PAM Light & Laser Therapy 3

Question 1

Infrared lamp therapy is primarily used to produce which physiological effect in superficial tissues?

Accepted Answer

Superficial tissue heating to a depth of 1–2 cm

Answer

Infrared lamps produce superficial thermal effects, raising tissue temperature within the top 1–2 cm primarily through radiation heat transfer.

Question 2

The minimum safe distance typically recommended between a luminous infrared lamp and a patient's skin is:

Accepted Answer

45–60 cm

Answer

A distance of 45–60 cm is standard for luminous IR lamps to deliver comfortable warmth without risk of thermal burns.

Question 3

Which of the following conditions would MOST benefit from ultraviolet (UV) therapy?

Accepted Answer

Psoriasis plaques

Answer

UV-B therapy is a well-established treatment for psoriasis, inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation and modulating immune responses in the skin.

Question 4

The minimal erythemal dose (MED) in UV therapy is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The smallest UV dose that produces just-perceptible redness 8–24 hours after exposure

Answer

MED is the threshold dose producing a barely visible erythema 8–24 hours post-exposure, used as the baseline for calculating therapeutic UV dosing.

Question 5

A patient is receiving UV therapy and develops a first-degree UV burn (Grade 1 erythema). The therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Withhold treatment until erythema resolves, then restart at 75% of the previous dose

Answer

Unplanned erythema (Grade 1 burn) requires resting until the reaction clears, then resuming at a reduced dose to prevent further skin damage.

(PAM) Physical Agent Modalities Certification Practice Test