Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

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What condition could be indicated by a positive Thompson test?

Ankle sprain
Achilles tendon rupture
Plantar fasciitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis

The correct answer is: Achilles tendon rupture

A positive Thompson test is specifically designed to evaluate the integrity of the Achilles tendon. During this test, the examiner squeezes the calf muscle while observing the foot's motion. If the Achilles tendon is intact, the normal response is plantar flexion of the foot. However, a lack of movement indicates a rupture of the Achilles tendon, which is the condition that the Thompson test is meant to identify. This test is not effective for diagnosing other conditions such as ankle sprains, which involve ligaments rather than the tendon; plantar fasciitis, a condition affecting the plantar fascia; or retrocalcaneal bursitis, which involves inflammation of the bursa located at the heel. Each of these conditions has distinct clinical presentations and diagnostic tests that are more appropriate for their assessment.