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
During postural assessment of a patient in the sagittal plane, an increase in lumbar lordosis combined with anterior pelvic tilt is most often associated with:
Answer: Weak hip extensors and tight hip flexors
Anterior pelvic tilt with increased lumbar lordosis is classically caused by tight hip flexors pulling the pelvis forward and weak hip extensors failing to posteriorly tilt the pelvis.
A patient with a C6 complete SCI is being evaluated for upper extremity orthoses. Which functional motion would the orthotist expect to be present?
Answer: Active wrist extension with absent finger function
C6 SCI preserves wrist extensors (ECRL/ECRB) but results in absent intrinsic hand function, making tenodesis grasp via wrist extension the primary functional strategy.
When assessing a patient for a lumbosacral orthosis (LSO), which finding would indicate that a TLSO may be more appropriate?
Answer: Vertebral fracture or instability at T12 or above
A fracture or instability at T12 or above requires thoracic extension to achieve adequate immobilization, necessitating a TLSO rather than an LSO.
A patient's ankle-brachial index (ABI) is measured at 0.6. How should this affect the orthotic assessment plan?
Answer: Avoid circumferential compression devices; consult vascular surgery
An ABI of 0.6 indicates moderate peripheral arterial disease; circumferential compression devices are contraindicated and vascular consultation is required.
When evaluating a pediatric patient with cerebral palsy, the Modified Ashworth Scale is used to assess:
Answer: Degree of muscle spasticity and resistance to passive stretch
The Modified Ashworth Scale grades resistance encountered during passive muscle stretching, with scores from 0 (no increase in tone) to 4 (rigid in flexion or extension).
During assessment, a patient demonstrates a positive Ober's test. This finding indicates tightness of the:
Answer: Iliotibial band and tensor fasciae latae
The Ober's test assesses iliotibial band and tensor fasciae latae tightness; a positive test occurs when the leg cannot adduct past midline in the side-lying position.
When reviewing a patient's gait laboratory report, the term 'first rocker' in the stance phase refers to:
Answer: Initial heel contact and the ankle's controlled plantarflexion to foot flat
The first rocker (heel rocker) occurs at initial contact when the heel acts as a pivot and the ankle plantarflexes eccentrically to lower the forefoot to the floor.