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 appropriate to manage this patient’s lymphedema? A) High-stretch bandages to provide consistent pressure during rest and activity B) Intermittent pneumatic comp...
Jun 25, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 26
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’s exercise program? A) Monitor for a target heart rate based on age-predicted max heart rate B) Use a perceived exertion scale to guide exercise inten...
Jun 18, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 25
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 feedback C) Blocked practice; knowledge of results feedback D) Random practice; knowledge of performance feedback Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegrou...
Jun 11, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 24
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 perform a single-leg heel raise? A) Tear of the medial ankle stabilizer leading to decreased propulsion strength B) Inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis...
Jun 04, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 23
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 activities seem to aggravate or relieve your pain?” C) “Have you experienced an increased heart rate and dizziness upon standing? " D) “Do you have electric-l...
May 28, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 22
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’s safety and confidence during cane use? A) Adjust cane height to ensure proper weight distribution B) Train safe gait initiation and turning techniqu...
May 21, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 21
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 testing for protective sensation B) Visual inspection for signs of infection C) ABI to evaluate vascular supply D) Toe pressure measurement for microvascul...
May 14, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 20
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 program is MOST appropriate to improve this patient’s functional capacity? A) Treadmill walking at 60% of maximal heart rate, continuous for 30 minutes B) ...
May 07, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 19
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 maintain energy throughout the day. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to improve the patient’s functional mobility and address her symptoms? A) A...
Apr 30, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 18
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 McMurray test B) Reduced knee flexion range of motion C) Medial joint line tenderness D) Presence of effusion TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573...
Apr 23, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 17
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. Which intervention is MOST appropriate during the initial phase of rehabilitation? A) Daily aggressive stretching to maintain range of motion B) Moisturi...
Apr 16, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 16
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 measure is MOST appropriate to assess this patient’s aerobic capacity? A) VO2 max test using a treadmill protocol B) 6-minute walk test C) Borg Rating of ...
Apr 09, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Jamie is a 62-year-old female who is referred to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction. She reports feeling fatigued with moderate exertion but denies chest pain. Her resting vitals are HR 80 bpm, BP 128/82 mmHg, and SpO₂ 98%. She completed Phase I rehabilitation without complications and is eager to begin exercising to improve her endurance. Which activity is MOST appropriate to initiate during Phase II of cardiac rehabilitation? A) Jogging on a treadmill at 70...
Apr 02, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Teddy sustained a spinal cord injury at the C7 level after a motor vehicle accident. During the ASIA examination, the patient has preserved sensation at S4-S5 but no voluntary anal contraction. Motor function is absent below C7. Reflex activity is present. How should this patient’s spinal cord injury be classified on the ASIA Impairment Scale? A) ASIA A (Complete) B) ASIA B (Sensory Incomplete) C) ASIA C (Motor Incomplete) D) ASIA D (Motor Incomplete) TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573...
Mar 26, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Carlos is a long-distance runner who presents with deep groin pain that worsens with running and prolonged sitting. He also reports occasional clicking and a sensation of instability in the left hip. Examination reveals full strength and range of motion, but pain is elicited during specific hip movements that compress the joint. Which clinical test is MOST appropriate to confirm the suspected diagnosis? A) FABER test B) Thomas test C) Scour test D) FADIR test Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.np...
Mar 19, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Beniah is a 21-year-old female soccer player who presents with right knee pain and instability after pivoting during a game. She reports hearing a “pop” at the time of injury and is now hesitant to bear weight. Examination reveals mild swelling, limited range of motion, and hamstring guarding. Which special test is MOST sensitive for detecting an ACL tear in this patient? A) Lachman test B) Anterior drawer test C) Pivot shift test D) Valgus stress test DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.npte...
Mar 12, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Heather is a female with diabetes who is referred to physical therapy for evaluation of a right heel wound. The wound measures 4 cm in diameter, shows a dry black eschar covering the entire wound bed, and has no surrounding erythema or drainage. The patient denies pain at the wound site. Which wound stage is MOST consistent with the described findings? A) Stage II B) Stage III C) Stage IV D) Unstageable TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573
Mar 05, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Jessica presents with a C6 spinal cord injury and is being fitted for a wheelchair. She has full innervation of the deltoids, biceps, and wrist extensors but lacks active triceps function. The patient requires independence in propulsion and activities of daily living. During assessment, she demonstrates forward shoulder positioning and mild scapular instability. Which wheelchair feature is MOST appropriate to optimize the patient’s function and minimize shoulder strain? A) Reclining backrest to ...
Feb 26, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Teniah was admitted to the acute care hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. She reports shortness of breath and fatigue. Auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds in the right lower lobe, and SpO₂ drops from 95% to 88% with exertion. Resting vital signs: HR 92 bpm, BP 142/86 mmHg, RR 22 breaths per minute. Which finding requires the MOST immediate communication with the medical team? A) Decreased breath sounds in the right lower lobe B) Blood pressure of 142/86 mmHg C) Resting respirato...
Feb 19, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Jamie presents with stage 3 Parkinson’s disease and marked presbycusis and reports frequent freezing episodes during ambulation. She demonstrates a reduced step length and minimal arm swing. Her goal is to improve safety and mobility. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to address the patient’s freezing episodes? A) Dynamic balance training B) Rhythmic auditory cueing C) External visual cues D) Strengthening postural muscles DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/parkinsons...
Feb 12, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Travasia is 4 weeks post-supraspinatus repair. She reports mild soreness but no significant pain. Examination reveals limited passive shoulder elevation beyond 90° due to stiffness and marked restriction in active range of motion. Which intervention is MOST appropriate at this stage? A) Resisted external rotation with a resistance band B) Active-assisted range of motion for shoulder flexion C) Pendulum exercises for shoulder mobility D) Isometric strengthening of the supraspinatus TEXT OUR TEAM:...
Feb 05, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Narek reports progressive gait difficulties, including frequent tripping and reduced foot clearance during swing phase. Which examination is MOST appropriate to evaluate the primary cause of his impairments? A) Neurological assessment of the deep common peroneal nerve B) Assessment of proprioception in the lower extremities C) Passive motion of the ankle into plantarflexion D) Skin assessment on the bottom of the heel Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com...
Jan 29, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Talar is a diabetic patient that presents with a chronic foot ulcer that has not healed despite standard care. The ulcer is clean, but the tissue around the wound is swollen and warm, and there is noticeable erythema. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of this condition? A) Poor wound dressing technique B) Venous insufficiency Infection C) Necrotic tissue D) Infection DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/pressure-ulcer-staging...
Jan 22, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Jamie is a 68 year old male with a history of hypertension presents with dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. An ECG reveals a regular rhythm at 110 bpm with narrow QRS complexes and absent P waves. What is the MOST likely diagnosis? A) Atrial fibrillation B) Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) C) Ventricular tachycardia D) Sinus tachycardia TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573
Jan 15, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Hamza is 3 weeks post-stroke and presents with right-sided hemiparesis. He is able to sit unsupported but struggles to stand and has difficulty walking without assistance. His Brunnstrom stage is III for the right upper extremity and II for the right lower extremity. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate for this patient to improve his functional mobility and independence? A) Facilitate weight-bearing on the right lower extremity using assistive devices B) Move the patie...
Jan 08, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Milani presents with anterior shoulder pain and reports difficulty with overhead activities. The patient describes intermittent clicking and discomfort with forward reaching. On examination, the therapist observes a positive Speed’s test, normal strength in external rotation, and no pain with passive shoulder elevation. Which of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis? A. Bankart lesion B. Subacromial bursitis C. Biceps tendinopathy D. Rotator cuff tendinopathy DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHE...
Jan 01, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Jeremy is performing a neurological evaluation. The therapist notes repeated falls in quiet standing with a suspected forward anticipatory balance impairment. Which of the following tests is MOST likely to reveal this specific impairment? A) Functional Reach Test B) Romberg Test C) Sensory Organization Test D) Standing in tandem with eyes closed LINKS MENTIONED: NPTE Tips & Tricks: www.nptegroup.com Practice Question Club: www.npteclub.com...
Sep 25, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 228
A 45-year-old female presents to physical therapy with complaints of persistent fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Upon examination, the therapist notes tachycardia, low blood pressure episodes, and excessive sweating. Which of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis? A) Graves Disease B) Cor Pulmonale C) Hypoglycemia D) Adrenocortical hyperplasia Links Mentioned: NPTE Tips & Tricks: www.nptegroup.com Truelearn: USE CODE: PTH020...
Sep 18, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 227
Are you a PT wondering where you'll find the money to pay off your student loan debt? In this exclusive episode, Coach K and his long-term mentor and best friend Greg Todd discuss what they'd do differently after Passing the NPTE to build financial freedom. Check out Greg's Exclusive Resources for Clinical Files Listeners Only! Side Hustle Checklist - https://smartsuccesshealthcare.com/sidehustlekr How to Prep for Job Interviews - https://smartsuccesshealthcare.com/interviewkr How to Build Your ...
Sep 12, 2024•48 min
Lina presents with a history of chronic heart failure, increased dyspnea and fatigue during daily activities. The physical therapist plans to implement an aerobic exercise program. Which of the following exercise protocols is MOST appropriate for this patient? A) 70-85% of HRmax, 5 times per week, for 45-60 minutes B) 50-60% of HRR, 3 times per week, for 20-40 minutes C) 30-40% of HRmax, daily, for 10-15 minutes D) 80-90% of HRR, 4 times per week, for 60 minutes LINKS MENTIONED: NPTE Tips & ...
Sep 11, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 226
