NPTE-PT Test Musculoskeletal System Interventions Questions and Answers

Question 1

A physical therapist is treating a patient with posterior glenohumeral instability. Which of the following exercises would be MOST appropriate to include in the initial phase of rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Prone horizontal abduction with external rotation

Answer

For posterior glenohumeral instability, it is crucial to strengthen the posterior deltoid and external rotators while avoiding positions that stress the posterior capsule. Prone horizontal abduction with external rotation effectively targets these muscles. Wall push-ups, internal rotation, and cross-body adduction can all potentially increase posterior stress and should be avoided or modified in the early stages.

Question 2

A patient is 4 weeks post-arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the right knee. The patient presents with minimal effusion and full active range of motion. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate to add at this stage?

Accepted Answer

Closed-chain quadriceps strengthening, such as mini-squats

Answer

At 4 weeks post-partial meniscectomy, with good ROM and minimal swelling, the focus should shift to developing strength. Closed-chain exercises like mini-squats are appropriate for improving quadriceps strength and control in a functional manner. High-impact activities, heavy resistance, and isokinetic testing are typically introduced much later in the rehabilitation process.

Question 3

A physical therapist is using the hold-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique to increase hamstring flexibility. What are the correct parameters for the isometric contraction phase?

Accepted Answer

A submaximal contraction for 6-10 seconds

Answer

The hold-relax PNF technique involves moving the limb to the point of tissue resistance, followed by a submaximal isometric contraction of the muscle being stretched (the hamstrings, in this case). Research and clinical guidelines suggest this contraction should be held for about 6-10 seconds to trigger autogenic inhibition via the Golgi tendon organs, allowing for a greater subsequent passive stretch.

Question 4

A patient presents with acute subacromial impingement syndrome with significant pain during active range of motion. A physical therapist decides to use joint mobilization to decrease pain. Which Maitland grade of mobilization is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Grade II

Answer

Maitland Grades I and II are used primarily for pain modulation. Grade II mobilizations are large-amplitude movements performed within the pain-free range of motion. Since the patient is pain-dominant, a Grade II mobilization would be appropriate to reduce pain and improve mobility without provoking symptoms. Grades III and IV are used to address stiffness and stretch into tissue resistance, which would be too aggressive for an acute, painful condition.

Question 5

A physical therapist is developing a plan of care for a patient who has elected for non-operative management of a complete Achilles tendon rupture. According to current evidence-based protocols, which of the following is the MOST likely instruction for the first two weeks?

Accepted Answer

Immobilization in a cast or boot in a position of plantar flexion, non-weight-bearing

Answer

Non-operative management of an acute Achilles tendon rupture initially requires immobilization with the foot in a plantar flexed position to approximate the torn ends of the tendon. This is typically done in a cast or a boot with heel lifts, and the patient is kept non-weight-bearing for the initial 2 weeks to allow healing to begin.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Musculoskeletal System Interventions Questions and Answers