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

Hawkins-Kennedy places the shoulder in 90° flexion with internal rotation, impinging the supraspinatus under the coracoacromial arch.

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

The gastrocnemius crosses the knee; weight-bearing (knee extended) reduces dorsiflexion more than non-weight-bearing (knee flexed), suggesting gastrocnemius restriction.

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

Loss of perianal sensation and absent anal reflexes indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate emergency referral.

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

MDC is the minimum change in score that exceeds the inherent measurement error of a tool, confirming real change occurred.

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

Vibration sense is transmitted via large-diameter Aβ fibers through the dorsal columns (posterior funiculus) to the medial lemniscus.

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

PCE Assessment and Evaluation 3