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>

  • 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
  • 10 minutes 59 seconds
    Pediatric Lower Extremity Evaluation

    Hallie presents with bilateral anterior knee pain and an in-toeing gait. Craig’s test reveals 10° of femoral anteversion on both sides. Which of the following special tests is MOST appropriate to further assess the cause of the in-toeing?

    A) FABER test

    B) Tibial torsion test

    C) Q-angle measurement

    D) Thomas test

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    4 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 9 minutes 27 seconds
    NPTE Medications Side Effects

    Lionel has a past medical history of hypertension and has been referred to physical therapy for generalized fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance. During the session, the therapist notes mild bilateral lower extremity edema. Which of the following medications is MOST likely contributing to these findings?

    A) Lisinopril

    B) Furosemide

    C) Amlodipine

    D) Metoprolol

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    28 January 2026, 11:00 am
  • 9 minutes 45 seconds
    NPTE Unfamiliar Terms

    Faith is a 65-year-old female recovering from hip replacement surgery and presents with mild calf swelling and tenderness. Based on Virchow’s Triad, which of the following is the LEAST likely contributing factor to her symptoms?

    A) Endothelial injury

    B) Stasis of blood flow

    C) Hypercoagulability

    D) Arterial insufficiency

    21 January 2026, 11:00 am
  • 10 minutes 46 seconds
    Knee Pain Differential &amp; Examination Findings

    Skye is a soccer player who reports intermittent knee locking and joint line pain following a twisting injury 2 weeks ago. The McMurray test reproduces pain with a click. Which additional clinical finding would MOST support the suspected diagnosis?

    A) Positive Pivot shift test

    B) Negative Clarke’s test

    C) Positive Thessaly test at 20° flexion

    D) Pain with valgus stress testing

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    14 January 2026, 11:00 am
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