cueing (e.g., metronome)
Rhythmic auditory cueing provides an external rhythm that bypasses deficient internal timing mechanisms in Parkinson's disease, improving gait initiation and reducing freezing.
A patient is referred following a Colles' fracture. At 6 weeks post-immobilization, which assessment finding would most contraindicate aggressive passive ROM?
Answer: Complex regional pain syndrome signs (allodynia, skin changes)
Signs of CRPS (allodynia, trophic skin changes, vasomotor instability) contraindicate aggressive passive mobilization, which can exacerbate the condition.
Which ethical principle is most directly applied when a physiotherapist fully discloses treatment risks and alternatives so a patient can make an informed decision?
Answer: Autonomy
Autonomy respects the patient's right to make informed decisions about their care after receiving complete and accurate information.
A patient with multiple sclerosis presents with heat sensitivity (Uhthoff's phenomenon). Which intervention modification is most appropriate?
Answer: Schedule exercise in cool environments and use cooling strategies
Exercising in cool environments and using cooling vests or pre-cooling strategies minimize core temperature rise and prevent temporary worsening of MS symptoms.
During a postural assessment, a patient demonstrates increased thoracic kyphosis and forward head posture. Which muscles are most likely lengthened and weak?
Answer: Deep cervical flexors and thoracic extensors
Forward head and thoracic kyphosis are associated with lengthening and weakness of the deep cervical flexors and thoracic extensor muscles.
A patient on anticoagulant therapy (warfarin) presents for treatment. Which electrophysical agent is contraindicated due to risk of hematoma?
Answer: Deep tissue massage and vigorous soft tissue techniques
Deep tissue massage and vigorous soft tissue techniques carry a significant risk of causing hematoma in patients on anticoagulants due to impaired clotting.
A therapist is designing a home exercise program for an 80-year-old patient at high fall risk. Which principle is most important when structuring the program?
Answer: Including only 1–2 exercises with clear written and pictorial instructions
Simple programs with few exercises and clear instructions improve adherence and reduce errors in elderly high-risk patients who may have cognitive or visual limitations.