PAM Electrotherapy Techniques 3

Question 1

What is the key difference between monophasic and biphasic waveforms in electrotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Monophasic deflects in one direction; biphasic deflects in both directions

Answer

Monophasic waveforms deflect to only one side of baseline, while biphasic waveforms deflect to both positive and negative sides.

Question 2

When using electrical stimulation for edema reduction, which parameter setting and electrode arrangement is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Low-frequency NMES to produce rhythmic contractions of surrounding musculature

Answer

Low-frequency NMES produces rhythmic muscle contractions that act as a muscle pump, facilitating lymphatic and venous return to reduce edema.

Question 3

Acupuncture-like TENS (AL-TENS) is characterized by which parameter combination?

Accepted Answer

Low frequency (1–10 Hz) and high intensity producing visible muscle twitches

Answer

AL-TENS uses low frequency (1–10 Hz) at high enough intensity to produce visible muscle twitches, stimulating endorphin release.

Question 4

Which skin condition would MOST likely increase the risk of chemical burns during iontophoresis?

Accepted Answer

Open skin lesions or abrasions under the electrode

Answer

Open skin lesions or abrasions bypass the skin's normal resistance, concentrating current and significantly increasing burn risk.

Question 5

A therapist treating a patient with chronic low back pain selects burst-mode TENS. How does burst-mode TENS deliver current?

Accepted Answer

Packets of high-frequency pulses delivered at a low repetition rate

Answer

Burst-mode TENS delivers trains (packets) of high-frequency pulses (e.g., 100 Hz) at a low burst rate (e.g., 2 bursts/sec).

(PAM) Physical Agent Modalities Certification Practice Test