Deck 9: Muscle Strength: Assessment and Management

Question 1

At what point should the OTA determine that she may apply resistance to the client while performing manual muscle testing?

A) When the client is able to move the joint through available ROM against gravity
B) After the OTA determines that the muscle is contracting through palpation
C) When the OTA determines that the client can move the joint in a gravity-eliminated position
D) When the client indicates he is ready to withstand resistance

Answer 1

When the client is able to move the joint through available ROM against gravity

Question 2

While performing manual muscle testing, the OTA notes that a client's right bicep scores a 3-. How would the OTA document this score?

A) Normal minus
B) Poor minus
C) Good minus
D) Fair minus

Answer 2

Fair minus

Question 3

Why would it be important for an OT practitioner to provide a general assessment of muscle strength during the client's first visit to therapy?

A) To begin planning the client's intervention
B) To assess overall muscle strength and use
C) To determine the need for more precise testing
D) To determine ability to complete ADLs

Answer 3

To determine the need for more precise testing

Question 4

What would most likely be the cause of muscle weakness for a client who has Guillain-Barré syndrome?

A) Lower motor neuron disease
B) Primary muscle disease
C) Neurological disease
D) Upper motor neuron disease

Question 5

An OTA is working with a client who has experienced muscle weakness due to deconditioning after a lengthy hospitalization. The client is able to fold laundry while sitting at edge of bed. To maintain the just-right challenge, how can the OTA grade this activity up to work on overall body strengthening?

A) Folding laundry while standing at a table
B) Folding laundry while sitting in a chair
C) Folding laundry while sitting on a mat
D) Folding two baskets of laundry while seated

Question 6

An OTA is screening an elderly client who experienced a heart attack to determine the need for therapy services. How should the OTA screen this client in relation to muscle strength and weakness?

A) Observe the client moving about and performing functional tasks.
B) Discern how muscle weakness is inhibiting overall function.
C) Evaluate the effectiveness of potential intervention strategies.
D) Ask the client about her ability to perform daily tasks.

Question 7

Why might an OTA suggest an active exercise program for a client who has a muscle grade of 4 (good)?

A) To maintain ROM throughout the joint
B) To increase strength while maintaining ROM
C) To move the muscle strength from good to normal
D) To maintain strength if resistance is contraindicated

Question 8

An OTA is working with a client who is experiencing muscle weakness due to arthritis. Which of the following would best explain the muscle weakness?

A) The weakness is a result of a neurological condition.
B) The weakness is a result of disuse.
C) The weakness is a result of a muscle disease.
D) The weakness is due to the advanced age of the client.

Question 9

What would be the best description of a client who received a score of poor (2) in his left wrist extensor?

A) Full ROM, gravity minimized
B) Partial ROM, gravity minimized
C) Less than half ROM, gravity minimized
D) Full ROM, maintain minimal resistance, gravity minimized

Question 10

What would be the best position for an OTA to place a client for manual muscle testing of shoulder abduction for a score of 2 (poor) for this muscle group?

A) Standing
B) Supine
C) Seated
D) Sidelying