Examples of Knowledge Based Questions:
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1.
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When stimulating a peripheral nerve increasing the stimulus intensity from maximal to twice the maximal level will:
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A.
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Decrease the latency due to cathodal migration.
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B.
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Increase the response amplitude due to cathodal potentiation.
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C.
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Have no effect on the latency or amplitude.
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D.
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Decrease the response amplitude due to anodal blocking.
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E.
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Increase the speed of volume conduction.
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2.
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In a depolarized segment of axon during the passage of an action potential:
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A.
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The sodium conductance is increased.
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B.
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The potassium conductance is decreased.
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C.
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The membrane potential is -50 mV.
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D.
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Sodium ions are flowing out.
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E.
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The calcium conductance is decreased.
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3.
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A newborn baby (3 kg in weight) being studied for hypotonia had the following conduction study results : peroneal, 30 m/s; median, 28 m/s. Which of the following is the most correct interpretation?
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A.
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These results are normal for a newborn.
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B.
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The velocities suggest prematurity.
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C.
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The baby has a demyelinating neuropathy.
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D.
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Measurement errors make studies in infants useless.
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E.
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A neurogenic lesion is present in the arm.
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Examples of Questions Involving Pictorial Interpretation:
The recording electrodes are placed over the extensor digitorum brevis and the 5th metatarsal head and the peroneal nerve stimulated: (a) above the knee, (b) below the fibular head, and (c) at the ankle. Stimulation is at the time of the arrow shown on the photograph below:
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4.
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The diagnosis is:
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A.
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Peripheral polyneuropathy.
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B.
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Accessory peroneal nerve.
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C.
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Crossed leg palsy.
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D.
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Artifact.
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E.
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Normal.
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5.
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Which best describes the condition of the nerve?
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A.
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Neurapraxia.
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B.
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Axonal neuropathy.
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C.
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Neurotmesis.
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D.
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Generalized demyelination.
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E.
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Normal.
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Examples of Questions Involving Video Waveform Recognition or Surface Anatomy:
The following questions cannot be answered without viewing the clips displayed during the waveform portion of the examination, but are included as representative examples.
Waveform One (vasutus lateralis muscle, 30-year-old man, 50 µV/division sensitivity, 10 ms/div sweep speed).
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1.
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The firing pattern of these potentials is:
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A.
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Regular and less than 20 per second.
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B.
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Irregular and less than 20 per second.
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C.
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Regular and more than 20 per second.
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D.
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Irregular and more than 20 per second.
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E.
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Too variable to determine.
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2.
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These waveforms are:
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A.
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Fasciculation potentials.
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B.
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Myotonic discharges.
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C.
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Positive sharp waves.
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D.
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Motor unit action potentials.
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E.
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Normal insertional activity.
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The following question is accompanied by a video segment in which the patient is asked to change the angle of his elbow.
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1.
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The primary muscle responsible for producing this movement is the:
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A.
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Biceps brachii.
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B.
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Triceps brachii.
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C.
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Anconeus.
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D.
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Pronator teres.
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E.
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Latissimus dorsi.
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