PTA Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'Therapeutic ultrasound delivers acoustic energy to tissue, producing thermal and non-thermal effects. Thermal effects increase tissue extensibility and metabolic rate, while non-thermal effects include cavitation and acoustic streaming.' According to this passage, which of the following is a NON-thermal effect of ultrasound?
- Increased metabolic rate
- Greater tissue extensibility
- Acoustic streaming (Correct answer)
- Elevated tissue temperature
Correct answer: Acoustic streaming
The passage explicitly lists cavitation and acoustic streaming as non-thermal effects.
Question 2: A clinical note reads: 'Patient presents with 3/10 resting pain, 7/10 pain with active ROM, and demonstrates antalgic gait favoring the right lower extremity. Passive ROM is within functional limits bilaterally.' What can be inferred about the patient's passive ROM?
- Passive ROM is painful on the right side
- Passive ROM is not significantly limited (Correct answer)
- Passive ROM is worse than active ROM
- Passive ROM has not been assessed
Correct answer: Passive ROM is not significantly limited
The note states passive ROM is within functional limits bilaterally, indicating no significant limitation.
Question 3: A paragraph reads: 'Muscle spindles detect changes in muscle length, while Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) respond to changes in muscle tension. Activation of GTOs causes autogenic inhibition, reducing the contraction of the agonist muscle.' Which word in this passage means 'self-generated inhibition of the same muscle'?
- Autogenic inhibition (Correct answer)
- Agonist
- Tension
- Activation
Correct answer: Autogenic inhibition
Autogenic inhibition refers to inhibition triggered within the same (auto = self) muscle via GTO activation.
Question 4: A research abstract concludes: 'Results were statistically significant (p<0.05), but the mean improvement of 2 degrees in knee flexion ROM may not represent a clinically meaningful change.' What is the primary distinction the authors are making?
- The study had too small a sample size
- Statistical significance does not always equate to clinical significance (Correct answer)
- A p-value below 0.05 indicates the study failed
- Knee flexion ROM is not an important outcome measure
Correct answer: Statistical significance does not always equate to clinical significance
The authors distinguish between statistical significance (p<0.05) and clinical meaningfulness (a 2-degree change may not matter functionally).
Question 5: A passage describes: 'The SOAP note format organizes clinical documentation into four sections: Subjective data reported by the patient, Objective measurable findings, Assessment of the patient's condition, and Plan for treatment.' According to this passage, where would a therapist record a patient's pain rating?
- Objective section
- Subjective section (Correct answer)
- Assessment section
- Plan section
Correct answer: Subjective section
A pain rating is reported by the patient, placing it in the Subjective section of the SOAP note.
Question 6: An article states: 'Contraindications to moist heat application include areas of impaired sensation, active hemorrhage, malignancy, and acute inflammation, as heat may exacerbate these conditions.' A patient has diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet. Based on the passage, what is the concern with applying heat to this patient's feet?
- Active hemorrhage risk
- Presence of malignancy
- Impaired sensation (Correct answer)
- Acute inflammation
Correct answer: Impaired sensation
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy causes impaired sensation, which is listed as a contraindication since the patient cannot detect harmful heat levels.
Question 7: A protocol reads: 'Progress the patient from non-weight-bearing (NWB) to toe-touch weight-bearing (TTWB), then partial weight-bearing (PWB), and finally full weight-bearing (FWB) as tolerated, following physician clearance at each stage.' According to this protocol, what must occur before advancing weight-bearing status?
- Patient reports no pain
- Therapist independently decides progression
- Physician clearance is obtained (Correct answer)
- Patient reaches FWB independently
Correct answer: Physician clearance is obtained
The protocol explicitly states physician clearance is required at each stage before advancing weight-bearing status.
PTA Reading Comprehension 2
A passage states: 'Therapeutic ultrasound delivers acoustic energy to tissue, producing thermal and non-thermal effects.
Thermal effects increase tissue extensibility and metabolic rate, while non-thermal effects include cavitation and acoustic streaming.' According to this passage, which of the following is a NON-thermal effect of ultrasound?