Deck 4: Physical Assessment as a Screening Tool

Question 1

Which of the following nail bed conditions could be a sign of a history of myocardial infarction (MI)?

A) Splinter hemorrhages
B) Paronychia
C) Koilonychia
D) Onycholysis

Answer 1

A
Splinter hemorrhages may be a sign of a silent MI, or the client may have a known history of MI. These red-brown linear streaks can also signal other systemic conditions such as bacterial endocarditis, vasculitis, and renal failure.

Question 2

What of the following is the most accurate definition of postural orthostatic hypotension?

A) Decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg and a 10% to 20% increase in pulse rate
B) Increase in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or increase in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg and 10% to 20% decrease in pulse rate
C) Decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg and 10% to 20% increase in pulse rate
D) Decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or decrease in systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg and 10% to 20% decrease in heart rate

Answer 2

A
Postural orthostatic hypotension is accurately defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg or decrease in diastolic pressure of at least 10 mm Hg and a 10% to 20% increase in pulse rate. Changes must be noted in both the blood pressure and pulse rate with change in position.

Question 3

The therapist is beginning a sensation screening for a client. If pain sensation is normal, what portion of a sensation screening can be omitted?

A) Light touch
B) Sharp/dull
C) Temperature
D) Vibration

Answer 3

C
Temperature sensation can be omitted if pain sensation is normal.

Question 4

What type of herpesvirus usually infects areas above the waistline?

A) Herpes simplex virus 1
B) Herpes simplex virus 2
C) Herpes zoster
D) Herpetic whitlow

Question 5

Referral for medical evaluation is advised when resting oxygen saturation falls below

A) 97%
B) 95%
C) 92%
D) 90%

Question 6

What is the correct order of examination of the abdomen?

A) Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B) Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
C) Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
D) Inspection, percussion, auscultation, palpation

Question 7

What visceral system is most likely to cause pruritus?

A) Hepatic system
B) Cardiopulmonary system
C) Gastrointestinal system
D) Genitourinary system

Question 8

Malignant melanomas usually present with which of the following characteristics?

A) Smooth borders
B) Single color throughout the lesion
C) Less than ¼ inch in size
D) Uneven edges

Question 9

The therapist begins an evaluation of a patient with Kaposi's sarcoma. What underlying disease does this patient most likely have?

A) Herpes simplex
B) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
C) Osteosarcoma
D) Diabetes

Question 10

A patient taking which of the following medications will have a lower normal body temperature?

A) Coumadin
B) Lortab
C) Thorazine
D) Haldol

Question 11

On chart review the therapist finds that a patient's pulse strength was documented as 2+ at a previous physical therapy appointment. With this information, the therapist knows that, at that time, the pulse strength was

A) Absent
B) Diminished
C) Normal
D) Bounding

Question 12

A woman with which of the following histories should be advised to see her physician for close monitoring?

A) Low heart rate and elevated blood pressure
B) Oral contraceptive use and increased heart rate
C) High heart rate and low blood pressure
D) Oral contraceptive use and increased blood pressure

Question 13

Onset of anesthesia-induced dementia is most likely after which of the following surgical procedures?

A) Liver transplant
B) Nephrectomy
C) Rotator cuff repair
D) Hip replacement

Question 14

During chart review a therapist notes that a patient had a 4+ reflex response at the patella tendon during the last examination. What information does this convey to the therapist?

A) No response or absent response
B) Decreased or slight muscle contraction
C) Normal visible muscle twitch
D) Hyperactive with possible spinal cord disorder

Question 15

Virchow's node is usually palpated where and is indicative of what dysfunction?

A) Axillary, systemic infection
B) Axillary, primary carcinoma of the thorax or abdomen
C) Supraclavicular, systemic infection
D) Supraclavicular, primary carcinoma of the thorax or abdomen

Question 16

A physical therapist wishes to reassess blood pressure in the client's upper extremity. How long should the therapist wait before repeating the measurement?

A) There is no need to wait.
B) 30 seconds
C) 1 minute
D) 3 minutes