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: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support
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 walker to improve stability
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Aiyana is an office worker with chronic low back pain who is referred to physical therapy. During a core stability assessment, the patient demonstrates difficulty maintaining a neutral pelvis while lifting one leg in a hook-lying position. Which muscle is MOST likely underperforming?
A) Iliopsoas
B) Erector Spinae
C) Quadratus lumborum
D) Rectus abdominis
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Leilani is an athlete who reports muscle cramps, fasciculations in the legs, and fatigue during prolonged training sessions. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of her symptoms?
A) Steroid abuse
B) Inadequate caloric intake
C) Hypervolemia
D) Hyponatremia
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Zayden presents with well-defined, raised plaques on the extensor surfaces of his elbows and knees. The lesions are covered with silvery scales, and he reports occasional itching and no systemic symptoms. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A) Atopic dermatitis
B) Psoriasis vulgaris
C) Tinea corporis
D) Lichen planus
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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 sets
D) Perform a Homan’s test to confirm DVT
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Orion is a 12-year-old with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and is evaluated for gait abnormalities. The therapist observes excessive hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion throughout the gait cycle. Which of the following gait patterns BEST describes these findings?
A) Crouch gait
B) Scissoring gait
C) Ataxic gait
D) Steppage gait
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Kai is a 65-year-old male who presents with deep groin pain, morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes, and a positive scour test. Which gait deviation is MOST likely to be observed?
A) Uneven cadence
B) Decreased step length on the unaffected limb
C) Lateral trunk lean toward the unaffected limb
D) Marked hip internal rotation on the affected side
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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 median nerve
D) Adson’s test
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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% of peak work rate to build endurance
C) Resisted walking with a weighted vest to strengthen lower extremities
D) Breathing retraining combined with unsupported upper extremity exercises
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