PCE Clinical Knowledge and Theory 5

Question 1

A patient with a spinal cord injury has preserved motor and sensory function below the injury level on one side only. This pattern is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Brown-Séquard syndrome

Answer

Brown-Séquard syndrome results from a hemisection of the spinal cord, causing ipsilateral motor and proprioception loss with contralateral pain/temperature loss below the lesion.

Question 2

The end-feel described as a 'springy block' with a rubbery rebound is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Loose body or internal derangement

Answer

A springy block end-feel—with a rebound quality before the true limit—is characteristic of an intra-articular loose body or displaced meniscus preventing full motion.

Question 3

Heterotopic ossification (HO) following spinal cord injury most commonly occurs at which joint?

Accepted Answer

Hip

Answer

The hip is the most common site of neurogenic heterotopic ossification after spinal cord injury, followed by the knee and shoulder.

Question 4

Which medication class most commonly causes peripheral neuropathy as a side effect, relevant to physiotherapy assessment?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy agents (e.g., vincristine, cisplatin)

Answer

Many chemotherapeutic agents, particularly platinum-based drugs and vinca alkaloids, cause dose-dependent peripheral neuropathy affecting sensation and balance.

Question 5

During a lumbar postero-anterior (PA) mobilization at L4, which structure is being most directly assessed and treated?

Accepted Answer

L4-L5 zygapophyseal joint and intervertebral disc

Answer

A PA mobilization directed at the L4 spinous process loads and mobilizes the L4-L5 facet (zygapophyseal) joints and the intervertebral disc at that level.

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

PCE Clinical Knowledge and Theory 5