FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What does the Hawkins-Kennedy Test assess?

1. Tendon rupture in the knee

2. Shoulder impingement

3. Wrist instability

4. Elbow dislocation

The correct answer is: Shoulder impingement

The Hawkins-Kennedy Test is specifically designed to assess for shoulder impingement, particularly involving the rotator cuff tendons. This test involves flexing the shoulder and elbow to 90 degrees and then internally rotating the shoulder. If the patient experiences pain during this maneuver, it suggests the possibility of impingement, where the tendons of the rotator cuff may be compressed under the bony structures of the shoulder. In contrast, other options focus on different areas of the body and conditions. For instance, the assessment of tendon rupture in the knee would typically involve tests specific to knee stability and the integrity of ligaments, while wrist instability requires evaluations of specific wrist movements and the integrity of carpal bones and ligaments. Elbow dislocation is assessed through clinical examination of range of motion and stability rather than through the Hawkins-Kennedy approach, which is overwhelmingly focused on the shoulder complex. Thus, the Hawkins-Kennedy Test stands out clearly as a dedicated assessment for shoulder impingement.