PTA Reading Comprehension 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage reads: 'Spasticity is a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes, whereas rigidity is a velocity-independent resistance to passive movement present throughout the full range of motion.' Based on this definition, which characteristic distinguishes spasticity from rigidity?
- Spasticity only occurs in the lower extremities
- Spasticity is velocity-dependent (Correct answer)
- Rigidity involves hyperactive reflexes
- Rigidity is more common in stroke patients
Correct answer: Spasticity is velocity-dependent
The passage defines spasticity as velocity-dependent, meaning resistance increases with the speed of movement.
Question 2: A discharge summary states: 'Patient achieved all short-term goals. Long-term goal of independent ambulation on uneven terrain was not met due to limited treatment duration. Home exercise program provided; follow-up with outpatient PT recommended.' What does this summary suggest about the patient's status?
- The patient fully recovered and needs no further care
- The patient made no functional progress during treatment
- The patient improved but has remaining functional deficits (Correct answer)
- The patient was non-compliant with the home program
Correct answer: The patient improved but has remaining functional deficits
Meeting short-term but not long-term goals, combined with a PT referral, indicates improvement with remaining deficits.
Question 3: An article explains: 'Open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises allow the distal segment to move freely, isolating individual muscles. Closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises fix the distal segment, promoting co-contraction and joint stabilization.' A patient performs a seated knee extension machine exercise. According to the passage, how is this exercise classified?
- Closed kinetic chain because it strengthens the quadriceps
- Open kinetic chain because the distal segment (foot) moves freely (Correct answer)
- Closed kinetic chain because the patient is seated
- Open kinetic chain because it involves the knee joint
Correct answer: Open kinetic chain because the distal segment (foot) moves freely
In a seated knee extension, the foot (distal segment) moves freely, making it an open kinetic chain exercise.
Question 4: A paragraph states: 'The visual analog scale (VAS) and the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) are both unidimensional pain measures, assessing only intensity. Multidimensional tools such as the McGill Pain Questionnaire capture intensity, location, and quality of pain.' Which tool would a clinician choose to assess both the sharpness and location of a patient's pain?
- Visual analog scale
- Numeric pain rating scale
- McGill Pain Questionnaire (Correct answer)
- Both VAS and NPRS equally
Correct answer: McGill Pain Questionnaire
The McGill Pain Questionnaire is described as multidimensional, capturing quality (such as sharpness) and location.
Question 5: A passage reads: 'When documenting functional limitations, therapists should use objective, measurable terms. For example, instead of writing "patient has difficulty walking," the therapist should write "patient ambulates 50 feet with a standard walker, requiring moderate assistance due to impaired balance."' What principle does this passage illustrate?
- Documentation should focus on the patient's subjective complaints
- Functional limitations should be described in measurable, specific terms (Correct answer)
- A standard walker is always required for patients with balance impairment
- Therapists should avoid mentioning assistive devices in documentation
Correct answer: Functional limitations should be described in measurable, specific terms
The passage contrasts vague language with specific, measurable documentation, illustrating the principle of objective clinical writing.
Question 6: An excerpt reads: 'Edema formation follows Starling's Law: fluid moves from capillaries into interstitial space when capillary hydrostatic pressure exceeds plasma oncotic pressure. Elevation and compression counteract this by reducing hydrostatic pressure and enhancing lymphatic return.' Based on this passage, how does elevation reduce edema?
- It increases plasma oncotic pressure directly
- It reduces capillary hydrostatic pressure (Correct answer)
- It eliminates lymphatic vessels
- It increases metabolic activity in the limb
Correct answer: It reduces capillary hydrostatic pressure
The passage states elevation counteracts edema by reducing hydrostatic pressure, one of the forces driving fluid into interstitial space.
Question 7: A journal article concludes: 'Limitations of this study include a small sample size (n=15), lack of a control group, and short follow-up period of four weeks. These factors limit the generalizability of our findings.' What is the main implication of these limitations?
- The study results should be applied immediately to all clinical settings
- The findings cannot be trusted at all due to methodological flaws
- The results may not apply broadly to larger or different populations (Correct answer)
- A four-week follow-up is the gold standard for clinical research
Correct answer: The results may not apply broadly to larger or different populations
The authors state these limitations 'limit generalizability,' meaning results may not apply to broader populations.
PTA Reading Comprehension 3
A passage reads: 'Spasticity is a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes, whereas rigidity is a velocity-independent resistance to passive movement present throughout the full range of motion.' Based on this definition, which characteristic distinguishes spasticity from rigidity?