Patient Assessment & Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real CO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Assessment & Evaluation flashcards as text
When assessing a patient with foot drop, which gait deviation is most commonly observed?
Answer: Steppage gait
Steppage gait occurs when the patient excessively flexes the hip and knee to clear the foot during swing phase due to weak dorsiflexors.
A certified orthotist is evaluating a patient with scoliosis. Which measurement is essential when determining Cobb angle severity?
Answer: Angle between endplates of the most tilted vertebrae
The Cobb angle is measured as the angle between lines drawn along the endplates of the most tilted vertebrae above and below the curve apex.
During assessment of a diabetic patient, which finding would most urgently require referral before orthotic fitting?
Answer: Open, non-healing ulcer with signs of infection
An open, infected wound requires immediate medical management prior to orthotic fitting to prevent further complications or sepsis.
When documenting passive range of motion for ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended, the normal expected value is approximately:
Answer: 10–20 degrees
Normal passive ankle dorsiflexion with knee extended is approximately 10–20 degrees, reflecting gastrocnemius-soleus flexibility.
A patient reports increased medial knee pain when wearing a newly fitted KAFO. The most appropriate first assessment step is to:
Answer: Check the medial upright alignment relative to the joint axis
Medial pain from a KAFO commonly indicates the medial upright is pressing due to misalignment with the anatomical knee joint axis.
Which standardized outcome measure is most appropriate for assessing functional mobility in adults using lower limb orthotics?
Answer: Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
The Timed Up and Go test measures functional mobility, balance, and fall risk and is widely validated for orthotic users.
During a pediatric assessment for an orthotic device, which developmental milestone is critical to confirm before prescribing a dynamic AFO for gait training?
Answer: Sufficient voluntary lower extremity motor control to benefit from orthotic assistance
Voluntary lower extremity motor control is essential to ensure the child can actively participate in gait training with the AFO.