Deck 2: The Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant in Physical Assessment

Question 1

Which of the following reports of pain is indicative of chronic inflammation?

A) Pain reported before tissue resistance (before "end" ROM)
B) Pain reported as a stretching sensation at the limit of ROM
C) Pain reported at the same time ROM is reached
D) Pain is not seen with chronic inflammation

Answer 1

Pain reported as a stretching sensation at the limit of ROM

Question 2

Which of the following statements is NOT included in the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI)by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)related to the PTA's role?

A) Participates in patient status judgments within the clinical environment based on the plan of care established by the PT.
B) Obtains accurate information by performing selected data collection consistent with the plan of care established by the PT.
C) Discusses the need for modifications to the plan of care established by the PT.
D) Makes clinical judgments based on the assessment and examination of the patient.

Answer 2

Makes clinical judgments based on the assessment and examination of the patient.

Question 3

How long does acute inflammation last,assuming the precipitating condition,agent,or event is removed?

A) 12-24 hours
B) 1-2 days
C) 3-5 days
D) 4-6 days

Answer 3

4-6 days

Question 4

Which of the following actions would be considered discretionary caution by the PTA when performing pool ROM exercises with a patient experiencing a fever of 102.8°F?

A) Notify the PT and ask to omit the exercises until the fever resolves.
B) Continue with the prescribed walking activities.
C) Omit therapy during times the patient has a fever.
D) Increase the walking exercises to help break or resolve the fever.

Question 5

When is pain from acute inflammation felt by the patient during range of motion (ROM)exercises?

A) Before tissue resistance (before "end" ROM)
B) At the same time end ROM is reached
C) After ROM exercises are over
D) Never felt by the patient during ROM

Question 6

Which signs and symptoms would be seen with congestive heart failure (CHF)?

A) Swelling in one ankle without a change in breathing or muscle strength
B) Swelling in both ankles with fatigue and shortness of breath
C) No swelling in either ankle,but fatigue and normal respirations
D) Weakness without a change in respirations

Question 7

Which of the following is the responsibility of the PT alone?

A) Observation
B) Assessment
C) Examination
D) Evaluation

Question 8

Which of the following is the PTA's best response to a patient reporting new pain since the last therapy session?

A) "Well,some pain is to be expected after our therapy sessions"
B) "Really? I didn't think the last session was that difficult for you"
C) "That pain is normal and should be expected.Take your pain medication before and after our therapy sessions and you should feel better"
D) "Tell me about the pain,is it sharp or burning? When do you have the pain?"

Question 9

Which of the following contains the cardinal signs of inflammation?

A) Swelling,pallor,cool skin temperature
B) Swelling,pain,redness,heat
C) Fever,pain,redness,and warmth
D) Pain,fever,cool skin temperature

Question 10

Which type of redness indicates acute inflammation caused by a bacterial infection?

A) Superficial tenderness or hardness of the area
B) Red streaks
C) Flushed cheeks
D) None of the above

Question 11

Which of the following are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

A) Pain or pressure under the breastbone,neck or jaw with pain in the left arm and shoulder
B) Indigestion and pain in the lower abdomen after exercise
C) Pain between the shoulder blades and the inside of the left or right arms
D) A and C

Question 12

Which is the most effective means of controlling the transmission of infectious agents?

A) Isolating infected patients
B) Hand washing by the caregiver and patient
C) Disinfecting treatment areas routinely
D) B and C

Question 13

Which symptoms are exhibited during intermittent claudication?

A) Bilateral pain in the calves or thighs described as cramping that goes away with rest
B) Unilateral pain in one calf described as cramping that goes away after walking
C) Bilateral pain in calves or thighs that goes away with walking
D) Unilateral pain in buttocks or thighs that worsens when the patient rests

Question 14

Which health care provider is defined as "a technically educated health care provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of select PT interventions?"

A) Physical therapist assistant (PTA)
B) Physical therapist (PT)
C) Nursing assistant
D) Medical doctor

Question 15

Which term is defined as the excessive pooling of fluid in the spaces between tissues (interstitial spaces)?

A) Fracture
B) Infection
C) Edema
D) Hemorrhage

Question 16

In the Normative Model of PTA Education (2007),which of the following is NOT an expected performance theme?

A) Interventions
B) Communication
C) Diagnosis
D) Resource management

Question 17

What are the risk factors for DVT?

A) Prolonged bed rest or prolonged air travel
B) Varicose veins,fractures,and age under 60
C) Oral contraceptive use and high cholesterol level
D) Obesity and falling

Question 18

What should a PTA do when a patient experiences "red flag" pain symptoms during therapy?

A) Call the doctor immediately and report the pain
B) Continue the therapy session using caution
C) Stop any intervention that could be contraindicated and report the findings to the PT
D) Ask the patient when he had his last pain medication and contact the nurse to deliver a pain medication

Question 19

What technique would you use to assess deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A) Patient sits in a comfortable position and lifts knee to chest.
B) Patient points toes toward the floor and reports any pain in the thigh area.
C) Patient points toes upward (dorsiflex)for assessment of pain in the calf.
D) Patient holds foot in neutral position and you squeeze the calf.

Question 20

Your patient has an oral temperature of 101.6°F.Which other signs and symptoms will you look for in your patient assessment?

A) General malaise and increased pulse
B) Strong appetite and dry skin
C) Decreased pulse and respirations
D) Paleness in the affected joint