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OPC Prosthetics Written study materials
OPC Prosthetics Written study resources

OPC Prosthetics Written practice questions

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Question 1Prosthetic patient assessment

During an initial prosthetic assessment, which finding most strongly suggests that a patient has adequate soft tissue coverage over a residual limb's distal end?

  1. A healed incision with a thin, shiny, adherent scar over the distal tibia
  2. A palpable pulse directly over the distal end of the residual bone
  3. A mobile, non-tender distal pad with no palpable bony prominence Correct answer.
  4. A distal stump that is cool and hairless compared with the opposite limb

Explanation

Adequate distal coverage is judged by a supple, non-tender soft tissue pad that cushions the bone and tolerates load. Thin adherent scarring, cool hairless skin, and a pulse directly over bone suggest vulnerable or poorly padded tissue.

Question 2Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient reports that the residual limb volume is noticeably larger in the morning and smaller by evening. What is the most appropriate interpretation for prosthetic planning?

  1. The limb is stable and no volume management is needed
  2. Diurnal volume fluctuation requires a consistent donning routine and sock or volume management Correct answer.
  3. The patient should wear the prosthesis only in the evening
  4. The limb should be wrapped tighter at night to eliminate the difference

Explanation

Residual limb volume commonly varies through the day, and stable fit depends on a reproducible donning schedule plus adjustable volume management. Ignoring fluctuation leads to pistoning and skin problems.

Question 3Prosthetic patient assessment

Which measurement is most directly used to determine the required prosthetic foot size?

  1. Distance from the patellar tendon to the floor
  2. Contralateral foot length or the patient's stated shoe size Correct answer.
  3. Medial-lateral width of the residual limb
  4. Residual limb circumference at mid-length

Explanation

Foot size is matched to the sound-side foot length or the patient's established shoe size so that footwear and stance symmetry are preserved. Limb circumference and residual limb dimensions guide socket design, not foot sizing.

Question 4Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transfemoral amputation is being evaluated for a suction suspension socket. Which finding would most likely contraindicate this suspension choice?

  1. A limb that tolerates total-surface weight bearing
  2. A limb with a large, tender, non-healed distal wound Correct answer.
  3. A limb with good sensation and intact skin
  4. A well-healed limb with stable volume

Explanation

Suction suspension depends on an intact, sealed, healthy limb envelope; an open distal wound prevents safe sealing and risks skin injury. Stable volume, intact sensation, and tolerance of total contact support suction use.

Question 5Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transtibial amputation has a residual limb that is conical with a prominent distal tibia. Which socket design consideration is most important?

  1. Using a narrow socket to increase suspension
  2. Maximizing distal-end loading to stabilize the limb
  3. Avoiding any pressure on the patellar tendon region
  4. Reducing distal pressure and shifting load to the tolerant tibial flares and patellar tendon Correct answer.

Explanation

A prominent distal tibia is pressure-sensitive, so load should be distributed to tolerant areas such as the patellar tendon and tibial flares while relieving the distal end. Concentrating pressure distally invites skin breakdown.

Question 6Prosthetic patient assessment

During assessment, a patient's knee on the amputated side lacks full extension and has a flexion contracture. How does this most affect prosthetic fitting?

  1. It eliminates the need for a knee unit in transfemoral cases
  2. It complicates alignment and may require a flexion contracture accommodation or preoperative therapy Correct answer.
  3. It has no effect on socket or component selection
  4. It improves stability in stance

Explanation

A flexion contracture alters limb alignment and biomechanics, making stable stance harder and requiring accommodation or therapy before or during fitting. It is a significant planning factor rather than a neutral finding.

Question 7Prosthetic patient assessment

When assessing a patient's skin over the residual limb, which finding is most consistent with a pressure-related problem from the prosthesis?

  1. Diffuse, even erythema that fades within minutes of doffing
  2. Localized erythema over a bony prominence that persists after doffing Correct answer.
  3. A healed, flat, mobile scar
  4. Uniform hair distribution over the limb

Explanation

Persistent, localized redness over a bony prominence signals excessive focal pressure and warrants socket or alignment modification. Diffuse redness that quickly resolves is a normal response to socket wear.

Question 8Prosthetic patient assessment

What is the primary purpose of obtaining a careful medical and surgical history during prosthetic assessment?

  1. To decide the color of the prosthetic cosmesis
  2. To identify comorbidities and healing factors that influence prosthetic candidacy and design Correct answer.
  3. To determine the patient's shoe size for component selection
  4. To calculate the exact socket volume

Explanation

Medical and surgical history reveals conditions such as vascular disease, diabetes, or delayed healing that shape prosthetic candidacy, timing, and design. It is not a tool for sizing components or calculating socket volume.

Question 9Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transfemoral amputation has a residual limb that is short and abducted. Which prosthetic consideration is most appropriate?

  1. A short limb eliminates the need for ischial containment
  2. A short limb always allows a standard-length socket with no modification
  3. A short limb may reduce leverage and stability, requiring careful suspension and alignment choices Correct answer.
  4. Abduction deformity has no influence on socket design

Explanation

A short transfemoral limb provides less control and leverage, so suspension and alignment must compensate, and containment designs may be especially useful. Abduction deformity directly affects socket contours and alignment.

Question 10Prosthetic patient assessment

During a physical examination, a patient's residual limb shows a firm, non-pitting, non-tender area of increased tissue at the distal end. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. Acute infection requiring immediate antibiotics
  2. Normal distal tissue redundancy or a stable, healed contour Correct answer.
  3. A sign of inadequate prosthetic suspension
  4. An early pressure ulcer

Explanation

A firm, non-tender, stable distal contour can reflect normal tissue redundancy or a well-healed limb shape. Infection and pressure ulcers usually present with tenderness, warmth, or skin breakdown.

Question 11Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient reports pain at the distal end of the residual limb only when the prosthesis is worn and relieved by doffing. What is the most useful next step in assessment?

  1. Increase the suspension tightness to reduce motion
  2. Recommend permanent discontinuation of prosthetic use
  3. Inspect the socket for distal contact and evaluate for focal pressure or inadequate relief Correct answer.
  4. Add more socks to increase distal loading

Explanation

Pain that appears with wear and resolves with doffing points to socket-related focal pressure or inadequate distal relief. Inspection and fitting adjustment address the cause, whereas adding socks or tightening suspension may worsen it.

Question 12Prosthetic patient assessment

Which assessment finding best indicates that a patient has adequate upper-limb strength to manage a transfemoral prosthesis?

  1. Ability to tolerate sitting for 30 minutes
  2. Ability to transfer safely and control the limb during swing Correct answer.
  3. Ability to ambulate without any assistive device
  4. Ability to perform a straight-leg raise against resistance

Explanation

Functional strength for transfemoral use is shown by safe transfers and control of the limb during swing, which reflect hip and trunk control. Endurance and device independence are separate considerations.

Question 13Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transtibial amputation has a residual limb with a very prominent fibular head. What socket modification is most appropriate?

  1. Remove all proximal suspension
  2. Narrow the socket to compress the fibular head
  3. Build up pressure over the fibular head to stabilize the limb
  4. Relieve pressure over the fibular head while maintaining contact elsewhere Correct answer.

Explanation

The fibular head is a pressure-sensitive bony prominence and should be relieved while preserving total contact elsewhere for stability. Direct pressure over it risks nerve irritation and skin breakdown.

Question 14Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient's residual limb has reduced sensation and the patient cannot reliably report skin irritation. What assessment strategy is most appropriate?

  1. Ignore the skin because sensation loss prevents injury
  2. Perform regular visual skin inspections and use a wear schedule with frequent checks Correct answer.
  3. Rely on the patient's verbal reports alone
  4. Increase wear time rapidly to build tolerance

Explanation

When protective sensation is reduced, the clinician must substitute visual inspection and a graduated wear schedule for the patient's absent warning symptoms. Rapid increases in wear time raise the risk of unrecognized injury.

Question 15Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transfemoral amputation has a hip flexion contracture. Which effect on prosthetic gait is most likely?

  1. Difficulty achieving terminal stance and increased energy cost Correct answer.
  2. Increased extension of the prosthetic knee in stance
  3. Reduced need for hip extensor strength
  4. Improved swing-phase clearance

Explanation

A hip flexion contracture limits hip extension, interfering with terminal stance and increasing energy expenditure. It does not improve clearance or reduce strength demands.

Question 16Prosthetic patient assessment

Which patient-reported outcome measure is most appropriate for assessing prosthetic mobility during an initial evaluation?

  1. A shoe-size measurement chart
  2. A wound classification tool
  3. A validated mobility or function questionnaire such as a prosthetic mobility scale Correct answer.
  4. A pain rating scale alone

Explanation

Validated mobility or function questionnaires capture the patient's perceived and actual mobility and guide goal setting. Pain scales, wound tools, and sizing charts address different domains.

Question 17Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transtibial amputation has a residual limb that is bulbous distally and narrow proximally. Which suspension method is most likely to be appropriate?

  1. A pin or lanyard system with a locking liner Correct answer.
  2. Suction suspension with a narrow proximal seal
  3. A rigid socket with no suspension
  4. A socket that relies solely on gravity

Explanation

A bulbous distal limb shape can be difficult to seat in a narrow proximal socket, so a locking liner with a pin or lanyard provides reliable suspension. Suction with a narrow seal may be difficult to don and may compromise the limb.

Question 18Prosthetic patient assessment

During assessment, a patient's residual limb shows a healed, well-vascularized limb but the patient has significant cardiac limitations. What is the most appropriate prosthetic planning consideration?

  1. Delay all prosthetic fitting indefinitely
  2. Recommend no prosthetic use regardless of goals
  3. Prescribe the most energy-demanding component to maximize speed
  4. Select components and training that minimize energy expenditure and match cardiac capacity Correct answer.

Explanation

Cardiac limitations increase the importance of energy-efficient components and a graduated training program matched to capacity. Maximizing energy demand is inappropriate, and indefinite delay ignores potential benefit.

Question 19Prosthetic patient assessment

What is the most appropriate way to assess a residual limb's circumference for monitoring volume change over time?

  1. Measure at marked, reproducible landmarks at each visit Correct answer.
  2. Measure at inconsistent locations each visit
  3. Measure only the distal end
  4. Estimate by eye without measurement

Explanation

Consistent, marked landmarks allow valid comparison of circumference over time and detection of volume change. Inconsistent or visual estimates are unreliable.

Question 20Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transfemoral amputation has good hip strength but poor balance in standing. Which assessment finding is most important to address before advancing prosthetic training?

  1. Static and dynamic balance control with appropriate support Correct answer.
  2. The patient's preferred prosthesis brand
  3. The number of prior prosthetic sockets
  4. The patient's shoe color preference

Explanation

Balance control is a prerequisite for safe prosthetic ambulation and should be assessed and addressed with appropriate support before advancing training. Cosmetic and brand preferences do not determine readiness.

Question 21Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transtibial amputation reports that the prosthesis rotates during walking. Which assessment finding most likely explains this?

  1. Excessive distal relief
  2. A healed surgical scar
  3. Inadequate rotational control from suspension or socket fit Correct answer.
  4. Adequate limb volume

Explanation

Rotation during gait usually reflects insufficient rotational control, which can stem from inadequate suspension or a socket that does not resist torque. Distal relief and healed scars do not cause rotation.

Question 22Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient's residual limb has a large, healed skin graft over the distal end that is thin and sensitive. Which prosthetic strategy is most appropriate?

  1. Load the graft directly to desensitize it
  2. Use a socket with no distal contact
  3. Protect the graft with a well-fitting liner and distribute load to tolerant areas Correct answer.
  4. Increase distal pressure gradually regardless of symptoms

Explanation

Thin, sensitive grafted tissue is vulnerable and should be protected while load is shifted to tolerant regions. Direct or increasing distal loading risks graft breakdown.

Question 23Prosthetic patient assessment

During a prosthetic assessment, a patient describes phantom limb pain that interferes with sleep and prosthesis use. What is the most appropriate initial approach?

  1. Ignore the pain because it is not real
  2. Assess the pain's characteristics and consider referral for multimodal pain management Correct answer.
  3. Discontinue all prosthetic use permanently
  4. Increase prosthetic wear time to distract from the pain

Explanation

Phantom limb pain is a real phenomenon that warrants characterization and a multimodal management approach, often with referral. Ignoring it or using distraction alone is inappropriate.

Question 24Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transfemoral amputation has a residual limb with significant soft tissue redundancy and poor bony coverage. Which socket consideration is most important?

  1. Maximizing distal pressure to compress the tissue
  2. A rigid socket with minimal soft tissue management
  3. Careful soft tissue containment and load distribution to avoid focal pressure Correct answer.
  4. Eliminating all suspension to reduce pressure

Explanation

Redundant soft tissue with poor bony coverage requires containment and load distribution to prevent focal pressure and instability. Maximizing distal pressure or eliminating suspension worsens the problem.

Question 25Prosthetic patient assessment

Which combination of findings best supports a patient's readiness for initial prosthetic fitting after transtibial amputation?

  1. Recent surgery with active infection
  2. Healed, stable limb with adequate volume, controlled pain, and realistic goals Correct answer.
  3. Open wound with unstable volume and uncontrolled pain
  4. Severe contracture with no rehabilitation potential

Explanation

Readiness for fitting requires a healed, stable limb with managed volume and pain, plus realistic functional goals. Open wounds, infection, and unaddressed contractures indicate the need for further treatment first.

Question 26Prosthetic patient assessment

Which measurement is most useful for documenting baseline residual limb volume before a first prosthetic fitting?

  1. Girth of the contralateral thigh
  2. Skin fold thickness over the patella
  3. Serial circumference measurements at marked points along the limb Correct answer.
  4. Residual limb length measured from the joint line

Explanation

Volume change is tracked by repeating circumference measurements at consistent, marked reference points so results are comparable over time. Limb length and contralateral girth do not reflect the residual limb's changing volume.

Question 27Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient scheduled for prosthetic evaluation has a residual limb with a healed incision, no open areas, and stable shape. Which additional assessment domain is essential before determining readiness for fitting?

  1. Preferred color of the prosthetic foot shell
  2. Number of prior prosthetic devices owned
  3. Patient's occupation only
  4. Cardiovascular endurance and overall functional status Correct answer.

Explanation

Fitting readiness depends on the limb's condition plus the patient's systemic health, endurance, and functional capacity to use and tolerate a prosthesis. Cosmetic preferences and device history are secondary details that do not determine readiness.

Question 28Prosthetic patient assessment

During the interview, a patient describes the residual limb as feeling 'tight and pulling' near a scar when the prosthesis is donned. Which assessment step best clarifies this complaint?

  1. Ask the patient to rate pain on a scale from 1 to 10 only
  2. Review the patient's dietary history
  3. Measure the contralateral limb circumference
  4. Palpate the scar and surrounding tissue while observing skin behavior during loading Correct answer.

Explanation

A pulling sensation near a scar suggests adherent or noncompliant tissue that behaves differently under load, so direct palpation and observation during loading localizes the cause. A single pain rating or unrelated measurements do not identify the tissue involved.

Question 29Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transtibial amputation has full knee extension but the residual limb is very sensitive to light touch over the distal tibia. Which finding should the prosthetist prioritize when planning the socket?

  1. Reduced socket length to avoid the tibia entirely
  2. Increased proximal socket compression to stabilize the limb
  3. Need for distal relief and pressure redistribution away from the sensitive area Correct answer.
  4. Rigid distal end-contact to desensitize the area

Explanation

Focal hypersensitivity over a bony prominence indicates the area cannot tolerate concentrated loading, so the socket design should relieve and redistribute pressure. Adding rigid end contact or proximal compression would likely provoke symptoms.

Question 30Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient's residual limb shows mild pitting edema that resolves overnight. Which interpretation best guides the assessment plan?

  1. Edema is position-dependent and should be reassessed after a period of elevation Correct answer.
  2. Edema confirms that the limb is ready for definitive fitting
  3. Edema indicates infection and requires immediate antibiotic referral
  4. Edema is unrelated to prosthesis use and can be ignored

Explanation

Edema that resolves with elevation and rest is consistent with dependent fluid accumulation, so reassessment after elevation gives a truer picture of limb volume. It does not by itself indicate infection or readiness for definitive fitting.

Question 31Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient reports that the prosthesis feels loose only after several hours of wear, with no change at donning. Which assessment approach best characterizes this pattern?

  1. Ask the patient to describe the prosthesis color and appearance
  2. Measure limb length once at the initial visit
  3. Compare limb volume and socket fit at donning and again after a period of wear Correct answer.
  4. Assess only the sound limb for comparison

Explanation

Volume loss during the day is a common cause of fit that changes with wear time, so comparing fit at donning and after activity reveals the pattern. A single measurement or sound-limb assessment cannot capture time-dependent change.

Question 32Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transfemoral amputation has strong hip musculature but the residual limb is conical with limited soft tissue. Which combination of findings most influences suspension strategy?

  1. Preferred walking speed alone
  2. Hand dominance alone
  3. Limb shape and soft tissue quality combined with muscular control Correct answer.
  4. Shoe size and foot length alone

Explanation

Suspension choice depends on the residual limb's shape, soft tissue coverage, and the patient's muscular control, since these determine how well a socket can be held in place. Isolated factors such as hand dominance or shoe size do not address suspension.

Question 33Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient's residual limb has a healed, stable shape but the patient reports new onset of burning pain in the limb that is present at rest and wakes them at night. Which assessment action is most appropriate?

  1. Document the pain characteristics and refer for medical evaluation of the new symptoms Correct answer.
  2. Recommend a tighter socket to reduce movement
  3. Proceed directly to casting the definitive socket
  4. Advise the patient to stop wearing any prosthesis permanently

Explanation

New rest pain that disturbs sleep is a change from the baseline and warrants documentation and medical evaluation before prosthetic decisions are made. Proceeding to definitive casting or altering socket tightness could mask or worsen an underlying problem.

Question 34Prosthetic patient assessment

A patient with a transtibial amputation has a residual limb that is short with minimal bony coverage, and the patient also has limited knee flexion strength. Which assessment conclusion best guides prosthetic planning?

  1. The combination of short limb and weak knee control requires modified socket design and realistic functional goals Correct answer.
  2. The short limb alone guarantees successful standard fitting
  3. A longer prosthesis will compensate for weak knee control
  4. Knee strength is irrelevant when the limb is short

Explanation

Short residual limbs with limited soft tissue reduce suspension options, and weak knee control affects stability and gait, so both findings must shape socket design and goal setting. Neither factor can be ignored or compensated for by prosthetic length alone.

Question 35Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

A patient with a transradial amputation presents with a short residual limb and intact elbow function. Which suspension method is most appropriate to preserve range of motion while maintaining suspension?

  1. Harness with a figure-eight anterior suspension strap
  2. Supracondylar socket with a narrow mediolateral dimension
  3. Pin-lock liner system with a flexible inner socket Correct answer.
  4. Suction suspension with a total-contact socket

Explanation

A pin-lock liner provides reliable suspension through mechanical engagement while accommodating a short residual limb and preserving elbow motion. Suction and supracondylar designs demand more limb length or bony anatomy for effective suspension. Harness systems are typically reserved when other suspension options are unavailable.

Question 36Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

Which patient factor most strongly favors prescribing a body-powered rather than a myoelectric upper-limb prosthesis?

  1. Desire for a lightweight, low-maintenance device with inherent feedback Correct answer.
  2. Preference for minimal harnessing and shoulder motion
  3. Need for the most cosmetically realistic hand appearance
  4. Requirement for fine pinch control in a clean indoor environment

Explanation

Body-powered systems are lightweight, durable, and provide proprioceptive feedback through cable tension, making them well suited to active users who value low maintenance. Myoelectric devices offer better cosmesis and grip control but require batteries and maintenance.

Question 37Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

A patient with a transfemoral amputation has a residual limb that is short and conical with limited soft tissue. Which socket design consideration is most important in the treatment plan?

  1. Providing total surface bearing with uniform pressure distribution Correct answer.
  2. Extending the socket proximal to the ischial tuberosity for weight-bearing
  3. Maximizing end-bearing on the distal tibia remnant
  4. Increasing mediolateral stability through a narrow ML dimension

Explanation

A short, conical limb with limited soft tissue is prone to distal pressure and volume fluctuation, so a total-surface-bearing approach distributes load and reduces focal stress. End-bearing and narrow ML designs are inappropriate for this anatomy.

Question 38Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

In planning prosthetic rehabilitation for a person with a unilateral transtibial amputation, which component is most critical to include in the initial prescription to support early ambulation and balance?

  1. A multiaxial dynamic-response foot
  2. A carbon fiber running foot
  3. A solid ankle cushion heel foot Correct answer.
  4. A microprocessor-controlled knee unit

Explanation

A solid ankle cushion heel foot is stable, durable, and appropriate for initial ambulation and balance training. Microprocessor knees and running feet are inappropriate for a transtibial prescription. Dynamic-response feet are typically introduced after basic stability is established.

Question 39Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

A patient with a long transfemoral residual limb and good hip strength is being evaluated for prosthetic candidacy. Which factor most directly supports a successful prosthetic outcome in the treatment plan?

  1. The presence of a contralateral limb amputation
  2. The absence of any prior prosthetic experience
  3. The patient's preference for a cosmetic-only device
  4. The length and strength of the residual limb to control the prosthesis Correct answer.

Explanation

Residual limb length and muscular control directly determine the ability to manage a transfemoral socket and initiate swing phase. Cosmetic-only devices and lack of experience do not support functional ambulation.

Question 40Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

When formulating a treatment plan for a patient with a partial hand amputation involving the index and middle fingers, which approach best preserves remaining function?

  1. A wrist disarticulation prosthesis with a split hook
  2. A body-powered below-elbow prosthesis
  3. A custom silicone partial hand prosthesis with opposing digit Correct answer.
  4. A transradial myoelectric prosthesis

Explanation

A custom partial hand prosthesis with an opposing digit restores pinch and grasp while preserving the remaining wrist and hand function. More proximal prostheses are unnecessarily aggressive for a partial hand amputation.

Question 41Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

Which outcome measure is most appropriate to include in the initial prosthetic treatment plan to document baseline upper-limb function?

  1. Berg Balance Scale
  2. Timed Up and Go
  3. Six-minute walk test
  4. Box and Block Test Correct answer.

Explanation

The Box and Block Test quantifies manual dexterity and is a standard baseline measure for upper-limb prosthetic function. The other measures assess gait, mobility, or balance and are not specific to upper-limb dexterity.

Question 42Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

A patient with a transtibial amputation has a residual limb with a prominent distal tibial prominence and thin soft tissue coverage. Which socket modification is most appropriate?

  1. A narrow mediolateral socket dimension
  2. A distal relief or soft liner over the prominence Correct answer.
  3. A rigid distal end pad to load the prominence
  4. A proximal socket extension above the knee

Explanation

A distal relief or soft liner offloads a bony prominence with thin coverage to prevent skin breakdown. Loading the prominence or narrowing the socket would worsen pressure.

Question 43Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

Which factor is most important to assess when deciding between a suction and a pin-lock suspension system for a transtibial prosthesis?

  1. The patient's dominant hand
  2. The patient's residual limb volume stability and soft tissue quality Correct answer.
  3. The color match of the prosthetic cover
  4. The type of shoe the patient prefers

Explanation

Suction suspension depends on a stable limb volume and good soft tissue seal, whereas pin-lock systems tolerate volume fluctuation better. Cosmetic and footwear factors do not determine suspension selection.

Question 44Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

A patient with a transfemoral amputation has hip flexion contracture that limits extension. Which treatment plan adjustment is most appropriate?

  1. Prescribe a prosthesis with the knee set in slight flexion and a flexion contracture accommodation Correct answer.
  2. Increase the prosthetic length to compensate
  3. Delay prosthetic fitting until the contracture fully resolves
  4. Prescribe a locked knee to prevent falls

Explanation

Accommodating a hip flexion contracture with slight knee flexion and socket alignment modifications allows functional ambulation while stretching is pursued. Delaying fitting indefinitely or locking the knee does not address the contracture.

Question 45Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

Which element of the prosthetic treatment plan is most directly informed by the patient's Medicare functional classification level (K-level)?

  1. The choice of componentry and expected functional potential Correct answer.
  2. The socket color and finish
  3. The frequency of follow-up phone calls
  4. The patient's insurance deductible amount

Explanation

The K-level describes the patient's potential for ambulation and guides selection of prosthetic feet and knees and expectations for function. Administrative and cosmetic details are not determined by K-level.

Question 46Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

A patient with a wrist disarticulation has good forearm rotation and wants a functional prosthesis. Which socket design consideration is most important?

  1. Preserving wrist rotation with a flexible or split socket design Correct answer.
  2. Using a rigid supracondylar socket
  3. Shortening the socket to the distal third of the forearm
  4. Extending the socket above the elbow for stability

Explanation

At the wrist disarticulation level, forearm rotation is preserved and socket design should accommodate it with flexible or split designs. Extending above the elbow or using supracondylar capture would sacrifice motion unnecessarily.

Question 47Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

Which of the following best describes the role of a preoperative or early postoperative prosthetic assessment in treatment planning?

  1. It determines the surgical amputation level
  2. It guarantees successful prosthetic fitting
  3. It establishes baseline function and informs component selection Correct answer.
  4. It replaces the need for postoperative rehabilitation planning

Explanation

Early assessment establishes baseline function, identifies goals, and informs component and socket selection. It does not replace rehabilitation, determine surgical level, or guarantee outcomes.

Question 48Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

A patient with a transfemoral amputation who is a limited community ambulator is being considered for a prosthetic knee. Which knee type is most appropriate for safety and stability?

  1. A microprocessor knee with stance-phase control
  2. A manual-locking knee Correct answer.
  3. A single-axis constant-friction knee
  4. A polycentric knee with geometric locking

Explanation

A manual-locking knee provides maximum stability for a limited community ambulator at higher fall risk. Microprocessor and stance-control knees are typically reserved for patients with greater functional potential.

Question 49Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

Which factor most strongly contraindicates the use of a suction suspension socket for a transtibial prosthesis?

  1. A patient with well-controlled diabetes
  2. A residual limb with significant volume fluctuation and fragile skin Correct answer.
  3. A patient who works in a clean office environment
  4. A residual limb with stable volume and mature scarring

Explanation

Suction suspension requires a stable limb volume and intact skin to maintain the seal and tolerate the negative pressure. Significant volume fluctuation and fragile skin increase the risk of skin breakdown and loss of suspension.

Question 50Prosthetic treatment plan formulation

Which gait deviation is most likely to be observed in a patient with a prosthesis that is set too long on the sound side?

  1. Excessive knee flexion on the prosthetic side during stance
  2. Excessive hip extension on the prosthetic side
  3. Wide base of support with shortened steps
  4. Vaulting on the sound side during swing Correct answer.

Explanation

A prosthesis that is too long causes the patient to vault on the sound side during swing to clear the prosthetic foot. Excessive knee flexion and hip extension are associated with other alignment errors.