Question 1

A physician notes in his evaluation that the patient has a positive Romberg sign.You would expect this person to have deficits with what system?&#10;A)Proprioceptive system&#10;B)Vestibular system&#10;C)Visual system&#10;D)Auditory system

Accepted Answer

A positive Romberg sign indicates a deficit in the proprioceptive system, as it tests the body's ability to maintain balance when visual input is removed.

Question 2

A lesion of the basal ganglia will MOST likely cause which of the following impairments?&#10;A)Gait ataxia&#10;B)Dysdiadochokinesia&#10;C)Hypotonia&#10;D)Athetosis

Accepted Answer

Lesions of the basal ganglia, specifically the globus pallidus, can cause athetosis, which is a type of movement disorder characterized by slow, writhing, involuntary movements in the limbs and face. Gait ataxia is more commonly associated with lesions of the cerebellum, dysdiadochokinesia is a term used to describe difficulty with rapidly alternating movements, typically seen in cerebellar or motor cortex lesions, and hypotonia is a general term for decreased muscle tone, which may be seen with a variety of neurological disorders.

Question 3

The evaluating PT has indicated that your next patient has dysmetria.Any of the following activities are appropriate to address this impairment EXCEPT:&#10;A)Practicing stacking cups&#10;B)Finger to nose practice&#10;C)Passive range of motion&#10;D)Active kicking of a ball at a target

Accepted Answer

Passive range of motion does not address dysmetria, which involves difficulty with coordinated movements and judging distances. The other activities involve practicing motor planning, accuracy, and coordination, which can help improve dysmetria.

Question 4

You are asked to assist a PT with screening to identify system-related impairments that could contribute to functional limitations.Which of the following is an example of an activity to screen for nonequilibrium coordination deficits?

A)You ask the patient to move selected joints through his or her available range.
B)You ask the seated patient to flex the hip while you apply resistance to the movement.
C)You sit opposite your patient and ask him or her to "mirror" your movements.
D)You ask the patient to tap the ball of each foot on the floor without raising the heel.

Accepted Answer

Nonequilibrium coordination deficits refer to difficulties with balance and coordination during activities that involve weight shifting or changing direction. Asking the patient to tap the ball of each foot on the floor without raising the heel is an example of an activity that requires these skills and can help to identify any impairments. Options A and B are more appropriate for screening joint mobility and muscle strength, while option C screens for imitation skills.

Question 5

The evaluating PT has reported that your patient has the coordination impairment &#34;disturbance of gait.&#34; Any of the following would be appropriate activities for you to choose from EXCEPT:&#10;A)Displace balance unexpectedly while patient is standing.&#10;B)Alter speed and direction of ambulation activities.&#10;C)March in place.&#10;D)Practice walking sideways and backward.

Accepted Answer

Displacing balance unexpectedly while the patient is standing could cause a fall and is not a safe activity for someone with a coordination impairment of gait. The other activities listed, such as altering speed and direction or practicing walking sideways and backward, can improve coordination and gait. Marching in place can also be a safe way to improve gait without risking a fall.

Question 6

A lesion in the cerebellum will most likely cause which of the following impairments?&#10;A)Bradykinesia&#10;B)Nystagmus&#10;C)Chorea&#10;D)Rigidity

Accepted Answer

A lesion in the cerebellum is most likely to cause nystagmus, which is an involuntary rhythmic movement of the eyes. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating eye movements, among other things. Bradykinesia, chorea, and rigidity typically result from lesions in other parts of the brain, such as the basal ganglia.

Deck 6: Pta: Examination of Coordination and Balance