NPTE-PT Therapeutic Modalities Application 3

Question 1

A PT plans to use iontophoresis with dexamethasone to treat a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. Dexamethasone is negatively charged; which electrode setup is correct?

Accepted Answer

Place dexamethasone under the cathode (negative electrode)

Answer

Like charges repel; negatively charged dexamethasone is driven into tissue when placed under the cathode (negative electrode).

Question 2

Which ultrasound parameter should a PT DECREASE to minimize thermal effects while still promoting tissue healing in an acute inflammatory condition?

Accepted Answer

Duty cycle

Answer

Reducing duty cycle (using pulsed mode) minimizes thermal accumulation while preserving non-thermal mechanical effects like acoustic streaming.

Question 3

A patient with a cardiac pacemaker presents for shoulder rehabilitation. Which modality is SAFE to apply to the ipsilateral shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic ultrasound

Answer

Therapeutic ultrasound does not generate electrical current and does not interfere with pacemaker function when applied away from the chest.

Question 4

When treating a patient with spasticity using cryotherapy, which effect on the muscle spindle explains the temporary reduction in tone?

Accepted Answer

Decreased afferent (Ia) firing from muscle spindle due to cooling

Answer

Cooling slows the firing rate of muscle spindle afferents (Ia fibers), temporarily reducing the excitatory drive and decreasing spastic tone.

Question 5

Which type of electrical stimulation parameter is MOST appropriate for preventing disuse atrophy in a patient with an immobilized limb?

Accepted Answer

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with sufficient intensity to elicit a visible contraction

Answer

NMES at motor-level intensity produces muscle contractions that maintain muscle bulk and prevent disuse atrophy.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Therapeutic Modalities Application 3