Mastering DD Exam 1 new: Key Concepts and
Preparation
In the context of screening for referral, primary purpose of a diagnosis is - correct answer ✔✔To guide
the plan of care and intervention strategies
Direct access is the only reason physical therapists must screen for systemic disease. - correct answer
✔✔False
A patient/client gives you a written prescription from a physician, chiropractor, or dentist. The first
screening question to ask is? - correct answer ✔✔Did the physician (dentist, chiropractor) examine you?
Screening for medical disease takes place - correct answer ✔✔throughout the episode of care
Physical therapists are qualified to make a human movement system diagnosis regarding primary
neuromusculoskeletal conditions, but we must do so in accordance with - correct answer ✔✔The state
practice act
Medical referral for a problem outside the scope of the physical therapy practice occurs when?
a. No apparent movement dysfunction exists
b. No causative factors can be identified
c. Findings are not consistent with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction
d. Client presents with suspicious red-flag symptoms
e. Any of the above
f. None of the above - correct answer ✔✔Any of the above
Physical therapy evaluation and intervention may be part of the physician's differential diagnosis -
correct answer ✔✔True
, Yellow Flag - correct answer ✔✔cautionary or warning symptom that signals "slow down and think
about the need for screening."
- Presence of a single yellow flag not usually cause for immediate medical attention. Each cautionary or
warning flag must be viewed in the context of the whole person, given his or her age, gender, past
medical history, and current clinical presentation
Red flag - correct answer ✔✔Symptom that requires immediate attention, either to pursue further
screening questions/tests, or to make an appropriate referral.
- Presence of a single red flag not usually cause for immediate medical attention. Each cautionary or
warning flag must be viewed in the context of the whole person, given his or her age, gender, past
medical history, and current clinical presentation
What are the major decision-making tools used in the screening process - correct answer ✔✔Past
medical history, risk factor assessment, clinical presentation (pain types/patterns), associated
signs/symptoms, review of systems. Each client can be framed by these 5 components. Any suspicious
finding or response in any of these areas warrants a closer look.
Red flag examples - correct answer ✔✔Back or shoulder pain
Pain accompanied by full & painless ROM
Pain that is not consistent with emotional or psychological overlay, screening tests for emotional overlay
are negative - Waddell's signs
Night pain which is constant and intense
Pain made worse by activity and relieved by rest
Pain described as throbbing (vascular) knife-like, boring or deep aching.
Pain that is poorly localized
Pattern of coming & going like spasms - colicky
Pain accompanied by signs & symptoms associated with a specific viscera or system
Change in musculoskeletal symptoms with food intake or medication use
Preparation
In the context of screening for referral, primary purpose of a diagnosis is - correct answer ✔✔To guide
the plan of care and intervention strategies
Direct access is the only reason physical therapists must screen for systemic disease. - correct answer
✔✔False
A patient/client gives you a written prescription from a physician, chiropractor, or dentist. The first
screening question to ask is? - correct answer ✔✔Did the physician (dentist, chiropractor) examine you?
Screening for medical disease takes place - correct answer ✔✔throughout the episode of care
Physical therapists are qualified to make a human movement system diagnosis regarding primary
neuromusculoskeletal conditions, but we must do so in accordance with - correct answer ✔✔The state
practice act
Medical referral for a problem outside the scope of the physical therapy practice occurs when?
a. No apparent movement dysfunction exists
b. No causative factors can be identified
c. Findings are not consistent with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction
d. Client presents with suspicious red-flag symptoms
e. Any of the above
f. None of the above - correct answer ✔✔Any of the above
Physical therapy evaluation and intervention may be part of the physician's differential diagnosis -
correct answer ✔✔True
, Yellow Flag - correct answer ✔✔cautionary or warning symptom that signals "slow down and think
about the need for screening."
- Presence of a single yellow flag not usually cause for immediate medical attention. Each cautionary or
warning flag must be viewed in the context of the whole person, given his or her age, gender, past
medical history, and current clinical presentation
Red flag - correct answer ✔✔Symptom that requires immediate attention, either to pursue further
screening questions/tests, or to make an appropriate referral.
- Presence of a single red flag not usually cause for immediate medical attention. Each cautionary or
warning flag must be viewed in the context of the whole person, given his or her age, gender, past
medical history, and current clinical presentation
What are the major decision-making tools used in the screening process - correct answer ✔✔Past
medical history, risk factor assessment, clinical presentation (pain types/patterns), associated
signs/symptoms, review of systems. Each client can be framed by these 5 components. Any suspicious
finding or response in any of these areas warrants a closer look.
Red flag examples - correct answer ✔✔Back or shoulder pain
Pain accompanied by full & painless ROM
Pain that is not consistent with emotional or psychological overlay, screening tests for emotional overlay
are negative - Waddell's signs
Night pain which is constant and intense
Pain made worse by activity and relieved by rest
Pain described as throbbing (vascular) knife-like, boring or deep aching.
Pain that is poorly localized
Pattern of coming & going like spasms - colicky
Pain accompanied by signs & symptoms associated with a specific viscera or system
Change in musculoskeletal symptoms with food intake or medication use
