PEAT #1

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from the lecture notes on Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular & Nervous System, Integumentary, Lymphatic, Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, System Interactions, Equipment, Devices, Technologies, Therapeutic Modalities, Safety & Infection Control, and Professional Responsibilities.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Thrombus formation in deep veins, typically in the calf, which may extend to the popliteal/femoral veins. Symptoms include calf pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness; can also be asymptomatic.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A serious complication of DVT, indicated by signs such as sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve leading to leaflet prolapse into the left atrium during systole, potentially causing mitral regurgitation. Often asymptomatic, but can present with palpitations, atypical chest pain, or syncope.

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Characterized by airflow limitation, increased airway resistance, and air trapping. Examples include COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.

Restrictive Pulmonary Disease

Characterized by reduced lung compliance and lung volumes. Examples include pulmonary fibrosis, chest wall deformity, and neuromuscular weakness.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

An autosomal recessive CFTR mutation causing thick secretions in the lungs and pancreas, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary issues, recurrent infections, and malabsorption.

Postural Drainage

A technique using gravity to move secretions from specific lung lobes to central airways for easier expectoration or suctioning.

Prednisone

An oral corticosteroid used as a systemic anti-inflammatory, typically for exacerbations. Side effects include immunosuppression, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and muscle wasting.

Albuterol

A short-acting β2 agonist (SABA) bronchodilator used for acute relief of respiratory symptoms. Potential side effects include tachycardia and tremor.

Ipratropium

An inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator, short-acting, used in COPD and asthma, sometimes combined with a beta-agonist. Side effects may include dry mouth and urinary retention.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing comfortably unless in an upright position, commonly seen in congestive heart failure (CHF) and severe COPD.

Incentive Spirometry

A breathing exercise to promote sustained maximal inspiration, primarily used post-operatively to prevent atelectasis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive airflow limitation typically caused by smoking, presenting as chronic bronchitis (airway inflammation, mucus) and/or emphysema (alveolar wall destruction).

Heart Failure (HF) Signs & Symptoms

Include dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, peripheral edema, jugular venous distension, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance.

Anterior Glenohumeral Instability

Caused by anterior capsule laxity or a Bankart lesion, leading to the humeral head subluxating anteriorly, often from abduction/ER trauma. Symptoms include anterior shoulder pain and apprehension with external rotation/abduction.

Nonunion Fracture

Failure of a fracture to heal after the expected time (typically 6–9 months), with persistent pain, motion at the fracture site, and lack of radiographic progression.

Posterior Hip Precautions (THA)

Post-total hip arthroplasty restrictions to avoid hip flexion >90°, adduction past midline, internal rotation, and crossing legs.

PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) Recovery

Rehabilitation often nonoperative, focusing on quadriceps strengthening to limit posterior tibial translation, while avoiding early resisted hamstring exercises.

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Post-op Rehab

Rehabilitation involves protecting the graft (avoiding open-chain terminal extension early), controlling swelling, restoring full extension, and progressive strengthening with neuromuscular training.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Degenerative joint disease characterized by breakdown of articular cartilage, formation of osteophytes, and subchondral sclerosis, leading to joint pain worse with use and morning stiffness <30 minutes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

An autoimmune synovitis leading to pannus formation, cartilage erosion, and joint deformity. Presents with prolonged morning stiffness >1 hour and symmetric small joint involvement.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

An inflammatory spondyloarthropathy causing sacroiliitis and eventual spinal fusion ('bamboo spine'). Characterized by insidious low back pain and morning stiffness improving with exercise.

Osteoporosis

Decreased bone mineral density leading to increased fragility and risk of fractures. Often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, or can cause height loss and kyphosis from vertebral compression.

Active Inhibition (PNF Technique)

A proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique using antagonist muscle contraction followed by relaxation to facilitate agonist lengthening.

Gait Deviation: Weak Tibialis Anterior

Results in foot slap or no heel strike during initial contact and toe drag or high steppage gait during the swing phase due to poor dorsiflexion control.

Multifidus Activation Positions

Prone with a small pillow under the abdomen or prone on elbows, as well as quadruped (bird-dog) with contralateral arm/leg lifts, facilitate low-level multifidus co-activation.

Supraspinatus Tendinopathy

An anerolateral shoulder pain, often worse with overhead activity, presenting with a painful arc (60-120°) and weakness in abduction/scaption.

Subacromial Bursitis

Inflammation of the subacromial bursa, presenting with similar pain to supraspinatus tendinopathy, often with painful palpation below the acromion and crepitus.

Gait Deviation: Quadriceps Weakness

Leads to difficulty controlling knee in stance, often compensated by a forward trunk lean to shift the center of gravity or a hyperextension strategy to lock the knee.

Gait Deviation: Plantarflexor Spasticity

Causes equinus gait (toe walking), decreased heel strike, and knee hyperextension in stance to increase stability.

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (Anatomic) Precautions

Early precautions typically limit passive/active external rotation and extension to protect subscapularis repair (if used), and avoid forceful resisted internal rotation.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Precautions

Restrictions often include limited passive extension and caution with combined extension and external rotation early, with an emphasis on avoiding heavy lifting and sudden jerks, since the deltoid becomes the primary elevator.

Pectoralis Major Shortening Test

Assessed supine with arms abducted; shortening limits horizontal abduction and external rotation.

Pectoralis Minor Shortening Test

Assessed by measuring the distance from the acromion to the table in supine; tight pectoralis minor causes an anteriorly tilted scapula.

Primary Motor Cortex (M1)

Located in the precentral gyrus (Brodmann area 4), responsible for voluntary motor output to the contralateral body, with a homunculus representation.

Primary Sensory Cortex (S1)

Located in the postcentral gyrus (Brodmann areas 1,2,3), responsible for somatosensory processing including proprioception and touch.

Akinesia

Difficulty initiating movement and experiencing freezing episodes, a common hallmark of Parkinson disease (PD) which contributes to gait dysfunction.

Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

A 14-task assessment measuring balance (e.g., sit-to-stand, transfers, standing with eyes open/closed, turning) with a maximum score of 56; a score less than 45 indicates increased fall risk.

Functional Reach Test

A balance assessment where the patient stands side to a wall or measures forward reach without stepping; a reach less than 6 inches indicates high fall risk.

Sharpened Romberg (Tandem Romberg)

A balance test where the patient stands in a tandem stance with eyes closed, used to assess proprioceptive and vestibular function; holding for 30 seconds is standard.

Rancho Los Amigos Scale Level IV (Confused/Agitated)

A stage of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) requiring a low-stimulation environment, brief structured tasks, constant safety supervision, and avoidance of complex commands to manage agitation.

Protective Reactions

Automatic protective extension of the arms when balance is threatened, typically appearing around 6–9 months of age and persisting.

Equilibrium Reactions

Trunk righting and weight shifts in response to perturbations, developing between 6–12 months of age and persisting.

Conditions with Both UMN & LMN Injury

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the classic example, characterized by degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in mixed signs like spasticity, hyperreflexia, fasciculations, and atrophy.

Deep Tendon Reflex (DTR) Grading Scale

A 0-4+ scale: 0 = absent, 1+ = diminished, 2+ = normal, 3+ = brisk, 4+ = hyperreflexic/clonus.

Herniated Disc

Occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the annulus fibrosus, compressing a nerve root and causing radicular pain, often worsened by forward flexion and Valsalva maneuver.

McKenzie (MDT) Protocol

A treatment approach for posterolateral disc herniation using repeated extension exercises to centralize pain.

Sanguineous Exudate

Bloody wound drainage, indicating fresh bleeding.

Purulent Exudate

Thick, yellow or green wound drainage, typically indicative of infection.

Arterial (Ischemic) Ulcers

Wounds typically located distally (toes, lateral malleolus), appearing punched-out with minimal exudate, and are often painful (worse with elevation), accompanied by decreased pulses and cool skin.

Venous Ulcers

Wounds commonly found on the medial malleolus, characterized by irregular borders, heavy exudate, hemosiderin staining, and edema; pain is often relieved by elevation.

Lymphedema

Impaired lymph drainage leading to protein-rich interstitial fluid accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis, and recurrent infection. Can be primary (congenital) or secondary (e.g., post-surgery/radiation).

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

The primary treatment for lymphedema, comprising manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), multilayer short-stretch compression bandaging, skin care, and exercise.

Pitting Edema

Edema where an indentation remains after pressure is applied, common in venous insufficiency and congestive heart failure.

Brawny Edema

Non-pitting, fibrotic edema with thickened skin, typically seen in chronic lymphedema or severe venous disease.

Aerobic Exercise for Metabolic Syndrome

Benefits include improved insulin sensitivity, lowered fasting glucose/A1c, reduced abdominal adiposity, decreased BP and triglycerides, and increased HDL.

Hiatal Hernia: Proper Positions

Include upright posture after meals and an elevated head of bed (approx. 6–8 inches) to reduce reflux, avoiding supine positions directly after eating.

Diuretic Medications Adverse Effects

Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) can cause hypokalemia, dehydration, ototoxicity; thiazides can cause hypokalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia; potassium-sparing diuretics risk hyperkalemia.

Orthotic Irregularities Causing Foot Slap

Can be due to weak dorsiflexors, insufficient dorsiflexion stop in an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO), failure of plantarflexion assist, or a loose-fitting orthosis causing pistoning.

Phantom Limb Pain Treatment

Therapeutic interventions include mirror therapy, graded motor imagery, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), medications (e.g., gabapentin), desensitization, and cognitive behavioral strategies.

Cervical Traction for C5–C7 Intervertebral Space

Mechanical traction is typically applied with the cervical spine at 20–30° of flexion to optimally target and increase the intervertebral space at the lower cervical levels.

Airborne Precautions

Infection control measures requiring an N95 mask/respirator and a negative pressure room, used for diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and varicella.

Droplet Precautions

Infection control measures requiring a surgical mask within 3–6 feet of the patient and a private room, used for diseases like influenza, pertussis, and mumps.

Contact Precautions

Infection control measures requiring a gown and gloves, and dedicated equipment, used for infections such as MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile (requiring soap and water hand hygiene).

SOAP Note Format

A documentation method with Subjective (patient report), Objective (measurable findings), Assessment (clinical impression), and Plan (interventions, goals) sections.

PTA Scope of Practice

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) implement the established plan of care, carry out exercises, modalities, and gait/transfer training within the plan, but cannot perform evaluations, change the plan of care, or initiate new interventions outside PT protocols.

Concurrent Validity

A type of validity where a new measurement tool shows a high correlation with a 'gold standard' measurement taken at the same time, indicating that their scores align closely.

Validity (Measurement)

Refers to whether a test or measure accurately assesses what it claims to measure (accuracy).

Reliability (Measurement)

Refers to the consistency or repeatability of a measurement.