NPTE Clinical Files | Physical Therapy

Afleveringen

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  One Symptom Is NOT Enough: An NPTE Test-Taking Lesson 07.10.2026 12min

  Olivia reports progressive lower-extremity weakness and decreased exercise tolerance. Examination reveals a resting heart rate of 104 bpm, a fine hand tremor, brisk deep tendon reflexes, and mild proximal muscle weakness. She also reports recent unintentional weight loss despite no change in diet or activity level.Which of the following conditions is MOST likely responsible for Olivia’s presentation?A) Graves diseaseB) Hashimoto thyroiditisC) Multiple myelomaD) HyperparathyroidismDownload My Top 5 Test Taking Tips: https://www.nptetip.com
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  Hand & Digit Deformities 30.09.2026 13min

  Jason is referred to physical therapy for gradually progressive bilateral hand pain and stiffness. The patient reports that the hands feel stiff for approximately 15 minutes after waking and becomes increasingly painful after prolonged gripping and household activities. Examination reveals firm enlargement of several interphalangeal joints and decreased motion of the first carpometacarpal joints bilaterally. There is no significant warmth or swelling of the metacarpophalangeal joints.Which of the following additional findings would be MOST likely in this patient?A) Ulnar drift of the digits at the metacarpophalangeal jointsB) Swan-neck deformity involving hyperextension of the PIP jointsC) Heberden nodes involving the distal interphalangeal jointsD) Boutonnière deformity involving flexion of the PIP joints- Join the FREE NPTE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com- Download My Hand Deformities Cheatsheet: https://www.nptecheatsheet.com/hand-deformities
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  Cardiac Meds & Mechanisms 23.09.2026 13min

  Brian presents with chronic heart failure and is referred to physical therapy for aerobic conditioning. The patient has a history of hypertension and has a resting heart rate of 102 bpm. The medical record indicates that the patient takes a medication that decreases cardiac workload by reducing preload through increased renal excretion of sodium and water. Which of the following medications is MOST likely prescribed?A) LisinoprilB) MetoprololC) FurosemideD) Nitroglycerin- Text our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573- Download My Top 10 Meds Cheatsheet: https://www.nptecheatsheet.com/meds-npte
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  Gait Assessment & Intervention 16.09.2026 12min

  Priyanshi is a 68-year-old female referred to physical therapy for gradually increasing right forefoot pain and difficulty walking longer distances. During gait assessment, the physical therapist observes decreased push-off on the right during terminal stance and pre-swing. Examination reveals the following findings:* Right first metatarsophalangeal joint extension PROM: 40°* Right ankle dorsiflexion PROM: 10°* Right ankle plantar flexor strength: 4/5* Right quadriceps strength: 3+/5* Right gluteus maximus strength: 3+/5Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate to address the impairment primarily contributing to the observed gait deviation?A) Progressive resisted strengthening of the right plantar flexorsB) Progressive resisted strengthening of the right gluteus maximusC) Joint mobilization to improve extension of the right first metatarsophalangeal jointD) Progressive resisted strengthening of the right quadricepsDownload My Top 3 Gait Cheatsheets: www.thepthustle.com/gait-sheets
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  Symptom-Limited Exercise Tolerance Testing 09.09.2026 12min

  Ashley is preparing to perform a symptom-limited graded exercise test to determine functional exercise capacity and help develop an aerobic exercise prescription. Which of the following patients is the MOST appropriate candidate for this type of testing?A) A patient with stable coronary artery disease who reports predictable substernal discomfort during prolonged uphill walkingB) A patient with acute pericarditis who reports chest discomfort at restC) A patient with suspected acute pulmonary embolism who developed sudden dyspnea earlier in the dayD) A patient with unstable angina who has experienced increasingly frequent chest pain during minimal activityDownload My Top 5 Cardiopulmonary Cheatsheets: www.thepthustle.com/cardiopulmonary-sheets
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  Infection Control - PPE 02.09.2026 13min

  Zoe is preparing to ambulate a patient hospitalized with hepatitis B. The patient is medically stable and has no open wounds, active bleeding, or uncontrolled drainage. Which of the following precautions is MOST appropriate during gait training?A) Wear gloves and a gown throughout the treatment session because the infection can be transmitted through direct contactB) Wear gloves only when contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids is anticipatedC) Wear a surgical mask when treating the patient within 3 feet (0.9 m)D) Wear an N95 respirator and perform treatment in a negative-pressure roomText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Wound Assessment & Documentation 26.08.2026 12min

  Getsemani examines a patient with a Stage 4 pressure injury over the sacrum. The therapist inserts a sterile cotton-tipped applicator beneath the intact wound edge. The applicator advances 2.4 cm toward the patient’s head while remaining immediately beneath the skin. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate documentation of this finding?A) Tunneling of 2.4 cm at 12 o’clockB) Undermining of 2.4 cm at 12 o’clockC) Maceration extending 2.4 cm at 12 o’clockD) Induration extending 2.4 cm at 12 o’clockText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  NMES Parameter Adjustment 19.08.2026 12min

  Stassi is administering neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to improve quadriceps strength following knee surgery. The patient reports that the stimulation feels uncomfortable as the current is delivered. Stassi would like to maintain a strong therapeutic muscle contraction while making the treatment more comfortable for the patient. Which of the following stimulation parameters should be adjusted?A) AmplitudeB) Pulse rate (frequency)C) Pulse durationD) Ramp down timeText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  NPTE EKG Reading & Response 12.08.2026 13min

  Inez is receiving physical therapy in the acute cardiac unit following an acute coronary event. During treatment, the physical therapist observes a new telemetry change characterized by progressive PR interval lengthening followed by a dropped QRS complex. The patient denies any new symptoms. What is the MOST appropriate action by the physical therapist?A) Continue treatment because this is an expected finding following an acute coronary event.B) Continue treatment after increasing supplemental oxygen while monitoring telemetry.C) Hold treatment and notify the physician regarding the new telemetry findings.D) Terminate treatment and activate the emergency response team immediately.Text our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Retention vs Acquisition: A High-Yield NPTE Motor Learning Question 05.08.2026 12min

  Anisa is being treated in an inpatient rehabilitation facility following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The physical therapist has been training the patient to ambulate using a two-point gait pattern with a single-point cane. Anisa consistently performs the gait pattern correctly in a quiet hallway without verbal cueing. Which of the following is the BEST strategy to improve long-term retention and carryover of this skill?A) Open environment with randomized practiceB) Closed environment with serial practiceC) Open environment with serial practiceD) Closed environment with blocked practiceText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Genu Valgum Examination - Must Know NPTE Concept 29.07.2026 12min

  Tasnuva is referred to physical therapy for progressively worsening right knee pain. The patient reports symptoms that have gradually increased over the past year and are aggravated by prolonged walking. Observation reveals right coxa vara and significant genu valgum during standing. Which of the following structures is MOST likely contributing to the patient’s symptoms?A) Anterior cruciate ligamentB) Gluteus medius tendonC) Medial meniscusD) Lateral meniscusText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Radial Head Displaced Fracture - LEAST LIKELY 22.07.2026 11min

  Stephanie is evaluating a patient 8 weeks after sustaining a displaced radial head fracture following a fall onto an outstretched hand. The patient reports persistent lateral elbow pain, difficulty actively extending the wrist and fingers, and weakness when gripping objects. Which of the following examination findings is LEAST likely?A) 5/5 elbow extension manual muscle testB) Limited forearm supination range of motionC) Diminished finger extension passive range of motionD) Decreased power grip strengthJoin the FREE NPTE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.comText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Non-Systems - Appropriate Discharge 15.07.2026 11min

  Jeff is a 78-year-old patient recovering from a right CVA. The patient requires moderate assistance for transfers and bed mobility. During therapy, frequent vital sign monitoring is necessary due to ongoing cardiac instability. The patient is now able to tolerate approximately 75 minutes of therapy each day; however, they live alone in a two-story home. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate discharge setting?A) Inpatient rehabilitation facilityB) Skilled nursing facilityC) Home with home health physical therapyD) Long-term acute care hospitalJoin the FREE NPTE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.comText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Diabetes Examination 08.07.2026 15min

  Chimezie is performing an initial examination of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patient’s most recent hemoglobin A1C is 6.7%. During inspection of the right foot, the therapist observes a small ulcer on the plantar surface beneath the fifth metatarsal head. The patient reports progressively limiting walking activities because of discomfort in the involved foot. Which of the following examination procedures is MOST important for the therapist to perform?A) Measure the patient’s maximum ambulation distanceB) Inspect the medial ankle for additional ulcerationC) Test protective sensation using a 10-g monofilamentD) Measure capillary blood glucose before continuing the examinationText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Congenital Muscular Torticollis 01.07.2026 13min

  Sando is a 4-month-old infant receiving physical therapy for right congenital muscular torticollis. The physical therapist notes improved cervical alignment, increased tolerance to prone positioning, and improved active midline head control. Which of the following goals would be MOST appropriate to include in the patient's plan of care?A) Restore left cervical rotation passive ROMB) Restore right cervical rotation passive ROMC) Restore right cervical side-bending passive ROMD) Restore length of the left sternocleidomastoid muscleJoin the FREE NPTE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.comText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573
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  Scenario - Recreational Runner Anterior Hip Discomfort 24.06.2026 14min

  LeMarcus is a 42-year-old recreational runner who reports progressive anterior hip discomfort after increasing mileage over the past 2 months. Examination reveals:* Hip flexion ROM: 125°* Hip extension ROM is limited compared to the uninvolved side* Positive Thomas test* Negative Ely’s test* Hip flexor strength: 5/5* Hip extensor strength: 5/5* Negative FABER testWhich of the following activities would MOST likely be limited?A) Riding a stationary bicycleB) Walking with a long stride lengthC) Rising from a low chairD) Descending stairs with the affected leg firstJoin the FREE NPTE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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  Deep Tendon Reflex Assessment 17.06.2026 11min

  Garret is a 30-year-old patient who was hospitalized 3 days ago after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. During examination, the patient is able to perform repeated seated marches without difficulty. However, the therapist notes impaired sensation in a glove-and-stocking distribution and difficulty with heel- and toe-walking. The therapist decides to assess the hip flexor deep tendon reflex. Which of the following reflex grades is MOST likely?A) 0B) 1+C) 2+D) 4+Join the FREE NPTE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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  Mobilization Grades & Application 10.06.2026 13min

  Ulises presents with intermittent upper extremity paresthesia reproduced with overhead activity. Examination reveals an elevated first rib on the involved side without reports of soft tissue tenderness. Which of the following mobilization techniques is MOST appropriate?A) Large-amplitude oscillations performed into tissue resistanceB) Small-amplitude oscillations performed into tissue resistanceC) Large-amplitude oscillations performed before tissue resistanceD) Small-amplitude oscillations performed before tissue resistanceText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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  Substance Abuse & Ethics 03.06.2026 14min

  Brendaisha is a physical therapist who becomes concerned about a colleague who previously completed rehabilitation for substance abuse. Over the past several weeks, the colleague has demonstrated increasing tardiness, reduced attention during patient care, and episodes of excessive drowsiness while completing documentation. No direct evidence of substance use has been observed, and no adverse patient events have occurred. Which of the following actions is MOST appropriate?A) Report the colleague to the state licensing board due to suspected relapseB) Delay intervention unless patient safety is clearly compromisedC) Discuss the observed behaviors privately with the colleague and follow organizational reporting policies if concerns continueD) Continue monitoring the situation until substance use can be objectively verifiedText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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  Non-System Ultrasound Safety 27.05.2026 10min

  A physical therapist is mentoring a student physical therapist during an outpatient orthopedic clinical rotation. The therapist plans to administer therapeutic ultrasound using the following parameters:* 3 MHz frequency* 20% pulsed duty cycle* 0.5 W/cm² intensity* 6-minute treatment durationWhich of the following patients should NOT receive this treatment?A) A 14-year-old basketball player with Osgood-Schlatter disease over an open tibial epiphyseal plateB) A 72-year-old patient status post cemented total knee arthroplasty 8 months agoC) A 68-year-old male with benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving treatment to the lumbar paraspinalsD) A 59-year-old patient with diabetic neuropathy and absent protective sensation over the treatment regionLooking for a quick way to learn important info about Therapeutic Ultrasound?Download my free cheatsheet here: www.nptecheatsheet.com/therapeutic-usJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com