NPTE-PTA Data Collection & Interventions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which outcome measure is used to assess functional independence in activities of daily living (ADLs)?
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (Correct answer)
- Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
- DASH questionnaire
Correct answer: Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) rates 18 ADL items from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence).
Question 2: The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) asks patients to rate pain from:
- 1 to 5
- 0 to 10 (Correct answer)
- 1 to 10
- 0 to 100
Correct answer: 0 to 10
The NPRS uses a 0–10 scale where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain.
Question 3: Goniometry measures:
- Muscle strength
- Joint range of motion (Correct answer)
- Limb length discrepancy
- Sensation
Correct answer: Joint range of motion
Goniometry is the measurement of joint angles and range of motion using a goniometer.
Question 4: Electrotherapeutic modality TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) primarily works by:
- Heating deep tissue
- Stimulating the spinal cord for motor re-education
- Activating pain gate control and endogenous opioid mechanisms (Correct answer)
- Reducing edema through osmosis
Correct answer: Activating pain gate control and endogenous opioid mechanisms
TENS reduces pain via the gate control theory (large fiber stimulation inhibits pain signals) and endogenous opioid release.
Question 5: Ultrasound at 1 MHz frequency penetrates to a depth of approximately:
- 0.5–1 cm
- 1–2 cm
- 3–5 cm (Correct answer)
- 8–10 cm
Correct answer: 3–5 cm
1 MHz ultrasound penetrates 3–5 cm, making it suitable for deep tissue heating of muscles and tendons.
Question 6: Which physical agent is contraindicated over a pacemaker?
- Ultrasound
- Hot pack
- Cryotherapy
- Interferential current (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Interferential current
Electrical stimulation, including interferential current, is contraindicated near pacemakers as it can interfere with the device's function.
NPTE-PTA Data Collection & Interventions 1
Which outcome measure is used to assess functional independence in activities of daily living (ADLs)?