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
A PT uses pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) over a patient's lumbar region. Which tissue type is MOST effectively heated by the inductive coil method?
Answer: Highly hydrated tissues with high water content such as muscle
Inductive coil PSWD generates eddy currents most effectively in tissues with high water and electrolyte content, such as muscle.
Which electrode placement during TENS application over the cervical spine region is CONTRAINDICATED due to risk of adverse physiological response?
Answer: Over the anterior neck across the carotid sinus
Electrode placement over the carotid sinus can trigger a vasovagal response, causing bradycardia and hypotension.
A patient with a skin sensitivity complaint after treatment states the skin feels hot and looks red after cryotherapy. Which term describes this paradoxical hunting response?
Answer: Lewis hunting reaction
The Lewis hunting reaction is a cyclical vasoconstriction and vasodilation that prevents tissue freezing during prolonged cold application.
When using high-volt pulsed current (HVPC) for wound healing, which polarity is typically used in the proliferative phase to promote fibroblast activity?
Answer: Positive polarity
Positive polarity HVPC attracts fibroblasts and promotes collagen synthesis during the proliferative phase of wound healing.
A PT is selecting ultrasound parameters for treating a superficial trigger point at 1 cm depth in the upper trapezius. Which frequency is MOST appropriate?
Answer: 3 MHz
3 MHz ultrasound has a shallower depth of penetration (1–2 cm), making it ideal for superficial structures like trigger points near the surface.
Which modality uses high-frequency alternating current (>100,000 Hz) and produces NO neuromuscular stimulation because it is above the threshold for nerve depolarization?
Answer: Diathermy (shortwave)
Shortwave diathermy operates at frequencies (27.12 MHz) far above the neuromuscular excitation threshold, so it heats tissue without stimulating nerves or muscles.
A PT applies paraffin bath treatment to a patient's arthritic hand. Compared to a moist heat pack, paraffin bath provides superior superficial heating because:
Answer: The low thermal conductivity of paraffin retains heat longer on the skin surface
Paraffin's low thermal conductivity allows it to maintain contact heat on the skin surface longer than water-based modalities without burning.