Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following modalities is considered superficial heat therapy?

Infrared lamp. ### Explanation In physical medicine, heat therapy is classified into **superficial** and **deep** heating modalities based on the depth of tissue penetration. **1. Why Infrared Lamp is Correct:** Infrared (IR) therapy is a form of **superficial heat**. It utilizes electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 750 nm and 400,000 nm. The energy is absorbed primarily by the epidermis and dermis, penetrating to a depth of only **1–3 mm**. It works via the principle of radiation to increase local blood flow and relieve pain in superficial structures. Other examples of superficial heat include Hot Packs, Paraffin Wax Bath, and Hydrotherapy. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Shortwave Diathermy (SWD):** Uses high-frequency electromagnetic current (27.12 MHz) to produce heat via molecular oscillation. It is a **deep heating** modality, reaching depths of **3–5 cm**. * **Microwave Diathermy (MWD):** Uses higher frequencies (2450 MHz) than SWD. It provides **deep heat**, primarily targeting tissues with high water content like muscles. * **Ultrasonic Therapy (UST):** Uses high-frequency sound waves (1–3 MHz) to produce thermal and non-thermal effects. It is the **deepest** heating modality, effectively reaching the bone-muscle interface (up to **5 cm or more**). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Depth Rule:** Superficial heat (<1 cm); Deep heat (3–5 cm). * **Contraindication:** Never use deep heat (SWD/MWD) in patients with **metallic implants** or cardiac pacemakers due to the risk of burns and interference. * **UST Speciality:** It is the treatment of choice for **tendonitis** and **plantar fasciitis** due to its ability to focus energy on dense collagenous tissues. * **Paraffin Wax Bath:** The modality of choice for small joints of hands/feet in **Rheumatoid Arthritis** (chronic stage).

Q: True about "ROM therapy" is -

All of the options. ***All of the options*** - **Range of motion (ROM) therapy** is crucial for maintaining and improving **joint function** by addressing multiple physiological aspects. - It effectively **reduces pain and stiffness**, **enhances joint flexibility**, and **increases local blood flow**, all contributing to overall joint health and recovery. *Reduces pain and stiffness* - While ROM therapy does **reduce pain and stiffness**, this only represents one aspect of its broader benefits. - Focusing solely on this outcome overlooks its other important physiological contributions. *Improves joint flexibility* - **Improving joint flexibility** is a primary goal and outcome of ROM therapy, but it is not the only benefit. - This option misses the comprehensive nature of ROM therapy's effects on the musculoskeletal system. *Increases blood flow* - **Increased blood flow** is a direct physiological benefit of active and passive ROM exercises, aiding tissue nutrition and waste removal. - However, like the other options, it alone does not encompass all the positive effects of ROM therapy.

Q: While using axillary crutches, elbow should be flexed to:

30 degrees. ***30 degrees*** - A **30-degree elbow flexion** allows for proper weight bearing through the hands and prevents injury to the **axillary nerves and blood vessels**. - This angle provides the best mechanical advantage for stability and ambulation with **axillary crutches**. *20 degrees* - This degree of flexion is typically **insufficient** and would lead to the crutches being too high, potentially causing **axillary nerve compression**. - It would also make it harder to bear weight through the hands effectively. *10 degrees* - This flexion is **too small**, indicating the crutches are too long, which increases the risk of **axillary nerve damage** and poor balance. - The patient would have difficulty generating the necessary force to move forward. *40 degrees* - This degree of flexion means the crutches are **too short**, forcing the patient to bend excessively and leading to **poor posture** and increased exertion. - It would also compromise stability and could cause wrist pain due to excessive wrist extension.

Q: A patient has a 2-month POP (Plaster of Paris) cast for tibial fracture of the left leg. Now he needs mobilization with a single crutch. You will use this crutch on which side:

Right side. ***Right side*** - A single crutch should always be used on the **contralateral side** (opposite side) to the injured or weak leg. This helps to distribute weight and maintain balance. - Using the crutch on the uninjured side allows the patient to lean on the crutch while stepping forward with the injured leg, providing optimal **support and stability**. *Both side* - Using a single crutch on both sides interchangeably without a specific strategy would impair proper **weight bearing** and **balance**. - This approach does not offer the targeted support needed to reduce strain on the injured limb effectively. *Any side* - The choice of side for a single crutch is crucial for effective **ambulation** and injury protection; it's not arbitrary. - Placing the crutch on the ipsilateral (same) side as the injury actually increases the load on the injured limb, making walking more difficult and less safe. *Left side* - Placing the crutch on the same side as the **tibial fracture** (left leg) would be incorrect and counterproductive. - This would shift more weight onto the injured leg, increasing stress and potentially hindering healing or causing further injury.

Question 1

Which of the following modalities is considered superficial heat therapy?

Accepted Answer

Infrared lamp

Answer

Microwave diathermy

Answer

Ultrasonic therapy

Answer

Shortwave diathermy

Question 2

True about "ROM therapy" is -

Accepted Answer

All of the options

Answer

Reduces pain and stiffness

Answer

Improves joint flexibility

Answer

Increases blood flow

Question 3

While using axillary crutches, elbow should be flexed to:

Accepted Answer

30 degrees

Answer

20 degrees

Answer

10 degrees

Answer

40 degrees

Question 4

A patient has a 2-month POP (Plaster of Paris) cast for tibial fracture of the left leg. Now he needs mobilization with a single crutch. You will use this crutch on which side:

Accepted Answer

Right side

Answer

Both side

Answer

Any side

Answer

Left side

Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine — MCQs

Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine — MCQs

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