MSK EXAM 1 | COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE, PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
2026/2027
Steps of an MSK initial eval - correct answer ✔✔Step 1- Chart review
Step 2- General observations (gait, posture)
Step 3- History from interview
Step 4- Medical screen and review of systems
Step 5- Screens: CVP, integ, neuro
Step 6- MSK screen: ROM, strength, functional movt screen
Step 7- MSK examination: palpation, joint mobility, special tests, asterick sign
Step 8- Assessment and treatment
SINS stands for - correct answer ✔✔S:severity
I: irritability
N: nature
S: stage
Explain severity for SINS - correct answer ✔✔Ask about the pain scale 0/10 for best, worst, and
current level
Explain irritability for SINS - correct answer ✔✔How quickly does pain come on and how fast
does it resolve
Explain nature for SINS - correct answer ✔✔Is this nociceptive, nociplastic? What is the issue
causing symptoms
Explain stage for SINS - correct answer ✔✔Is it acute, subacute, chronic?
2026/2027
Steps of an MSK initial eval - correct answer ✔✔Step 1- Chart review
Step 2- General observations (gait, posture)
Step 3- History from interview
Step 4- Medical screen and review of systems
Step 5- Screens: CVP, integ, neuro
Step 6- MSK screen: ROM, strength, functional movt screen
Step 7- MSK examination: palpation, joint mobility, special tests, asterick sign
Step 8- Assessment and treatment
SINS stands for - correct answer ✔✔S:severity
I: irritability
N: nature
S: stage
Explain severity for SINS - correct answer ✔✔Ask about the pain scale 0/10 for best, worst, and
current level
Explain irritability for SINS - correct answer ✔✔How quickly does pain come on and how fast
does it resolve
Explain nature for SINS - correct answer ✔✔Is this nociceptive, nociplastic? What is the issue
causing symptoms
Explain stage for SINS - correct answer ✔✔Is it acute, subacute, chronic?