Physical Therapy Exam Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover essential concepts and terms relevant for physical therapy students preparing for their exams.

figure-ground discrimination dysfunction

A perceptual deficit where a person struggles to differentiate objects from their backgrounds.

anterior capsule of the shoulder

Part of the shoulder joint that can be stressed during certain movements, crucial for preventing injury.

methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, commonly found in healthcare settings.

facet joint arthropathy

Degenerative disease affecting the facet joints in the spine, often causing pain with extension.

thumb opposition

The ability to touch the thumb to the tip of the little finger; its loss affects certain grasps.

adaptive shortening of the latissimus dorsi

A condition where the latissimus dorsi muscle becomes shorter due to inactivity or postural issues.

Rating of perceived exertion (RPE)

A subjective scale used to measure the intensity of exercise based on an individual's perception.

myocardial infarction

A medical emergency condition commonly known as a heart attack.

multiple myeloma

A type of blood cancer that primarily affects plasma cells.

fibrillation potentials

Abnormal electrical activity in muscles indicating nerve damage, observed in electromyography tests.

neutropenia

A condition characterized by a low count of neutrophils, increasing infection risk.

decreased subcutaneous adipose tissue

A physiological change in the elderly contributing to a higher risk of skin breakdown.

intensity (in neuromuscular electrical stimulation)

The strength of the electrical signal produced by the stimulator during therapy.

vascularity

The condition of blood vessels in an area, affecting temperature readings in wound assessment.

grade III and IV joint mobilizations

Manual therapy techniques aimed at restoring range of motion in joints.

compression and promote healing

The primary goal of using an Unna boot in the treatment of venous ulcers.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

low pressure alarm (mechanical ventilator)

An alarm indicating potential issues such as leaks in the ventilator circuit.

Windlass test

A clinical test used to assess plantar fasciitis by evaluating pain at the calcaneal tubercle.

secondary lymphedema

Swelling due to lymphatic system obstruction, often associated with cancer.

contralateral hip drop

A gait abnormality commonly resulting from weakness in the gluteus medius muscle.

Morton’s neuroma

A thickening of nerve tissue between the toes, often causing pain and discomfort.

express disapproval of inappropriate behavior

The action a physical therapist should take in response to inappropriate comments from a patient.

grafting procedure

A surgical procedure to replace damaged skin with healthy skin.

spinal nerve root impingement

A condition that can occur after spinal surgery, potentially requiring rehabilitation.

hydrogel

A type of dressing that maintains moisture balance in wounds for optimal healing.

airborne precautions

Infection control practices to prevent the spread of airborne diseases.

inferior glenohumeral ligament

A structure likely limiting external rotation of the shoulder.

Raimiste’s phenomenon

A concept in neurophysiology where movement in one limb causes a similar movement in the opposite limb.

head lifts (exercise)

An appropriate exercise for postpartum patients with diastasis recti.

fluid overload

A condition that may accompany congestive heart failure, resulting in edema.

cadence (gait parameter)

The number of steps a person takes each minute, which can vary with certain gait conditions.

whole-body vibration therapy

An intervention shown to benefit patients with certain symptoms, such as tremors.

proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques

A therapeutic method focusing on patterns of movement to improve muscle coordination.

endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart, associated with cardiovascular symptoms.

shunt malformation signs

Symptoms such as increased irritability in a child with spina bifida.

Celiac disease

An autoimmune condition where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)

A device used to support the foot and ankle, especially in cases of steppage gait.

popliteal artery

An artery in the leg that is often palpated to assess circulation.

level of edema

A measurement assessed in the integumentary section of a systems review.

Manual resistance test

A method used to assess muscle strength in patients exhibiting asthenia.

diminished muscle performance

A key characteristic of rhabdomyolysis, associated with muscle cell breakdown.

anterior spinal cord

Part of the spinal cord that, when affected, may lead to loss of pain sensation on one side of the body.

C

The correct shape a monofilament should deform to when testing sensory function.

dysdiadochokinesia

A condition causing difficulty in performing rapid alternating movements.

moist heat

A therapeutic modality often used before muscle stretching for enhanced flexibility.

shoulder flexion (restriction)

Movement likely restricted for patients with a subclavian vein catheter.

rectus femoris

A muscle associated with hip flexion and known to cause hip hiking when shortened.

flaccid bladder

A condition benefiting from instruction on the Valsalva maneuver.

active cycle of breathing

An intervention teaching patients to clear residual lung secretions.

millimeters of mercury (mmHg)

A unit of measure for intracranial pressure monitoring via an epidural sensor.

entrance ramp accessibility

A key feature for patients requiring wheelchair access, evaluated for slope and length.

precentral gyrus

Brain region responsible for motor control, notably involved in movement tasks.

burn wound management goal

Controlling infection to prepare a burn area for surgery.

delivering antibiotics

Purpose of a medical device used in a patient taking vancomycin post-surgery.

grade I and II mobilizations

Subtle joint techniques suited for inflamed or painful conditions after an injury.

transparent film dressing

Used for superficial wounds, primarily for maintaining moisture.

tibialis anterior

Muscle with the most activity during the swing phase of gait.

cardiac arrhythmias

Potential complications arising from abnormal potassium levels.

descending ramp assistance

Optimal position for a therapist while a patient uses crutches on a ramp.

fluoroscopy

Type of diagnostic imaging used to visualize motion within joint structures.

phenylketonuria

A metabolic disorder detectable through early newborn screening.

tidal volume

Pulmonary value expected to remain stable, despite aging.

Thompson test

A special test not initiated with the patient in prone with knee flexed.

160 degrees Fahrenheit

Temperature required for hot pack units to ensure effective treatment.

nauseous and vomiting

Possible reasons for low resting blood pressure in a patient.

ulcerative colitis

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by lesions in the colon.

hip lateral rotation

Motion emphasized for patients needing improved independence for shoe donning.

tight musculature in the posterior leg

Finding indicated by pain during the slump test in patients with sciatica.

stethoscope positioning

Common source of error when measuring a patient's blood pressure.

hydrogel dressing

A specialized dressing used for wounds with arterial insufficiency.

manual assistance(left side)

Necessary support for a patient recovering from a right hemisphere stroke.

passive range of motion

A technique utilized to assess spasticity in patients.

Modified Ashworth Scale grade 2

A specific level of spasticity in muscle tone assessment.

attention (cognitive function)

Cognitive area identified as problematic in a patient with neurological issues.

guide into an interesting activity

An effective way to calm patients during persistence in behavior.

APGAR score

Assessment tool measuring infant health immediately after birth.

therapeutic ultrasound parameters

Desirable settings for treating deep tissues with ultrasound therapy.

deep peroneal nerve

Nerve likely affected in cases of compartment syndrome in the lower leg.

dependent assistance

Expected level of help for a patient with C7 tetraplegia for dressing.

sartorius muscle

Muscle primarily affected in pes anserine tendinitis.

resting blood pressure abnormal value

Measurements indicative of high blood pressure in a newborn.

hypernatremia

An electrolyte disorder marked by high sodium levels, causing excessive thirst.

ultrasound to the pectoralis major

Treatment to avoid in breast cancer patients due to potential harm.

decreased active and passive range of motion

Clinical findings supportive of joint mobilization interventions.

right patella tendinopathy ultrasound frequency

Recommended output frequency designed for therapeutic benefits.

facial nerve involvement

Nerve impacted in a patient presenting with Bell’s palsy.

hypothyroidism

Condition often managed with interventions in a heated therapeutic pool.

pectoralis minor length

Muscle suspected of restricting scapular movement based on positioning.

musculoskeletal symptoms (multiple myeloma)

Main focus of treatment in patients diagnosed with this cancer.

carpal tunnel syndrome

Condition characterized by pain and decreased sensation in the hand.

forearm strap application location

Placement just below the medial epicondyle for golfer's elbow treatment.

ambulation (for cardiovascular disease)

Increased frequency of exercise recommended for patients with lung conditions.

Huntington’s disease

Genetic disorder characterized by motor dysfunction and cognitive decline.

notify risk manager

Appropriate action following a patient's accidental fall during therapy.

Fugl-Meyer Assessment

Zeroing in on specific recovery aspects after a stroke rehabilitation.

posterior hip dislocation diagnosis

Injury pattern noted after assessing a patient who fell.

triangular space of wrist

Area forming articulation with the pisiform carpal bone.

iontophoresis with acetic acid

Therapy aimed at softening calcium deposits in tendon inflammation.

resting splint for acute inflammation

Splint choice suitable for a transcriptionist's wrist-based condition.