Examination Principles

Question 1

Flow of procedure

Answer 1

• history
• observation
• screens
• palpation
• AROM
• PROM
• resisted movements (MMT)
• accessory movements (joint mobility)
• special tests

Question 2

LMNO for history

Answer 2

• location of symptoms
• medical history/MOI
• neurological symptoms
• occupation

Question 3

PQRST for history

Answer 3

• palliating & provoking symptoms
• quality
• region
• severity
• timing

Question 4

Constitutional Symtoms

Answer 4

• fever
• weight loss
• fatigue
• night sweats
• day sweats
• shortness of breath
• syncope/dizziness
• sleep pattern change
• nausea/vomiting
• change in bowel habits

Question 5

General red flags: pain that is

Answer 5

• uncontrolled with analgesics
• not reproduced/exacerbated by your evaluation
• worsens at night or with rest
• exacerbates with general activity
• bilateral
• encompasses several dermatomes

Question 6

What is included in a cardiovascular screen

Answer 6

• HR
• BP
• respiratory rate (RR)
• pulses
• observation (nail beds, hair growth, color of extremity)

Question 7

What are the different neurological screens

Answer 7

• upper quarter screen
• lower quarter screen
• cranial nerves if indicated

Question 8

What to look for during palpation

Answer 8

• temperature
• moisture
• swelling
• pain/tenderness
• changes in muscle tone
• atrophy
• asymmetry

Question 9

What to look for in resisted muscle testing

Answer 9

• symptom response in 3 different ranges
• strength bilaterally

Question 10

What is your hypothesis when AROM & PROM are painful & limited in the same direction

Answer 10

• inert tissue (ligamentous, cartilage, bone)

Question 11

What is your hypothesis when AROM & PROM are painful & limited in opposite directions & resisted motion is painful in 3 positions

Answer 11

• contractile tissue

Question 12

What is your hypothesis when AROM is limited & PROM improves significantly or WNL (within normal limits) & painless

Answer 12

• motor control