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Equipment and Therapeutic Modalities Flashcards

7 cards from real NPTE-PT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Equipment and Therapeutic Modalities flashcards as text

  1. A patient with chronic low back pain is treated with ultrasound. Which parameter setting produces the greatest depth of penetration?

    Answer: 1 MHz at 100% duty cycle

    1 MHz ultrasound penetrates deeper (up to 5 cm) than 3 MHz because lower frequency waves attenuate less in tissue.

  2. Which type of traction is MOST appropriate for a patient with acute cervical radiculopathy who cannot tolerate positional changes?

    Answer: Manual traction in supine

    Manual traction in supine allows the therapist to control force precisely and immediately release if symptoms worsen, making it safest for acute conditions.

  3. A physical therapist is setting up a TENS unit for postoperative pain. Which mode delivers a continuous high-frequency, low-intensity current most effective for immediate pain relief?

    Answer: Conventional (high-frequency) TENS

    Conventional TENS (80–150 Hz, low intensity) activates gate control mechanisms for rapid, short-duration analgesia.

  4. When using iontophoresis to deliver dexamethasone for inflammation, which electrode placement is correct?

    Answer: Dexamethasone under the negative electrode

    Dexamethasone is negatively charged, so it must be placed under the negative (cathode) electrode for proper ion delivery.

  5. A patient with Raynaud's phenomenon is being considered for cryotherapy. What is the PRIMARY contraindication?

    Answer: Cold hypersensitivity / vasospastic disorder

    Raynaud's phenomenon involves pathological vasospasm triggered by cold, making cryotherapy directly contraindicated.

  6. During fluidotherapy treatment, the therapist notices the patient has an open wound on the treated extremity. What is the MOST appropriate action?

    Answer: Discontinue treatment immediately

    Open wounds are a contraindication to fluidotherapy due to risk of infection from the circulating cellulose particles.

  7. A therapist applies shortwave diathermy to a patient with a total knee replacement. Why is this contraindicated?

    Answer: Metal implants concentrate electromagnetic energy, causing excessive heating

    Metal implants reflect and concentrate shortwave diathermy energy, creating dangerous temperature elevations in surrounding tissue.