PCE Practice and Application 4

Question 1

A patient recovering from a stroke demonstrates foot drop during the swing phase of gait. Which orthosis is most commonly prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)

Answer

An AFO maintains the ankle in a neutral position to prevent foot drop and improve clearance during the swing phase of gait.

Question 2

Which manual muscle testing (MMT) grade describes the ability to move through full ROM against gravity but with no additional resistance?

Accepted Answer

Grade 3 (Fair)

Answer

MMT Grade 3 (Fair) is assigned when the patient can complete full ROM against gravity but cannot tolerate any additional applied resistance.

Question 3

A therapist performs the slump test. Which structure is being assessed?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic nerve and dural mobility

Answer

The slump test assesses neural tension along the sciatic nerve and dura mater by sequentially loading the neural structures through spinal flexion and knee extension.

Question 4

A 70-year-old patient scores 18/30 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). What does this suggest for physiotherapy planning?

Accepted Answer

Mild cognitive impairment requiring simplified instructions and caregiver involvement

Answer

An MMSE score of 18–23 indicates mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment, requiring simplified instructions, repetition, and caregiver support.

Question 5

A patient presents with anterior knee pain that worsens with prolonged sitting and stair descent. Patellar compression test is positive. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Answer

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by peripatellar pain aggravated by prolonged knee flexion and compressive loading such as stair descent.

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

PCE Practice and Application 4