NPTE Clinical Files | Physical Therapy

Bill presents with early-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and reports mild lower extremity weakness and occasional tripping when walking on uneven surfaces. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to address his current functional mobility?

A) Prescribe a wheelchair for energy conservation

B) Provide ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to prevent foot drop

C) Initiate high-intensity strength training for lower extremities

D) Recommend a...

Miraide is recovering from a total hip arthroplasty and reports mild calf discomfort on the second day post-surgery. On examination, there is no significant swelling or redness, but the patient has a resting heart rate of 105 bpm. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis?

A) Initiate ambulation with a walker

B) Apply ice packs to the calf

C) Administer ankle pumps and quad set...

Harper presents with neck pain and tingling radiating into the right hand. Symptoms worsen with overhead activities and improve with the arm at rest. Examination reveals weakness in elbow flexion, diminished biceps reflex, and reduced sensation over the lateral forearm. Which of the following tests is the MOST effective to assess this condition?

A) Spurling’s test

B) Cervical distraction test

C) Upper limb tension test (ULTT) for the...

DeShawn is assessing a 12-month-old child during a developmental screening. The child can pull to stand, cruise along furniture, and grasp small objects using a pincer grip, but has not yet started walking independently. Which of the following findings is MOST concerning?

A) Inability to walk independently

B) Absence of babbling or single words

C) Persistence of the Moro reflex

D) Lack of interest in grasping toys

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Diego is six weeks post-rotator cuff repair and reports stiffness and a pulling sensation near the surgical incision during overhead movement. Examination reveals restricted shoulder range of motion and palpable adhesions. Which technique is MOST appropriate to address the patient’s symptoms?

A) Effleurage

B) Transverse friction massage

C) Myofascial release

D) Joint mobilization

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Luca is a 68 year old male with moderate COPD who is referred for physical therapy to improve exercise tolerance. He reports dyspnea with minimal exertion and has a 6-minute walk test distance of 250 meters. His resting oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial exercise approach?

A) Interval training with short work and rest periods at moderate intensity

B) Continuous training at 75%...

Amara presents with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and has impaired gait and balance. She becomes disoriented in new environments and struggles with multi-step instructions.Which intervention is MOST appropriate for this patient?

A) High-intensity balance exercises on uneven surfaces

B) Dual-task training to improve cognitive function

C) Structured gait training in a familiar environment

D) Community ambulation to enhance adaptab...

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 exercises to increase knee flexion

C) Ambulation with a rollator walker for at least 200 fee...

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 of electrical stimulation?

A) Metal anchors used during surgical fixation

B) Recent use...

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) The patient's lower leg swelling has reduced by 50%

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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) Pulse pressure

C) Deep calf tenderness

D) Dorsal pedal integrity

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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-Hallpike maneuver

B) Head thrust test

C) Snellen Chart Reading while walking

D) Romberg te...

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 hallicus longus weakness

D) Saddle paraesthesia

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