Therapeutic Intervention and Modalities Flashcards
6 cards from real NATA-BOC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Therapeutic Intervention and Modalities flashcards as text
An athletic trainer is considering using therapeutic ultrasound on an athlete's chronic patellar tendinopathy. Which parameter settings would be most appropriate?
Answer: 3 MHz, continuous mode, 1.0 W/cm2
The patellar tendon is a superficial structure, so 3 MHz (penetration depth 1-2 cm) is appropriate. Continuous mode provides thermal effects that benefit chronic conditions by increasing tissue extensibility and blood flow.
Which contraindication would prevent an athletic trainer from applying electrical stimulation?
Answer: Active deep vein thrombosis in the treatment area
Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an absolute contraindication for electrical stimulation. Muscle contractions induced by electrical stimulation could dislodge the thrombus, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
An athletic trainer applies ice massage to an athlete's medial epicondylitis. What is the typical duration for ice massage treatment?
Answer: 5-10 minutes
Ice massage is typically applied for 5-10 minutes due to the direct contact of ice on skin. The intense cold application provides faster cooling than ice bags, and the CBAN sequence (Cold, Burning, Aching, Numbness) is usually completed within this timeframe.
Which therapeutic modality uses alternating current at frequencies of 4,000 Hz to achieve deeper tissue penetration for pain management?
Answer: Interferential current (IFC)
Interferential current uses medium-frequency alternating currents (typically 4,000 Hz) from two channels that intersect in the tissue, producing a beat frequency at the treatment depth that achieves deeper penetration with less skin resistance.
An athletic trainer decides to use iontophoresis to deliver dexamethasone to treat an athlete's plantar fasciitis. Which electrode carries the medication?
Answer: The cathode (negative electrode)
Dexamethasone is a negatively charged ion and is delivered under the cathode (negative electrode). In iontophoresis, like charges repel — the negative electrode repels the negatively charged drug into the tissue.
During a moist heat pack application, how many layers of toweling should be placed between the pack and the patient's skin?
Answer: 6-8 layers
Six to eight layers of commercial toweling should be placed between the hydrocollator pack and the skin. This provides adequate insulation to prevent burns while allowing therapeutic heat transfer to the tissue.