NPTE-PT Test Test Therapeutic Modalities Application 1

Question 1

A physical therapist is using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for a patient with chronic low back pain.
To activate the gate control mechanism for immediate pain relief, which parameter set is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

High frequency (80–150 Hz), low to moderate intensity, short pulse duration (50–100 µs)

Answer

Low frequency (2–4 Hz), high intensity, long pulse duration (200–300 µs)

Answer

Low frequency (2–4 Hz), low intensity, short pulse duration (50–80 µs)

Answer

High frequency (80–150 Hz), high intensity, long pulse duration (200–300 µs)

Question 2

A patient is receiving therapeutic ultrasound over the right bicipital tendon region. The physical therapist notes the patient's skin overlying a recent surgical metallic staple. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Discontinue ultrasound and select an alternative modality

Answer

Continue treatment but reduce intensity by 50%

Answer

Switch to pulsed mode to eliminate thermal effects

Answer

Increase the treatment frequency to 3 MHz to limit depth of penetration

Question 3

A physical therapist applies fluidotherapy to a patient's hand following a distal radius ORIF (3 months post-op, hardware retained). The patient reports comfortable warmth. Which of the following represents the PRIMARY therapeutic benefit of fluidotherapy compared to a paraffin bath at the same temperature?

Accepted Answer

Ability to perform active exercise during treatment

Answer

Greater depth of heat penetration into joint structures

Answer

Lower risk of thermal injury due to controlled air medium

Answer

Simultaneous superficial cooling via convective air flow

Question 4

A physical therapist is treating a patient with urinary stress incontinence using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to the pelvic floor. Which parameter is MOST critical for achieving a muscle-strengthening effect rather than a fatigue-reduction effect?

Accepted Answer

Frequency of 35–50 Hz to elicit a tetanic contraction of fast-twitch fibers

Answer

Frequency of 2–5 Hz to facilitate endurance of slow-twitch fibers

Answer

On:off ratio of 1:1 with continuous delivery

Answer

Pulse duration below 50 µs to avoid sensory recruitment

Question 5

A patient with a wound showing signs of delayed healing and bacterial biofilm is referred for adjunctive electrical stimulation. Which modality and polarity combination has the STRONGEST evidence for promoting antibacterial effects and attracting neutrophils to the wound site?

Accepted Answer

High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) with the cathode over the wound

Answer

Alternating current (AC) at the anode

Answer

High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) with the anode over the wound

Answer

Interferential current (IFC) at carrier frequency of 4,000 Hz

Question 6

A physical therapist is prescribing low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for a patient with lateral knee pain and delayed soft-tissue healing following a grade II LCL sprain. Which of the following represents an ABSOLUTE contraindication that would require the therapist to withhold treatment?

Accepted Answer

Direct irradiation over the patient's closed eyes

Answer

Presence of a titanium tibial plate 4 cm distal to the treatment site

Answer

Application over an area of reduced sensation

Answer

Use of LLLT within 72 hours of the initial injury