NPTE-PT General Exam 4

Question 1

A physical therapist reviews an ECG rhythm strip and notes a heart rate of 150 bpm with no identifiable P waves and an irregular R-R interval. This finding is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by the absence of organized P waves, an irregularly irregular R-R interval, and often a rapid ventricular rate.

Question 2

A patient with T6 complete spinal cord injury is being repositioned from supine to sitting. The therapist observes the patient develop a pounding headache, blurred vision, and profuse sweating above the level of injury. The most appropriate immediate action is:

Accepted Answer

Sit the patient upright and identify the noxious stimulus

Answer

These are signs of autonomic dysreflexia; the first step is to sit the patient upright (to drop blood pressure) and quickly identify and remove the triggering noxious stimulus.

Question 3

Which muscle is the primary restraint to anterior translation of the tibia on the femur?

Accepted Answer

Anterior cruciate ligament

Answer

The ACL is the primary restraint to anterior tibial translation, which is why the Lachman and anterior drawer tests assess ACL integrity.

Question 4

A patient presents with insidious onset of cervical pain and numbness radiating into the ring and little fingers with weakness of grip. Which cervical level is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

C8

Answer

C8 radiculopathy produces sensory changes in the ring and little fingers (ulnar two digits) and weakness in hand intrinsics and grip.

Question 5

Which pharmacological class is most commonly associated with increased fall risk in older adults due to orthostatic hypotension?

Accepted Answer

Antihypertensives and diuretics

Answer

Antihypertensives and diuretics reduce blood pressure and can cause orthostatic hypotension, significantly increasing fall risk in the elderly.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT General Exam 4