FREE NPTE-PT Test Modalities and Electrotherapy Questions and Answers

Question 1

A physical therapist is applying conventional TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to a patient experiencing acute low back pain.
Which of the following parameters is MOST appropriate for achieving pain relief via the gate control theory?

Accepted Answer

High frequency (80-150 Hz), short pulse duration (50-100 µs), sensory-level intensity

Answer

Low frequency (2-10 Hz), long pulse duration (150-300 µs), motor-level intensity

Answer

High frequency (80-150 Hz), long pulse duration (150-300 µs), noxious-level intensity

Answer

Low frequency (2-10 Hz), short pulse duration (50-100 µs), sensory-level intensity

Question 2

A patient presents with a chronic, non-infected wound on their sacrum. The physical therapist decides to use therapeutic ultrasound to promote wound healing. Which ultrasound parameter is MOST appropriate for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Pulsed mode (20% duty cycle), 3 MHz, 0.5 W/cm²

Answer

Continuous mode, 1 MHz, 1.5 W/cm²

Answer

Continuous mode, 3 MHz, 1.0 W/cm²

Answer

Pulsed mode (100% duty cycle), 1 MHz, 1.0 W/cm²

Question 3

Which of the following modalities is MOST appropriate for treating a patient with acute inflammation and edema following an ankle sprain, given the goal of reducing swelling and pain without increasing tissue temperature?

Accepted Answer

Cryotherapy

Answer

Diathermy

Answer

Fluidotherapy

Answer

Paraffin bath

Question 4

A physical therapist is preparing to apply iontophoresis to a patient to deliver dexamethasone for localized inflammation. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding this application?

Accepted Answer

Dexamethasone should be placed under the cathode (negative electrode).

Answer

Dexamethasone should be placed under the anode (positive electrode).

Answer

The current intensity should be set to achieve a strong motor contraction.

Answer

The treatment duration is typically short, lasting 5-10 minutes.

Question 5

During the application of electrical stimulation for muscle re-education following a quadriceps injury, the patient reports a painful, burning sensation under the electrode. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action for the physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

Decrease the intensity of the stimulation.

Answer

Increase the pulse duration to enhance muscle contraction.

Answer

Switch to a different waveform for better comfort.

Answer

Apply a hot pack over the electrodes to soothe the area.

Question 6

Which of the following is a contraindication for the application of therapeutic ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a pacemaker

Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer

Muscle spasm

Answer

Chronic plantar fasciitis

A physical therapist is applying conventional TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to a patient experiencing acute low back pain.Which of the following parameters is MOST appropriate for achieving pain relief via the gate control theory?

A physical therapist is applying conventional TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to a patient experiencing acute low back pain.
Which of the following parameters is MOST appropriate for achieving pain relief via the gate control theory?