Screening and Warning Signs
What is the primary role of physical therapists in screening patients?
Early detection of medical conditions and determining whether the issue falls within their scope of practice.
What organ(s) dysfunction may refer pain to the left shoulder?
heart, lung, and diaphragm
Provide an example of a Schedule II drug
Morphine, Codeine, Fentanyl
What is the polarity of a Cathode?
NEGATIVE
What imaging modality is commonly used to evaluate bone fractures?
X-ray
What term describes patients arriving for care earlier but with more complex conditions?
"Quicker and sicker"
Explain the concept of multisegmental innervation when it comes to referred pain.
Pain originating in a visceral structure perceived as being from another area innervated by the same segmental level as the visceral afferent. This results from the convergence of both visceral and somatic afferents on the same segmental level in the spinal cord ("cross talk).
What is the difference between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics?
Pharmacokinetics is what the body does to a drug (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion); pharmacodynamics is what the drug does to the body.
What is the uninterrupted bidirectional flow of ions or electrons and must change direction at least
one time per second?
What type of imaging provides detailed views of soft tissues like ligaments and tendons?
MRI (best), CT scan another option
What is the significance of yellow flags in physical therapy, and what tools can help identify them?
Yellow flags indicate psychosocial risk factors that may hinder rehabilitation. Tools like OSPRO-YF, Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, and Keele STarT Back Tool can help identify them.
How can someone with gallbladder pain change positions to decrease their symptoms?
They can lean forward
What is the first-pass effect?
The metabolism of a drug by the liver or gut wall before it reaches systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability
What are some key radiographic features you would expect to see in someone with osteoarthritis?
joint space reduction, osteophytes, cartilage reduction
Name 4 constitutional signs that may indicate a need for further medical evaluation.
Fever
Diaphoresis
Sweats
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Pallor
Dizziness/syncope
Fatigue/Weakness
Weight loss
What is a characteristic of visceral pain that distinguishes it from musculoskeletal pain?
Constant, intense, unrelieved by rest or position changes.
Gradual, progressive, cyclical
Does not fit the expected mechanical or neuromusculoskeletal pattern
What does the term "therapeutic index" refer to, and why is it important?
The ratio of a drug’s toxic dose to its effective dose; it indicates drug safety
Name 4 contraindications for TENS/IFC
Pacemaker or other active implants (local)
Pregnancy (local)
Carotid sinus (local)
Damaged skin (local)
Lack of normal skin sensation (local)
Impaired cognition
Thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
Hemorrhage (local)
Malignant tumors (local)
Eyes, internally, and on reproductive organs
What is the difference between T1 and T2 imaging in MRI scans?
T1 shows fat as bright and fluid as dark, while T2 shows fluid as bright and fat as dark.
What follow-up steps should a PT take when identifying red flags in a patient?
Perform a thorough review of systems, document findings, and refer to a qualified healthcare provider.
Name common referral pattern for the following viscera: 1. Kidney, 2. Pancreas, 3. Heart
1. posterior subcostal & costovertebral region, low back, flank, into lower abdominal quadrant, ipsilateral groin pain
2. below xiphoid process, L shoulder, mid-thoracic spine
3. Jaw, neck, upper trap, shoulder, arm
Why might a patient experience side effects when switching from a brand-name drug to a generic drug?
Individual variability in response due to differences in inactive ingredients or bioavailability.
What is the gate control theory?
Selective stimulation of the large-diameter
afferent fibers (Aβ) can result in a gating, or
blocking, of noxious afferent input from
smaller-diameter unmyelinated
nociceptive C fibers and small myelinated
A-delta fibers (Aδ) at the level of the spinal
cord.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of CT scans compared to MRI? Name at least 3
Advantages: faster imaging, better for bone detail. Disadvantages: higher radiation exposure, less detail for soft tissues.