FREE NPTE-PT Test Equipment and Therapeutic Modalities Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real NPTE-PT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 FREE NPTE-PT Test Equipment and Therapeutic Modalities Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A physical therapist selects interferential current (IFC) therapy for a patient with deep hip joint pain. What is the PRIMARY advantage of IFC over conventional TENS for this application?
Answer: IFC has a greater depth of penetration due to higher carrier frequency
IFC uses a high carrier frequency (typically 4000 Hz) that penetrates deeper into tissue with less skin resistance, making it more effective for deep structures like the hip joint.
During iontophoresis treatment for lateral epicondylitis, the clinician applies dexamethasone (a negatively charged ion) to the involved area. Under which electrode should the medication be placed?
Answer: The negative electrode (cathode)
Negatively charged ions are repelled from the negative electrode (cathode), so dexamethasone phosphate must be placed under the cathode for effective delivery.
A patient recovering from a total knee arthroplasty is using a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. Which parameter should be progressed FIRST during the initial postoperative phase?
Answer: Flexion range of motion
Flexion range of motion is typically progressed first with CPM after total knee arthroplasty, as regaining knee flexion is a primary early rehabilitation goal.
A physical therapist is applying cryotherapy to an acute ankle sprain. Which of the following is a contraindication for this treatment?
Answer: Patient has a history of Raynaud's phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is a contraindication for cryotherapy because cold exposure triggers excessive vasospasm, potentially causing tissue ischemia and damage.
When using therapeutic ultrasound over an area with a metal implant, which of the following is TRUE?
Answer: Pulsed ultrasound at low intensity can be safely used if the implant is well-fixed and asymptomatic
Current evidence supports that pulsed ultrasound at low intensity can be safely applied over well-fixed, asymptomatic metal implants, as the thermal effects are minimal and manageable.
A patient with a C6 spinal cord injury is being evaluated for wheelchair prescription. Which type of wheelchair is MOST appropriate for long-term community mobility?
Answer: Lightweight rigid-frame manual wheelchair with quick-release wheels
A patient with C6 tetraplegia typically retains sufficient upper extremity function for manual propulsion, and a lightweight rigid-frame chair maximizes efficiency for community mobility.