A physical therapist instructs a patient on the proper use of a walker. Which sequence of steps is MOST appropriate for a patient with a partial weight-bearing status?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because when a patient has a partial weight-bearing status, they should first advance the walker to provide support, then advance the affected leg to ensure stability, and finally advance the unaffected leg to complete the step. This sequence ensures that the patient maintains balance and support throughout the movement. Choice B is incorrect because advancing the unaffected leg first may lead to instability. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the unaffected leg before the walker does not provide proper support. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the affected leg first without walker support can risk falls.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: S3. In heart failure, S3 heart sound is often heard due to rapid ventricular filling during early diastole. This sound is associated with volume overload and impaired left ventricular function. S1 and S2 are normal heart sounds, while S4 is associated with stiff ventricles and is commonly heard in conditions like hypertension or aortic stenosis. Therefore, S3 is the most commonly associated heart sound with heart failure due to its specific characteristics in this condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer because comparing the apical and radial pulses helps determine the regularity of the heart rate. If they are not synchronized, it may indicate an underlying cardiac issue. A is incorrect as an irregular pulse is not normal. B is unnecessary without further assessment. D is incorrect as palpating carotid arteries for thrills does not address the irregularity of the apical pulse.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The dullness on percussion over the right lower lung field suggests consolidation or pleural effusion. Consolidation refers to the filling of air spaces in the lungs with fluid, pus, or cellular debris, leading to solidification of lung tissue and dullness on percussion. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can also cause dullness on percussion due to the presence of fluid in the lung field. This finding is not indicative of normal lung tissue (Option A), as dullness is not expected over normal lung tissue. Pneumothorax (Option B) is characterized by hyperresonance on percussion due to the presence of air in the pleural space. Hyperinflation of the lung (Option D) would typically present with hyperresonance on percussion due to increased air volume in the lungs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Parkinson's disease progression. This is the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms due to his history of Parkinson's disease and the presence of typical Parkinsonian features such as rigidity, bradykinesia, and shuffling gait. Levodopa is a common medication used to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The progression of Parkinson's disease can lead to worsening motor symptoms over time, including difficulty walking. Option B: Normal aging is incorrect because the patient's symptoms are not solely due to the aging process, but rather are consistent with the known condition of Parkinson's disease. Option C: Cerebellar ataxia is unlikely as the patient's symptoms align more closely with Parkinsonian features rather than cerebellar dysfunction. Option D: Spinal cord compression is not the most likely cause as the patient's symptoms are more characteristic of Parkinson's disease progression rather than symptoms typically associated with spinal cord compression.