A physical therapist assesses a patient's perception of pain using a visual analog scale (VAS). What type of data does the VAS provide?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ordinal. A visual analog scale (VAS) provides data that can be ranked in order of magnitude (e.g., mild pain, moderate pain, severe pain). This indicates an ordinal scale, where the categories have a meaningful order but the differences between them may not be equal. Nominal data (choice A) is used for categories with no inherent order. Interval (choice C) and ratio (choice D) scales involve equal intervals and a true zero point, which are not present in VAS data.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Terminal knee extensions. This exercise specifically targets the VMO due to the positioning of the knee at the end range of extension, where the VMO is most activated. This helps to strengthen and stabilize the patella. Straight leg raises (A) mainly target the hip flexors. Short arc quadriceps exercises (B) primarily activate the entire quadriceps muscle group. Step-down exercises (C) focus on overall lower limb strength and control, not specifically targeting the VMO. Thus, terminal knee extensions are the most appropriate choice to isolate and strengthen the VMO in the context of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of performing light palpation during an abdominal examination is to evaluate surface characteristics and tenderness. This technique allows the examiner to feel for any abnormalities in the skin, muscles, and superficial organs. Light palpation is not used to detect deep masses (A), which would require deeper palpation. Organ enlargement (B) is better assessed through deep palpation or percussion. Assessing bowel motility (D) is typically done through auscultation rather than palpation. Therefore, choice C is correct as it aligns with the standard procedure for light palpation during an abdominal examination.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the 'plan' portion of the clinical record typically includes details about the intended course of action for the patient's treatment or management. In this case, providing a referral to a social worker is a specific plan of action to address the patient's needs beyond medical treatment. Choices A, C, and D provide information about the patient's current condition or symptoms, which would typically be recorded in the 'assessment' or 'subjective' portions of the clinical record.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the review of systems documents the patient's symptoms and issues related to various organ systems. In this case, the patient denying chest pain, palpitations, or orthopnea indicates the absence of cardiovascular symptoms. Choice B focuses on a single blood pressure reading, which is not part of the review of systems. Choice C is specific to abdominal pain and its onset, which is not a comprehensive review of systems. Choice D pertains to family history, which is typically documented separately from the review of systems. Therefore, choice A best represents information documented in the review of systems.