Question

Which of the following statements is true concerning the musculoskeletal exam?

A) The uninvolved side should be examined initially and compared to the involved side.
B) The part of the body that is causing the patient pain should be examined first.
C) The patient should not be asked to perform ROM exercises whenever possible to avoid causing pain.
D) Radiographs should always be obtained prior to exam so as not to cause further injury to the patient.

Answer 1

The correct approach during a musculoskeletal exam is to initially examine the uninvolved side and compare it to the involved side to establish a baseline for the patient's normal function.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements concerning the musculoskeletal exam, the true one is that A) The uninvolved side should be examined initially and compared to the involved side. This approach allows the practitioner to establish a baseline for the patient's normal function and to more accurately assess the difference in strength, range of motion (ROM), and presence of pain or discomfort. During the exam, the patient may perform various maneuvers such as flexion, extension, and lateral flexion of the neck, as well as shrugging the shoulders against resistance to test muscle strength. It's important to note that severe pain should be accounted for and radiographs or other imaging techniques may be used when structural damage is suspected, but they aren't always obtained prior to the initial examination.