NPTE-PT Equipment and Therapeutic Modalities 5

Question 1

A physical therapist applies cold pack cryotherapy. In what order do patients typically experience sensory changes during the application?

Accepted Answer

Cold → burning → aching → numbness

Answer

The classic progression of sensory changes with cryotherapy is cold, then burning/stinging, then deep aching, then numbness (the CBAN sequence).

Question 2

A patient with a pressure injury (Stage III) on the ischium is receiving electrical stimulation for wound healing. Which waveform is FDA-cleared and MOST evidence-supported for this application?

Accepted Answer

High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC)

Answer

High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) has the strongest evidence and FDA clearance for promoting healing of chronic wounds including pressure injuries.

Question 3

A therapist is instructing a patient in stair climbing with bilateral Lofstrand crutches using a 3-point non-weight-bearing gait. When going UP stairs, the correct sequence is:

Accepted Answer

Uninvolved leg first, then crutches and involved leg together

Answer

Going up stairs with NWB: the uninvolved leg leads ('good goes up to heaven'), then crutches and the involved extremity follow.

Question 4

Which orthotics intervention is MOST appropriate for a patient with posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (Stage II flatfoot)?

Accepted Answer

UCBL orthosis with rigid medial longitudinal arch support

Answer

A UCBL (University of California Biomechanics Laboratory) orthosis provides rigid support to the medial longitudinal arch and controls subtalar pronation in Stage II PTTD.

Question 5

A physical therapist is using phonophoresis to deliver hydrocortisone through the skin. What is the PRIMARY mechanism by which ultrasound enhances drug delivery?

Accepted Answer

Acoustic cavitation and acoustic streaming enhance skin permeability

Answer

Acoustic cavitation and streaming from ultrasound increase membrane permeability, facilitating transcutaneous drug penetration.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Equipment and Therapeutic Modalities 5