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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 ...
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Bronny presents to the hospital with burns to the anterior neck, chest, axillas, and cubital fossa regions. Which of the following positions is the BEST for this patient? A. Cervical slight extension, arm abduction with elbow extension B. Neutral cervical spine, shoulder external rotation with wrist extension C. Cervical slight flexion, arm elevate…
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Cory is a 3 year old child presents with severe hypotonia. The child has difficulty maintaining an upright posture and frequently collapses when attempting to sit or stand. Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate? A. Sitting balance exercises on an unstable surface such as a wobble cushion B. Passive stretching of the hamstri…
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Everett presents with right groin pain. Which of the following conditions must be ruled out FIRST? A) Diverticulitis B) L2 nerve root compression C) Appendicitis D) Psoas abscess LINKS MENTIONED: Practice Question Club: www.npteclub.com NPTE Tips & Tricks: www.nptegroup.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthust…
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Calen presents to physical therapy with difficulty grasping a glass. Upon examination, the patient has diminished joint mobility at the 2nd MCP and difficulty performing abduction of the digit. Which of the following glides is the MOST effective? A. Volar glide B. Dorsal glide C. Radial glide D. Medial glide LINKS MENTIONED: NPTE Tips & Tricks: www…
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During a clinical evaluation, Aiyinde notices that a patient exhibits pronounced anterior pelvic tilt while standing but this posture significantly improves when the patient engages in a squat. This observation is MOST likely due to tightness in which of the following muscles? A. Iliopsoas B. Gluteus maximus C. Rectus abdominis D. Biceps femoris (l…
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Wajiha presents with a chief complaint of dizziness upon waking and difficulty washing hair secondary to the onset of dizziness. The patient is currently unable to reach down to pick up objects from the floor. The patient denies heart palpitations and states that she has frequent nausea but does not vomit. What condition is the MOST likely present?…
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Kyle is treating a patient in stage 1 of complete decongestive therapy (CDT). Which of the following is NOT a primary focus in this phase: A. Manual lymphatic drainage and short stretch bandages B. Use of a customized compression garment C. Education on keeping the skin clean and dry D. Exercising the trunk before affected extremities LINKS MENTION…
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Jared presents with a history of cataracts and has been experiencing repeated falls at home. Six months ago, his home was remodeled, and new carpets were installed, coinciding with the onset of the falls. Which sensory system is the patient MOST dependent on for balance? A. Vision, somatosensory, and vestibular B. Vision and somatosensory C. Somato…
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Kelly a 30-year-old marathon runner presents with a gradual onset of persistent pain at the base of the first metatarsal, which intensifies during long runs and eases with rest. Examination reveals localized swelling, tenderness on palpation, and pain during passive extension of the big toe. Radiographs show no fractures but a slight increase in th…
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Jane has a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and is performing marching and lunges during an in-home visit. The patient suddenly reports chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The physical therapist's IMMEDIATE action should be: A. Stop the exercise and have the patient sit down B. Administer nitroglycerin and continue the exercise …
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Matt, a 17-year-old athlete, experiences chronic muscle weakness, foot deformities (high arches and hammer toes), and sensory deficits in his legs and feet. These symptoms have been progressively worsening over the past few years, without any associated swelling or inflammation. Which condition is MOST likely present? A) Osteomyelitis B) Juvenile r…
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Suely a 40-year-old female with multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with ataxic gait, characterized by wide base of support, irregular steps, and difficulty maintaining balance. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate to address her gait abnormalities? A. High-intensity plyometric exercises B. Treadmill training with body-weight suppo…
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Blakely is a 65-year-old female with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with a non-healing wound on her left foot. The wound has been present for six weeks and shows no signs of improvement. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate to promote wound healing? A. Hydrotherapy with whirlpool B. Application of a moist wound d…
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Raj presents with anterior knee pain that worsens during prolonged cycling. Which of the following adjustments to the bike setup would be MOST beneficial in alleviating the cyclist's symptoms? A. Lowering the saddle height B. Raising the saddle height C. Moving the saddle forward D. Moving the saddle backward LINKS MENTIONED: NPTE Tips & Tricks: ww…
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Caden is a physical therapist who notes that a patient with a recent ACL reconstruction is reluctant to perform weight-bearing exercises. The patient expresses fear of re-injury. The MOST appropriate response to facilitate rehabilitation progress would involve: A. Encouraging the patient to ignore the fear and push through discomfort. B. Implementi…
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Xavier is a patient who recently underwent hip replacement surgery and is now at a rehabilitation facility with a weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) status. The patient is 75 years old with mild Parkinson’s disease, affecting his balance and coordination. Given these considerations, which assistive device would be MOST appropriate for this patient …
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Gerard arrives at physical therapy reporting acute lower back pain following an attempt to lift a heavy box. The pain radiates into both lower extremities constantly. During examination, all lumbar motions exacerbate the pain, and the patient prefers to stand and sit with increased lumbar flexion. Which pathology is MOST likely present? A) Lumbar H…
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Margot, a 53-year-old woman, presents to physical therapy with bilateral, symmetrical enlargement of her legs extending from her hips to her ankles, sparing the feet. She reports the condition is painful and has worsened over several years. Skin texture is normal, and there is no pitting edema. Which condition is MOST consistent with these findings…
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Jerry, a patient with type 2 diabetes, has been prescribed metformin to manage his blood glucose levels. The physical therapist understands that metformin’s primary function is to: A) Stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. B) Decrease the liver's production of glucose. C) Increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors on cells. D) Slow the …
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Julian, a 59-year-old patient with a longstanding history of type 2 diabetes, presents with a chronic, non-healing wound on his foot. The wound is located on the lateral aspect of the foot, characterized by a sharply demarcated, circular margin, and a pale, dry base with minimal exudate. His medical history includes poorly controlled hypertension a…
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Richard is a 75-year-old male patient being treated by physical therapy. In educating a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about managing exacerbations at home, what advice should the physical therapist emphasize as MOST important? A. Use of an incentive spirometer every 2 hours while awake. B. Maintenance of a high-protein, …
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Vivek is being seen by physical therapy after recovering well from a stroke. The patient is refining gait during the autonomous stage of motor learning. Which activity is BEST to challenge their gait adaptability? A. Walking backwards on a treadmill B. Navigating a cluttered hallway C. Stepping over obstacles at 6 inch heights D. Reciprocal pedalin…
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Henry presents with right-sided congestive heart failure and reports slight limitations in physical activity. The patient is comfortable at rest; however, ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea. Based on this description, which of the following activities is the patient MOST likely able to do without exacerbating the…
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Andrea is a 45-year-old patient presents to physical therapy with complaints of fluctuating muscle weakness, notably worsening toward the evening. The patient reports difficulty maintaining upward gaze and a history of transient diplopia. No sensory deficits were reported. Which of the following conditions is MOST likely?A) Multiple Sclerosis (MS)B…
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A physical therapy clinic is planning to install a new wheelchair ramp that incorporates a switchback for space efficiency. According to ADA guidelines, what is the MINIMUM required landing size at the switchback to ensure compliance and safety? A) 36 inches by 36 inches B) 48 inches by 48 inches C) 60 inches by 60 inches D) 72 inches by 72 inches …
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