NPTE Clinical Files | Physical Therapy

Kyle Rice

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 opportunity to solve clinical puzzles while learning the latest research related to the topic. Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support</a>

  • 10 minutes 50 seconds
    Genitourinary Interventions (Incontinence)

    Mila reports a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by leakage before reaching the bathroom. The patient voids frequently throughout the day and wakes multiple times at night to urinate. Pelvic floor strength is 4/5, and there is no leakage with coughing or sneezing. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate for the treatment of this patient?

    A) Pelvic floor strengthening with maximal sustained holds

    B) Bladder retraining with scheduled voiding intervals

    C) Abdominal strengthening to increase intra-abdominal support

    D) Fluid restriction throughout the day to reduce urgency

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    22 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 10 minutes 35 seconds
    Basal Ganglia Dysfunction &amp; Intervention

    Mackenzie presents to physical therapy following a stroke affecting the basal ganglia. The patient exhibits bradykinesia and difficulty initiating movements. Which of the following interventions would be MOST effective in addressing these impairments?

    A) Rhythmic auditory stimulation
    B) High-resistance strength training
    C) Visual cueing during gait training
    D) Balance exercises using an unstable surface

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    15 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 12 minutes 56 seconds
    Lower Extremity Swelling Interventions

    Bellie presents with persistent bilateral lower extremity swelling that worsens throughout the day. The therapist is selecting an intervention to assist with fluid return. Which of the following interventions would MOST effectively assist with this goal?

    A) Maintaining the lower extremities in a gravity-dependent position

    B) Diaphragmatic breathing

    C) Sustained isometric contraction of the upper extremities

    D) Passive trunk rotation in supine

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    8 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 12 minutes 41 seconds
    Mid Thoracic Pain Evaluation

    Dr. Rice evaluates a patient with a chief complaint of mid-thoracic pain radiating around the left lateral rib cage. The patient reports symptoms worsen with deep breathing and coughing, but are not reproduced with spinal movement, rib mobilization, or palpation. Neurological screening is unremarkable. Which of the following structures is MOST likely referring pain to this region?
    A) Thoracic facet joint dysfunction

    B) Intercostal muscle strain

    C) The pleura

    D) The pancreas

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    1 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 11 minutes
    Sensitivity &amp; Specificity Principles

    Carmen is performing a special test on her patient. The test has a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 30%. The patient tests negative. What is the BEST interpretation?

    A) The condition is unlikely present

    B) The condition is likely present

    C) The test confirms the diagnosis

    D) The test has low false negatives

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    25 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 11 minutes 19 seconds
    A Must Know Neurologic Examination Concept

    Elena presents with significant muscle atrophy in the lower extremities, fasciculations of the gastrocnemius, and a 1+ Achilles tendon reflex. During gait, the patient demonstrates a "slapping" foot strike. These signs are MOST indicative of:

    A) A lesion in the corticospinal tract
    B) An injury to the cerebellum
    C) Compression of the posterior columns
    D) A lesion in the anterior horn cells

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    18 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 10 minutes 55 seconds
    Lumbar HNP Treatment

    Yesenia is a 37-year-old patient with lumbar disc herniation who reports pain radiating to the posterior thigh. During treatment, repeated lumbar extension causes leg pain to resolve but increases central low back discomfort. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to continue?

    A) Discontinue extension due to increased lumbar pain

    B) Progress lumbar flexion exercises to reduce spinal compression

    C) Continue repeated lumbar extension within tolerance

    D) Introduce hamstring stretching to reduce neural tension

    11 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 11 minutes 45 seconds
    Transfemoral Amputee Gait Deviation

    Benito, a patient with a right transfemoral amputation, demonstrates circumduction of the prosthetic limb during the swing phase. Which of the following prosthetic causes is MOST likely contributing to this deviation?

    A) Insufficient socket flexion

    B) Socket is excessively abducted

    C) Knee friction is too low

    D) Foot is set too posteriorly

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    4 March 2026, 11:00 am
  • 10 minutes 57 seconds
    Pediatric Clinical Decision Making

    Victor is a 12-year-old male who presents with a limp and groin pain. The hip rests in external rotation, and hip flexion produces obligatory external rotation. Which of the following should the physical therapist initiate FIRST?

    A) Begin hip strengthening and gait training

    B) Stretch hip internal rotators and adductors

    C) Make the patient non–weight bearing and refer urgently

    D) Initiate aquatic therapy for pain-free ROM

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    25 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 10 minutes 38 seconds
    Cranial Nerve Examination Part 2

    Belsnickel is a 63-year-old male who presents with right-sided facial paralysis, inability to abduct the right eye, and an absent corneal blink reflex on the right. Sensation to the face is intact. These findings are MOST consistent with a lesion affecting which of the following cranial nerves?

    A) Cranial nerve V, VI

    B) Cranial nerve VI

    C) Cranial nerve VI, VII

    D) Cranial nerve II, VI

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    18 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 9 minutes 32 seconds
    Cranial Nerve Examination Part 1

    Juvelyn shows an impaired corneal reflex, loss of facial sensation, and difficulty chewing on the right side. Which of the following is MOST likely impaired?

    A) Difficulty chewing on the left

    B) Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) test on the right

    C) Jaw jerk test

    D) Swallowing

    11 February 2026, 11:00 am
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