Martha presents with six weeks of dull, intermittent low back pain. The pain worsens with standing but improves slightly with rest. Examination reveals mild lumbar tenderness and restricted motion. Which line of questioning is MOST important to uncover a potential red flag?

A) “Have you noticed changes in bowel or bladder habits?”

B) “What activities seem to aggravate or relieve your pain?”

C) “Have you experienced an increased heart rate and dizziness upon standing? "

D) “Do you have electric-like shocks extending down part of one leg?

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Gertrude presents with right knee osteoarthritis and is being trained to use a cane. She demonstrates unsteady steps when initiating gait and turning, occasionally placing the cane too far ahead of her. She reports feeling unsure about how to use the cane properly in crowded environments. Which intervention is MOST important to improve the patient’s safety and confidence during cane use?

A) Adjust cane height to ensure proper weight distribution

B) Train safe gait initiation and turning techniques

C) Instruct on cane use in crowded environments

D) Recommend a walker for greater stability

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Betty presents with type 2 diabetes and a non-healing ulcer on the lateral ankle. The ulcer is dry, and the patient reports discomfort in her posterior lower leg with walking. On examination, the affected foot has a capillary refill that is prolonged. Which assessment is MOST important to include during the initial evaluation?

A) Monofilament testing for protective sensation

B) Visual inspection for signs of infection

C) ABI to evaluate vascular supply

D) Toe pressure measurement for microvascular assessment

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Cobert presents with a history of peripheral artery disease and was referred to physical therapy for walking endurance. He reports intermittent claudication in his calves after walking 100 meters and frequently stops to rest. His resting ABI is 0.7 in both legs. The goal is to enhance his functional capacity and quality of life. Which walking program is MOST appropriate to improve this patient’s functional capacity?

A) Treadmill walking at 60% of maximal heart rate, continuous for 30 minutes

B) Walking to the point of moderate pain, resting, and repeating for 30 minutes total

C) Interval walking at high intensity with short rest breaks

D) Walking with partial body weight support to reduce claudication pain

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Liara presents with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with complaints of fatigue and difficulty walking. She reports worsening symptoms in the afternoon but denies any new relapses. Examination reveals mild spasticity in the lower limbs, decreased endurance, and poor postural control. The patient works as a teacher and finds it challenging to maintain energy throughout the day. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to improve the patient’s functional mobility and address her symptoms?

A) Aerobic training at moderate intensity with frequent rest breaks

B) Strength training with resistance bands targeting lower extremity muscles

C) Cooling strategies during physical activity to improve endurance

D) Balance training on a foam surface to reduce fall risk

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Rachel presents with knee pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. She describes stiffness lasting about 30 minutes in the morning and difficulty with stairs. On examination, there is mild joint swelling and crepitus with knee flexion and extension. Which examination finding is MOST indicative of knee osteoarthritis?

A) Positive McMurray test

B) Reduced knee flexion range of motion

C) Medial joint line tenderness

D) Presence of effusion

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Lorren sustained burns to his right forearm and hand while working with hot oil. The burn area is red with blistering, and the patient reports significant pain. On examination, capillary refill is intact, and the wound blanches with pressure. The patient is referred to physical therapy to prevent complications during the early phase of healing. Which intervention is MOST appropriate during the initial phase of rehabilitation?

A) Daily aggressive stretching to maintain range of motion

B) Moisturizing and scar massage to prevent contracture formation

C) Gentle range of motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness

D) Compression wrapping to reduce hypertrophic scarring

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Nivayah presents with a history of myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. The patient reports limited endurance and shortness of breath when walking up a flight of stairs. The physical therapist wants to assess her aerobic capacity and guide the exercise prescription while considering safety due to her cardiovascular history. Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate to assess this patient’s aerobic capacity?

A) VO2 max test using a treadmill protocol

B) 6-minute walk test

C) Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

D) Step test

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