National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

How should a physical therapist grade the sitting balance of a patient with left hemiplegia who needs minimal assistance and cannot accept additional challenge?

1. Normal

2. Good

3. Fair

4. Poor

The correct answer is: Poor

In assessing the sitting balance of a patient with left hemiplegia who requires minimal assistance and is unable to accept additional challenges, "Poor" is the most appropriate grading. A "Poor" rating reflects significant limitations in balance control, indicating that the patient can maintain a sitting position but only with substantial help. The fact that the patient needs minimal assistance suggests that they are not yet able to sit independently or correct their posture without aid. Additionally, the inability to accept further challenges denotes that even slight modifications or disturbances in the sitting position would likely result in loss of balance. In contrast, a "Normal" classification would imply excellent balance and independence in the sitting position, which does not apply here due to the patient's reliance on assistive support. Similarly, a "Good" rating would suggest some level of independence with only minor assistance needed, and a "Fair" rating could indicate that the patient can maintain sitting balance with some assistance but can counterbalance to some extent. Both of these classifications are inconsistent with the observed limitations of the patient in question. Thus, the grading of "Poor" accurately captures the situation and functional capabilities of the individual under the criteria given.