NPTE-PTA Cardiopulmonary System 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale ranges from:
- 1–10
- 0–20
- 6–20 (Correct answer)
- 0–100
Correct answer: 6–20
The original Borg RPE scale ranges from 6 to 20, designed to correlate with heart rate (multiply by 10).
Question 2: Which position best facilitates drainage of the right lower lobe posterior basal segment?
- Supine with head elevated
- Left side-lying with foot of bed elevated
- Prone with foot of bed elevated (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright
Correct answer: Prone with foot of bed elevated
The prone position with the foot of the bed elevated drains the posterior basal segments via gravity-assisted postural drainage.
Question 3: A patient's SpO2 drops to 88% during exercise. The PTA should:
- Continue exercise at the same intensity
- Increase exercise intensity
- Stop exercise and notify the physical therapist (Correct answer)
- Apply supplemental oxygen and continue
Correct answer: Stop exercise and notify the physical therapist
An SpO2 below 90% is a contraindication to continued exercise; the PTA must stop and report to the supervising PT.
Question 4: Which breathing pattern is characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes respiration?
- Rapid shallow breaths
- Deep labored breaths
- Cyclic crescendo-decrescendo with apneic pauses (Correct answer)
- Slow regular deep breaths
Correct answer: Cyclic crescendo-decrescendo with apneic pauses
Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a cyclical pattern of increasing then decreasing tidal volume followed by apnea.
Question 5: Target heart rate for moderate-intensity exercise in a healthy 40-year-old is approximately:
- 90–108 bpm
- 108–126 bpm (Correct answer)
- 126–144 bpm
- 144–162 bpm
Correct answer: 108–126 bpm
Using the 220-minus-age formula: max HR = 180 bpm; 60–70% of 180 = 108–126 bpm for moderate intensity.
Question 6: A PTA notes bilateral crackles at lung bases on auscultation. This finding most likely indicates:
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary fibrosis exacerbation
- Pulmonary edema or heart failure (Correct answer)
- Normal breath sounds
Correct answer: Pulmonary edema or heart failure
Bilateral basilar crackles are a classic sign of fluid accumulation from pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure.
NPTE-PTA Cardiopulmonary System 1
The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale ranges from: