Deck 23: Orthopedic Considerations: the Shoulder

Question 1

An OT practitioner is beginning the assessment process for a client who has a shoulder issue. After gaining the client's history, what would be the next step in this process?

A) Observe the client's posture.
B) Observe the client participating in functional tasks.
C) Observe the client's ROM.
D) Observe the client's pain during ADLs.

Answer 1

Observe the client's posture.

Question 2

An OTA is instructing a client who has had shoulder surgery in upper body dressing. Which of the following is the correct way to don a shirt in this case?

A) Place the sleeve on the surgical arm first.
B) Place the nonsurgical arm in the sleeve first.
C) Pull the shirt over the head first.
D) Use a reacher to assist with dressing.

Answer 2

Place the sleeve on the surgical arm first.

Question 3

A client is having difficulty completing chores in the home due to pain and inflammation in his shoulder caused by bursitis. This condition is also classified as which of the following?

A) Impingement syndrome
B) Rotator cuff tear
C) Shoulder instability
D) Inflammatory myopathy

Answer 3

Impingement syndrome

Question 4

A client has recently had shoulder surgery and is currently in an immobilizer. Why is it important for an OT practitioner to address sleep hygiene at this stage in the recovery process?

A) It is important for clients to be well rested for therapy sessions.
B) Sleep is an occupation that often gets disturbed after surgery.
C) Sleeping with an immobilizer can cause other orthopedic issues.
D) Poor sleep can lead to weight gain.

Question 5

A client is presenting with a suspected rotator cuff tear. Which assessment will give the best information about this client's condition?

A) The empty can test
B) Hawkins-Kennedy test
C) Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire
D) Supine impingement test

Question 6

A client is in the hospital after a rotator cuff repair. What is the ultimate goal of OT services while the client is in the acute phase of recovery?

A) To enforce independence in IADLs
B) To gradually resume desired occupations
C) To provide exercises and strengthen the joint
D) To build tolerance to resistive exercises

Question 7

To assist a client with pain and to help increase function, what physical agent modality can an OTA recommend for a client to utilize during the acute phase of shoulder recovery?

A) Superficial heat
B) Cryotherapy
C) Ultrasound
D) Fluidotherapy

Question 8

A client is complaining of issues with flexion and abduction of her left arm. Which muscle is mostly responsible for this action?

A) Pectoralis major
B) Trapezius
C) Deltoid
D) Subscapularis

Question 9

A client who had experienced a shoulder fracture has undergone surgery to repair the fracture and is now immobilized in a sling. The physician has written an order to begin OT services. Which question should the OT practitioner ask the physician before starting therapy?

A) When can weight-bearing begin?
B) What structures were repaired?
C) How much PROM can be tolerated?
D) How much pain is expected?

Question 10

A client has a rotator cuff injury due to her job as a factory worker. The client is having issues with a pinching pain at the biceps tendon insertion with abduction. Which muscle is most likely to not be working effectively?

A) Supraspinatus
B) Teres minor
C) Subscapularis
D) Teres major