PCE Assessment and Evaluation 2

Question 1

When performing a sensory assessment, a patient cannot distinguish between two points placed 6 mm apart on the fingertip. This finding most likely indicates impairment of which sensory receptor?

Accepted Answer

Meissner's corpuscles

Answer

Meissner's corpuscles mediate fine touch and two-point discrimination, particularly in glabrous skin of the fingertips.

Question 2

A physiotherapist is assessing a patient post-tibial fracture. The patient reports burning pain, allodynia, and excessive sweating of the limb. Which condition should the therapist suspect?

Accepted Answer

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Answer

CRPS presents with burning pain, allodynia, autonomic changes (sweating, temperature), and trophic changes following injury or immobilization.

Question 3

During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates excessive lateral trunk lean toward the stance limb. Which muscle weakness most likely causes this compensatory pattern?

Accepted Answer

Hip abductors (gluteus medius)

Answer

Weakness of the hip abductors causes a Trendelenburg gait, where the trunk leans over the weak side to reduce the demand on the abductors.

Question 4

A physiotherapist uses the Berg Balance Scale to assess a patient. A score of 45/56 indicates which level of fall risk?

Accepted Answer

Medium fall risk

Answer

Berg Balance Scale scores of 41–48 indicate medium fall risk; scores ≤40 indicate high risk, and scores ≥49 indicate low risk.

Question 5

When measuring active cervical rotation, which starting position is standard?

Accepted Answer

Sitting upright with the spine neutral

Answer

Cervical rotation ROM is standardized in a seated upright position with the spine in neutral to isolate cervical movement.

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

PCE Assessment and Evaluation 2