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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

  1. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) promotes wound healing PRIMARILY by:

    Answer: Applying subatmospheric pressure to remove exudate and stimulate granulation tissue

    NPWT applies controlled subatmospheric pressure through a foam dressing to remove excess exudate, reduce wound edema, and mechanically stimulate granulation tissue formation.

  2. Which type of electrical stimulation has the MOST research evidence supporting its use for wound healing promotion?

    Answer: High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC)

    High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) has the strongest evidence base for wound healing, demonstrating improvements in tissue perfusion, antimicrobial effects, and granulation tissue formation.

  3. A PTA uses therapeutic ultrasound on a deep wound cavity (approximately 4 cm depth). Which frequency is MOST appropriate?

    Answer: 1 MHz

    1 MHz ultrasound penetrates to depths of 3–5 cm, making it appropriate for deep wounds, while 3 MHz is used for superficial structures within 1–2 cm of the skin surface.

  4. The standard clinical method for measuring wound dimensions requires length to be measured along which axis?

    Answer: Along the head-to-toe (craniocaudal) axis of the body

    Standard wound measurement defines length along the head-to-toe (craniocaudal) body axis and width perpendicular to it (side to side), ensuring consistent serial measurements across clinicians.

  5. Which wound characteristic represents a PRIMARY contraindication to pulsed lavage wound irrigation?

    Answer: Exposed vasculature or tendons without protective paratenon

    Exposed vasculature or tendons without the protective paratenon are primary contraindications to pulsed lavage because pressurized irrigation can cause mechanical damage to these delicate structures.

  6. A PTA is treating a patient who underwent split-thickness skin grafting 3 days ago. Which activity must be STRICTLY avoided at the graft site?

    Answer: Shear forces and mechanical disruption of the graft

    Shear forces and mechanical disruption in the first 3–5 days post-grafting can dislodge the graft before vascular inosculation (blood supply ingrowth) is established, causing graft failure.

  7. On the Braden Scale for pressure injury risk prediction, which score indicates the HIGHEST risk for pressure injury development?

    Answer: Score of 9

    The Braden Scale ranges from 6 (highest risk) to 23 (lowest risk); a score of ≤9 indicates very high risk because lower scores reflect severe impairment across sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear.