NPTE Practice 387 Questions with Verified Answers
A patient who was instructed by a physician to take acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
for pain is not getting relief and asks a physical therapist if it is okay to change to
acetaminophen (Tylenol). The patient adds that acetaminophen has worked in the
past. Which of the following responses by the therapist would be MOST
appropriate?
1. Allow the patient to change to acetaminophen because it is an effective over-
the-counter medication.
2. Allow the patient to switch to a natural antiinflammatory herbal supplement
instead of acetaminophen.
3. Instruct the patient to discuss medication-related questions with the
prescribing physician.
4. Instruct the patient to use heat or ice as nonpharmacological pain management
options. - CORRECT ANSWER 3
A patient who has gastroesophageal reflux disease is MOST likely to benefit from
education to reduce consumption of which of the following types of food?
1. Coffee, fatty foods
2. Coffee, dairy foods
3. High-sugar foods, fatty foods
4. High-sugar foods, dairy foods - CORRECT ANSWER 1
Modifications to help manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
includes avoiding eating large meals that can distend the stomach and avoiding
items such as chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeinated coffee, and fried and/or
fatty foods.
Dairy and high-sugar foods do not have an effect on reflux.
A patient had an uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty using a posterior approach
2 months ago. The patient wishes to return to sexual activity. Which of the
following actions would be MOST appropriate for a physical therapist?
1. Educate the patient that sexual activity is not appropriate following a total hip
arthroplasty.
,2. Educate the patient about how to avoid contraindicated movements during
sexual activity.
3. Refer the patient back to the orthopedic surgeon to discuss appropriate sexual
positions.
4. Refer the patient back to the primary care physician to discuss alternatives to
sexual activity. - CORRECT ANSWER 2
A physical therapist is educating a patient on the use of a moist hot pack for home
treatment. For the patient to prevent burns and still receive the benefits of
superficial heat, which of the following heat application time frames is MOST
appropriate?
1. 5-10 minutes
2. 20-30 minutes
3. 45-60 minutes
4. 70-90 minutes - CORRECT ANSWER 2
1. Five to 10 minutes is an insufficient amount of time for therapeutic heating
effects.
2. The ideal amount of time for therapeutic heating effects varies from 15-30
minutes.
A patient who has an acute ankle sprain is being instructed in non-weight-bearing
gait with crutches prior to discharge from the emergency department. Which of
the following approaches by the physical therapist would MOST effectively
facilitate learning?
1. Give verbal instructions in how to use the crutches.
2. Provide photographs of someone using crutches.
3. Have the patient verbally repeat the instructions and demonstrate use of the
crutches.
4. Demonstrate use of the crutches and provide the patient with written
instructions. - CORRECT ANSWER 3
A patient has pitting edema that is worse in the evenings and improves with
elevation of the affected limb. Which of the following stages of lymphedema is
MOST likely present?
1. Stage 0
2. Stage 1
3. Stage 2
,4. Stage 3 - CORRECT ANSWER 2
Explanation:
1. In Stage 0 lymphedema there are no clinical signs of edema although reduced
lymph transport capacity is present.
2. Stage 1 lymphedema includes pitting edema, reversible with elevation, and
edema that is increased with activity, heat, and humidity and is better in the
morning.
3. Stage 2 lymphedema includes nonpitting edema that is irreversible along with
fibrotic skin changes
4. In Stage 3 lymphedema, there is an increase in severe nonpitting fibrotic edema
and atrophic changes in the skin, including hyperkeratosis, papillomas, and warts.
When conducting a 10-meter walk test, appropriate procedure includes which of
the following elements?
1. The patient is permitted to use an assistive device.
2. The patient is instructed to walk with feet heel-to-toe.
3. The patient begins the assessment in a seated position.
4. The patient walks until reaching a marker, then turns around. - CORRECT
ANSWER 1
A patient reports vertigo and nausea after rolling in bed. The symptoms last for 30
seconds. The patient has a positive response on the Hallpike-Dix test. To decrease
symptoms, which of the following interventions would be MOST effective?
1. Habituation exercises
2. Brandt-Daroff exercises
3. Gaze stabilization treatment
4. Canalith repositioning treatment - CORRECT ANSWER 4
A patient who has hypothyroidism is MOST likely to exhibit which of the following
symptoms?
1. Restlessness, increased appetite, diarrhea, muscle aches, intolerance to cold
2. Restlessness, increased appetite, constipation, muscle wasting, intolerance to
heat
3. Lethargy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, muscle wasting, intolerance to heat
4. Lethargy, decreased appetite, constipation, muscle aches, intolerance to cold -
CORRECT ANSWER 4
, A patient has Fair (3/5) quadriceps strength, intact sensation in the lower
extremity, and 0/10 pain. Which of the following electrical stimulation parameters
would be MOST appropriate for the patient?
1. Frequency of 35 pps, duration of 50 microseconds
2. Frequency of 35 pps, duration of 150 microseconds
3. Frequency of 50 pps, duration of 250 microseconds
4. Frequency of 150 pps, duration of 50 microseconds - CORRECT ANSWER 3
1. The lower pulse frequency is appropriate for promoting muscle strength, but
the pulse duration is too short and would be more appropriate for pain control
(pp. 246, 262).
2. Frequency of 35 pps and duration of 150 microseconds would be more
appropriate for strengthening a small muscle group. The quadriceps are one of
the largest muscle groups in the body (p. 246).
3. For a large muscle group with intact innervation, the most effective parameters
for promoting increased muscle strength are a frequency of 35-80 pps and a pulse
duration of 200-350 microseconds (p. 246).
4. Frequency of 150 pps and duration of 50 microseconds would be more
appropriate for influencing pain and not as effective for promoting muscle
strength (p. 262).
Which of the following arthrokinematic motions occurs during open-chain knee
flexion?
1. The tibia rolls posteriorly.
2. The tibia glides anteriorly.
3. The femur rolls anteriorly.
4. The femur glides posteriorly. - CORRECT ANSWER 1
Which of the following ranges for respiratory rate would be NORMAL for an 8-
year-old child?
1. 12 to 20 breaths/minute
2. 18 to 30 breaths/minute
3. 24 to 40 breaths/minute
4. 30 to 60 breaths/minute - CORRECT ANSWER 2
1. A normal range for an adult (age 18 years and older) is 12 to 20
breaths/minute.
2. A normal range for a child in elementary school (age 6-12 years) is 18 to 30
breaths/minute.
A patient who was instructed by a physician to take acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
for pain is not getting relief and asks a physical therapist if it is okay to change to
acetaminophen (Tylenol). The patient adds that acetaminophen has worked in the
past. Which of the following responses by the therapist would be MOST
appropriate?
1. Allow the patient to change to acetaminophen because it is an effective over-
the-counter medication.
2. Allow the patient to switch to a natural antiinflammatory herbal supplement
instead of acetaminophen.
3. Instruct the patient to discuss medication-related questions with the
prescribing physician.
4. Instruct the patient to use heat or ice as nonpharmacological pain management
options. - CORRECT ANSWER 3
A patient who has gastroesophageal reflux disease is MOST likely to benefit from
education to reduce consumption of which of the following types of food?
1. Coffee, fatty foods
2. Coffee, dairy foods
3. High-sugar foods, fatty foods
4. High-sugar foods, dairy foods - CORRECT ANSWER 1
Modifications to help manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
includes avoiding eating large meals that can distend the stomach and avoiding
items such as chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeinated coffee, and fried and/or
fatty foods.
Dairy and high-sugar foods do not have an effect on reflux.
A patient had an uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty using a posterior approach
2 months ago. The patient wishes to return to sexual activity. Which of the
following actions would be MOST appropriate for a physical therapist?
1. Educate the patient that sexual activity is not appropriate following a total hip
arthroplasty.
,2. Educate the patient about how to avoid contraindicated movements during
sexual activity.
3. Refer the patient back to the orthopedic surgeon to discuss appropriate sexual
positions.
4. Refer the patient back to the primary care physician to discuss alternatives to
sexual activity. - CORRECT ANSWER 2
A physical therapist is educating a patient on the use of a moist hot pack for home
treatment. For the patient to prevent burns and still receive the benefits of
superficial heat, which of the following heat application time frames is MOST
appropriate?
1. 5-10 minutes
2. 20-30 minutes
3. 45-60 minutes
4. 70-90 minutes - CORRECT ANSWER 2
1. Five to 10 minutes is an insufficient amount of time for therapeutic heating
effects.
2. The ideal amount of time for therapeutic heating effects varies from 15-30
minutes.
A patient who has an acute ankle sprain is being instructed in non-weight-bearing
gait with crutches prior to discharge from the emergency department. Which of
the following approaches by the physical therapist would MOST effectively
facilitate learning?
1. Give verbal instructions in how to use the crutches.
2. Provide photographs of someone using crutches.
3. Have the patient verbally repeat the instructions and demonstrate use of the
crutches.
4. Demonstrate use of the crutches and provide the patient with written
instructions. - CORRECT ANSWER 3
A patient has pitting edema that is worse in the evenings and improves with
elevation of the affected limb. Which of the following stages of lymphedema is
MOST likely present?
1. Stage 0
2. Stage 1
3. Stage 2
,4. Stage 3 - CORRECT ANSWER 2
Explanation:
1. In Stage 0 lymphedema there are no clinical signs of edema although reduced
lymph transport capacity is present.
2. Stage 1 lymphedema includes pitting edema, reversible with elevation, and
edema that is increased with activity, heat, and humidity and is better in the
morning.
3. Stage 2 lymphedema includes nonpitting edema that is irreversible along with
fibrotic skin changes
4. In Stage 3 lymphedema, there is an increase in severe nonpitting fibrotic edema
and atrophic changes in the skin, including hyperkeratosis, papillomas, and warts.
When conducting a 10-meter walk test, appropriate procedure includes which of
the following elements?
1. The patient is permitted to use an assistive device.
2. The patient is instructed to walk with feet heel-to-toe.
3. The patient begins the assessment in a seated position.
4. The patient walks until reaching a marker, then turns around. - CORRECT
ANSWER 1
A patient reports vertigo and nausea after rolling in bed. The symptoms last for 30
seconds. The patient has a positive response on the Hallpike-Dix test. To decrease
symptoms, which of the following interventions would be MOST effective?
1. Habituation exercises
2. Brandt-Daroff exercises
3. Gaze stabilization treatment
4. Canalith repositioning treatment - CORRECT ANSWER 4
A patient who has hypothyroidism is MOST likely to exhibit which of the following
symptoms?
1. Restlessness, increased appetite, diarrhea, muscle aches, intolerance to cold
2. Restlessness, increased appetite, constipation, muscle wasting, intolerance to
heat
3. Lethargy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, muscle wasting, intolerance to heat
4. Lethargy, decreased appetite, constipation, muscle aches, intolerance to cold -
CORRECT ANSWER 4
, A patient has Fair (3/5) quadriceps strength, intact sensation in the lower
extremity, and 0/10 pain. Which of the following electrical stimulation parameters
would be MOST appropriate for the patient?
1. Frequency of 35 pps, duration of 50 microseconds
2. Frequency of 35 pps, duration of 150 microseconds
3. Frequency of 50 pps, duration of 250 microseconds
4. Frequency of 150 pps, duration of 50 microseconds - CORRECT ANSWER 3
1. The lower pulse frequency is appropriate for promoting muscle strength, but
the pulse duration is too short and would be more appropriate for pain control
(pp. 246, 262).
2. Frequency of 35 pps and duration of 150 microseconds would be more
appropriate for strengthening a small muscle group. The quadriceps are one of
the largest muscle groups in the body (p. 246).
3. For a large muscle group with intact innervation, the most effective parameters
for promoting increased muscle strength are a frequency of 35-80 pps and a pulse
duration of 200-350 microseconds (p. 246).
4. Frequency of 150 pps and duration of 50 microseconds would be more
appropriate for influencing pain and not as effective for promoting muscle
strength (p. 262).
Which of the following arthrokinematic motions occurs during open-chain knee
flexion?
1. The tibia rolls posteriorly.
2. The tibia glides anteriorly.
3. The femur rolls anteriorly.
4. The femur glides posteriorly. - CORRECT ANSWER 1
Which of the following ranges for respiratory rate would be NORMAL for an 8-
year-old child?
1. 12 to 20 breaths/minute
2. 18 to 30 breaths/minute
3. 24 to 40 breaths/minute
4. 30 to 60 breaths/minute - CORRECT ANSWER 2
1. A normal range for an adult (age 18 years and older) is 12 to 20
breaths/minute.
2. A normal range for a child in elementary school (age 6-12 years) is 18 to 30
breaths/minute.
