Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

A physical therapist assistant determines that a standard sling seat does not provide enough support for a patient with T8 paraplegia. What position might such seating promote?

1. Anterior pelvic tilt with abduction and lateral rotation of the hips

2. Neutral pelvic alignment with balanced pelvic support

3. Posterior pelvic tilt with adduction and medial rotation of the hips

4. Neutral spine with an upright posture

The correct answer is: Posterior pelvic tilt with adduction and medial rotation of the hips

In the context of a patient with T8 paraplegia, inadequate support from a standard sling seat can significantly affect pelvic positioning and overall posture. When such seating does not provide sufficient support, it can lead to a posterior pelvic tilt. This occurs as the individual may lack the necessary support to maintain a neutral pelvic alignment, causing the pelvis to rotate backward. As a result of this posterior pelvic tilt, the hips are likely to adduct (move toward each other) and internally rotate (medial rotation). This can create a cascading effect on the rest of the body, leading to poor spinal alignment and an increased risk for discomfort or musculoskeletal issues. The other positional outcomes described in the options either promote a better alignment or an undesirable posture that is unlikely to occur with insufficient support. Therefore, the indication that a standard sling seat leads to posterior pelvic tilt with adduction and medial rotation of the hips is a logical consequence of the lack of proper support for a patient with T8 paraplegia.