Station Exam Assessment Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical number of assessment techniques that may be indicated on the station exam?

3-5

10-12

6-9 (correct)

12-15

What is the crucial step the candidate should take before performing an assessment?

State which test is being performed (correct)

Ensure the test is performed bilaterally

Explain the purpose of the test to the patient

Instruct the patient on the expected movements

What should the candidate state to the patient before performing the assessment?

The purpose of the test

The general procedure of the test

The position the patient is expected to be in

All of the above (correct)

If the exam requires a bilateral assessment, what should the candidate state to the evaluators?

That the test will be performed bilaterally Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic formula the candidate should follow for each assessment?

Name, Purpose, Instructions, Bilateral Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of eliciting patient feedback during an assessment?

To grade the test and determine if it is positive or negative Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a necessary step in performing an assessment?

Performing the actions of the test in a random order Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate do if the assessment technique does not rely on patient feedback?

Rely solely on their own observations and feelings Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate do before performing the assessment?

Ensure the patient is in the appropriate position Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step in the 'Purpose' phase before performing the test?

Stating the general procedure of the test to the patient Signup and view all the answers

During the 'Procedure' phase, what should be the candidate's main focus while assisting the patient?

Ensuring patient's comfort and safety Signup and view all the answers

In the 'Findings' phase, what is the primary purpose of assigning a grade to the test finding?

For evaluating the candidate's performance Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate do regarding eliciting patient feedback during an assessment?

Elicit feedback early to guide further assessment steps Signup and view all the answers

When assessing bilaterally, what should be clearly stated to the evaluators?

The intent to perform identical actions on each side Signup and view all the answers

In which phase of the assessment process should the candidate describe what was felt or visualized during the test?

'Findings' phase Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

During the 'Instructions' phase, what should be stated to the patient?

The general procedure of the test Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect should NOT be included when providing instructions to the patient?

The candidate's favorite movie Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step in the 'Purpose' phase before performing the palpation test?

Identifying the purpose of performing the palpation assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step for the candidate to follow before performing the assessment?

Explaining the purpose of the test to the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during the 'Procedure' phase when assisting the patient?

Assisting the patient with the general procedure of the test Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate do regarding eliciting patient feedback during an assessment?

Asking for feedback on what the patient felt or experienced Signup and view all the answers

In which phase should the candidate describe what was felt or visualized during the test?

Findings Signup and view all the answers

What should be clearly stated to the evaluators when assessing bilaterally?

Whether the test is to be done unilaterally Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a common step in providing instructions to the patient?

Describing movements or actions to be performed by the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the trail method used in palpating the anatomical structure?

To provide greater certainty in finding the correct structure Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the starting landmark the candidate should use when palpating the biceps brachii muscle?

The clavicle Signup and view all the answers

What action should the candidate ask the patient to do during muscle palpation?

Contract the muscle Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate focus on while palpating towards the insertion of a muscle?

Outline the structure while checking in for tenderness Signup and view all the answers

During the 4 'T's of palpation, what should the candidate enquire about first?

Any pain or tenderness in the area Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the candidate to state that they would palpate bilaterally if relevant?

To compare structures and detect differences Signup and view all the answers

What does enquiring about pressure/tenderness during palpation indicate?

Patient care and consideration Signup and view all the answers

Why should the candidate outline the structure while still checking in with the patient for tenderness during palpation?

To demonstrate knowledge to examiners Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate do before performing the palpation assessment?

Ensure the patient is in the correct position and ready for the assessment Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate address when providing the clinical impression from a palpation assessment?

The four 'T's: Tenderness, Tone, Texture, and Temperature Signup and view all the answers

How should the candidate state their findings for Tone, Texture, and Temperature during the palpation assessment?

State exactly what they felt during palpation Signup and view all the answers

When should the candidate address the four 'T's during the palpation assessment?

While they are still palpating and outlining the area Signup and view all the answers

How should the candidate address Tenderness during the palpation assessment?

Reiterate what the standardized patient stated Signup and view all the answers

In which order should the candidate address the four 'T's during the palpation assessment?

The order is not specified in the given information Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of performing an acromioclavicular joint palpation assessment?

To identify any abnormalities within the joint structure Signup and view all the answers

During the palpation assessment, where does the candidate typically place their hands before moving towards the AC joint?

On the sternoclavicular joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended positioning for the patient during an acromioclavicular joint palpation assessment?

Laying down on their back Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate do after palpating over the AC joint of the patient?

Ask about any pain or tenderness experienced by the patient Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate confirm with the patient before beginning a palpation assessment?

If they have any questions about the test Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the crucial step the candidate should take before performing an assessment?

State the name of the specific test being performed. Signup and view all the answers

If the exam requires a bilateral assessment, what should the candidate state to the evaluators?

That the assessment will be performed bilaterally. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step in the 'Purpose' phase before performing the test?

Stating the purpose of the test to the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing a palpation assessment during the 'Check In' step?

To ask the patient for feedback on the process Signup and view all the answers

Where does the candidate typically place their hands before moving towards the AC joint during the palpation assessment?

On the sternoclavicular joint Signup and view all the answers

What is a common step for the candidate to follow before performing an assessment?

Ask about any pain or discomfort experienced Signup and view all the answers

What should the candidate state to the patient during the 'Procedure' phase of the assessment?

'I am moving laterally along your collarbone.' Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for the candidate to indicate on themselves where they will be palpating?

To check for patient understanding Signup and view all the answers

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:
1. Name the test: State which test is being performed and identify the anatomical structure being palpated
2. Purpose of the test: Identify the purpose of performing the palpation assessment
3. 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
4. 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"

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Description

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.