PCE Practical Skills and Problem-Solving 3

Question 1

A patient with a recent L4-L5 disc herniation reports increased low back and leg pain during the straight leg raise (SLR) at 40°. This finding is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Nerve root tension or compression

Answer

A positive SLR below 60° that reproduces radiating leg pain is a sensitive indicator of lumbar nerve root compression.

Question 2

When using electrical stimulation for muscle re-education, which waveform parameter primarily determines patient comfort?

Accepted Answer

Ramp time

Answer

Ramp time gradually increases current intensity, reducing the startle response and improving patient comfort during stimulation onset.

Question 3

A therapist is treating a patient with right-sided hemiplegia and notices the patient pushes strongly toward the affected side during sitting. This phenomenon is called:

Accepted Answer

Pusher syndrome

Answer

Pusher syndrome is characterized by active pushing toward the hemiplegic side and resistance to passive correction to vertical.

Question 4

Which manual therapy technique is classified as a Grade IV joint mobilization?

Accepted Answer

Small amplitude movement at end range

Answer

Grade IV is defined as a small-amplitude oscillation performed at the end of the available range of motion, per the Maitland grading system.

Question 5

During treadmill training with a patient post-stroke, the therapist notices the patient's affected knee hyperextends during stance. The best intervention to address this is:

Accepted Answer

Strengthen and re-educate the hamstrings and gastrocnemius for eccentric control

Answer

Genu recurvatum during stance is often due to poor eccentric control of the hamstrings and calf; strengthening these muscles addresses the root cause.

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

PCE Practical Skills and Problem-Solving 3