A physical therapist assistant attempts to assess the integrity of the vestibulocochlear nerve by administering the Rinne test on a patient with a suspected upper motor neuron lesion. After striking the tine of the tuning fork to begin vibration, which bony prominence should the physical therapist assistant utilize to position the stem of the tuning fork?

A physical therapist assistant employed in an acute care hospital reviews the results of recent laboratory testing for one of his patients. A note in the medical record indicates that the patient was dehydrated at the time the blood sample was taken. Which finding would be MOST likely based on the patient’s hydration status?

A physical therapist assistant employed in an acute care hospital interviews a patient referred to physical therapy. During the discussion, the physical therapist assistant asks the patient if he feels dependent on coffee, tea or soft drinks. Which clinical scenario would MOST appropriately warrant this type of question?

A physical therapist assistant assesses a patient’s upper extremity deep tendon reflexes. The MOST appropriate location to elicit the brachioradialis reflex is the:

A physical therapist assistant completes a cognitive function test on a patient status post stroke. As part of the test, the physical therapist assistant assesses the patient’s abstract ability. Which of the following tasks would be the MOST appropriate?

A physical therapist assistant discusses the plan of care for a patient rehabilitating from total hip arthroplasty surgery (posterolateral approach) with the patient’s surgeon. During the discussion the surgeon indicates that he would like the patient to continue to wear a knee immobilizer in order to help prevent hip dislocation. The PRIMARY rationale for this action is:

A physical therapist assistant discusses pain management for a patient following total hip arthroplasty with the patient’s nurse. Which objective finding would make the use of patient controlled analgesia MOST unrealistic?

A physical therapist assistant observes a patient with a transtibial amputation ambulating in the physical therapy gym. The physical therapist assistant notices that the patient cannot maintain full knee extension during the loading response on the prosthetic side. The MOST likely rationale for the observation is:

A physical therapist assistant attempts to improve a patient’s lower extremity strength. Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique would be the MOST appropriate to achieve the established goal?

A patient exercising in the physical therapy gym informs the physical therapist assistant that he is experiencing chest pain. After resting for 20 minutes the patient’s condition is unchanged, however, he insists it is something that he can work through. The MOST appropriate action is: