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 using a pressure mapping system to evaluate a patient's plantar pressure distribution, elevated peak pressure under the first metatarsal head most commonly indicates:
Answer: Pes cavus with clawed toes
Pes cavus typically results in elevated peak pressures under the metatarsal heads and heel due to the rigid high-arched foot structure.
A patient presents with a positive Thomas test. This finding primarily indicates:
Answer: Hip flexor contracture or tightness
A positive Thomas test, where the opposite leg rises from the table when the tested hip is fully flexed, indicates hip flexor tightness or contracture.
In spinal orthotic assessment, the term 'three-point pressure system' refers to:
Answer: The biomechanical principle of applying corrective forces at three locations to control spinal motion
The three-point pressure system applies opposing forces at three strategic points to control or correct spinal alignment in orthotic design.
When assessing skin integrity prior to fitting a patient with a total contact cast (TCC), which skin condition is a relative contraindication?
Answer: Active cellulitis with induration and warmth
Active cellulitis with induration requires antibiotic treatment before total contact casting to avoid sealing in an active infection.
A newly referred patient's medical record lists 'equinovarus' foot deformity. During assessment, the orthotist should expect to find:
Answer: Plantarflexion and inversion with forefoot adduction
Equinovarus combines equinus (plantarflexion) and varus (inversion/supination), commonly seen in clubfoot or post-stroke presentations.
Which nerve is assessed by testing sensation on the dorsal web space between the first and second toes?
Answer: Deep peroneal (fibular) nerve
The deep peroneal nerve provides sensory innervation to the dorsal first web space and motor innervation to the anterior compartment muscles.
During functional assessment, a patient with a transtibial prosthesis demonstrates lateral trunk lean toward the prosthetic side during stance. In orthotic/prosthetic assessment, this deviation often suggests:
Answer: Short prosthetic limb or excessive lateral wall pressure in the socket
Lateral trunk lean toward the prosthetic side (Trendelenburg-like) is commonly caused by a short prosthesis or hip abductor weakness on that side.