National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What should a physical therapist anticipate a patient with ankylosing spondylitis will require as the disease progresses?

1. Special precautions for osteoporosis

2. A wheelchair for community mobility

3. Spinal surgery

4. Bilateral ankle-foot orthoses

The correct answer is: Special precautions for osteoporosis

A patient with ankylosing spondylitis experiences progressive inflammation and stiffness of the spine, which can lead to significant structural changes such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common complication due to the chronic inflammation associated with the disease and the potential for immobility as it progresses. As a result, a physical therapist should anticipate that the patient will require special precautions to manage the risk of fractures, particularly since the disease can weaken the bones over time. These precautions might include modifications in physical activities to avoid high-impact exercises that could lead to fractures, education on fall prevention strategies, and potentially incorporating exercises that maintain bone density, such as weight-bearing activities, while being mindful of spinal posture and alignment. While other options may be relevant under certain circumstances, they are not universally required as the disease progresses. For example, the need for a wheelchair is not common for all patients with ankylosing spondylitis, nor is spinal surgery a routine necessity. Similarly, the use of accommodations like bilateral ankle-foot orthoses would depend on individual functional impairments, which are not standard for every patient with the condition.