NPTE Clinical Files is a podcast from the creator of Dominating the NPTE, hosted by Kyle Rice. NPTE Clinical Files explains a true clinical scenario in the form of a mock NPTE-based question. Each question is followed by a set of answer choices, where Dr. Kyle Rice explains the right answer with a detailed rationale. Each season covers all of the major systems and topics found in physical therapy and likely to be found on an NPTE. NPTE Clinical Files gives the Physical Therapist a weekly opp ...
…
continue reading
Dptschool Podcasts
Helga is two days post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and reports moderate knee pain and stiffness. Her knee range of motion is 0–45 degrees, and her incision is well-approximated with mild edema. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to prioritize during this session? A) Full weight bearing on the surgical leg B) Low-intensity range of motion exer…
…
continue reading
1
Electrotherapy- Indications & Contraindications New
10:48
10:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:48
Freda presents with persistent shoulder pain following rotator cuff repair surgery. The therapist considers using electrical stimulation for pain management. The patient has a history of mild hypertension controlled with medication and reports occasional muscle spasms in the surgical area. Which of the following would MOST likely require avoidance …
…
continue reading
Mohammad is documenting outcomes for a patient who has been treated for a venous ulcer. Which of the following improvements is the MOST significant to report? A) The patient reports a decrease in pain from 6/10 to 2/10 B) The patient's walking distance has increased from 100 meters to 300 meters C) The wound size has decreased from 6 cm² to 3 cm² D…
…
continue reading
Sweeney recently underwent a hysterectomy and requests to sit after ambulating a few feet. The patient reports dizziness and right lower extremity pain. On examination, her resting heart rate is 102 bpm, and she has significant swelling in her right lower leg. Which of the following should be assessed FIRST: A) Walking distance before stopping B) P…
…
continue reading
Azaria is a 22-year-old swimmer with intermittent right shoulder pain who complains of a slipping sensation during overhead activities. Which of the following tests should be performed FIRST? A) Apprehension test B) Speed's test C) Drop arm test D) Load and shift test Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com…
…
continue reading
John reports dizziness and unsteadiness when walking, especially in busy environments or when turning his head quickly. He denies positional dizziness but struggles to read signs while walking. Examination reveals normal balance in static postures and no spontaneous nystagmus. Which test is MOST appropriate to assess the suspected deficit? A) Dix-H…
…
continue reading
Before an evaluation, Arial is reviewing the patient's MRI report that describes sequestration at the L4 – L5 level. The intake form reveals sensory changes along the lateral calf, and dorsum of the foot. Which clinical finding is the most consistent with the medical record? A) Impaired heel walking B) Gastrocnemius and soleus atrophy C) Extensor h…
…
continue reading
Samantha is an office worker who presents with pain and numbness in the right hand, particularly at night. On examination, there is decreased sensation along the palmar aspect of the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Which the of the following is the LEAST likely impaired: A) Abductor pollicus brevis B) Flexor pollicus longus C) Opponens pollicus D…
…
continue reading
Denise is six days post-abdominal surgery with a midline incision. The incision is well-approximated with slight redness but no drainage or dehiscence. She is concerned about safely participating in physical therapy. Which recommendation is MOST appropriate for this patient? A) Avoid core exercises until 6 weeks post-op B) Continue light activities…
…
continue reading
Kelly is referred to physical therapy six days after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. She reports mild fatigue but denies chest pain or shortness of breath. Her resting heart rate is 85 bpm, and her blood pressure is 125/80 mmHg. The therapist plans to begin light aerobic exercise as part of her cardiac rehabilitation. Which of the foll…
…
continue reading
Ollie reports progressive weakness in his legs and tingling sensations in his hands and feet after a recent upper respiratory infection. On examination, he has moderate dorsiflexor weakness, and mild gait instability. Which of the following is the MOST anticipated finding? A) Hyperreflexia with distal weakness B) Loss of tactile sensation C) Severe…
…
continue reading
Rella presents with a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis in the freezing phase. She reports persistent, deep shoulder pain at rest and significant discomfort with attempted movement. Passive range of motion reveals capsular end-feel in all directions, particularly with external rotation. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to address the patient’s…
…
continue reading
Bailey presents with a history of osteoarthritis and hypertension and is referred to physical therapy for knee pain management. She reports taking over-the-counter medication daily for pain relief. During the session, she mentions experiencing mild stomach discomfort and occasional dizziness. Her blood pressure is 138/86 mmHg. Which medication is M…
…
continue reading
1
Lymphedema Management - Compression & Therapy
11:39
11:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:39
Pouria presents with secondary lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. The patient reports heaviness in the arm and mild discomfort but denies significant pain. The affected arm shows a circumference 3 cm greater than the contralateral arm. She has no open wounds or signs of infection. Which compression and therapy strategy is MOST appropriat…
…
continue reading
Jafar has a history of atrial fibrillation and reports occasional fatigue and palpitations. His resting heart rate is 96 bpm and irregular, and he takes a beta-blocker. During a six-minute walk test, he experiences mild shortness of breath but completes the test without difficulty. Which consideration is MOST important when developing this patient’…
…
continue reading
1
Traumatic Brain Injury / Assessment & Treatment
11:04
11:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:04
Taylor presents with a TBI and is recently learning to transfer from a wheelchair to a bed independently. The therapist aims to facilitate the learning process while minimizing cognitive load. Which training strategy is MOST effective for this stage of motor learning? A) Massed practice; intrinsic feedback B) Distributed practice; concurrent feedba…
…
continue reading
Kyle reports sudden posterior ankle pain after jumping, describing it as feeling “kicked.” Examination reveals mild swelling, a palpable gap above the calcaneus, limited active plantarflexion, and inability to perform a single-leg heel raise. Passive range of motion is full and pain-free. Which finding BEST explains the patient’s inability to perfo…
…
continue reading
Martha presents with six weeks of dull, intermittent low back pain. The pain worsens with standing but improves slightly with rest. Examination reveals mild lumbar tenderness and restricted motion. Which line of questioning is MOST important to uncover a potential red flag? A) “Have you noticed changes in bowel or bladder habits?” B) “What activiti…
…
continue reading
Gertrude presents with right knee osteoarthritis and is being trained to use a cane. She demonstrates unsteady steps when initiating gait and turning, occasionally placing the cane too far ahead of her. She reports feeling unsure about how to use the cane properly in crowded environments. Which intervention is MOST important to improve the patient’…
…
continue reading
Betty presents with type 2 diabetes and a non-healing ulcer on the lateral ankle. The ulcer is dry, and the patient reports discomfort in her posterior lower leg with walking. On examination, the affected foot has a capillary refill that is prolonged. Which assessment is MOST important to include during the initial evaluation? A) Monofilament testi…
…
continue reading
1
Peripheral Artery Disease & Walking Programs
10:25
10:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:25
Cobert presents with a history of peripheral artery disease and was referred to physical therapy for walking endurance. He reports intermittent claudication in his calves after walking 100 meters and frequently stops to rest. His resting ABI is 0.7 in both legs. The goal is to enhance his functional capacity and quality of life. Which walking progr…
…
continue reading
1
Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms & Interventions
11:10
11:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:10
Liara presents with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with complaints of fatigue and difficulty walking. She reports worsening symptoms in the afternoon but denies any new relapses. Examination reveals mild spasticity in the lower limbs, decreased endurance, and poor postural control. The patient works as a teacher and finds it challenging to …
…
continue reading
Rachel presents with knee pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. She describes stiffness lasting about 30 minutes in the morning and difficulty with stairs. On examination, there is mild joint swelling and crepitus with knee flexion and extension. Which examination finding is MOST indicative of knee osteoarthritis? A) Positive McMu…
…
continue reading
1
Burns - Classification & PT Interventions
10:11
10:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:11
Lorren sustained burns to his right forearm and hand while working with hot oil. The burn area is red with blistering, and the patient reports significant pain. On examination, capillary refill is intact, and the wound blanches with pressure. The patient is referred to physical therapy to prevent complications during the early phase of healing. Whi…
…
continue reading
Nivayah presents with a history of myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. The patient reports limited endurance and shortness of breath when walking up a flight of stairs. The physical therapist wants to assess her aerobic capacity and guide the exercise prescription while considering safety due to her cardiovascular history. Which outcome meas…
…
continue reading
