NPTE-PT Test Test Equipment and Therapeutic Modalities 1

Question 1

A physical therapist is treating a patient with acute lateral epicondylitis using therapeutic ultrasound.
Which duty cycle setting would BEST minimize thermal effects while still delivering mechanical benefits to the tissue?

Accepted Answer

20% pulsed

Answer

100% continuous

Answer

75% pulsed

Answer

50% pulsed

Question 2

During iontophoresis for calcific tendinitis, a physical therapist uses acetic acid (acetate ion, CH₃COO⁻). Under which electrode should the medication be placed?

Accepted Answer

Cathode (negative electrode), because like charges repel the ion into tissue

Answer

Anode (positive electrode), because opposite charges attract the ion into tissue

Answer

Either electrode, because polarity does not affect ion migration

Answer

The dispersive pad, because it distributes current more evenly

Question 3

A therapist applies interferential current (IFC) using two medium-frequency carrier currents of 4,000 Hz and 4,080 Hz. What beat frequency is produced within the tissue, and which physiological effect does this range BEST target?

Accepted Answer

80 Hz — pain modulation via gate control theory

Answer

8,080 Hz — primarily used for muscle strengthening

Answer

4,040 Hz — deep tissue heating

Answer

4,000 Hz — sensory nerve depolarization only

Question 4

When applying a commercially prepared moist heat pack to a patient's lumbar spine, what is the recommended minimum number of towel layers between the pack and the patient's skin to prevent burns?

Accepted Answer

6–8 layers

Answer

1–2 layers

Answer

3–4 layers

Answer

10–12 layers

Question 5

A physical therapist orders whirlpool hydrotherapy for a patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affecting both lower extremities. Which water temperature is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

96–98°F (35.6–36.7°C) — near neutral warmth

Answer

104–106°F (40–41.1°C) — mild heat

Answer

110°F (43.3°C) — moderate heat

Answer

115°F (46.1°C) — vigorous heat

Question 6

A therapist uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for quadriceps re-education two weeks after ACL reconstruction. Which on:off time ratio BEST reduces muscle fatigue while still eliciting a training contraction during early rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

1:5 (one second on, five seconds off)

Answer

2:1 (twice as much on-time as off-time)

Answer

1:1 (equal on and off time)

Answer

1:3 (one second on, three seconds off)