A physical therapist observes a patient performing a deep squat. Which muscle group is MOST active during the ascent phase?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The hip extensors are most active during the ascent phase of a deep squat as they are responsible for extending the hip joint, which is required to stand up from the squat position. Knee flexors, ankle dorsiflexors, and trunk flexors are not primarily responsible for the movement pattern of ascending from a deep squat. Hip extensors play a crucial role in this phase by generating the necessary force to lift the body upright.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Examine the lips and oral mucosa. In dark-skinned patients, cyanosis may not be easily visible on the skin. Lips and oral mucosa are more sensitive areas where cyanosis can be detected early. Inspecting the sclera (choice A) may not show cyanosis accurately. Palpating the skin for coolness (choice C) is not a specific method for detecting cyanosis. Assessing capillary refill in the fingers (choice D) is more related to circulation status rather than directly assessing for cyanosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of assessing for rebound tenderness during an abdominal examination is to evaluate for peritoneal inflammation. Rebound tenderness indicates irritation of the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity. This can be a sign of serious conditions like peritonitis. Organ enlargement (Choice A) may not necessarily cause rebound tenderness. Ascites (Choice B) is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which may not directly cause rebound tenderness. Identifying abdominal masses (Choice D) is important but may not be the primary purpose of assessing for rebound tenderness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of performing percussion over the costovertebral angle is to assess kidney tenderness. This technique, known as CVA tenderness, helps identify potential kidney issues such as infections or kidney stones. By tapping over this area, any tenderness or pain indicates underlying kidney pathology. This is crucial in diagnosing conditions like pyelonephritis or renal stones. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Liver enlargement is typically detected through palpation and imaging studies, not percussion over the costovertebral angle. C: Evaluating diaphragmatic excursion involves assessing the movement of the diaphragm during respiration, which is not related to percussion in the CVA region. D: Detecting fluid in the lungs is usually done through auscultation and imaging studies, not percussion over the costovertebral angle.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absent dorsalis pedis pulse. This finding is most concerning as it indicates a significant impairment in arterial blood flow to the foot, potentially leading to severe complications such as tissue necrosis or limb ischemia. Absence of the dorsalis pedis pulse suggests a severe blockage or narrowing in the arteries supplying the foot, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. Capillary refill of 2 seconds (choice A) is within the normal range and indicates adequate peripheral circulation. Bilateral pitting edema (choice B) can be a sign of venous insufficiency but is not as urgent as an absent dorsalis pedis pulse. Warm and pink extremities (choice D) indicate good tissue perfusion and are positive findings in a vascular assessment.