Chapter 25: Sports Participation Evaluation

Question 1

The goals of preparticipation sports evaluation include
a. screening for steroid use or abuse.
b. determining the best fit for positions in each sport.
c. determining the risk of injury or death during sports participation.
d. securing a legal contract before recommending limiting participation.

Answer 1

ANS: C
The ultimate goal of preparticipation physical evaluation is to ensure safe participation in an
appropriate sports activity.

Question 2

The checkout station for preparticipation physical evaluation is critical because at this point
a. all completed forms are distributed.
b. parental signatures are obtained.
c. the relevant history is obtained.
d. the coordination of follow-ups is reviewed.

Answer 2

ANS: D
At the checkout station, data collected during the evaluation are reviewed and necessary
follow-up actions are shared with the athlete and/or parents. In addition, the written report is
distributed.

Question 3

You are conducting a preparticipation physical examination for a 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome who will be playing basketball. She has slight torticollis and mild ankle clonus.
Which additional diagnostic test would be required for her?
a. Cervical spine radiography
b. Visual acuity
c. Mini-Mental State Examination
d. Nerve conduction studies

Answer 3

ANS: A
This girl is experiencing symptoms of atlantoaxial joint instability and should therefore have
cervical spine radiography with neurologic consultation before beginning sports activities

Question 4

Part of the screening orthopedic component of the examination includes evaluating the person
while he or she is
a. performing push-ups.
b. duck walking.
c. twisting at the waist.
d. crossing the arms over the chest.

Answer 4

ANS: B
Duck walking for four steps assesses hip, knee, and ankle range of motion, strength, and
balance.

Question 5

Your 15-year-old patient is athletic and thin. Radiography of an ankle injury reveals a stress fracture. You should question this patient about her
a. sleep patterns.
b. salt intake.
c. aerobic workouts.
d. menstrual cycles.

Answer 5

ANS: D
The lean body encourages a hypoestrogenic state that can lead to menstrual dysfunction and
osteopenia or osteoporosis. This state increases the risk of stress fractures. The patient should
be questioned about amenorrhea.

Question 6

One of the most important aspects to consider in the orthopedic screening examination is
a. muscle contraction.
b. flexibility.
c. symmetry.
d. balance.

Answer 6

ANS: C
The most important aspects to consider when conducting an orthopedic examination are
symmetry of muscle, stature, and joint movement.

Question 7

Which medical condition would exclude a person from sports participation?
a. Asthma
b. Fever
c. Controlled seizures
d. HIV-positive status

Answer 7

ANS: B
Fever can increase cardiopulmonary effort and impair exercise capacity; fever can indicate
myocarditis or other infections that make exercise dangerous.

Question 8

A parent is advised to restrict contact sports participation for their child. An example of a
sport in which this child could participate is
a. hockey.
b. roller skating.
c. riflery.
d. skateboarding.

Answer 8

ANS: C
Riflery is a noncontact sport. Hockey is considered a collision sport. Roller skating and
skateboarding are considered to be limited contact sports.

Question 9

A child has a poorly controlled seizure disorder. He has restricted sports participation but
would be able to engage in
a. archery.
b. swimming.
c. weight lifting.
d. badminton.

Answer 9

ANS: D
Badminton does not pose an added risk to self or others if the child experiences a seizure
during participation.

Question 10

You are auscultating heart tones as part of a sports physical examination. You hear a murmur
at the right second intercostal space (aortic area). The murmur increases in intensity when this
teenager goes from a sitting to standing position. The subsequent recommendation should be
to
a. consult a cardiologist as soon as possible.
b. have a stress test before completion of the form.
c. participate in low-static, high-dynamic sports.
d. limit contact sports and have an echocardiogram.

Answer 10

ANS: A
The murmur of aortic stenosis is indicative of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which may be
the cause of sudden death in children and adolescents at rest or during exercise. Therefore, a
cardiology consult should be requested as soon as possible.

Question 11

Why should the preparticipation sports examination take place well in advance of the planned
sports activity? (Select all that apply.)
a. To allow completion of therapy for identified problems
b. Because routine health maintenance needs to be addressed
c. Because it should be 6 weeks prior to the planned sports event
d. To allow completion of follow-up testing

Answer 11

ANS: A, D
The preparticipation sports examination should be completed well enough in advance of the
planned sports activity so that rehabilitation or therapy for any problems can be completed, as
well as any follow-up testing or referrals.