INTRODUCTION
CAPR provides 50 sample questions for PCE written exam. These practice questions are available as a resource for candidates preparing for the Written Component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE).
Let’s answer these questions and try to find the reasons.
A 38-year-old man is seeking treatment at an out-patient physiotherapy clinic for an insidious onset of right ankle and shin pain. The client states that the pain has been present for two weeks and is now unrelenting, even at night, and has spread from the ankle into the shin. He is a regular jogger and has
not changed his training regime. He believes his pain is related to running. He has not seen his family
physician about this problem because his physician is away for two weeks. He does not have a history of leg injuries and is in excellent health, except for a recent tooth infection.
- Which of the following reports from the client’s history may lead the physiotherapist to suspect a diagnosis of osteomyelitis?
A. Pain at night.
B. Recent history of infection.
C. Lack of mechanism of injury.
D. Pattern and location of the painful area.
The answer is “B”
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, typically caused by bacteria. When evaluating the client’s history, a recent history of infection, as mentioned in option B, can raise suspicion of osteomyelitis.
Option A, pain at night, is a nonspecific symptom and can be present in various conditions. While it can occur in osteomyelitis, it is not exclusive to this condition and can be present in other musculoskeletal or inflammatory disorders.
Option C, lack of mechanism of injury, refers to the absence of a specific incident or trauma that caused the onset of symptoms. While osteomyelitis can occur without a specific injury, its diagnosis is not solely based on the absence of a known cause.
Option D, the pattern and location of the painful area, may provide additional clues but is not specific to osteomyelitis. The client’s symptoms of ankle and shin pain, spreading from the ankle into the shin, can be seen in various musculoskeletal conditions and may require further investigation to determine the exact cause.
Therefore, a recent history of infection, as mentioned in option B, is a more significant factor that may lead the physiotherapist to suspect a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. However, it is important to note that a proper medical evaluation and diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
- After completing the assessment, the physiotherapist suspects that the client may have osteomyelitis. Which of the following courses of action would be most appropriate for the physiotherapist to take?
A. Commence treatment and closely monitor his symptoms.
B. Recommend immediate consultation with a physician.
C. Suggest that the client contact his physician in two weeks.
D. Contact the client’s physician in two weeks to review the client’s condition.
The answer is “B”
Given the client’s symptoms of insidious onset of unrelenting pain in the right ankle and shin, which has spread and is present even at night, and considering the possibility of osteomyelitis, it is crucial for the physiotherapist to recommend immediate consultation with a physician.
Osteomyelitis is a serious infection of the bone that requires medical intervention. Delaying evaluation and treatment can lead to complications and potential worsening of the condition. Since the client’s family physician is away for two weeks, it is important to advise the client to seek medical attention from another healthcare professional who can evaluate and diagnose the condition promptly.
Option A, commencing treatment and closely monitoring the client’s symptoms, is not appropriate without a definitive diagnosis. Osteomyelitis requires medical management, which may include antibiotics or other interventions, and should be determined by a physician.
Option C, suggesting that the client contact his physician in two weeks, is not suitable given the severity and persistence of the symptoms. Delaying evaluation and treatment for two weeks could have adverse effects on the client’s condition.
Option D, contacting the client’s physician in two weeks to review the client’s condition, is not the most appropriate course of action. As a physiotherapist, it is important to refer the client to a physician for timely assessment and appropriate management.
In summary, based on the client’s symptoms and the suspicion of osteomyelitis, it is crucial for the physiotherapist to recommend immediate consultation with a physician to ensure prompt and appropriate medical care.
CONCLUSION
We tried to answer three items from the CAPR sample questions. How was your result?
I will post other questions with explanations, so let’s beat the exam together!
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