EDITION 1 · Professional practice
Consent is a conversation
Choose your answer and name the finding that supports it before opening the explanation.
This week’s question
During a shoulder assessment, a capable adult asks you to stop a passive movement because it feels unfamiliar. You stop. They then say, “I want to know what is wrong, but I do not want that movement again.” An active movement assessment may still provide useful information. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Repeat the passive test at a smaller range after explaining its value.
- Clarify acceptable alternatives and seek agreement on a revised assessment.
- End the assessment because declining one test withdraws consent for all care.
- Ask the accompanying partner whether the proposed alternative is acceptable.
See the answer and reasoning
Best answer: B
Respect the boundary while exploring whether a suitable assessment can continue.
The deciding detail: The person declined a particular movement while expressing an ongoing assessment goal.
- Why this is not the best answer. The person specifically declined that movement; a smaller range does not resolve the refusal.
- Best answer. They still want assessment. Discuss an appropriate alternative and obtain agreement before proceeding.
- Why this is not the best answer. They refused one procedure, not necessarily all assessment.
- Why this is not the best answer. The capable adult makes the choice; a companion can support the discussion.
STUDY TIP
Make the reasoning stick
Separate the patient’s goal, the procedure declined and the consent needed for your next action.
References
College of Physiotherapists of Alberta — Informed Consent. Checked 9 October 2026. Provincial standard; apply the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.
Original, AI-assisted study material; no independent human clinical review. Sources support the principle, not official exam scoring or endorsement. Apply current local standards in practice.
Turn the reasoning into another practice session
Explain why the closest alternative is less suitable in this case. Then ask which changed fact might make it reasonable. A missed question identifies something to review; it does not predict your exam result.
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