AHPC Licensure Examination — Prosthetics & Orthotics

Sample Prosthetics & Orthotics practice questions

Try these 12 questions from different topics. Open "Show answer" to check yourself and read the explanation.

1. Question 1 · Assessment & Device Prescription

   What should drive selection of a prosthesis or orthosis?

   1. A.The person’s goals, clinical and functional assessment, environment and available follow-up
   2. B.The most expensive device regardless of need
   3. C.Appearance alone
   4. D.A standard design without assessment
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The person’s goals, clinical and functional assessment, environment and available follow-up

   Appropriate provision is person-centred and matches the device to function, context and service capacity.

2. Question 2 · Fit, Alignment & Skin Safety

   A prosthesis user develops persistent redness that does not fade after the device is removed. What should they be advised?

   1. A.Tighten the socket further
   2. B.Stop or limit use and obtain prompt fit and skin assessment
   3. C.Ignore it until skin breaks down
   4. D.Apply heat and continue all-day use
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Stop or limit use and obtain prompt fit and skin assessment

   Persistent redness can indicate excessive pressure and requires early review to prevent tissue injury.

3. Question 3 · Service Delivery & Follow-up

   Why is planned follow-up essential after a device is supplied?

   1. A.A device can never require adjustment
   2. B.Training is unrelated to safe use
   3. C.Fit, function, the person’s condition and repair needs can change over time
   4. D.Follow-up is needed only if the device is lost
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Fit, function, the person’s condition and repair needs can change over time

   Prosthetics and orthotics services include assessment, fitting, training, maintenance and continuing review.

4. Question 4 · Amputation & Lower-Limb Prosthetics

   In Ghana, major lower-limb amputations are most commonly caused by:

   1. A.Congenital limb deficiency present at birth in most cases
   2. B.Frostbite
   3. C.Sports injuries only
   4. D.Diabetes complications and trauma
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Diabetes complications and trauma

   Diabetic foot disease and road crashes account for many amputations.

5. Question 5 · Upper-Limb Prosthetics

   A body-powered upper-limb prosthesis is operated by:

   1. A.Electrical signals from muscles recorded by skin electrodes
   2. B.Batteries alone
   3. C.Body movements transmitted through a harness and cable
   4. D.Voice commands
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Body movements transmitted through a harness and cable

   Myoelectric prostheses use electromyographic signals from residual muscles.

6. Question 6 · Amputation Levels & Residual Limb Care

   A Syme's amputation is performed at the level of the:

   1. A.Mid-thigh, through the shaft of the femur
   2. B.Knee joint
   3. C.Ankle joint, retaining the heel pad
   4. D.Toes only
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Ankle joint, retaining the heel pad

   The weight-bearing heel pad allows end-bearing on the residual limb.

7. Question 7 · Lower-Limb Orthotics

   Orthoses control joint movement mainly by applying:

   1. A.A single force at the joint to push it into place
   2. B.Heat to the soft tissues
   3. C.Electrical stimulation
   4. D.A three-point pressure system
   Show answer

   Answer: D. A three-point pressure system

   Two forces on one side and an opposing force on the other control the joint.

8. Question 8 · Spinal, Upper-Limb & Paediatric Orthotics

   After Ponseti casting for clubfoot, the foot abduction brace is usually worn:

   1. A.Only during the day for one month
   2. B.Never
   3. C.Full time for ~3 months, then nights
   4. D.Only until the child walks
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Full time for ~3 months, then nights

   Poor brace adherence is the main cause of relapse.

9. Question 9 · Materials, Biomechanics & Footwear

   Plaster of Paris casting in P&O is used to:

   1. A.Capture the limb's shape
   2. B.Make the finished orthosis that the patient wears every day
   3. C.Sterilise devices
   4. D.Measure muscle strength
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Capture the limb's shape

   The positive model is modified before forming the device; CAD/CAM scanning is an alternative.

10. Question 10 · Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology

    The rotator cuff muscle most commonly torn, which initiates shoulder abduction, is the:

    1. A.Supraspinatus
    2. B.Subscapularis, which internally rotates the humerus at the shoulder
    3. C.Teres major
    4. D.Deltoid
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Supraspinatus

    Supraspinatus initiates abduction; infraspinatus and teres minor rotate externally.

11. Question 11 · Neuroanatomy & Neurological Conditions

    Signs of an upper motor neurone lesion include:

    1. A.Flaccid weakness with muscle wasting and fasciculations
    2. B.Absent reflexes
    3. C.Fasciculations only
    4. D.Spasticity, brisk reflexes and an extensor plantar response
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Spasticity, brisk reflexes and an extensor plantar response

    LMN lesions cause flaccidity, wasting, reduced reflexes and fasciculations.

12. Question 12 · Exercise Physiology

    Age-predicted maximum heart rate is commonly estimated as:

    1. A.180 minus the person's age in years, for every adult
    2. B.220 minus age
    3. C.100 plus age
    4. D.200 plus half the age
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 220 minus age

    It guides exercise intensity, though individual values vary.