PCE - Physiotherapy Competency Exam with all Correct
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Describe the 3 stages of tissue healing. What are their general durations? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Inflammatory: 1-7 days post-injury.
2. Proliferative / Repair: 5-28 days post-injury.
3. Remodelling / Maturation: 28+ days to months/years.
Describe 3 contraindications to resistance exercise. ✔Correct Answer-1. Acute inflammation.
2. Joint effusion.
3. Fracture.
4. Joint/muscle pain during AROM.
5. Bony metastasis / cancer.
Describe 3 contraindications to stretching. ✔Correct Answer-1. Acute infection / inflammation.
2. Fracture.
3. Joint effusion.
4. Recent corticosteroid injection.
5. Hypermobility / instability in the direction being stretched.
Describe 3 items in your treatment for a patient with spinal stenosis. ✔Correct Answer-1. Lumbar
spine flexion exercises.
2. Lumbar traction.
3. Core stabilization to prevent lumbar flexion.
4. Aerobic exercise in a position allowing lumbar spine flexion.
5. Education on posture and ergonomics.
1. What is the most common type of lumbar disc herniation?
2. What is the most common age category for lumbar disc herniation? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Postero-lateral.
2. 30-50 years old.
Describe 2 signs and symptoms of a lumbar disc herniation. ✔Correct Answer-1. Radiculopathy -
neuropathic pain following a dermatomal distribution.
2. Myotomal weakness.
3. Low back / leg pain with weightbearing activities.
4. +ve SLR.
5. +ve Slump.
Describe 2 items in your treatment plan for lumbar disc herniation. ✔Correct Answer-1. Graduated
extension protocol.
2. Traction.
3. Lumbar stabilization exercises.
4. Education on duration of healing time, what healing process may look like.
5. Education to avoid prolonged flexion.
,Describe 3 signs and symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. ✔Correct Answer-1. TOP
greater trochanter.
2. Pain w/ abduction and/or external rotation of hip.
3. Pain with prolonged standing.
4. Trendelenburg sign.
5. Decreased time in single-leg stance.
What clinical features would lead you to suspect septic hip bursitis over greater trochanteric pain
syndrome? ✔Correct Answer-1. Swelling.
2. Redness and warmth over lateral hip.
3. Fever and systemic symptoms.
What clinical features would lead you to a diagnosis of piriformis syndrome? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Macro/micro trauma to buttocks.
2. Absence of neurological signs.
3. Hx of sports involving hip flexion, internal rotation, adduction
4. Pain / irritiation with crossed legs
5. Deep and diffuse hip/buttock pain.
6. TOP over piriformis
Relating to tissue healing, what does the acronym "PRICE" stand for? ✔Correct Answer-Protection.
Rest.
Ice (15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours after injury)
Compression.
Elevation.
Relating to tissue healing, what does the acronym "HARM" stand for? ✔Correct Answer-Heat.
Alcohol.
Running.
Massage.
Describe the "swipe test" of the quadriceps and its utility. ✔Correct Answer-The test is used to
confirm the presence of edema.
1. Swipe upwards x2-3 on the medial aspect of the knee.
2. Then, swipe downwards x2-3 laterally.
3. Watch for fluid returning medially.
What are the 3 ligaments of the sacroiliac joint? ✔Correct Answer-1. Anterior sacro-iliac ligament.
2. Interosseous.
3. Posterior (overlies the interosseous).
What are the ligaments of the lateral pelvic walls? ✔Correct Answer-1. Sacrospinous ligament.
2. Sacrotuberous ligament.
*Together, these structures create both the greater and lesser sciatic foramen.
What are the origin and insertion of the iliopsoas? ✔Correct Answer-Origin: iliac fossa, vertebrae
T12-L5.
Insertion: lesser trochanter of femur.
Actions: hip flexion, external rotation.
,What are the orign, insertion, innervation, and actions of the sartorius? ✔Correct Answer-Origin:
ASIS.
Insertion: Pes anserinus.
Innervation: Femoral n. (L2-4).
Actions: Hip F, ABD, ER; Knee F.
What are the orign, insertion, innervation, and actions of the pectineus? ✔Correct Answer-Origin:
pubis; pectineal line.
Insertion: inferior to lesser trochanter; pectineal line.
Innervation: femoral n. OR obturator n.
Action: Hip F, ADD, IR
What are the orign, insertion, innervation, and actions of the rectus femoris? ✔Correct Answer-
Origin: AIIS
Insertion: quadriceps tendon
Innervation: femoral n.
Action: hip F, knee E
What artery supplies the anterior compartment of the knee? ✔Correct Answer-Femoral artery.
Describe 3 signs and symptoms of arterial insufficiency due to peripheral vascular disease.
✔Correct Answer-1. Diminished or absent pulse in affected area.
2. Decreased capillary refill.
2. Shiny, thin, hairless skin.
3. Intermittent claudication: pain, aching, or cramping in affected area during activity.
4. Mild edema
Describe 3 signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency due to peripheral vascular disease.
✔Correct Answer-1. Significant edema
2. Pruritis, "tightness"
3. Brown or eczema-presenting skin
4. Pain that is worse at the end of the day.
5. Pain improves with exercise.
What are common signs and symptoms of a deep venous thrombosis? ✔Correct Answer-1. Dull
ache in affected extremity
2. Tightness, heaviness
3. Localized swelling, edema, redness
4. Pain with calf dorsiflexion
What is the main difference between heparin and warfarin? ✔Correct Answer-Heparin: fast acting,
injection, short-term use
Warfarin: slow acting, long-term use
How should a physiotherapist approach treating a patient with a recent DVT? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Check with physician to determine if adequate anti-coagulation is achieved; activity orders.
2. Proceed with mobilization.
What are signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism? ✔Correct Answer-1. SUDDEN dyspnea,
chest pain
, 2. Bloody sputum, cough
3. Tachycardia
4. Syncope
5. Decreased oxygen saturation
How should a physiotherapist react when they suspect that a patient has a pulmonary embolism?
✔Correct Answer-1. Halt mobilization.
2. Seek emergency medical assistance.
3. If possible, oxygenation (if you are rostered)
What magnitude of a drop in blood pressure would lead you to suspect orthostatic hypotension?
✔Correct Answer-Systolic: >20 mmHg
Diastolic: >10 mmHg
What is the optimal positioning for a patient who is acutely experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
✔Correct Answer-Supine
For how long should patients avoid strenous activity following heart surgery? ✔Correct Answer-6-
10 weeks
What blood pressure is considered hypertensive? ✔Correct Answer-SBP >139
DBP >89
What is considered uncontrolled hypertension and a contraindication to exercise? ✔Correct
Answer-SBP >180
DBP >110
What is considered dangerously hypotensive? ✔Correct Answer-SBP <90
DBP <60
What is heart rate reserve? ✔Correct Answer-The difference between someone's maximum heart
rate and their resting heart rate.
At what intensity (using heart rate reserve) do you want to prescribe aerobic exercise for cardiac
patients? ✔Correct Answer-40-70% heart rate reserve
(HR Reserve x % intensity) + resting HR = exercise HR
Describe 3 resistance training principles for cardiac patients. ✔Correct Answer-1. NO valsalva
2. NO isometric / static exercises
3. Lower resistance + higher reps
4. Slower rate of progression; don't increase more than one of FITT each week.
Describe 2 precautions when mobilizing a patient with a chest tube. ✔Correct Answer-1. Do NOT
lift chest tube above the site of insertion to avoid backflow.
2. Do NOT lay or roll onto chest tube.
3. If connected to wall suction, check with medical team if the patient is able to be disconnected.
What are some unique considerations for femoral ART lines compared to brachial or radial?
✔Correct Answer-1. NO hip flexion >80 degrees
2. When removed, no coughing for 2 hours. Patient must lie flat for 4-6 hours.
& 100% Verified Answers |Latest Version |Already
Graded A+
Describe the 3 stages of tissue healing. What are their general durations? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Inflammatory: 1-7 days post-injury.
2. Proliferative / Repair: 5-28 days post-injury.
3. Remodelling / Maturation: 28+ days to months/years.
Describe 3 contraindications to resistance exercise. ✔Correct Answer-1. Acute inflammation.
2. Joint effusion.
3. Fracture.
4. Joint/muscle pain during AROM.
5. Bony metastasis / cancer.
Describe 3 contraindications to stretching. ✔Correct Answer-1. Acute infection / inflammation.
2. Fracture.
3. Joint effusion.
4. Recent corticosteroid injection.
5. Hypermobility / instability in the direction being stretched.
Describe 3 items in your treatment for a patient with spinal stenosis. ✔Correct Answer-1. Lumbar
spine flexion exercises.
2. Lumbar traction.
3. Core stabilization to prevent lumbar flexion.
4. Aerobic exercise in a position allowing lumbar spine flexion.
5. Education on posture and ergonomics.
1. What is the most common type of lumbar disc herniation?
2. What is the most common age category for lumbar disc herniation? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Postero-lateral.
2. 30-50 years old.
Describe 2 signs and symptoms of a lumbar disc herniation. ✔Correct Answer-1. Radiculopathy -
neuropathic pain following a dermatomal distribution.
2. Myotomal weakness.
3. Low back / leg pain with weightbearing activities.
4. +ve SLR.
5. +ve Slump.
Describe 2 items in your treatment plan for lumbar disc herniation. ✔Correct Answer-1. Graduated
extension protocol.
2. Traction.
3. Lumbar stabilization exercises.
4. Education on duration of healing time, what healing process may look like.
5. Education to avoid prolonged flexion.
,Describe 3 signs and symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. ✔Correct Answer-1. TOP
greater trochanter.
2. Pain w/ abduction and/or external rotation of hip.
3. Pain with prolonged standing.
4. Trendelenburg sign.
5. Decreased time in single-leg stance.
What clinical features would lead you to suspect septic hip bursitis over greater trochanteric pain
syndrome? ✔Correct Answer-1. Swelling.
2. Redness and warmth over lateral hip.
3. Fever and systemic symptoms.
What clinical features would lead you to a diagnosis of piriformis syndrome? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Macro/micro trauma to buttocks.
2. Absence of neurological signs.
3. Hx of sports involving hip flexion, internal rotation, adduction
4. Pain / irritiation with crossed legs
5. Deep and diffuse hip/buttock pain.
6. TOP over piriformis
Relating to tissue healing, what does the acronym "PRICE" stand for? ✔Correct Answer-Protection.
Rest.
Ice (15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours after injury)
Compression.
Elevation.
Relating to tissue healing, what does the acronym "HARM" stand for? ✔Correct Answer-Heat.
Alcohol.
Running.
Massage.
Describe the "swipe test" of the quadriceps and its utility. ✔Correct Answer-The test is used to
confirm the presence of edema.
1. Swipe upwards x2-3 on the medial aspect of the knee.
2. Then, swipe downwards x2-3 laterally.
3. Watch for fluid returning medially.
What are the 3 ligaments of the sacroiliac joint? ✔Correct Answer-1. Anterior sacro-iliac ligament.
2. Interosseous.
3. Posterior (overlies the interosseous).
What are the ligaments of the lateral pelvic walls? ✔Correct Answer-1. Sacrospinous ligament.
2. Sacrotuberous ligament.
*Together, these structures create both the greater and lesser sciatic foramen.
What are the origin and insertion of the iliopsoas? ✔Correct Answer-Origin: iliac fossa, vertebrae
T12-L5.
Insertion: lesser trochanter of femur.
Actions: hip flexion, external rotation.
,What are the orign, insertion, innervation, and actions of the sartorius? ✔Correct Answer-Origin:
ASIS.
Insertion: Pes anserinus.
Innervation: Femoral n. (L2-4).
Actions: Hip F, ABD, ER; Knee F.
What are the orign, insertion, innervation, and actions of the pectineus? ✔Correct Answer-Origin:
pubis; pectineal line.
Insertion: inferior to lesser trochanter; pectineal line.
Innervation: femoral n. OR obturator n.
Action: Hip F, ADD, IR
What are the orign, insertion, innervation, and actions of the rectus femoris? ✔Correct Answer-
Origin: AIIS
Insertion: quadriceps tendon
Innervation: femoral n.
Action: hip F, knee E
What artery supplies the anterior compartment of the knee? ✔Correct Answer-Femoral artery.
Describe 3 signs and symptoms of arterial insufficiency due to peripheral vascular disease.
✔Correct Answer-1. Diminished or absent pulse in affected area.
2. Decreased capillary refill.
2. Shiny, thin, hairless skin.
3. Intermittent claudication: pain, aching, or cramping in affected area during activity.
4. Mild edema
Describe 3 signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency due to peripheral vascular disease.
✔Correct Answer-1. Significant edema
2. Pruritis, "tightness"
3. Brown or eczema-presenting skin
4. Pain that is worse at the end of the day.
5. Pain improves with exercise.
What are common signs and symptoms of a deep venous thrombosis? ✔Correct Answer-1. Dull
ache in affected extremity
2. Tightness, heaviness
3. Localized swelling, edema, redness
4. Pain with calf dorsiflexion
What is the main difference between heparin and warfarin? ✔Correct Answer-Heparin: fast acting,
injection, short-term use
Warfarin: slow acting, long-term use
How should a physiotherapist approach treating a patient with a recent DVT? ✔Correct Answer-1.
Check with physician to determine if adequate anti-coagulation is achieved; activity orders.
2. Proceed with mobilization.
What are signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism? ✔Correct Answer-1. SUDDEN dyspnea,
chest pain
, 2. Bloody sputum, cough
3. Tachycardia
4. Syncope
5. Decreased oxygen saturation
How should a physiotherapist react when they suspect that a patient has a pulmonary embolism?
✔Correct Answer-1. Halt mobilization.
2. Seek emergency medical assistance.
3. If possible, oxygenation (if you are rostered)
What magnitude of a drop in blood pressure would lead you to suspect orthostatic hypotension?
✔Correct Answer-Systolic: >20 mmHg
Diastolic: >10 mmHg
What is the optimal positioning for a patient who is acutely experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
✔Correct Answer-Supine
For how long should patients avoid strenous activity following heart surgery? ✔Correct Answer-6-
10 weeks
What blood pressure is considered hypertensive? ✔Correct Answer-SBP >139
DBP >89
What is considered uncontrolled hypertension and a contraindication to exercise? ✔Correct
Answer-SBP >180
DBP >110
What is considered dangerously hypotensive? ✔Correct Answer-SBP <90
DBP <60
What is heart rate reserve? ✔Correct Answer-The difference between someone's maximum heart
rate and their resting heart rate.
At what intensity (using heart rate reserve) do you want to prescribe aerobic exercise for cardiac
patients? ✔Correct Answer-40-70% heart rate reserve
(HR Reserve x % intensity) + resting HR = exercise HR
Describe 3 resistance training principles for cardiac patients. ✔Correct Answer-1. NO valsalva
2. NO isometric / static exercises
3. Lower resistance + higher reps
4. Slower rate of progression; don't increase more than one of FITT each week.
Describe 2 precautions when mobilizing a patient with a chest tube. ✔Correct Answer-1. Do NOT
lift chest tube above the site of insertion to avoid backflow.
2. Do NOT lay or roll onto chest tube.
3. If connected to wall suction, check with medical team if the patient is able to be disconnected.
What are some unique considerations for femoral ART lines compared to brachial or radial?
✔Correct Answer-1. NO hip flexion >80 degrees
2. When removed, no coughing for 2 hours. Patient must lie flat for 4-6 hours.
