NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with a hip fracture has been placed on 'hip precautions.' Which motion should be avoided following a posterior approach total hip replacement?
- Hip abduction
- Hip flexion beyond 90° (Correct answer)
- Hip extension
- Hip external rotation beyond 30°
Correct answer: Hip flexion beyond 90°
After a posterior approach total hip replacement, hip flexion beyond 90° combined with internal rotation and adduction risks posterior dislocation.
Question 2: Which muscle is the primary stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint inferiorly?
- Supraspinatus (Correct answer)
- Infraspinatus
- Teres minor
- Subscapularis
Correct answer: Supraspinatus
The supraspinatus is the primary stabilizer against inferior subluxation of the glenohumeral joint due to its superior cuff position and tension.
Question 3: What is the close-packed position of the knee joint?
- 90° flexion
- 30° flexion
- Full extension with tibial external rotation (Correct answer)
- 45° flexion with tibial internal rotation
Correct answer: Full extension with tibial external rotation
The close-packed (maximally congruent) position of the knee is full extension with slight external tibial rotation, creating the screw-home mechanism.
Question 4: Which nerve is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Radial nerve
- Ulnar nerve
- Median nerve (Correct answer)
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Median nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
Question 5: A PTA applies moist heat to reduce muscle spasm. What is the primary physiological effect?
- Decreased nerve conduction velocity
- Increased collagen extensibility and local vasodilation (Correct answer)
- Vasoconstriction and edema reduction
- Decreased metabolic activity
Correct answer: Increased collagen extensibility and local vasodilation
Superficial heat application causes local vasodilation and increases collagen extensibility, which reduces muscle spasm and promotes relaxation.
Question 6: The Thomas test is used to assess tightness of which muscle group?
- Hamstrings
- Hip flexors (Correct answer)
- Hip abductors
- Ankle plantar flexors
Correct answer: Hip flexors
The Thomas test assesses hip flexor tightness, particularly the iliopsoas and rectus femoris, by observing if the opposite leg rises off the table when the hip is brought to full flexion.
NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 2
A patient with a hip fracture has been placed on 'hip precautions.' Which motion should be avoided following a posterior approach total hip replacement?