PRC Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which finding during initial postural assessment represents an absolute contraindication for PRI repositioning techniques?
- Bilateral rib flare
- Recent vertebral fracture (Correct answer)
- Asymmetrical hip position
- Forward head posture
Correct answer: Recent vertebral fracture
Recent vertebral fractures are an absolute contraindication because PRI repositioning could cause further injury to structurally compromised bone.
Question 2: A patient reports dizziness while performing diaphragmatic breathing exercises. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Continue the exercise at a slower pace
- Increase the number of repetitions
- Stop the exercise and assess for hyperventilation (Correct answer)
- Switch to pursed-lip breathing only
Correct answer: Stop the exercise and assess for hyperventilation
Dizziness during diaphragmatic breathing may indicate hyperventilation syndrome, requiring immediate cessation and assessment before continuing.
Question 3: Which patient history factor most increases the risk of adverse response to PRI inhibition and repositioning techniques?
- History of mild scoliosis
- Previous lumbar muscle strain
- Severe osteoporosis (Correct answer)
- Chronic forward head posture
Correct answer: Severe osteoporosis
Severe osteoporosis increases fracture risk during any repositioning or loading technique, requiring significant modification of PRI interventions.
Question 4: When screening a patient for PRI intervention, which cardiovascular finding requires medical clearance before initiating treatment?
- Resting heart rate of 72 bpm
- Exertional chest pain that resolves with rest (Correct answer)
- Mild blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg
- History of completed cardiac rehabilitation
Correct answer: Exertional chest pain that resolves with rest
Exertional chest pain that resolves with rest may indicate angina and necessitates medical evaluation before any therapeutic exercise is introduced.
Question 5: A positive Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) test combined with pelvic asymmetry most suggests which clinical risk?
- No risk modification is required
- Lumbopelvic instability requiring modified exercise positioning (Correct answer)
- Immediate discontinuation of all exercises
- Urgent referral for surgical evaluation
Correct answer: Lumbopelvic instability requiring modified exercise positioning
A positive ASLR with pelvic asymmetry indicates lumbopelvic load transfer dysfunction, requiring modified exercise positioning to safely progress PRI treatment.
Question 6: Which breathing pattern finding poses the greatest risk of perpetuating a left AIC (Anterior Interior Chain) postural pattern?
- Normal bilateral diaphragmatic excursion
- Persistent right chest wall expansion dominance (Correct answer)
- Mild nasal congestion
- Slightly reduced vital capacity
Correct answer: Persistent right chest wall expansion dominance
Right chest wall expansion dominance reinforces left AIC positioning by maintaining the thorax in a right-rotated, left-lateralized posture.
Question 7: A clinician finds a patient cannot achieve a neutral Zone of Apposition (ZOA) position. What is the primary risk of proceeding with standard PRI exercises?
- Delayed onset muscle soreness only
- Ineffective diaphragm repositioning and perpetuation of compensatory patterns (Correct answer)
- Increased aerobic capacity beyond target range
- Improved proprioception with no negative effects
Correct answer: Ineffective diaphragm repositioning and perpetuation of compensatory patterns
Without an established ZOA, PRI breathing exercises cannot reposition the diaphragm, causing compensatory postural patterns to persist or worsen.
PRC Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2
Which finding during initial postural assessment represents an absolute contraindication for PRI repositioning techniques?