NPTE-PT NPTE-PT Test Therapeutic Modalities Application Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A physical therapist is treating a patient with acute lateral epicondylitis. Which therapeutic modality is MOST appropriate for pain management during the inflammatory phase?

Accepted Answer

Phonophoresis with hydrocortisone

Answer

Continuous ultrasound at 1.5 W/cm²

Answer

Paraffin wax bath

Answer

Fluidotherapy at 118°F

Question 2

A patient with a 3-week-old grade II MCL sprain is referred for physical therapy. What is the PRIMARY reason for selecting pulsed ultrasound over continuous ultrasound at this stage?

Accepted Answer

Pulsed ultrasound minimizes thermal buildup in subacute tissue

Answer

Pulsed ultrasound produces greater thermal effects

Answer

Continuous ultrasound cannot penetrate to the MCL

Answer

Pulsed ultrasound has a higher beam nonuniformity ratio

Question 3

When applying iontophoresis with dexamethasone to treat plantar fasciitis, which electrode placement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Dexamethasone under the negative electrode, dispersive pad on the dorsum

Answer

Dexamethasone under the positive electrode, dispersive pad on the dorsum

Answer

Dexamethasone under the positive electrode, dispersive pad on the calf

Answer

Dexamethasone under the negative electrode, dispersive pad on the calf

Question 4

A physical therapist selects shortwave diathermy for a patient with chronic low back pain and deep muscle guarding. Which of the following is an ABSOLUTE contraindication?

Accepted Answer

Metal jewelry that cannot be removed from the treatment area

Answer

Presence of an intrauterine device (IUD)

Answer

Obesity with adipose tissue greater than 2 cm

Answer

Acute inflammation in the lumbar paraspinals

Question 5

A patient recovering from a total knee arthroplasty is 6 weeks post-operative with persistent quadriceps inhibition. Which neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameter setting is MOST appropriate to facilitate quadriceps re-education?

Accepted Answer

Frequency 35-50 Hz, ramp up 2-3 sec, on:off ratio 1:5

Answer

Frequency 2-4 Hz, ramp up 1 sec, on:off ratio 1:1

Answer

Frequency 100-150 Hz, ramp up 0 sec, on:off ratio 10:1

Answer

Frequency 1 Hz, ramp up 5 sec, on:off ratio 1:1

Question 6

A physical therapist applies cryotherapy to a patient ankle immediately after an inversion sprain. The patient reports intense burning followed by aching and then numbness. What is the BEST clinical response?

Accepted Answer

Continue treatment as these sensations represent the normal stages of cryotherapy

Answer

Remove the ice immediately due to risk of cold-induced nerve injury

Answer

Switch to intermittent compression only

Answer

Reduce application time to 5 minutes and reassess

A physical therapist is treating a patient with acute lateral epicondylitis.Which therapeutic modality is MOST appropriate for pain management during the inflammatory phase?

A physical therapist is treating a patient with acute lateral epicondylitis.
Which therapeutic modality is MOST appropriate for pain management during the inflammatory phase?