NPTE MODALITIES PRACTICE QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
Which situation would warrant the coolest water temperature?
a. pain management
b. general exercise
c. treatment of burns
d. chronic osteoarthritis - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: The temperature of water for general exercise should be between 79-92
degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperature would need to be significantly higher for the
remaining options: pain management 99-104 degrees Fahrenheit; treatment of burns
96-98 degrees Fahrenheit; chronic osteoarthritis 104-110 degrees Fahrenheit
A therapist plans to administer cryotherapy to a patient for a period of seven minutes.
What type of cryotherapeutic agent would be most likely based on the planned duration
of the treatment?
a. cold bath
b. ice massage
c. cold pack
d. vapocoolant spray - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: Ice massage is typically performed by freezing water in paper cups and
applying the ice directly to the treatment area. Since the ice is applied directly, the
magnitude of the tissue cooling requires a treatment duration of only five to ten minutes.
Ice massage is ideal for small or contoured areas, allows for direct observation of the
skin, and is inexpensive to use.
What ratio of on:off time is most common when using mechanical compression?
a. 1:3
b. 3:1
c. 1:6
d. 6:1 - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: A 3:1 ratio is generally used for on:off time with inflation between 40 to 100
seconds and deflation between 10 to 35 seconds
Which massage technique would not require the use of a lubricant?
a. effleurage
b. petrissage
c. vibration
d. friction - Answers - Answer: d
Rationale: Friction is a deep massage technique that penetrates into the depth of a
muscle. As a result, a lubricant would make it extremely difficult for the therapist to
administer the stroke with the necessary intensity
,Which of the following would be considered a potential indication for electrotherapy?
a. cardiac arrhythmia
b. osteomyelitis
c. stress incontinence
d. seizure disorders - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: Stress incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of urine and is often
prompted by a physical movement or activity such as coughing or sneezing. Pelvic floor
muscle weakness is often the cause of this condition. Electrotherapy can be used
effectively to increase the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. Cardiac
arrhythmia, osteomyelitis, and seizure disorders are considered contraindications for
electrotherapy
A therapist uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation with a patient rehabilitating from a
knee injury. During the treatment session the therapist adjusts the on:off time ratio to
1:5. Which of the following is consistent with the described ratio?
a. 8 seconds on and 40 seconds off
b. 10 seconds on and 30 seconds off
c. 30 seconds on and 10 seconds off
d. 40 seconds on and 8 seconds off - Answers - Answer: a
Rationale: An on:off ratio of 1:5 means that for each second of on time there would be
five seconds of off time. Eight seconds of on time and 40 seconds of off time maintains
the 1:5 ratio.
What electrode configuration includes two electrodes from two different stimulating
circuits that are positioned so that the individual currents intersect?
a. unipolar
b. monopolar
c. bipolar
d. quadripolar - Answers - Answer: d
Rationale: Quadripolar technique refers to two electrodes from two separate stimulating
circuits that are positioned so that the individual currents intersect with each other. This
technique is utilized with interferential current.
A therapist treats a patient rehabilitating from an ankle sprain using a cold bath. Which
value would be most appropriate for the temperature of the cold bath?
a. 35 degrees Fahrenheit
b. 48 degrees Fahrenheit
c. 60 degrees Fahrenheit
d. 74 degrees Fahrenheit - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: A cold bath requires water temperature ranging from 55 to 64 degrees
Fahrenheit. Cold baths are commonly used for the immersion of distal extremities.
Which term describes the transfer of heat that occurs as a liquid absorbs energy and
changes form to a vapor?
a. conduction
b. convection
, c. conversion
d. evaporation - Answers - Answer: d
Rationale: Evaporation refers to the transfer of heat as a liquid absorbs energy and
changes form to a vapor. Vapocoolant sprays are an example of a modality that relies
on evaporation for heat transfer.
The temperature of the water in a hot pack machine should be:
a. 137 degrees Fahrenheit
b. 148 degrees Fahrenheit
c. 161 degrees Fahrenheit
d. 174 degrees Fahrenheit - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: The water in a hot pack unit should be between 158-167 degrees Fahrenheit
A therapist attempts to determine the amount of time necessary to treat an area
approximately two times the size of the ultrasound transducer. The most appropriate
treatment time is:
a. 3 minutes
b. 5 minutes
c. 7 minutes
d. 12 minutes - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: A therapist can cover an area two to three times the size of the transducer in
a five minute period. Five minutes would be a sufficient amount of time given the size of
the area in relation to the size of the transducer.
Which condition would be considered an indication for cryotherapy?
a. chronic pain
b. circulatory impairment
c. cold urticaria
d. ischemic tissue - Answers - Answer: a
Rationale: Chronic pain is an indication for cryotherapy. Other indications include pain
control, myofascial pain syndrome, muscle spasm, bursitis, tendonitis, acute or
subacute inflammation, and musculoskeletal trauma. Circulatory impairment, cold
urticarial, and ischemic tissue are all considered contraindications for cryotherapy.
A patient poorly tolerates the sudden increase in force that occurs when transitioning
from off time to on time during neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Which action would
minimize the impact of this transition?
a. decrease the treatment duration
b. modify the waveform
c. utilize a ramp
d. increase the phase duration - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: Ramp refers to the number of seconds it takes for the amplitude to gradually
increase or decrease to the maximum value set by the amplitude control. By adding a
ramp the onset of the electrical force will be gradual and, therefore, better tolerated by
the patient.
, Which property of water increases in proportion to the depth of immersion?
a. buoyancy
b. hydrostatic pressure
c. specific gravity
d. total drag force - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to
the force of gravity. Water exerts pressure that is perpendicular to the body and
increases in proportion to the depth of immersion.
A therapist uses compression to treat a patient with edema. How much inflation
pressure is necessary when treating the upper extremities?
a. 20 mmHg
b. 45 mmHg
c. 70 mmHg
d. 90 mmHg - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: Treatment for the upper extremities requires between 30 and 60 mmHg of
inflation pressure
Which type of hydrotherapy tank would allow the patient to extend their legs, however,
would not allow for full body immersion?
a. extremity tank
b. lowboy tank
c. highboy tank
d. Hubbard tank - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: A lowboy tank is used for larger parts of the extremities and permits long
sitting with water to the midthoracic level. Approximate dimensions for the lowboy tank
are a depth of 18 inches, a length of 52-65 inches, and a width of 24 inches.
A therapist elects to use a small set of electrodes when applying electrical stimulation to
the anterior forearm of a patient rehabilitating from an upper extremity injury. Which of
the following is most accurate when comparing smaller electrodes to larger electrodes?
a. Smaller electrodes result in increased current density and increased impedance
b. Smaller electrodes result in decreased current density and increased impedance
c. Smaller electrodes result in increased current density and decreased impedance
d. Smaller electrodes result in decreased current density and decreased impedance -
Answers - Answer: a
Rationale: The smaller surface area of small electrodes increases current density and
impedance. Current density is a measure of the density of an electrical current.
Impedance refers to the property of a substance that provides resistance to the flow of
current by offering an alternate current
Which ultrasound parameters would produce the lowest total amount of heat delivered
to the target area?
a. 20% duty cycle at 1.2 W/cm2
b. 50% duty cycle at 1.1 W/cm2
c. 75% duty cycle at 1.3 W/cm2
ANSWERS
Which situation would warrant the coolest water temperature?
a. pain management
b. general exercise
c. treatment of burns
d. chronic osteoarthritis - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: The temperature of water for general exercise should be between 79-92
degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperature would need to be significantly higher for the
remaining options: pain management 99-104 degrees Fahrenheit; treatment of burns
96-98 degrees Fahrenheit; chronic osteoarthritis 104-110 degrees Fahrenheit
A therapist plans to administer cryotherapy to a patient for a period of seven minutes.
What type of cryotherapeutic agent would be most likely based on the planned duration
of the treatment?
a. cold bath
b. ice massage
c. cold pack
d. vapocoolant spray - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: Ice massage is typically performed by freezing water in paper cups and
applying the ice directly to the treatment area. Since the ice is applied directly, the
magnitude of the tissue cooling requires a treatment duration of only five to ten minutes.
Ice massage is ideal for small or contoured areas, allows for direct observation of the
skin, and is inexpensive to use.
What ratio of on:off time is most common when using mechanical compression?
a. 1:3
b. 3:1
c. 1:6
d. 6:1 - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: A 3:1 ratio is generally used for on:off time with inflation between 40 to 100
seconds and deflation between 10 to 35 seconds
Which massage technique would not require the use of a lubricant?
a. effleurage
b. petrissage
c. vibration
d. friction - Answers - Answer: d
Rationale: Friction is a deep massage technique that penetrates into the depth of a
muscle. As a result, a lubricant would make it extremely difficult for the therapist to
administer the stroke with the necessary intensity
,Which of the following would be considered a potential indication for electrotherapy?
a. cardiac arrhythmia
b. osteomyelitis
c. stress incontinence
d. seizure disorders - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: Stress incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of urine and is often
prompted by a physical movement or activity such as coughing or sneezing. Pelvic floor
muscle weakness is often the cause of this condition. Electrotherapy can be used
effectively to increase the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. Cardiac
arrhythmia, osteomyelitis, and seizure disorders are considered contraindications for
electrotherapy
A therapist uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation with a patient rehabilitating from a
knee injury. During the treatment session the therapist adjusts the on:off time ratio to
1:5. Which of the following is consistent with the described ratio?
a. 8 seconds on and 40 seconds off
b. 10 seconds on and 30 seconds off
c. 30 seconds on and 10 seconds off
d. 40 seconds on and 8 seconds off - Answers - Answer: a
Rationale: An on:off ratio of 1:5 means that for each second of on time there would be
five seconds of off time. Eight seconds of on time and 40 seconds of off time maintains
the 1:5 ratio.
What electrode configuration includes two electrodes from two different stimulating
circuits that are positioned so that the individual currents intersect?
a. unipolar
b. monopolar
c. bipolar
d. quadripolar - Answers - Answer: d
Rationale: Quadripolar technique refers to two electrodes from two separate stimulating
circuits that are positioned so that the individual currents intersect with each other. This
technique is utilized with interferential current.
A therapist treats a patient rehabilitating from an ankle sprain using a cold bath. Which
value would be most appropriate for the temperature of the cold bath?
a. 35 degrees Fahrenheit
b. 48 degrees Fahrenheit
c. 60 degrees Fahrenheit
d. 74 degrees Fahrenheit - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: A cold bath requires water temperature ranging from 55 to 64 degrees
Fahrenheit. Cold baths are commonly used for the immersion of distal extremities.
Which term describes the transfer of heat that occurs as a liquid absorbs energy and
changes form to a vapor?
a. conduction
b. convection
, c. conversion
d. evaporation - Answers - Answer: d
Rationale: Evaporation refers to the transfer of heat as a liquid absorbs energy and
changes form to a vapor. Vapocoolant sprays are an example of a modality that relies
on evaporation for heat transfer.
The temperature of the water in a hot pack machine should be:
a. 137 degrees Fahrenheit
b. 148 degrees Fahrenheit
c. 161 degrees Fahrenheit
d. 174 degrees Fahrenheit - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: The water in a hot pack unit should be between 158-167 degrees Fahrenheit
A therapist attempts to determine the amount of time necessary to treat an area
approximately two times the size of the ultrasound transducer. The most appropriate
treatment time is:
a. 3 minutes
b. 5 minutes
c. 7 minutes
d. 12 minutes - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: A therapist can cover an area two to three times the size of the transducer in
a five minute period. Five minutes would be a sufficient amount of time given the size of
the area in relation to the size of the transducer.
Which condition would be considered an indication for cryotherapy?
a. chronic pain
b. circulatory impairment
c. cold urticaria
d. ischemic tissue - Answers - Answer: a
Rationale: Chronic pain is an indication for cryotherapy. Other indications include pain
control, myofascial pain syndrome, muscle spasm, bursitis, tendonitis, acute or
subacute inflammation, and musculoskeletal trauma. Circulatory impairment, cold
urticarial, and ischemic tissue are all considered contraindications for cryotherapy.
A patient poorly tolerates the sudden increase in force that occurs when transitioning
from off time to on time during neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Which action would
minimize the impact of this transition?
a. decrease the treatment duration
b. modify the waveform
c. utilize a ramp
d. increase the phase duration - Answers - Answer: c
Rationale: Ramp refers to the number of seconds it takes for the amplitude to gradually
increase or decrease to the maximum value set by the amplitude control. By adding a
ramp the onset of the electrical force will be gradual and, therefore, better tolerated by
the patient.
, Which property of water increases in proportion to the depth of immersion?
a. buoyancy
b. hydrostatic pressure
c. specific gravity
d. total drag force - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to
the force of gravity. Water exerts pressure that is perpendicular to the body and
increases in proportion to the depth of immersion.
A therapist uses compression to treat a patient with edema. How much inflation
pressure is necessary when treating the upper extremities?
a. 20 mmHg
b. 45 mmHg
c. 70 mmHg
d. 90 mmHg - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: Treatment for the upper extremities requires between 30 and 60 mmHg of
inflation pressure
Which type of hydrotherapy tank would allow the patient to extend their legs, however,
would not allow for full body immersion?
a. extremity tank
b. lowboy tank
c. highboy tank
d. Hubbard tank - Answers - Answer: b
Rationale: A lowboy tank is used for larger parts of the extremities and permits long
sitting with water to the midthoracic level. Approximate dimensions for the lowboy tank
are a depth of 18 inches, a length of 52-65 inches, and a width of 24 inches.
A therapist elects to use a small set of electrodes when applying electrical stimulation to
the anterior forearm of a patient rehabilitating from an upper extremity injury. Which of
the following is most accurate when comparing smaller electrodes to larger electrodes?
a. Smaller electrodes result in increased current density and increased impedance
b. Smaller electrodes result in decreased current density and increased impedance
c. Smaller electrodes result in increased current density and decreased impedance
d. Smaller electrodes result in decreased current density and decreased impedance -
Answers - Answer: a
Rationale: The smaller surface area of small electrodes increases current density and
impedance. Current density is a measure of the density of an electrical current.
Impedance refers to the property of a substance that provides resistance to the flow of
current by offering an alternate current
Which ultrasound parameters would produce the lowest total amount of heat delivered
to the target area?
a. 20% duty cycle at 1.2 W/cm2
b. 50% duty cycle at 1.1 W/cm2
c. 75% duty cycle at 1.3 W/cm2
