FREE NPTE-PT Test Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT Questions and Answers

Question 1

A physical therapist is monitoring a patient during a Phase II cardiac rehabilitation session.
The patient, who is 3 weeks post-myocardial infarction, is walking on a treadmill.
According to ACSM guidelines, which of the following findings is an absolute indication to terminate the exercise session immediately?

Accepted Answer

ST-segment depression of 3.0 mm on the ECG monitor.

Answer

A systolic blood pressure that rises to 160 mmHg from a resting value of 130 mmHg.

Answer

The patient reports a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 13/20 on the Borg scale.

Answer

An increase in heart rate of 25 bpm above resting heart rate.

Question 2

While auscultating the lungs of a patient with an acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF), a physical therapist hears discontinuous, high-pitched, popping sounds primarily during the end of inspiration over the lower lung bases. These sounds are BEST described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Fine crackles (rales)

Answer

Wheezes

Answer

Rhonchi

Answer

Pleural friction rub

Question 3

A physical therapist is teaching a patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) a breathing technique to help relieve dyspnea by maintaining positive airway pressure during exhalation and preventing premature airway collapse. Which of the following techniques BEST accomplishes this goal?

Accepted Answer

Pursed-lip breathing

Answer

Diaphragmatic breathing

Answer

Segmental breathing

Answer

Incentive spirometry

Question 4

A physical therapist calculates the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) for a patient complaining of intermittent claudication. The highest systolic pressure in the right arm is 150 mmHg, and the highest systolic pressure in the left arm is 144 mmHg. The highest systolic pressure in the right ankle (dorsalis pedis) is 90 mmHg. What is the patient's right ABI, and how is it classified?

Accepted Answer

0.60, classified as moderate peripheral artery disease.

Answer

0.63, classified as mild peripheral artery disease.

Answer

0.96, classified as normal.

Answer

1.67, classified as non-compressible vessels.

Question 5

A patient is admitted to the hospital with a suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI). The physical therapist reviews the patient's lab values in the electronic medical record. Which of the following cardiac biomarkers is the most sensitive and specific for myocardial cell death, making it the gold standard for diagnosing an MI?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac Troponin (cTnI or cTnT)

Answer

Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)

Answer

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

Answer

Myoglobin

Question 6

A physical therapist plans to perform postural drainage on a patient to clear secretions from the posterior basal segments of the lower lobes. Which is the MOST appropriate patient position to target these specific lung segments?

Accepted Answer

Prone with the foot of the bed elevated 18 inches.

Answer

Supine with the foot of the bed elevated 18 inches.

Answer

Sidelying with the head of the bed flat.

Answer

Sitting upright and leaning forward over a pillow.