PCE Core Knowledge and Fundamentals 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient presents with weakness of wrist extension, finger extension, and sensory loss over the dorsal hand. Which nerve is most likely injured?
- Median nerve
- Ulnar nerve
- Radial nerve (Correct answer)
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Radial nerve
The radial nerve innervates the extensor muscles of the wrist and fingers, and its injury causes wrist drop with dorsal hand sensory loss.
Question 2: The normal resting position (loose-packed position) of the glenohumeral joint is:
- Full abduction and external rotation
- 55° abduction and 30° horizontal adduction (Correct answer)
- 90° abduction and neutral rotation
- Full adduction and internal rotation
Correct answer: 55° abduction and 30° horizontal adduction
The resting position of the glenohumeral joint is approximately 55° abduction and 30° horizontal adduction, where joint congruency is minimal.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the 'capsular pattern' of the hip joint?
- Flexion most limited, then extension, then abduction
- Internal rotation and abduction most limited, then flexion (Correct answer)
- Extension most limited, then internal rotation
- Abduction most limited, then adduction
Correct answer: Internal rotation and abduction most limited, then flexion
The hip joint capsular pattern shows greatest limitation in internal rotation and abduction, followed by flexion, as defined by Cyriax.
Question 4: Sensory testing using a 10-gram monofilament is most commonly used to assess:
- Proprioception
- Protective sensation and peripheral neuropathy (Correct answer)
- Two-point discrimination
- Vibration sense
Correct answer: Protective sensation and peripheral neuropathy
The 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament is used to screen for loss of protective sensation, particularly in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Question 5: According to the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) model, 'activity limitations' refer to:
- Impairments in body structure or function
- Difficulties an individual has in executing tasks (Correct answer)
- Problems a person experiences in life situations
- Environmental factors that act as barriers
Correct answer: Difficulties an individual has in executing tasks
Activity limitations in the ICF model are difficulties an individual has in executing activities, representing the individual level of functioning.
Question 6: The vastus medialis oblique (VMO) is emphasized in rehabilitation primarily because it:
- Extends the knee through the full range of motion
- Provides the last 15° of knee extension and patellar stabilization (Correct answer)
- Flexes the knee and internally rotates the tibia
- Is the primary hip flexor in closed chain activities
Correct answer: Provides the last 15° of knee extension and patellar stabilization
The VMO is critical for terminal knee extension and medial patellar stabilization, making it a key target in patellofemoral rehabilitation.
Question 7: When applying therapeutic ultrasound, a Beam Non-Uniformity Ratio (BNR) closer to which value indicates a safer, more uniform output?
- 6:1
- 5:1
- 1:1 (Correct answer)
- 8:1
Correct answer: 1:1
A BNR of 1:1 is ideal, indicating perfectly uniform output; clinical ultrasound units typically range from 2:1 to 6:1, with lower values being safer.
PCE Core Knowledge and Fundamentals 3
A patient presents with weakness of wrist extension, finger extension, and sensory loss over the dorsal hand.
Which nerve is most likely injured?