NPTE-PTA Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy 2

Question 1

Which breathing exercise technique is most appropriate for a patient with COPD to reduce air trapping and dyspnea?

Accepted Answer

Pursed-lip breathing

Answer

Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure during exhalation that helps keep airways open longer, reducing air trapping and improving gas exchange in COPD.

Question 2

A PTA notices a patient's blood pressure drops 20 mmHg systolic upon standing. This is called:

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic (postural) hypotension

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop of ≥20 mmHg systolic or ≥10 mmHg diastolic upon moving from supine to standing.

Question 3

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to exercise in a cardiac rehabilitation patient?

Accepted Answer

Unstable angina

Answer

Unstable angina is an absolute contraindication to exercise because it indicates myocardial ischemia at rest or minimal exertion, posing a risk of MI.

Question 4

What does the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) primarily assess?

Accepted Answer

Submaximal functional exercise capacity

Answer

The 6MWT measures the distance a patient can walk in 6 minutes and reflects submaximal functional exercise capacity in cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal conditions.

Question 5

Which percussion finding over the lung fields indicates pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Hyperresonance (tympany)

Answer

A pneumothorax produces hyperresonance (tympany) on percussion because air trapped in the pleural space creates an abnormally hollow sound.

NPTE-PTA - National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants Practice Test

NPTE-PTA - National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants Practice Test

NPTE-PTA Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy 2