Integumentary Physical Therapy Flashcards
7 cards from real NPTE-PTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Integumentary Physical Therapy flashcards as text
According to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), a Stage II pressure injury is characterized by which finding?
Answer: Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis
Stage II pressure injuries involve partial-thickness skin loss exposing the dermis, presenting as a shallow open wound with a pink or red wound bed without slough or bruising.
Which phase of wound healing is primarily characterized by fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis?
Answer: Proliferative phase
The proliferative phase (approximately days 4–21) is defined by fibroblast migration and activity, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and the formation of granulation tissue.
Which method of wound debridement is considered the MOST selective, removing only necrotic tissue while preserving viable tissue?
Answer: Autolytic debridement
Autolytic debridement uses the body's own phagocytic cells and proteolytic enzymes under a moisture-retentive dressing to selectively liquefy necrotic tissue without harming healthy tissue.
A PTA assesses a diabetic foot ulcer and measures an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.45. This finding MOST likely indicates:
Answer: Severe peripheral arterial disease
An ABI below 0.5 indicates severe peripheral arterial disease, which significantly impairs wound healing and is generally a contraindication to full compression therapy.
Which wound dressing is MOST appropriate for managing a large wound with heavy exudate output?
Answer: Calcium alginate dressing
Calcium alginate dressings are highly absorbent, forming a gel on contact with exudate that maintains a moist healing environment, making them optimal for heavily draining wounds.
A PTA inspects a wound and notes all of the following. Which finding is a sign of HEALTHY wound progression rather than infection?
Answer: Pink-red granulation tissue filling the wound bed
Pink-red granulation tissue indicates active angiogenesis and new connective tissue formation, which are hallmarks of the proliferative healing phase, not infection.
A patient presents with a venous stasis ulcer on the medial lower leg. ABI is measured at 0.85. The MOST appropriate primary intervention is:
Answer: Multilayer compression bandaging
Venous stasis ulcers require compression to reduce venous hypertension; an ABI ≥ 0.8 indicates adequate arterial perfusion to safely tolerate full multilayer compression therapy.