Deck 3: Examination of Sensory Function

Question 1

Which of the following statements about allodynia is true?

A)It is measured by applying a cutaneous noxious stimulus.
B)It is defined as the experience of pain when a nonnoxious stimulus is applied.
C)Static cutaneous allodynia is measured by applying a light brushing stimulus on the skin.
D)It should not be tested with the application of a vibrating tuning fork.

Answer 1

B
Applying a cutaneous noxious stimulus describes the measurement of pain.Applying a light brushing stimulus on the skin describes dynamic allodynia.Allodynia can be tested with a vibrating stimulus that is considered nonnoxious.

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes the appropriate application of algometry assessment as a tool in Quantitative Sensory Testing?

A)A small rounded 1 cm² tip is used,which preferentially stimulates cutaneous receptors.
B)Applying the instrument repeatedly can sensitize the tested tissues;waiting 5 seconds between applications will prevent this issue.
C)Consistent rate of application is important for reliable measurements.
D)The direction of application to the target tissue has no effect on results.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

In a patient with low back pain that radiates to the knee,what areas of decreased mechanical detection indicate true radiculopathy?

A)Dermatomal distribution
B)Nondermatomal distribution
C)Sclerotomal distribution
D)Myotomal distribution

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following statements regarding thermal quantitative sensory testing is true?

A)Deficits in heat detection threshold are common and deficits in cold detection threshold are uncommon.
B)Altered thermal quantitative sensory testing may be associated with neuropathic pain conditions.
C)Heat pain threshold testing elicits a withdrawal response because alpha-delta fibers are stimulated.
D)Thermal deficits occur exclusively in the distribution of the affected nerve.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about hyperalgesia is true?

A)Hyperalgesia is defined as decreased pain sensitivity to an applied stimulus.
B)Spread of pain sensitivity that occurs outside the area of damaged tissue due to neurophysiological mechanisms is called secondary hyperalgesia.
C)Pressure pain threshold is a measure of how much pain an individual can tolerate during application of the algometer.
D)Nociception and hyperalgesia are equivalent terms.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about joint proprioception is true?

A)Deficits in joint reposition sense are correlated to deficits in threshold to detection of passive movement.
B)Both joint reposition sense and threshold to detection of passive movement are mediated in large part by the muscle spindle.
C)While functional deficits and postural instability have been reported in individuals with knee osteoarthritis,joint proprioception is unaffected.
D)Deficits in joint reposition sense following whiplash resolve as pain diminishes.Chapter 3.Examination of Sensory Function