Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

With a complete C7 tetraplegia patient, what level of assist can be expected for lower extremity dressing in bed?

1. Dependent

2. Minimum assistance

3. Modified independence

4. Complete independence

The correct answer is: Modified independence

In the case of a patient with complete C7 tetraplegia, this condition generally allows for significant functional independence in upper body tasks due to retained elbow extension and wrist function. These capabilities enable the patient to perform many activities of daily living, including dressing with some adaptation. When dressing the lower extremities while in bed, the patient can typically use upper body strength and function to manage this task with minimal assistance. For instance, they can often reach their feet with their hands, maneuver clothing into position, and pull it up or down, although they may require some help with positioning or securing items, especially when dealing with more complex garments or fasteners. In contrast, patients with more severe levels of injury or functional limitations would generally require more physical assistance or rely heavily on caregivers, making the options of dependent or requiring greater assistance more fitting for those scenarios. Thus, modified independence is the best answer for a complete C7 tetraplegia patient, reflecting their ability to perform lower extremity dressing with some level of assistance but without total dependency on another person.