Master of Physical Therapy Flashcards
7 cards from real MPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Master of Physical Therapy flashcards as text
A patient with a T6 complete spinal cord injury presents with autonomic dysreflexia. Which action is the FIRST priority?
Answer: Sit the patient upright and identify the noxious stimulus
Sitting the patient upright lowers blood pressure by orthostatic effect while identifying and removing the triggering noxious stimulus is the first-line intervention for autonomic dysreflexia.
During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates contralateral pelvic drop (Trendelenburg gait). Which muscle is most likely weak?
Answer: Ipsilateral gluteus medius
The ipsilateral gluteus medius stabilizes the pelvis during single-limb stance; weakness causes the contralateral pelvis to drop.
Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate to assess balance confidence in community-dwelling older adults?
Answer: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC)
The ABC Scale directly measures self-perceived confidence in performing daily activities without losing balance, making it the most appropriate for community-dwelling older adults.
A therapist applies moist heat to reduce muscle spasm before exercise. This modality primarily acts via which mechanism?
Answer: Reduced alpha motor neuron excitability via Golgi tendon organ activation
Superficial heat reduces alpha motor neuron excitability partly through stimulation of Golgi tendon organs, decreasing muscle tone and spasm.
Which manual therapy technique is classified as a Grade IV oscillation according to Maitland's grading system?
Answer: Small-amplitude movement at the end of range
Maitland Grade IV consists of small-amplitude oscillations performed at the end of the available range of motion.
A PT is documenting under the SOAP format. Where should the patient's self-reported pain level and functional goals be recorded?
Answer: Subjective
The Subjective section contains information reported by the patient, including pain ratings, symptoms, and personal goals.
Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique involves alternating isotonic contractions of agonist and antagonist muscles?
Answer: Rhythmic stabilization
Rhythmic stabilization uses alternating isometric contractions of opposing muscles, while rhythmic initiation uses passive → active progression; however, agonist reversal/slow reversal uses alternating isotonic contractions of agonist and antagonist.