CO flashcards
CO · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Ankle-brachial index threshold
- An ABI below 0.90 suggests peripheral arterial disease and warrants vascular evaluation before compression or rigid interface use.
- Capillary refill normal range
- Capillary refill of two seconds or less, with warm skin and palpable distal pulses, indicates adequate peripheral perfusion.
- Residual limb length measurement
- Measured in centimeters from a documented bony landmark, such as the tibial tuberosity, to the distal end of the residual limb.
- Monofilament screening purpose
- Testing multiple sites with a monofilament identifies absent protective sensation, which raises skin breakdown risk beneath a prosthetic or orthotic interface.
- Compression contraindications
- Uncompensated congestive heart failure, active deep vein thrombosis, and wet gangrene are absolute contraindications to compression or rigid interface use.
- Medicare K-level definitions
- K1 household ambulation, K2 limited community, K3 community with variable cadence, and K4 high-impact or high-energy mobility define component eligibility categories.
- Measurable goal criteria
- Treatment goals state a specific outcome such as distance walked or surface negotiated, with a target date and an assessment method.
- Medical necessity documentation
- A written physician order plus documentation of functional need supports reimbursement for prosthetic and orthotic components.
- Interdisciplinary team roles
- The physician establishes diagnosis and order, the prosthetist or orthotist designs and fits, and the therapist trains the patient.
- Plan revision triggers
- A material change in weight, activity level, K-level, or skin condition requires reassessment and possible revision of the treatment plan.
- Transtibial socket flexion
- Approximately five to seven degrees of flexion is built into a transtibial socket to support stability and smooth rollover.
- Rectification principles
- Relieve pressure-sensitive areas, build up load-tolerant areas, and maintain total contact where clinically indicated on the positive model.
- Cast landmark transfer
- Anatomical landmarks marked on the limb, such as the patellar tendon, must be transferred to the positive model to guide modification.
- Scan artifact check
- Digital scans must be inspected for missing data and motion artifact before export, since defects carry into the fabricated device.
- Volume measurement timing
- Circumferences should be recorded at the same time of day and at fixed intervals from the landmark to reduce volume-related variance.
- Lamination lay-up documentation
- Recording resin type, reinforcement material, and layer count allows the fabrication strength and weight to be reproduced later.
- Proximal trim line function
- Trim lines clear bony prominences and permit knee flexion without pinching, influencing relief and suspension performance.
- Bench versus dynamic alignment
- Bench alignment sets component angles before fitting, while dynamic alignment adjusts the device based on observed gait after the patient walks.
- Fabrication defect identification
- Delamination, voids, and sharp edges are fabrication defects that must be corrected before delivery rather than managed as fitting issues.
- Suspension seal verification
- Pin-lock, suction, sleeve, and belt systems must be checked for seal integrity and ease of donning before the device is delivered.
- Static fitting checks
- Verify total contact, absence of distal gap or excessive distal pressure, correct suspension, and tolerable pressure at bony prominences.
- Dynamic gait observation points
- Observe heel strike, midstance stability, toe-off, and swing clearance during walking, then adjust alignment for any observed deviation.
- Skin inspection red flag
- Redness persisting after twenty to thirty minutes of rest at a pressure point should be reported rather than ignored.
- Graduated wear schedule
- Begin with short wear intervals and increase tolerance progressively, documenting the schedule and the patient's response at delivery.
- Delivery documentation contents
- Record the device description, components, wear schedule, care instructions, and the training provided to the patient or caregiver.
- Follow-up interval logic
- New amputees and patients at high skin risk need shorter follow-up intervals than stable, long-term device users.
- Outcome measure selection
- Choose objective, repeatable measures such as timed walking tests and functional mobility scales, and compare results to baseline and goals.
- Urgent evaluation triggers
- Skin breakdown, unstable fit, sudden limb volume change, or component failure require immediate clinical evaluation rather than routine follow-up.
- Repair versus replace decision
- Weigh device age, warranty status, and functional need when deciding whether to repair or replace a prosthesis or orthosis.
- Informed consent elements
- Explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and costs before fitting, and document that the discussion occurred with the patient or caregiver.
- Billing integrity rule
- Bill only for the device actually delivered and documented; unbundling or upcoding without clinical justification constitutes fraud.
- Scope of practice boundary
- Provide only services within your licensure and certification, and refer the patient when the needed service falls outside that scope.