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

The combination of hip flexion beyond 90 degrees with adduction and internal rotation places the posterior hip capsule at risk for dislocation even in later stages of posterior approach recovery.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Dry needling combined with stretching

Answer

Dry needling with subsequent stretching has strong evidence for deactivating myofascial trigger points and restoring muscle length in the upper trapezius.

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

Mechanical traction combined with directional preference exercises (often extension-based) can centralize symptoms and reduce nerve root compression in acute lumbar radiculopathy.

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

Resisted external rotation is typically initiated after full passive ROM is achieved around 10-12 weeks to allow adequate tendon healing before loading the repair.

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

Hip abductor strengthening progressed to functional tasks with visual feedback directly addresses the weak hip musculature causing dynamic knee valgus in patellofemoral pain syndrome.

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