The physical therapist makes the following note in the patient's medical record: "A 20-year-old female patient with cerebral palsy was evaluated today and noted to have increased spasticity in the upper limbs."
A)The patient is unable to move her arms, and the arms have decreased muscle tone.
B)The patient's arms move about in an uncoordinated fashion.
C)The patient's arm muscles are tightly bent, and it is difficult to straighten them.
D)The patient's arms are moving in a writhing motion.
E)The patient's legs and arms are paralyzed, and have no muscle tone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased spasticity refers to an increase in muscle tone, making it difficult to move the limb smoothly. Tight bending of the arm muscles is a common sign of increased spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy. Choices A, B, D, and E are not consistent with the description of increased spasticity in the upper limbs.

The Physical Therapist Makes the Following Note in the Patient's