COMPREHENSIVE MSK EXAM: KEY COMPONENTS, FINDINGS, AND ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
| COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
What is the purpose of the musculoskeletal (MSK) exam? - ANS ✔✔To assess the function of
activities of daily living (ADLs) and to screen for abnormalities.
What are the main components of an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Inspection, palpation, range
of motion (ROM), and muscle strength testing of major joints and muscle groups.
What should be compared during an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Findings should be compared
bilaterally to look for symmetry or asymmetry.
Is it necessary to know the degrees of each range of motion (ROM) in MSK assessments? - ANS
✔✔No, but it is important to know which motions each joint can perform.
What subjective data should be collected regarding joints? - ANS ✔✔Pain, stiffness, swelling,
heat, redness, and limitation of range of motion (ROM).
What subjective data should be collected regarding muscles? - ANS ✔✔Pain, cramping, and
weakness.
What subjective data should be collected regarding bones? - ANS ✔✔Pain, deformity, and
history of accidents or trauma (e.g., fractures).
What additional health history should be considered for older adults during MSK assessment? -
ANS ✔✔Weakness, changes in mobility, history of falls, and use of mobility aids.
What functional assessments may be indicated in an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Assessing
activities of daily living (ADLs) and self-care behaviors.
, What occupational risk factors should be considered in MSK assessments? - ANS ✔✔Exercise
habits, weight changes, and medication use (e.g., anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants).
What are the key findings to document in an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Findings from
inspection, palpation, ROM, and muscle strength testing.
What is the significance of muscle testing in an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔To evaluate muscle
strength and identify any weakness or dysfunction.
What does ROM stand for in the context of MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Range of Motion.
What should be noted about older adults' mobility during an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Any
increase in falls or use of mobility aids should be documented.
What are common symptoms to assess in joints during an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Pain,
swelling, and limitation of range of motion.
What is the first step in preparing a client for an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Make the client as
comfortable as possible before and during the examination.
What is the recommended draping technique during an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Drape for
complete visualization of the body part being examined without exposing the rest of the body
needlessly.
What is the preferred order of assessment during an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Inspection,
palpation, range of motion, and muscle strength testing.
| COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
What is the purpose of the musculoskeletal (MSK) exam? - ANS ✔✔To assess the function of
activities of daily living (ADLs) and to screen for abnormalities.
What are the main components of an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Inspection, palpation, range
of motion (ROM), and muscle strength testing of major joints and muscle groups.
What should be compared during an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Findings should be compared
bilaterally to look for symmetry or asymmetry.
Is it necessary to know the degrees of each range of motion (ROM) in MSK assessments? - ANS
✔✔No, but it is important to know which motions each joint can perform.
What subjective data should be collected regarding joints? - ANS ✔✔Pain, stiffness, swelling,
heat, redness, and limitation of range of motion (ROM).
What subjective data should be collected regarding muscles? - ANS ✔✔Pain, cramping, and
weakness.
What subjective data should be collected regarding bones? - ANS ✔✔Pain, deformity, and
history of accidents or trauma (e.g., fractures).
What additional health history should be considered for older adults during MSK assessment? -
ANS ✔✔Weakness, changes in mobility, history of falls, and use of mobility aids.
What functional assessments may be indicated in an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Assessing
activities of daily living (ADLs) and self-care behaviors.
, What occupational risk factors should be considered in MSK assessments? - ANS ✔✔Exercise
habits, weight changes, and medication use (e.g., anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants).
What are the key findings to document in an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Findings from
inspection, palpation, ROM, and muscle strength testing.
What is the significance of muscle testing in an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔To evaluate muscle
strength and identify any weakness or dysfunction.
What does ROM stand for in the context of MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Range of Motion.
What should be noted about older adults' mobility during an MSK assessment? - ANS ✔✔Any
increase in falls or use of mobility aids should be documented.
What are common symptoms to assess in joints during an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Pain,
swelling, and limitation of range of motion.
What is the first step in preparing a client for an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Make the client as
comfortable as possible before and during the examination.
What is the recommended draping technique during an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Drape for
complete visualization of the body part being examined without exposing the rest of the body
needlessly.
What is the preferred order of assessment during an MSK examination? - ANS ✔✔Inspection,
palpation, range of motion, and muscle strength testing.
