Example Scenarios Flashcards
A 72-year-old patient with a history of a right MCA stroke has difficulty dressing. They consistently only put their left arm through the sleeve and do not acknowledge their right sleeve. What is the likely underlying issue?
Spatial neglect (left-side inattention due to right hemisphere damage).
A patient is unable to follow multi-step instructions when preparing a simple meal, often skipping steps or performing them in the wrong order. What cognitive component may be impaired?
Executive function—difficulty with sequencing and problem-solving.
A 65-year-old patient with Parkinson’s disease struggles to initiate movement when reaching for a cup but can complete the task once movement starts. What is the likely motor component deficit?
Bradykinesia and difficulty with motor initiation.
A patient with a TBI frequently loses track of conversations, has difficulty maintaining attention in therapy sessions, and is easily distracted. What cognitive impairment is likely present?
Sustained attention deficit.
A patient recovering from a hip replacement reports pain and weakness when standing up from a low chair but does well with a higher seat. What body structure deficit is likely impacting function?
Decreased lower extremity strength and hip flexion range of motion.
A patient with multiple sclerosis reports difficulty holding a toothbrush and controlling their grip when brushing their teeth. They frequently drop it. What motor component is impaired?
Fine motor coordination and grip strength.
A 50-year-old post-stroke patient attempts to use a hairbrush to brush their teeth, despite understanding the function of each object when separately identified. What is the likely issue?
Ideational apraxia—difficulty understanding correct object use.
A patient with COPD avoids standing for long periods and struggles to complete morning grooming tasks. What underlying impairment is most relevant?
Decreased activity tolerance and fatigue due to respiratory dysfunction.
A patient with a spinal cord injury at C6 has difficulty grasping a fork but can use a tenodesis splint to bring food to their mouth. What body structure and function are impaired?
Impaired hand function and grip strength due to partial paralysis.
A patient with Alzheimer’s disease frequently forgets why they entered a room and has trouble recalling recent conversations but can describe past events in great detail. What type of memory is most affected?
Short-term and working memory deficits.
A patient with a TBI struggles to switch from one task to another, becoming fixated on one step of an activity. What executive function is impaired?
Cognitive flexibility and perseveration.
A stroke patient struggles with picking up a cup, despite being able to describe the action they need to perform. They often move their hand awkwardly before achieving the correct grip. What motor issue is likely?
Motor planning deficit (apraxia).
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has difficulty opening jars and reports stiffness and swelling in their fingers in the morning. What body structure and function are affected?
Joint inflammation, stiffness, and reduced grip strength.
A patient with visual field loss from a stroke frequently bumps into objects on one side and has trouble reading. What visual processing issue is likely?
Hemianopsia (visual field deficit).
A patient with a traumatic brain injury impulsively interrupts conversations, makes inappropriate comments, and struggles to wait their turn in a game. What executive function is impaired?
Impulsivity and self-regulation.
