NPTE Clinical Files | Physical Therapy

Carlos is a long-distance runner who presents with deep groin pain that worsens with running and prolonged sitting. He also reports occasional clicking and a sensation of instability in the left hip. Examination reveals full strength and range of motion, but pain is elicited during specific hip movements that compress the joint. Which clinical test is MOST appropriate to confirm the suspected diagnosis?A) FABER testB) Thomas testC) Scour testD) FADIR testJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com

Beniah is a 21-year-old female soccer player who presents with right knee pain and instability after pivoting during a game. She reports hearing a “pop” at the time of injury and is now hesitant to bear weight. Examination reveals mild swelling, limited range of motion, and hamstring guarding. Which special test is MOST sensitive for detecting an ACL tear in this patient?A) Lachman testB) Anterior drawer testC) Pivot shift testD) Valgus stress testDOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/knee-specials

Heather is a female with diabetes who is referred to physical therapy for evaluation of a right heel wound. The wound measures 4 cm in diameter, shows a dry black eschar covering the entire wound bed, and has no surrounding erythema or drainage. The patient denies pain at the wound site. Which wound stage is MOST consistent with the described findings?A) Stage IIB) Stage IIIC) Stage IVD) UnstageableTEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573

Jessica presents with a C6 spinal cord injury and is being fitted for a wheelchair. She has full innervation of the deltoids, biceps, and wrist extensors but lacks active triceps function. The patient requires independence in propulsion and activities of daily living. During assessment, she demonstrates forward shoulder positioning and mild scapular instability. Which wheelchair feature is MOST appropriate to optimize the patient’s function and minimize shoulder strain?A) Reclining backrest to improve postural supportB) Lightweight frame with adjustable axle positionC) High backrest to improve scapular stabilityD) Elevating leg rests to reduce shoulder loadingDOWNLOAD THIS EPISODE'S CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/wheelchair-prescription

Teniah was admitted to the acute care hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. She reports shortness of breath and fatigue. Auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds in the right lower lobe, and SpO₂ drops from 95% to 88% with exertion. Resting vital signs: HR 92 bpm, BP 142/86 mmHg, RR 22 breaths per minute. Which finding requires the MOST immediate communication with the medical team?A) Decreased breath sounds in the right lower lobeB) Blood pressure of 142/86 mmHgC) Resting respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minuteD) Oxygen desaturation to 88% with exertionJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com

Jamie presents with stage 3 Parkinson’s disease and marked presbycusis and reports frequent freezing episodes during ambulation. She demonstrates a reduced step length and minimal arm swing. Her goal is to improve safety and mobility. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to address the patient’s freezing episodes? A) Dynamic balance training B) Rhythmic auditory cueing C) External visual cues D) Strengthening postural muscles DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/parkinsons-overview

Travasia is 4 weeks post-supraspinatus repair. She reports mild soreness but no significant pain. Examination reveals limited passive shoulder elevation beyond 90° due to stiffness and marked restriction in active range of motion. Which intervention is MOST appropriate at this stage? A) Resisted external rotation with a resistance band B) Active-assisted range of motion for shoulder flexion C) Pendulum exercises for shoulder mobility D) Isometric strengthening of the supraspinatus TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573

Narek reports progressive gait difficulties, including frequent tripping and reduced foot clearance during swing phase. Which examination is MOST appropriate to evaluate the primary cause of his impairments? A) Neurological assessment of the deep common peroneal nerve B) Assessment of proprioception in the lower extremities C) Passive motion of the ankle into plantarflexion D) Skin assessment on the bottom of the heel Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com

Talar is a diabetic patient that presents with a chronic foot ulcer that has not healed despite standard care. The ulcer is clean, but the tissue around the wound is swollen and warm, and there is noticeable erythema. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of this condition? A) Poor wound dressing technique B) Venous insufficiency Infection C) Necrotic tissue D) Infection DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/pressure-ulcer-staging

Jamie is a 68 year old male with a history of hypertension presents with dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. An ECG reveals a regular rhythm at 110 bpm with narrow QRS complexes and absent P waves. What is the MOST likely diagnosis? A) Atrial fibrillation B) Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) C) Ventricular tachycardia D) Sinus tachycardia TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573