Scorebuilders Q&A

A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with low back pain radiating into the left posterior thigh and calf. A straight leg raise on the left side reproduces the patient's familiar symptoms. When the therapist performs a crossed straight leg raise on the right leg, the patient again experiences pain radiating down the left leg. What is the MOST appropriate interpretation of these findings?

1. The patient has bilateral hamstring tightness
2. The patient has non-specific low back pain unrelated to nerve root involvement
3. The symptoms are due to sacroiliac joint dysfunction on the left side
4. The findings suggest a large central disc herniation compressing a nerve root

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A physical therapist plans to perform all four upper limb tension tests on a patient. However, they find it difficult to complete ULTT 1 (median nerve bias) and ULTT 4 (ulnar nerve bias) due to the patient's limited mobility. Which of the following joint motions is MOST likely restricted and interfering with these tests?

1. Shoulder abduction
2. Elbow extension
3. Forearm pronation
4. Wrist flexion

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A patient presents with hypersensitivity in the distal forearm following a recent peripheral nerve injury. The physical therapist initiates a desensitization program involving gradual exposure to various tactile stimuli. What is the primary mechanism through which desensitization training aids in reducing hypersensitivity?

1. Inhibition of nociceptor activity
2. Enhancement of neuroplasticity and cortical reorganization
3. Reduction of peripheral nerve inflammation
4. Stimulation of axonal growth

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A physical therapist is evaluating a 38-year-old patient who reports an electric shock-like sensation radiating down the spine and into both arms when flexing the neck. The therapist suspects a positive Lhermitte's sign. Which of the following conditions is MOST likely associated with this clinical finding?

1. Thoracic outlet syndrome
2. Multiple sclerosis
3. Cervical radiculopathy
4. Cervical paraspinal spasm

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A physical therapist performs Tinel's sign by gently tapping over the posterior tibial nerve at the medial malleolus, looking for reproduction of paresthesia. In a patient with tarsal tunnel syndrome, the expected tingling symptoms would MOST likely radiate to which of the following locations?

1. The dorsal web space between the first and second toes
2. The plantar surface of the foot
3. The medial ankle and shin
4. The dorsum of the foot

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A physical therapist is beginning desensitization treatment for a patient with significant tactile hypersensitivity in the palm following carpal tunnel surgery. The patient describes light touch as irritating and has started avoiding hand use. Which of the following textures would be the MOST appropriate to use when initiating treatment?

1. A soft cotton T-shirt
2. A silk scarf
3. A bath towel
4. A paper towel

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A physical therapist is preparing to perform all upper limb tension tests (ULTTs) on a patient with upper extremity paresthesia. The patient's medical history includes osteoarthritis of the elbow and their passive range of motion is 0 to 95 degrees. Which test would be the MOST difficult to perform given the patient's elbow mobility restriction?

1. ULTT 1 (median nerve bias)
2. ULTT 2 (median, musculocutaneous, axillary nerve bias)
3. ULTT 3 (radial nerve bias)
4. ULTT 4 (ulnar nerve bias)

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A physical therapist examines a 74-year-old female patient who reports aching and stiffness affecting the upper arms, lower back, and thighs. Laboratory testing reveals an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Which medical condition is MOST consistent with the described clinical presentation?

1. Duchenne muscular dystrophy
2. Hodgkin’s lymphoma
3. Systemic lupus erythematosus
4. Polymyalgia rheumatica

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A physical therapist treats a patient with a full-thickness wound that is intentionally left open to heal. This approach was necessary due to significant tissue loss and jagged wound edges that could not be approximated? What type of healing is best described by this description?

1. Primary intention 
2. Delayed primary intention 
3. Secondary intention 
4. Tertiary intention 

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A physical therapist positions a patient in supine in preparation for goniometric measurements. When measuring lateral rotation of the shoulder, where should the stationary arm of the goniometer be aligned?

1. On the lateral midline of the humerus using the lateral epicondyle as a reference 
2. Perpendicular to the floor 
3. Along the midaxillary line of the thorax 
4. Over the olecranon process

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