PAM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PAM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. For phonophoresis to be effective, the coupling medium containing the medication must have a transmission value of at least: → 70%
2. A home TENS program is being set up for a patient. Which area is absolutely contraindicated for electrode placement? → Anterior cervical region over the carotid sinus
3. A state practice act requires that a physical therapist assistant (PTA) apply PAMs only under 'general supervision.' This means the supervising PT must be: → Available by phone or electronic means
4. Which laser medium produces the 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength commonly used in high-power therapeutic lasers? → Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal
5. When assessing edema in a patient's ankle prior to PAM treatment, which measurement technique provides the most objective and reproducible data? → Volumetric water displacement measurement
6. During interferential current (IFC) therapy, the 'beat frequency' that produces the therapeutic stimulation results from: → The mathematical difference between two medium-frequency currents crossing in tissue
7. The minimum safe distance typically recommended between a luminous infrared lamp and a patient's skin is: → 45–60 cm
8. Under HIPAA, when a patient requests a copy of their physical therapy modality records, the covered entity must respond within: → 30 days
9. Which patient condition warrants special precaution when applying any heat modality? → Peripheral arterial disease
10. A patient with Raynaud's phenomenon is referred for upper extremity pain. Which thermal modality is contraindicated? → Cold pack to the hand
11. During iontophoresis with dexamethasone, under which electrode is the medication placed? → Negative electrode (cathode), because dexamethasone carries a negative charge
12. Under CMS conditions of participation, a physical therapy plan of care must be reviewed and renewed at minimum every: → 90 days
13. Which patient presentation represents an ABSOLUTE contraindication to all superficial heat modalities? → Absence of protective sensation over the treatment area
14. A physical therapist discovers that a patient is wearing a transdermal medication patch over the area to be treated with phonophoresis. The CORRECT action is: → Contact the prescribing physician before proceeding, as drug absorption may be altered
15. A patient with peripheral vascular disease has reduced sensation in the lower extremities. Which electrotherapy consideration is MOST important? → Exercise extreme caution as impaired sensation prevents detection of burns
16. During an initial evaluation, what should be documented first? → Patient demographics and chief complaint
17. Which laser classification (Class) is most commonly used in clinical low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal conditions? → Class 3B
18. Which pain characteristic, identified during the subjective exam, suggests central sensitization rather than peripheral nociception? → Pain that is diffuse, widespread, and disproportionate to tissue injury
19. When applying moist heat packs, what is the standard layering guideline to prevent burns? → 6–8 layers of toweling between pack and skin
20. Before initiating TENS for pain management, the clinician should assess which factor to select the most appropriate electrode placement? → Location and nature of pain, dermatome, and underlying nerve pathways
21. During the action potential of a motor neuron, what occurs during the absolute refractory period? → The neuron cannot be stimulated regardless of stimulus intensity
22. Why are metal implants in the treatment area an absolute contraindication for shortwave diathermy? → Metal concentrates diathermy energy and can cause severe internal burns
23. What is the primary therapeutic effect of cold water hydrotherapy? → Vasoconstriction and decreased swelling
24. Therapeutic ultrasound at 3 MHz is preferred over 1 MHz for treating superficial tissues because: → 3 MHz has greater half-value depth absorption in superficial tissues
25. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule most directly affects PAM practice by requiring: → Protection of patient health information in treatment records
26. Which of the following is NOT a typical use for electrotherapy? → Increasing bone density.
27. How often should a practitioner review applicable regulations and standards? → Regularly, as regulations are updated frequently and compliance is ongoing
28. A therapist is treating a patient with a wound using pulsed lavage with suction. Which precaution is most critical? → Use sterile technique and direct the spray away from exposed vessels or tendons
29. State radiation control programs typically have jurisdiction over which PAM used in physical therapy? → Ionizing radiation-based modalities
30. When documenting a diathermy treatment in a hospital setting, Joint Commission standards require the record to include all EXCEPT: → The therapist's personal opinion of prognosis