75 Questions
What is the typical number of assessment techniques that may be indicated on the station exam?
6-9
What is the crucial step the candidate should take before performing an assessment?
State which test is being performed
What should the candidate state to the patient before performing the assessment?
All of the above
If the exam requires a bilateral assessment, what should the candidate state to the evaluators?
That the test will be performed bilaterally
What is the order in which the assessments must be performed during the exam?
The tests do not have to be performed in any particular order
What is the basic formula the candidate should follow for each assessment?
Name, Purpose, Instructions, Bilateral
What is the primary purpose of eliciting patient feedback during an assessment?
To grade the test and determine if it is positive or negative
Which of the following is NOT a necessary step in performing an assessment?
Performing the actions of the test in a random order
What should the candidate do if the assessment technique does not rely on patient feedback?
Rely solely on their own observations and feelings
Which of the following is NOT a necessary step in describing the findings of an assessment?
Comparing the findings to a predetermined list of positive/negative criteria
What should the candidate do before performing the assessment?
Ensure the patient is in the appropriate position
What is a key step in the 'Purpose' phase before performing the test?
Stating the general procedure of the test to the patient
During the 'Procedure' phase, what should be the candidate's main focus while assisting the patient?
Ensuring patient's comfort and safety
In the 'Findings' phase, what is the primary purpose of assigning a grade to the test finding?
For evaluating the candidate's performance
What should the candidate do regarding eliciting patient feedback during an assessment?
Elicit feedback early to guide further assessment steps
When assessing bilaterally, what should be clearly stated to the evaluators?
The intent to perform identical actions on each side
In which phase of the assessment process should the candidate describe what was felt or visualized during the test?
'Findings' phase
What is a crucial step for the candidate to follow for each test during the station exam?
Inform the patient which assessment is being done
Why is it important for the candidate to state the purpose of the test to the patient?
To inform the patient of the reason for the test
During the 'Instructions' phase, what should be stated to the patient?
The general procedure of the test
Which aspect should NOT be included when providing instructions to the patient?
The candidate's favorite movie
What is essential for the evaluators to know if the candidate is performing a test unilaterally during the exam?
Whether both arms are being used
Why is it recommended that tests do not have to be performed in the order listed on the exam?
To allow flexibility and adaptability during testing
What is the primary purpose of performing a palpation assessment according to the text?
To identify any palpable abnormality within the structure, including tenderness on touch.
What should the candidate do before performing the palpation assessment?
Tell the patient where they will be placing their hands to start the palpation and where they will be moving their hands to.
What is the crucial step the candidate should take before performing the palpation assessment?
State that they will perform a palpation assessment and identify which anatomical structure they will be palpating.
What should the candidate do during the 'Instructions' phase of the palpation assessment?
Tell the patient what position they will need to be in for the most efficient and effective palpation of the given structure and what to expect from the candidate.
What is the primary purpose of eliciting patient feedback during the palpation assessment?
To identify any palpable abnormality within the structure, including tenderness on touch.
What is a key step in the 'Purpose' phase before performing the palpation test?
Identifying the purpose of performing the palpation assessment.
What is a crucial step for the candidate to follow before performing the assessment?
Explaining the purpose of the test to the patient
What is the primary focus during the 'Procedure' phase when assisting the patient?
Assisting the patient with the general procedure of the test
What should the candidate do regarding eliciting patient feedback during an assessment?
Asking for feedback on what the patient felt or experienced
In which phase should the candidate describe what was felt or visualized during the test?
Findings
What should be clearly stated to the evaluators when assessing bilaterally?
Whether the test is to be done unilaterally
What is considered a common step in providing instructions to the patient?
Describing movements or actions to be performed by the patient
What is the primary purpose of the trail method used in palpating the anatomical structure?
To provide greater certainty in finding the correct structure
What should the candidate do when they have made contact with the correct anatomical structure during the palpation?
Confirm that the location where their hands are placed is where they have identified the anatomical structure to be
What is the candidate expected to do during the 'Check In' step of the palpation assessment?
Check in with the patient about any discomfort, pain, or pressure
What is the candidate expected to do during the 'Contact the Correct Structure' step of the palpation assessment?
Confirm that where their hands are placed is where they have identified the anatomical structure to be
What is the candidate expected to do during the 'Additional Step when Palpating a Muscle' of the palpation assessment?
Palpate and contract the muscle simultaneously
What is the starting landmark the candidate should use when palpating the biceps brachii muscle?
The clavicle
What action should the candidate ask the patient to do during muscle palpation?
Contract the muscle
What should the candidate focus on while palpating towards the insertion of a muscle?
Outline the structure while checking in for tenderness
During the 4 'T's of palpation, what should the candidate enquire about first?
Any pain or tenderness in the area
Why is it important for the candidate to state that they would palpate bilaterally if relevant?
To compare structures and detect differences
What does enquiring about pressure/tenderness during palpation indicate?
Patient care and consideration
Why should the candidate outline the structure while still checking in with the patient for tenderness during palpation?
To demonstrate knowledge to examiners
What is the basic formula the candidate should follow for each assessment during the station exam?
Name the test, state the purpose, and provide instructions to the patient
Why is it recommended that tests do not have to be performed in the order listed on the exam?
To allow the candidate more flexibility in their assessment approach
What should the candidate do before performing the palpation assessment?
Ensure the patient is in the correct position and ready for the assessment
During the 'Procedure' phase of the assessment, what should be the candidate's main focus while assisting the patient?
Guiding the patient through any required movements or actions for the assessment
Why is it important for the candidate to state the purpose of the test to the patient?
To ensure the patient understands the reason for the assessment and is more likely to cooperate
What should the candidate address when providing the clinical impression from a palpation assessment?
The four 'T's: Tenderness, Tone, Texture, and Temperature
How should the candidate state their findings for Tone, Texture, and Temperature during the palpation assessment?
State exactly what they felt during palpation
When should the candidate address the four 'T's during the palpation assessment?
While they are still palpating and outlining the area
How should the candidate address Tenderness during the palpation assessment?
Reiterate what the standardized patient stated
In which order should the candidate address the four 'T's during the palpation assessment?
The order is not specified in the given information
What is the main purpose of performing an acromioclavicular joint palpation assessment?
To identify any abnormalities within the joint structure
During the palpation assessment, where does the candidate typically place their hands before moving towards the AC joint?
On the sternoclavicular joint
What is the recommended positioning for the patient during an acromioclavicular joint palpation assessment?
Laying down on their back
What should the candidate do after palpating over the AC joint of the patient?
Ask about any pain or tenderness experienced by the patient
What is a crucial step before beginning a palpation assessment of the acromioclavicular joint?
Having the patient lay down and providing knee support with a pillow
What should the candidate confirm with the patient before beginning a palpation assessment?
If they have any questions about the test
What should the candidate do during the 'Instructions' phase of an assessment?
State the general procedure of the test to the patient, including patient positioning, hand placement, movements, and bilateral assessment if applicable.
Which of the following is NOT a necessary step when performing an assessment during the station exam?
Providing a detailed anatomical description of the structures being assessed.
Why is it recommended that tests do not have to be performed in the order listed on the exam?
To provide flexibility in case some assessments are contraindicated.
What is the crucial step the candidate should take before performing an assessment?
State the name of the specific test being performed.
If the exam requires a bilateral assessment, what should the candidate state to the evaluators?
That the assessment will be performed bilaterally.
What is a key step in the 'Purpose' phase before performing the test?
Stating the purpose of the test to the patient.
What is the primary purpose of performing a palpation assessment during the 'Check In' step?
To ask the patient for feedback on the process
Where does the candidate typically place their hands before moving towards the AC joint during the palpation assessment?
On the sternoclavicular joint
What is a common step for the candidate to follow before performing an assessment?
Ask about any pain or discomfort experienced
What should the candidate state to the patient during the 'Procedure' phase of the assessment?
'I am moving laterally along your collarbone.'
What aspect should NOT be included when providing instructions to the patient for an acromioclavicular joint palpation assessment?
Order in which assessments will be performed
Why is it crucial for the candidate to indicate on themselves where they will be palpating?
To check for patient understanding
Study Notes
General Protocol for Assessment Techniques
- 6-9 assessment techniques may be indicated on the station exam, which may vary by province
- Each assessment technique follows the same basic formula:
- Name: State which test is being performed
- Purpose: State the purpose of the test to the patient
- Instructions: State the general procedure of the test to the patient
- Procedure: Perform the correct actions of the test in the correct order
- Findings: Describe the findings of the test based on the assessment technique
Palpation Assessment Technique
- Palpation is a valuable assessment tool for Massage Therapists
- The candidate must demonstrate their ability to perform a quality palpation assessment on the correct anatomical structure
- Steps for palpation assessment:
- Name the test: State which test is being performed and identify the anatomical structure being palpated
- Purpose of the test: Identify the purpose of performing the palpation assessment
- Patient instructions: Inform the patient of the position they need to be in, what to expect, and where the candidate will be placing their hands
- Palpating the anatomical structure:
- Step 1: Position the patient
- Step 2: Identify the starting landmark and direction of movement
- Step 3: Check in with the patient about discomfort, pain, or pressure
- Step 4: Contact the correct structure and confirm with the patient
- Step 5: Additional step for palpating a muscle (ask the patient to contract the muscle)
- Step 6: Outline the structure while checking in with the patient for tenderness
- Step 7: Check in about pressure/tenderness during the palpation (one of the 4 "T"s of palpation)
4 "T"s of Palpation
- Tenderness: Enquire about pain or tenderness in the area
- Tone: State exactly what was felt during palpation
- Texture: State exactly what was felt during palpation
- Temperature: State exactly what was felt during palpation
Example of Acromioclavicular Joint Palpation
- Introduce the test: "I am going to be performing a palpation assessment of the acromioclavicular joint"
- Purpose of the test: "The purpose of performing a palpation assessment is to identify any palpable abnormality within the structure including tenderness on touch"
- Positioning: "I will have you lay down on your back, and I will place a pillow under your knees for comfort"
- Instructions: "I will then place my hands along your collarbone, then move outward towards your AC joint, which is here"
- Check-in: "Do you have any questions about this test before I begin? Is it okay if I proceed with this test?"
- Procedure: "I am going to be placing my hands on the sternoclavicular joint and moving laterally along the clavicle. Is my pressure okay? Any pain or discomfort?"
- Locating the structure: "I am now over the AC joint. Are you experiencing any pain or tenderness as I palpate this area?"
- Palpating the structure: "The patient has indicated that they are not (or are) experiencing tenderness over the joint as I palpate it"
Learn about the expectations and general protocol for station exams, including the use of 6-9 assessment techniques. Understand the importance of following a basic formula for each test during the exam.
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