Free Practice PTA Exam Questions
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See what we mean with this free physical therapist assistant exam practice question.
Your Free NPTE-PTA Practice Question
An individual presents to physical therapy 2 months after fracture of the right distal clavicle and coracoid process. Both fractures were treated conservatively and non-operatively. The patient reports pain with shoulder AROM. The pain is localized anteriorly and is inferior to the clavicle. The therapist suspects possible malunion. Which of the following muscles should be assessed to confirm involvement of the coracoid process?
- A. Biceps brachii, coracobrachialis, and pectoralis minor
- B. Pectoralis major, brachioradialis, brachialis
- C. Coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, and brachialis
- D. Pectoralis minor, brachialis, and coracobrachialis
The Answer and Explanation
Did you get it right? The correct answer is: A
The pectoralis minor, short head of the biceps brachii and coracobrachialis all have attachments on the coracoid process.
Incorrect Answers and Explanations
Answer B: The pectoralis major, brachialis, and brachioradialis do not attach to the coracoid process. Therefore testing of these muscles should not have an effect on the coracoid process directly.
Answer C: The brachialis muscle does not attach to the coracoid process. Nonetheless, the other two muscles, biceps brachii (short head) and coracobrachialis, would be correct.
Answer D: Brachialis does not attach to the coracoid process. The proximal attachment is on the distal half of the humerus, and its distal attachment is at the coronoid process and tuberosity of the ulna.
Bottom Line
The correct answer is biceps brachii, coracobrachialis, and pectoralis minor. The coracoid process is a bony landmark with specific muscle attachments. Clear knowledge of unique anatomical structures such as these allows for better differentiation of the areas are involved during musculoskeletal examination, especially when pain is present in a general region, such as the shoulder complex
For more information, see:
Kendall FP, McCreary EK, Provance PG. Muscles: Testing and function with Posture and Pain. 5th ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005. 290, 313, 320 p.
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