NPTE-PT Test Musculoskeletal System Interventions 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 NPTE-PT Test Musculoskeletal System Interventions Questions and Answers flashcards as text
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?
Answer: Seated hip flexion beyond 90 degrees combined with adduction and internal rotation
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.
Which intervention is MOST effective for treating myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius?
Answer: Dry needling combined with stretching
Dry needling with subsequent stretching has strong evidence for deactivating myofascial trigger points and restoring muscle length in the upper trapezius.
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?
Answer: Mechanical traction combined with directional preference exercises
Mechanical traction combined with directional preference exercises (often extension-based) can centralize symptoms and reduce nerve root compression in acute lumbar radiculopathy.
During rehabilitation of a rotator cuff repair, at what phase is it MOST appropriate to begin resisted external rotation exercises?
Answer: After achieving full passive range of motion, typically around 10-12 weeks
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.
A patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome has weak hip abductors and exhibits dynamic knee valgus during squatting. Which exercise BEST addresses the underlying impairment?
Answer: Side-lying hip abduction with resistance progressing to single-leg squat with mirror feedback
Hip abductor strengthening progressed to functional tasks with visual feedback directly addresses the weak hip musculature causing dynamic knee valgus in patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Which mobilization grade is MOST appropriate for a patient with a stiff elbow joint at end-range extension with a firm capsular end-feel and no pain?
Answer: Grade IV sustained stretch at the end of available range
Grade IV mobilizations are small-amplitude oscillations at the end of available range, appropriate for a stiff joint with a firm end-feel and no pain to improve extensibility of the capsule.