A PTA is preparing to initiate gait training with a patient…
A PTA is preparing to initiate gait training with a patient who sustained an L3 incomplete spinal cord injury. The patient demonstrates the following muscle strength bilaterally: Hip flexors: 4/5 Knee extensors: 4/5 Hip extensors: 2/5 Ankle dorsiflexors: 1/5 Ankle plantar flexors: 1/5 The patient has been fitted with bilateral AFOs and demonstrates adequate standing balance with a rolling walker. Which of the following gait patterns and expected functional outcomes would be MOST appropriate for this patient?
Read DetailsA PTA evaluates a patient following a spinal injury. The pat…
A PTA evaluates a patient following a spinal injury. The patient demonstrates flaccid paralysis of the lower extremities, diminished patellar and Achilles reflexes, and significant muscle atrophy. Which finding BEST explains this presentation?
Read DetailsA PTA is treating a patient with a complete C6 spinal cord i…
A PTA is treating a patient with a complete C6 spinal cord injury who is preparing to return home. The patient demonstrates functional tenodesis grasp, good sitting balance, and the ability to perform sliding-board transfers with minimal assistance. Which intervention would BEST promote greater independence with daily activities?
Read DetailsA PTA is educating a patient with a complete T4 spinal cord…
A PTA is educating a patient with a complete T4 spinal cord injury about preventing autonomic dysreflexia during daily activities. Which statement by the patient indicates the BEST understanding of strategies to reduce the risk of an episode?
Read DetailsA PTA is treating a patient with an incomplete L2 spinal cor…
A PTA is treating a patient with an incomplete L2 spinal cord injury. The patient demonstrates active hip flexion and knee extension but significant weakness of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors. During gait training with a rolling walker, the PTA observes foot drop during swing and excessive plantarflexion at initial contact. Which intervention would be MOST appropriate to improve gait safety and efficiency?
Read DetailsA PTA examines two patients with neurologic injuries. Patien…
A PTA examines two patients with neurologic injuries. Patient A demonstrates hyperreflexia, increased muscle tone, and a positive Babinski response. Patient B demonstrates muscle atrophy, decreased muscle tone, and diminished reflexes. Which classification is MOST appropriate?
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