Practice Test GeeksNPTE-PT Test Practice Test
← All NPTE-PT Flashcard Decks

Therapeutic Modalities Application 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 Therapeutic Modalities Application flashcards as text

  1. A patient with chronic plantar fasciitis is treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Which mechanism best explains its therapeutic effect?

    Answer: Photobiomodulation promoting cellular ATP production

    LLLT works through photobiomodulation, stimulating mitochondrial activity and increasing ATP production to promote healing.

  2. When applying phonophoresis with hydrocortisone to a patient's lateral epicondyle, which ultrasound parameter best facilitates transdermal drug delivery?

    Answer: 1 MHz continuous mode at 1.0 W/cm²

    1 MHz continuous ultrasound penetrates deeper and the continuous mode maximizes acoustic streaming to enhance drug penetration into deeper tissue.

  3. A PT is using interferential current (IFC) for pain modulation in a post-operative knee patient. The beat frequency most effective for endorphin release is:

    Answer: 1–10 Hz

    Low beat frequencies of 1–10 Hz stimulate endogenous opioid (endorphin) release for longer-lasting pain relief.

  4. Which condition is an absolute contraindication for applying thermotherapy (moist heat pack) locally?

    Answer: Peripheral vascular disease with impaired circulation

    Peripheral vascular disease impairs heat dissipation, creating a risk of thermal burns and tissue damage with local heat application.

  5. A PT applies cryotherapy immediately after acute ankle inversion sprain. Which physiological effect is the PRIMARY goal in this phase?

    Answer: Reducing secondary hypoxic injury by decreasing tissue metabolism

    Cryotherapy reduces local tissue metabolism, limiting secondary hypoxic injury in cells surrounding the primary trauma zone.

  6. During TENS application for pain relief using the conventional (high-rate) mode, which sensory response indicates correct electrode placement and intensity?

    Answer: Comfortable tingling or paresthesia without muscle contraction

    Conventional high-rate TENS targets large-diameter sensory fibers, producing comfortable paresthesia without motor activation.

  7. A therapist uses fluidotherapy on a patient's hand following Dupuytren's contracture release. Which unique benefit does fluidotherapy offer over paraffin bath?

    Answer: Ability to perform active exercise during treatment

    Fluidotherapy allows the patient to actively move and exercise the extremity during treatment, combining heat with functional activity.