test exam for physiotherapy, Exams of Physiotherapy

test exam for physiotherapy test exam for physiotherapy

Typology: Exams

2020/2021

Uploaded on 01/25/2026

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Question Paper 1
Tips:
1. Research the "Why": For each question above, find the specific Australian Clinical
Guideline (e.g., Stroke Foundation, Lung Foundation, or Hip/Knee OA guidelines).
2. Identify Red Flags: The APC loves "Safety" questions. Always prioritize "referring back to
the GP/Surgeon" if a red flag appears.
3. Focus on Reasoning: In the exam, usually two answers are "correct," but one is the "most
appropriate" for the specific clinical stage (Acute vs. Rehab).
Domain 1: Cardiorespiratory (Cases 1–4)
Case 1: Post-Operative Management
A 68-year-old male is Day 2 post-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) repair. He is a smoker (30
pack-years) and has a BMI of 32.
1. Which respiratory complication is this patient at the highest risk for? (Atelectasis, PE,
Pneumonia, Pleural effusion).
2. The patient's $SpO_2$ drops to 90% on 4L $O_2$ via nasal prongs. What is the most
appropriate initial physiotherapy intervention?
3. Which outcome measure is most appropriate to assess his readiness for discharge?
4. What is the safest abdominal support technique for him during a forced expiratory
technique (FET)?
Case 2: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A patient with Stage III COPD presents with increased dyspnea and productive cough (green
sputum).
5. According to the COPD-X guidelines, what defines an "acute exacerbation"?
6. The patient is using accessory muscles at rest. Which breathing technique reduces
dynamic hyperinflation?
7. What is the target $SpO_2$ range for a patient with confirmed hypercapnia?
8. Which medication is a "reliever" (Short-acting Beta-agonist)?
Case 3: ICU and Mobilization
A patient is intubated and sedated in the ICU following a motor vehicle accident.
9. What is the primary contraindication for passive range of motion in the ICU?
10. Which sign indicates the patient is failing a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)?
11. How frequently should a patient be repositioned to prevent pressure sores according to
Australian standards?
12. What is the purpose of "manual hyperinflation" in this setting?
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Question Paper 1

Tips:

  1. Research the "Why": For each question above, find the specific Australian Clinical Guideline (e.g., Stroke Foundation, Lung Foundation, or Hip/Knee OA guidelines ).
  2. Identify Red Flags: The APC loves "Safety" questions. Always prioritize "referring back to the GP/Surgeon" if a red flag appears.
  3. Focus on Reasoning: In the exam, usually two answers are "correct," but one is the "most appropriate" for the specific clinical stage (Acute vs. Rehab).

Domain 1: Cardiorespiratory (Cases 1–4)

Case 1: Post-Operative Management

A 68-year-old male is Day 2 post-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) repair. He is a smoker ( pack-years) and has a BMI of 32.

  1. Which respiratory complication is this patient at the highest risk for? (Atelectasis, PE, Pneumonia, Pleural effusion).
  2. The patient's $SpO_2$ drops to 90% on 4L $O_2$ via nasal prongs. What is the most appropriate initial physiotherapy intervention?
  3. Which outcome measure is most appropriate to assess his readiness for discharge?
  4. What is the safest abdominal support technique for him during a forced expiratory technique (FET)?

Case 2: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A patient with Stage III COPD presents with increased dyspnea and productive cough (green sputum).

  1. According to the COPD-X guidelines, what defines an "acute exacerbation"?
  2. The patient is using accessory muscles at rest. Which breathing technique reduces dynamic hyperinflation?
  3. What is the target $SpO_2$ range for a patient with confirmed hypercapnia?
  4. Which medication is a "reliever" (Short-acting Beta-agonist)?

Case 3: ICU and Mobilization

A patient is intubated and sedated in the ICU following a motor vehicle accident.

  1. What is the primary contraindication for passive range of motion in the ICU?
  2. Which sign indicates the patient is failing a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)?
  3. How frequently should a patient be repositioned to prevent pressure sores according to Australian standards?
  4. What is the purpose of "manual hyperinflation" in this setting?

Case 4: Bronchiectasis

A 45-year-old female with bronchiectasis and high-volume secretions.

  1. What is the "gold standard" airway clearance technique for this patient?
  2. Which position is contraindicated for postural drainage if the patient also has GORD?
  3. If the patient has a sudden hemoptysis of 200ml, what is the immediate action?
  4. What is the role of a flutter device in airway clearance?

Domain 2: Neurological (Cases 5–8)

Case 5: Acute Stroke (CVA)

A 72-year-old female is 24 hours post-ischemic stroke (Left MCA).

  1. What is the most appropriate mobilization strategy within the first 24–48 hours?
  2. The patient has right-sided neglect. Where should the physiotherapist stand during the initial assessment?
  3. Which outcome measure is best for predicting walking ability at 6 months?
  4. What is a "red flag" sign during a bedside swallow screening?

Case 6: Parkinson’s Disease

A patient with Parkinson’s (Hoen & Yahr Stage 3) reports frequent "freezing" when walking through doorways.

  1. Which cueing strategy is most effective for "freezing of gait"?
  2. Which outcome measure best assesses the cognitive-motor interference in this patient?
  3. What is the primary focus of "LSVT BIG" style exercises?
  4. How should medication timing influence the physiotherapy session?

Case 7: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

A patient with a T10 (ASIA A) spinal cord injury.

  1. What is the primary risk during the first session of sitting upright (Orthostatic hypotension, Autonomic dysreflexia, DVT)?
  2. Which functional task is the "highest" expected for a T10 level?
  3. A patient with a T6 injury suddenly reports a pounding headache and becomes flushed. What is the first action?
  4. Which muscle group is crucial to strengthen for manual wheelchair propulsion?
  1. Which test has the highest sensitivity for subacromial impingement?
  2. What is the primary goal of "scapular dyskinesis" correction?
  3. If the patient has a "painful arc," at what range is the pain typically felt?
  4. What is the difference between a "massive" vs. "small" rotator cuff tear in terms of management?

Domain 4: Lifespan & Professional Practice (Cases 13–15)

Case 13: Paediatrics

A 4-month-old infant presents with a preferred head tilt to the right (Torticollis).

  1. What is the most likely associated finding (Plagiocephaly, Hip dysplasia, Talipes)?
  2. At what age should a child typically sit without support?
  3. What is the primary physiotherapy goal for a child with Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS Level I)?
  4. Which outcome measure is used to assess motor development in infants?

Case 14: Geriatrics & Falls

An 85-year-old in a residential aged care facility (RACF) had two falls in the last month.

  1. What is the most significant predictor of future falls?
  2. Which outcome measure is best for "frailty"?
  3. What is the recommended dose of balance training per week for fall prevention?
  4. How do you assess a patient's "fear of falling"?

Case 15: Ethics & Legal (AHPRA/APC Standards)

  1. You witness a colleague performing an unsafe technique. What is your ethical obligation?
  2. A patient refuses treatment but is at high risk of a DVT. What is the next step?
  3. What defines "Informed Consent" in the Australian context?
  4. How long must adult patient records be kept in Australia?

ANSWERS

Here are the correct answers and the clinical reasoning (rationale) for the core

cases provided. These justifications are aligned with the Australian Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds and current Australian Clinical Guidelines.

Domain 1: Cardiorespiratory

Case 1: Post-Operative AAA Repair

  1. Highest Risk Complication: Atelectasis. Justification: Post-abdominal surgery, pain and anesthesia lead to shallow breathing (decreased tidal volume) and reduced surfactant activity, causing small airway collapse, especially in smokers with a high BMI.
  2. Initial Intervention: Positioning (Upright/High Fowlers) and Deep Breathing Exercises. Justification: Before escalating oxygen, improving the ventilation- perfusion ($V/Q$) match through upright positioning and lung expansion is the standard first step in Australian acute care.
  3. Readiness for Discharge: 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) or functional stair climb. Justification: Functional capacity and the ability to safely mobilize independently are the primary criteria for discharge to home.
  4. Support Technique: Wound splinting (using a pillow/towel over the incision). Justification: This stabilizes the incision, reduces pain, and increases the effectiveness of the cough or huff while protecting against dehiscence.

Case 2: COPD Exacerbation

  1. Definition of Exacerbation: Sustained worsening of symptoms (dyspnea, cough, or sputum) beyond normal day-to-day variations. Justification: Per the COPD-X guidelines , this is a clinical diagnosis requiring a change in regular medication.
  2. Breathing Technique: Pursed Lip Breathing. Justification: It creates back-pressure in the airways, preventing the premature collapse of small airways during expiration and reducing "air trapping."
  3. Target $SpO_2$: 88–92%. Justification: High-flow oxygen can suppress the "hypoxic drive" in CO2- retaining patients, leading to respiratory failure.
  4. Reliever Medication: Salbutamol (Ventolin). Justification: It is a Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) used for immediate bronchodilation.

Domain 2: Neurological

Case 5: Acute Stroke (Left MCA)

  1. Mobilization Strategy: Early mobilization within 24–48 hours, but NOT "Very Early" (within 24 hours) for high-intensity.

Justification: In OKC, the distal segment (foot) moves freely. (Note: Australian protocols often introduce this after 6–12 weeks to protect the graft).

Domain 4: Professional Practice

  1. Unsafe Colleague: Discuss with the colleague first, then report if patient safety is at risk. Justification: AHPRA Code of Conduct encourages professional resolution, but mandatory reporting applies if the conduct constitutes "notifiable conduct."
  2. Refusal of Treatment: Respect the patient's autonomy but document the risks explained. Justification: A competent adult has the right to refuse treatment. The physio must ensure the patient understands the consequences (like DVT) and document this discussion thoroughly.
  3. Informed Consent: Voluntary agreement after being told the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Justification: It is not just a signature; it is an ongoing process of ensuring the patient understands the clinical rationale.
  4. Record Keeping: 7 years after the last entry (or until age 25 for children). Justification: This is the standard legal requirement under Australian health privacy laws.