PCE Assessment and Evaluation 3

Question 1

During a shoulder assessment, the Hawkins-Kennedy test elicits pain. What structure is most likely being impinged during this test?

Accepted Answer

Supraspinatus tendon under the coracoacromial arch

Answer

Biceps tendon in the bicipital groove

Answer

Subscapularis tendon under the coracoid

Answer

Infraspinatus tendon at the posterior capsule

Question 2

A physiotherapist measuring ankle dorsiflexion with a goniometer obtains 8° in weight-bearing and 15° in non-weight-bearing. What does this discrepancy most likely suggest?

Accepted Answer

Gastrocnemius tightness contributing more than soleus tightness

Answer

Soleus tightness without gastrocnemius involvement

Answer

Ankle joint capsule restriction

Answer

Tibialis anterior weakness

Question 3

A patient presents with saddle anesthesia, bilateral leg weakness, and recent urinary retention. Which finding on assessment would make this a physiotherapy emergency?

Accepted Answer

Loss of perianal sensation and absent anal wink reflex

Answer

Reduced lumbar flexion range of motion

Answer

Positive straight leg raise at 60°

Answer

Grade 4/5 hip flexor weakness bilaterally

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'minimal detectable change' (MDC) in outcome measure interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The smallest change that exceeds measurement error and represents true change

Answer

The smallest change that is meaningful to the patient

Answer

The difference between two groups needed to achieve statistical significance

Answer

The change score associated with a clinically important outcome

Question 5

A therapist applies a tuning fork (128 Hz) to the medial malleolus and the patient cannot feel vibration. This finding suggests impairment in which pathway?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal column–medial lemniscal pathway

Answer

Anterolateral spinothalamic tract

Answer

Corticospinal tract

Answer

Spinocerebellar tract

Question 6

When measuring grip strength with a dynamometer, which arm position is standardized according to the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) protocol?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder adducted, elbow at 90°, forearm neutral, wrist 0–30° extension

Answer

Shoulder at 90° abduction, elbow extended, forearm supinated

Answer

Shoulder at 45° abduction, elbow at 120°, forearm pronated

Answer

Shoulder neutral, elbow fully extended, forearm neutral

Question 7

A patient with a T6 complete spinal cord injury is assessed for autonomic dysreflexia during a bladder assessment. Which blood pressure change would prompt immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Systolic rise of ≥20 mmHg above baseline

Answer

Systolic rise of ≥10 mmHg above baseline

Answer

Diastolic rise of ≥10 mmHg above baseline

Answer

Any reading above 120/80 mmHg