Question 1

Which of the following positions is the MOST appropriate when assessing a patient's vestibular and visual systems while compromising the somatosensory system?&#10;A)On foam with eyes closed&#10;B)On foam with eyes open&#10;C)On a normal surface with eyes closed&#10;D)On a normal surface with eyes open

Accepted Answer

When assessing a patient's vestibular and visual systems while compromising the somatosensory system, it is best to have the patient stand on foam with their eyes open. This challenges the vestibular and visual systems without relying on the somatosensory system for balance. Standing on foam with eyes closed is more challenging and may not be appropriate for all patients. Standing on a normal surface with eyes open or closed does not limit the somatosensory system and therefore does not specifically target the vestibular and visual systems.

Question 2

Examination findings of a patient following a cerebrovascular accident include difficulty when walking with variations in speed and completing the alternate finger-to-nose test.With which of the following motor impairments does this patient present?

A)Bradykinesia
B)Dysdiadochokinesia
C)Asthenia
D)Dysmetria

B

Accepted Answer

Dysdiadochokinesia is characterized by the inability to perform rapid, alternating movements smoothly, as evidenced by the difficulty in completing the alternate finger-to-nose test.

Question 3

A patient with a history of Parkinson's disease complains of a recent increase in difficulty with balance,especially immediately upon standing up,during stair climbing,and when getting up from the bed to go to the bathroom at night.Which of the following is the BEST tool to test this patient's balance?

A)Berg Balance Scale
B)Functional Reach Test
C)Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment
D)Timed Get-up-and-Go Test

A

Accepted Answer

The Berg Balance Scale is the best tool to test balance in this patient with Parkinson's disease as it is specifically designed for individuals with movement disorders and has been validated in this population. The scale assesses multiple components of balance including standing, turning, and reaching, which aligns with the patient's complaints of difficulty with balance upon standing and during functional activities such as stair climbing and getting up from bed. The other three options may also be useful in assessing balance but are not as specific or comprehensive as the Berg Balance Scale for this patient population.

Question 4

A patient who has a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident presents with asthenia,dysdiadochokinesia,nystagmus,and tremor.Which area of the brain is MOST likely affected?&#10;A)Dorsal columns&#10;B)Basal ganglia&#10;C)Cerebellum&#10;D)Motor cortex

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance. Asthenia (weakness), dysdiadochokinesia (difficulty with rapid movement), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), and tremor are all signs of cerebellar dysfunction.

Question 5

Which of the following strategies is the MOST immediate and expected response when applying a small perturbation to a patient in standing?&#10;A)Step&#10;B)Hip&#10;C)Lunging&#10;D)Ankle

Accepted Answer

The most immediate and expected response when applying a small perturbation to a patient in standing is the ankle strategy. This strategy involves using the muscles around the ankle to maintain balance and is typically the first response to small, slow perturbations when the feet are firmly on the ground.

Deck 6: Examination of Coordination and Balance