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
Which scale is used to objectively measure spasticity in clinical practice?
Answer: Modified Ashworth Scale
The Modified Ashworth Scale grades resistance to passive stretch on a 0–4 scale and is the standard clinical tool for quantifying spasticity.
A PT is treating a patient with osteoporosis. Which exercise type provides the MOST bone-building stimulus?
Answer: Weight-bearing resistance training
Weight-bearing resistance exercises generate ground reaction forces and muscle pull forces that stimulate osteoblast activity and increase bone mineral density more than non-weight-bearing activities.
In evidence-based practice, which study design provides the highest level of evidence for treatment effectiveness?
Answer: Systematic review with meta-analysis of RCTs
Systematic reviews with meta-analyses pool data from multiple RCTs, providing the highest level of evidence in the hierarchy of study designs.
A patient with chronic low back pain demonstrates fear-avoidance behavior. Which psychological measure is MOST appropriate to assess this?
Answer: Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ)
The FABQ specifically measures fear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity and work in patients with low back pain, directly targeting psychological barriers.
Which nerve is at risk during a posterior approach to the hip during total hip arthroplasty?
Answer: Sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve runs posterior to the hip joint and is the structure most at risk of injury during posterior surgical approach for total hip arthroplasty.
Which position reduces lumbar spine intradiscal pressure to the LOWEST level?
Answer: Supine with hips and knees flexed (semi-Fowler)
Supine positioning with hips and knees flexed unloads the lumbar spine and reduces intradiscal pressure more than standing or unsupported sitting.
A pediatric patient demonstrates the inability to walk by 18 months of age. According to developmental milestones, which action is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Immediately refer for neurological evaluation and PT assessment
Typical independent walking is achieved by 12–15 months; failure to walk by 18 months is a developmental red flag requiring prompt neurological evaluation and physical therapy assessment.