NPTE-PT Pediatric Physical Therapy 3

Question 1

A 2-year-old is diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Which intervention approach has the STRONGEST evidence for improving functional motor performance?

Accepted Answer

Task-oriented approach targeting specific functional motor skills meaningful to the child

Answer

Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) focusing on normalizing abnormal movement patterns

Answer

Passive range of motion and soft tissue massage to improve body awareness

Answer

Strict activity restriction to prevent injury from poor coordination

Question 2

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for a 4-year-old with spastic hemiplegia PRIMARILY achieves its therapeutic effect by:

Accepted Answer

Constraining the unaffected limb to force intensive use and motor learning in the hemiplegic limb

Answer

Strengthening the unaffected upper extremity through progressive resistive exercise

Answer

Reducing bilateral upper extremity spasticity through sustained prolonged stretching

Answer

Improving lower extremity function via cortical reorganization of the sensorimotor cortex

Question 3

A physical therapist evaluates a 4-year-old child who walks and runs age-appropriately but cannot hop on one foot. This finding is BEST characterized as:

Accepted Answer

A gross motor delay, as hopping on one foot typically emerges around age 3-4 years

Answer

Within normal limits, as hopping on one foot develops between ages 5-6 years

Answer

Severely delayed, requiring immediate neurological referral and imaging

Answer

Expected for a child who was premature regardless of current corrected age

Question 4

A 7-year-old is diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis and a Cobb angle of 20 degrees. The MOST appropriate initial physical therapy intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Scoliosis-specific exercises (e.g., Schroth method) combined with postural education

Answer

Immediate referral for surgical spinal fusion given the risk of curve progression

Answer

Full-time TLSO bracing worn 23 hours per day

Answer

Discharge the patient, as curves under 25 degrees require no treatment

Question 5

A premature infant in the NICU demonstrates oxygen desaturation, bradycardia, and pallor during a PT intervention. The therapist's MOST appropriate IMMEDIATE response is to:

Accepted Answer

Immediately stop the activity and allow the infant to recover to baseline while notifying nursing

Answer

Continue the activity at reduced intensity to promote the infant's habituation to stimulation

Answer

Increase tactile and auditory stimulation to alert and arouse the infant

Answer

Independently apply supplemental oxygen to correct the desaturation

Question 6

Which standardized assessment tool is MOST appropriate to evaluate functional balance in a school-age child with cerebral palsy?

Accepted Answer

Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)

Answer

Apgar Score

Answer

Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd Edition (ASQ-3)

Answer

Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)

Question 7

A physical therapist is providing care for a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type II and the family. Which principle BEST reflects family-centered care?

Accepted Answer

The therapist collaborates with the family to identify and prioritize goals aligned with the child's and family's values and daily life

Answer

The physical therapist independently determines all treatment goals and progression based on clinical expertise

Answer

A standardized SMA Type II protocol is applied to all patients regardless of individual family input

Answer

Parent education is minimized to reduce caregiver anxiety about the progressive nature of SMA