NPTE-PT NPTE-PT Test Musculoskeletal System Interventions Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A patient is 4 months post-total hip arthroplasty via a posterior approach and has been cleared for full activity. Which exercise should STILL be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Seated hip flexion beyond 90 degrees combined with adduction and internal rotation

Answer

Hip abduction with resistance band in standing

Answer

Prone hip extension

Answer

Supine bridging with a ball between the knees

Question 2

Which intervention is MOST effective for treating myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius?

Accepted Answer

Dry needling combined with stretching

Answer

Prolonged immobilization of the cervical spine

Answer

Ultrasound at 3 MHz continuous for 10 minutes over the C-spine

Answer

Cervical traction in full flexion

Question 3

A 45-year-old construction worker presents with lumbar radiculopathy and a positive straight leg raise at 40 degrees. Which treatment approach has the STRONGEST evidence for this presentation?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical traction combined with directional preference exercises

Answer

Prolonged bed rest for 2 weeks

Answer

High-velocity lumbar manipulation in full flexion

Answer

Aggressive trunk flexion exercises

Question 4

During rehabilitation of a rotator cuff repair, at what phase is it MOST appropriate to begin resisted external rotation exercises?

Accepted Answer

After achieving full passive range of motion, typically around 10-12 weeks

Answer

Immediately post-operatively in a sling

Answer

During the passive range of motion phase at 2 weeks

Answer

Only after 6 months when the patient returns to sport

Question 5

A patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome has weak hip abductors and exhibits dynamic knee valgus during squatting. Which exercise BEST addresses the underlying impairment?

Accepted Answer

Side-lying hip abduction with resistance progressing to single-leg squat with mirror feedback

Answer

Seated knee extension machine from 90 to 0 degrees

Answer

Hamstring curls in prone

Answer

Calf raises on a step

Question 6

Which mobilization grade is MOST appropriate for a patient with a stiff elbow joint at end-range extension with a firm capsular end-feel and no pain?

Accepted Answer

Grade IV sustained stretch at the end of available range

Answer

Grade I oscillations at the beginning of range

Answer

Grade II oscillations within the mid-range

Answer

No mobilization; only active exercises