PTA BOARD EXAM QUESTIONS with correct answers

A patient with bilateral gastrocnemius-soleus contractures tends to walk: 1. with an unstable knee. 2. with the feet in a plantar flexed position. 3. on the lateral sides of the feet. 4. with the feet in dorsiflexion. - correct answer with the feet in a plantar flexed position. A physical therapist assistant is treating a patient post ulnar fracture who has limited forearm supination. A common substitution to watch for when measuring forearm supination is: 1. shoulder internal rotation. 2. shoulder external rotation. 3. wrist radial deviation. 4. elbow flexion. - correct answer shoulder external rotation. How should a physical therapist assistant perform upper extremity passive range of motion exercises with a patient who has a recent complete spinal cord injury at C5-C6? 1. Perform motions slowly and rhythmically. 2. Perform as many repetitions of the motions as tolerated. 3. Perform all motions smoothly but rapidly, to increase the patient's awareness of the extremity being exercised. 4. Support the extremity being exercised only minimally, to allow the patient to use any available strength to assist in the exercise - correct answer Perform motions slowly and rhythmically. Rationale: Performing slow, rhythmic motion is the best method for the patient. Slow, smooth range of motion is needed to avoid triggering the stretch reflex, as spasticity may develop below the level of the spinal cord lesion.