NBCE Physiotherapy flashcards

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

Goniometry

Measurement of joint range of motion using a device aligned with proximal, distal, and axis landmarks; recorded in degrees and compared with contralateral side and normative values.

Manual muscle test grade 3

Muscle can move the joint through full available range against gravity but cannot tolerate added resistance; grade 3 is the midpoint of the 0-5 scale.

Biceps reflex root

Biceps tendon reflex is mediated primarily by C5-C6; tapping the tendon produces elbow flexion and is graded 0 to 4+.

Dermatome C7

C7 sensory level is tested on the middle finger; C6 is thumb, C8 little finger, and T4 nipple.

Lachman test

Knee test for ACL integrity performed with knee 20-30° flexed; anterior tibial translation with soft end feel suggests ACL tear.

Vital sign normal ranges

Adult resting HR 60-100 bpm, RR 12-20 breaths/min, BP below 120/80 mm Hg, and SpO2 at least 95% on room air.

Deep tendon reflex scale

0 absent, 1+ diminished, 2+ normal, 3+ exaggerated, 4+ clonus; recorded with the nerve root tested.

Ultrasound 3 MHz depth

3 MHz ultrasound heats superficial tissue about 1-2 cm deep; 1 MHz penetrates about 3-5 cm and is used for deeper structures.

Continuous ultrasound duty cycle

Continuous ultrasound uses 100% duty cycle and produces thermal and nonthermal effects; pulsed ultrasound uses 20-50% and primarily nonthermal effects.

Dexamethasone iontophoresis pole

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is negatively charged and is delivered under the cathode; lidocaine is positively charged and delivered under the anode.

High-frequency TENS

High-frequency TENS uses 80-150 Hz at low intensity to activate large afferents and gate pain transmission in the dorsal horn.

Cryotherapy contraindications

Cold is avoided in Raynaud phenomenon, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, impaired circulation, and over superficial nerves because vasoconstriction and nerve cooling can cause injury.

Thermotherapy contraindications

Heat is avoided over acute inflammation, bleeding, malignancy, impaired sensation, and ischemic tissue because it can worsen edema, bleeding, or burns.

Electrical stimulation dangers

Electrical stimulation is contraindicated with pacemakers, over the heart or carotid sinus, across the pregnant uterus, and over thrombophlebitis or infection.

SAID principle

Specific adaptation to imposed demands means the body adapts to the exact type of load and movement practiced; training should match the desired functional outcome.

Overload principle

To increase strength or endurance, the training load must exceed habitual demands; without progressive overload, gains plateau and then reverse.

Static stretching dose

Static stretching typically holds each stretch 15-30 seconds for 2-4 repetitions; ballistic stretching is avoided in older or untrained individuals.

Eccentric contraction

Eccentric contraction occurs when muscle lengthens under tension; it can generate greater force than concentric action and often causes delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Closed-chain exercise

Closed-chain exercise fixes the distal segment, as in a squat; it promotes joint compression, co-contraction, and proprioceptive input compared with open-chain exercise.

Karvonen formula

Target heart rate equals ((220 - age - resting HR) × intensity) + resting HR; intensity is expressed as a decimal such as 0.70 for 70%.

SOAP note

SOAP documents Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan; it structures clinical reasoning and communication in the patient record.

SMART goals

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound; they make rehabilitation outcomes clear and reviewable.

FIM scale

Functional Independence Measure has 18 items scored 1 to 7; total score ranges 18-126, with higher scores indicating greater independence.

Informed consent elements

Informed consent requires explanation of diagnosis, proposed procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to refuse.

Discharge criteria

Discharge is considered when goals are met, the patient is safe and independent, no skilled therapy is needed, or progress has plateaued.

HIPAA minimum necessary

HIPAA requires disclosing only the minimum protected health information necessary for the purpose; patients may access their records.

Cauda equina red flags

Saddle anesthesia, new bowel or bladder dysfunction, bilateral leg weakness, and severe back pain require urgent referral for suspected cauda equina syndrome.

DVT warning signs

Unilateral leg swelling, warmth, tenderness, and erythema suggest deep vein thrombosis; massage and vigorous mobilization are withheld until medical clearance.

Orthostatic hypotension criteria

A fall in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg or diastolic of at least 10 mm Hg on standing defines orthostatic hypotension.

Fall precautions

Keep bed low, call light and assistive device within reach, use non-skid footwear, and assist high-risk patients during transfers and ambulation.

Electrical safety checks

Inspect cords and plugs, keep electricity away from water, use grounded equipment, and avoid stimulation across the anterior neck or chest.

Exercise contraindications

Unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, severe aortic stenosis, uncontrolled hypertension, and dangerous arrhythmias contraindicate vigorous exercise until stabilized.