Nivayah presents with a history of myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. The patient reports limited endurance and shortness of breath when walking up a flight of stairs. The physical therapist wants to assess her aerobic capacity and guide the exercise prescription while considering safety due to her cardiovascular history. Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate to assess this patient’s aerobic capacity?

A) VO2 max test using a treadmill protocol

B) 6-minute walk test

C) Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

D) Step test

Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com

Jamie is a 62-year-old female who is referred to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction. She reports feeling fatigued with moderate exertion but denies chest pain. Her resting vitals are HR 80 bpm, BP 128/82 mmHg, and SpO₂ 98%. She completed Phase I rehabilitation without complications and is eager to begin exercising to improve her endurance. Which activity is MOST appropriate to initiate during Phase II of cardiac rehabilitation?

A) Jogging on a treadmill at 70% maximum heart rat

B) Cycling on a stationary bike at 3-5 METs

C) Strength training at 50% of 1-rep max

D) Stretching and light walking only

DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET:

• www.nptecheatsheet.com/cardiac-rehab1

Teddy sustained a spinal cord injury at the C7 level after a motor vehicle accident. During the ASIA examination, the patient has preserved sensation at S4-S5 but no voluntary anal contraction. Motor function is absent below C7. Reflex activity is present. How should this patient’s spinal cord injury be classified on the ASIA Impairment Scale?

A) ASIA A (Complete)

B) ASIA B (Sensory Incomplete)

C) ASIA C (Motor Incomplete)

D) ASIA D (Motor Incomplete)

TEXT OUR TEAM:

• (727) 732-4573

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 test

B) Thomas test

C) Scour test

D) FADIR test

Join 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 test

B) Anterior drawer test

C) Pivot shift test

D) Valgus stress test

DOWNLOAD 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 II

B) Stage III

C) Stage IV

D) Unstageable

TEXT 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 support

B) Lightweight frame with adjustable axle position

C) High backrest to improve scapular stability

D) Elevating leg rests to reduce shoulder loading

DOWNLOAD 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 lobe

B) Blood pressure of 142/86 mmHg

C) Resting respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute

D) Oxygen desaturation to 88% with exertion

Join 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:

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: