HK Physio Registration flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Upper motor neuron signs

Hyperreflexia, spasticity, Babinski sign, and loss of fine motor control, with no fasciculation or marked atrophy. Caused by lesions above the anterior horn cell.

Dermatome C7

Sensation of the middle finger. C6 is the thumb, C8 the little finger, and T4 the nipple. Useful for localising nerve root lesions.

Cardiac output formula

Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume. Normal resting output is about 5 litres per minute; it rises with exercise demand.

Ottawa ankle rules

Ankle X-ray is indicated if there is pain at the posterior or medial malleolus, base of the fifth metatarsal, or navicular, or inability to bear weight four steps.

Capsular pattern of hip

Medial rotation and flexion are most limited, followed by abduction and extension. Helps distinguish capsular from non-capsular restriction.

Rheumatoid arthritis features

Symmetrical small-joint synovitis with morning stiffness over one hour, anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor positivity, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue.

Red flags in spinal pain

Night pain unrelieved by rest, unexplained weight loss, fever, cancer history, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and saddle anaesthesia require urgent medical referral.

Glasgow Coma Scale

Eye 1–4, verbal 1–5, motor 1–6; total 3–15. A score of 8 or less indicates severe impairment and airway risk.

Modified Ashworth Scale

Grades 0, 1, 1+, 2, 3, 4 for spasticity. Grade 1+ is a catch followed by resistance through less than half the range.

ASIA impairment scale

A complete, B sensory incomplete, C motor incomplete with most muscles below level under 3/5, D motor incomplete with most 3/5 or more, E normal.

Guillain–Barré syndrome

Ascending symmetrical weakness with areflexia and albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid. Monitor vital capacity because respiratory failure can develop.

COPD spirometry criterion

Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 confirms persistent airflow limitation. GOLD stages 1–4 are based on FEV1 percent predicted.

Active cycle of breathing

Breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and forced expiration technique. Used to mobilise secretions while limiting airway collapse and fatigue.

Lung-protective ventilation

Tidal volume 6 mL/kg predicted body weight and plateau pressure below 30 cmH2O in acute respiratory distress syndrome to reduce ventilator-induced injury.

Timed Up and Go

Time to stand, walk three metres, turn, and return. Over 13.5 seconds suggests increased fall risk; over 30 seconds suggests dependence in mobility.

Frailty phenotype

Unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low grip strength, slow gait speed, and low activity. Three or more criteria indicate frailty.

Berg Balance Scale

Score 0–56. Below 45 predicts falls; 41–56 independent, 21–40 walking with assistance, 0–20 wheelchair bound.

Stepped care model

Low-intensity self-management first, then group or individual therapy, then specialist referral. Matches resource intensity to need.

Transtheoretical model stages

Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance. Interventions are matched to the patient's current stage of change.

Gross motor milestones

Head control 3 months, sitting 6–8 months, crawling 9 months, walking 12–15 months. Delay warrants developmental assessment.

Primitive reflex resolution

Moro, asymmetric tonic neck reflex, and palmar grasp typically disappear by 4–6 months. Persistence suggests neurological abnormality.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

Ortolani and Barlow tests in neonates; Pavlik harness for infants under 6 months. Untreated cases risk avascular necrosis and early osteoarthritis.

Pelvic floor muscle training

First-line for stress urinary incontinence: at least eight contractions three times daily for three months, with technique confirmed by digital assessment.

Diastasis recti

Inter-rectus distance greater than 2 cm. Avoid heavy loading; focus on transversus abdominis activation and breathing coordination.

Complex decongestive therapy

Manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, and skin care for lymphoedema. Compression is the cornerstone of long-term control.

SMART goals

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Goals are set with the patient and reviewed at reassessment.

International Classification of Functioning

Framework describing impairment, activity limitation, participation restriction, and environmental and personal factors. Guides assessment and treatment planning.

Physiotherapists Registration Ordinance

Cap. 359 governs registration and practice in Hong Kong. The Physiotherapists Board is the statutory regulator and requires an annual practising certificate.

Valid consent elements

Capacity, adequate information, and voluntariness. Document refusal and its consequences; consent must be obtained before assessment and treatment.

Sensitivity and specificity

Sensitivity is true positives divided by all with disease; specificity is true negatives divided by all without disease. Both are prevalence-independent.

Number needed to treat

One divided by the absolute risk reduction. It estimates how many patients must be treated for one additional favourable outcome.

Five moments of hand hygiene

Before patient contact, before aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure, after patient contact, and after contact with surroundings.

Safe patient handling

Assess the load, keep it close, avoid twisting, and use hoists or slide sheets. Dependent patients require a hoist; never lift alone.