Assessment & diagnostic reasoning
WEEK7-11
Testing the biceps reflex helps localize lesions in which cervical nerve root? ANS: C5
Testing the brachioradialis reflex helps localize lesions in which cervical nerve root? ANS: C6
Testing the triceps reflex helps localize lesions in which cervical nerve root? ANS: C7
Testing the knee jerk reflex helps localize lesions in which nerve root(s)? ANS: L3/L4
Testing the Achilles reflex helps localize lesions in which nerve root(s)? ANS: L5/S1
What is being tested with a monofilament for diabetic neuropathy? ANS: Intact sensation
Decreased sensation to monofilament testing in the feet of a patient with diabetes may indicate an
increased risk of which complication? ANS: Skin ulcers
Where is the dermatome that corresponds to the C6 nerve root? ANS: In the thumb and 1st web space
Where is the dermatome that corresponds approximately to the T10 nerve root? ANS: At the level of
the umbilicus
Which is TRUE regarding Hoffman's maneuver? ANS: It indicates upper motor neuron involvement.
,What is a positive Lhermitte's sign? ANS: It involves flexion of the neck causing an "electric-like"
sensation that runs down the back.
What physical exam finding is indicative of a cervical nerve root radiculopathy? ANS: Positive foraminal
compression test
What type of headache might present with a "thunderclap" intense onset of pain? ANS: Headache due
to a subarachnoid hemorrhage
What type of headache is often associated with symptoms of nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia
ANS: Migraine headache
Which cranial nerve (CN) affects the sensory as well as the motor function of the face? ANS: trigeminal
nerve
What cranial nerve (CN) palsy leads to the eye not being able to move laterally on exam? ANS: CN VI:
abducens nerve
Which three cranial nerves control ocular movements? ANS: III, IV, and VI
How do you test for an afferent pupillary defect on a physical examination? ANS: Using the swinging
flashlight test
What is a Snellen chart used for during a cranial nerve examination? ANS: To test visual acuity
Which cranial nerve (CN) do the Weber and Rinne tests evaluate? ANS: CN VIII: cochlear nerve
Which cranial nerves (CN) are tested by asking the patient to elevate their palate by saying "AH?" ANS:
CN X: vagus nerve and CN IX: glossopharyngeal nerve
, Which cranial nerve (CN) is tested by asking the patient to turn their head against resistance? ANS: CN
XI: accessory nerve
Which cranial nerve (CN) is tested by asking the patient to move their tongue from side to side? ANS:
CN XII: hypoglossal nerve
Which condition most commonly causes sacroiliitis or pain in the sacroiliac joints? ANS: Ankylosing
spondylitis
Pain and tenderness over the lateral hip are most commonly seen in which condition? ANS:
Trochanteric bursitis
Pain and burning in the anterior and lateral thigh are usually due to what condition? ANS: Meralgia
paresthetica
Piriformis syndrome can mimic what other condition? ANS: Sciatica
Osteoarthritis of the hip produces pain most commonly with which maneuver? ANS: Internal rotation of
the hip joint
What area is tender with iliopsoas bursitis? ANS: Tenderness is elicited over the inguinal ligament.
So this is a 59-year-old woman with a medical history of type two diabetes and tobacco use disorder
who's presenting with a cough, left-sided pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath for the last two
days. ANS:
Which cause of shortness of breath is primarily due to a pulmonary etiology? ANS: Pneumothorax