Spinning Spinal
Which movement would MOST likely aggravate a posterior disc herniation?
Flexion
An athlete feels a sudden “pop” in the posterior ankle while sprinting. There is swelling, bruising, and inability to plantarflex. Which test would you perform?
Thompson test
A wrestler cutting weight presents with nausea, vomiting, mild confusion, and cramping. Labs reveal low sodium. What is the most likely cause?
Exertional hyponatremia
During a rugby match, an athlete collides with another player and complains of sudden, severe chest pain and shortness of breath. On assessment, the AT notes tachycardia, hypotension, distended neck veins, and tracheal deviation to the left. Breath sounds are absent on the right side. What is the most likely condition?
Tension pneumothorax
An athlete reports dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision when their head is passively extended and rotated during a cervical spine evaluation. What is the first special test that should be performed once a spinal fx has been ruled out?
Vertebral artery occlusion test
Which clinical sign is MOST associated with spondylolisthesis rather than spondylolysis?
Palpable step-off deformity
During a soccer practice, an athlete complains of groin pain and a noticeable bulge that increases with coughing or straining. They also report nausea and vomiting. On palpation, the bulge is tender and not reducible.
Which condition is MOST likely, and what is the appropriate action?
Inguinal hernia
During a cross-country practice on a cold, windy morning, an athlete begins coughing, wheezing, and complaining of chest tightness after the first mile. Which factor MOST likely contributed to this acute episode?
Cold, dry air
Which injury is MOST commonly associated with acute compartment syndrome in athletes?
Direct blunt trauma to the extremity
An athlete reports sudden eye pain, tearing, and feeling like “something is in the eye” after a fingernail scratch during practice. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
Corneal abrasion
An athlete presents with inability to extend the knee and diminished patellar reflex. Which nerve root is MOST likely involved?
L4
A 35-year-old runner complains of sharp medial plantar heel pain that is worst with the first steps in the morning and improves slightly with activity. Pain increases after long runs. No numbness or tingling is present.
Plantar fascitis
During a cross-country race, an athlete suddenly complains of severe right lower abdominal pain, nausea, and slightly elevated temperature (100.8°F / 38.2°C). On palpation, there is tenderness at McBurney’s point and mild guarding. Vital signs are otherwise stable.
What is the most likely condition
Appendicitis
An athlete presents with a sore throat and reports difficulty swallowing. On examination, the uvula deviates to the left. Which cranial nerve is MOST likely affected?
Right vagus nerve (CN X)
An athlete presents with inability to move the eye upward, downward, and medially. Which cranial nerve is MOST likely injured?
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
An older recreational athlete reports gradual onset of bilateral leg pain, numbness, and weakness that worsens with prolonged standing and walking. Symptoms improve when the athlete sits down or leans forward onto a shopping cart. What condition is MOST likely?
Spinal stenosis
A 25-year-old athlete presents with anterior knee pain and limited knee extension following knee surgery 6 months ago. On physical examination, the patella sits lower than normal compared to the contralateral side, and there is reduced mobility of the patella during active extension.
Patella baja
An athlete reports acute right upper quadrant pain radiating to the right shoulder, nausea, and pain worsened after fatty meals. Which condition is MOST likely?
Cholecystitis
An athlete receives a blunt blow to the head during a lacrosse game. They lose consciousness briefly, then appear lucid for about 30 minutes, followed by worsening headache, vomiting, and confusion. This pattern is MOST characteristic of:
Epidural hematoma
Which level of spinal cord injury is most likely to impair respiratory function to the point of being immediately life‑threatening?
C3
Which clinical sign indicates possible cauda equina syndrome?
Bilateral leg weakness and bladder dysfunction
A distance runner presents with gradual onset pain along the mid-shaft of the 2nd metatarsal, worse with activity, improves with rest, no swelling or bruising. What is the most likely diagnosis?
March fracture (2nd metatarsal stress fracture)
During a pre-season conditioning drill, a 22-year-old athlete reports palpitations, lightheadedness, and mild shortness of breath. They deny chest pain. Vital signs: HR 160 bpm, irregularly irregular, BP 110/70 mmHg, SpO₂ 98%. The athlete is alert and oriented. ECG confirms an irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves.
Atrial fibrillation
An athlete is struck in the left upper quadrant during a soccer game. They develop left shoulder pain several minutes later. This referred pain is known as:
Kehr's sign (spleen injury)
Where would you auscultate to locate the aortic valve?
Right second intercostal space