• What it is: Otoconia displaced into a semicircular canal (ear crystals where they shouldn’t be).
• Classic signs: Brief vertigo (<60 sec), triggered by position changes, upbeating torsional nystagmus, no hearing loss.
• Rule-in test: Dix-Hallpike.
• Rule-out clues: Long-lasting vertigo, neuro deficits, hearing symptoms → think neuritis/Ménière’s.
• NPTE trap: Nystagmus >60 seconds = NOT typical BPPV (think cupulolithiasis).
• Best treatment: Epley every. single. time.
• Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.

Listen in and pass this question forever in under 3 minutes.

More NPTE wins every week — hit follow.

• What it is:
• ACL failure from excessive anterior tibial translation — basically the tibia tries to run off and the ACL can’t hold the line.
• Classic signs:
• Pop
• Immediate swelling (1–2 hours)
• Pivot / cutting mechanism
• Instability
• Difficulty weight-bearing
• Rule-in test:
• Lachman test — NPTE’s #1.
• Rule-out clues:
• Slow swelling → Meniscus
• Posterior sag → PCL
• Medial pain → MCL
• NPTE trap:
• Delayed swelling means NOT ACL.
• Best treatment:
• Early ROM, quads, swelling control, gait normalized.
• Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.

Lock down ACLs in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

• What it is:
• Injury to the medial or lateral meniscus — the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage — often caused by twisting or deep flexion.
• Classic signs:
• Joint line pain
• Locking or catching
• Clicking
• Delayed swelling (24–48 hours)
• Pain with squatting/twisting
• Rule-in test:
• McMurray test (NPTE’s go-to)
• Rule-out clues:
• Immediate swelling → ACL
• Posterior sag → PCL
• Medial tenderness → MCL
• NPTE trap:
• Locking/catching = meniscus, even if the question tries to distract you.
• Best treatment:
• ROM, swelling reduction, quads/hip strength, progressive loading.
• Mock question included: Yes.

Lock down meniscus tears in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

• What it is:
• Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament from excessive posterior translation of the tibia — often from dashboard impact or falling on a flexed knee.
• Classic signs:
• Posterior sag sign
• Posterior knee pain
• Difficulty descending stairs
• Instability (less dramatic than ACL)
• Dashboard injury mechanism
• Rule-in test:
• Posterior Drawer Test (NPTE’s favorite)
• Rule-out clues:
• Immediate swelling → ACL
• Locking/catching → Meniscus
• Medial tenderness → MCL
• NPTE trap:
• “Dashboard injury” = PCL. Never ignore it.
• Best treatment:
• ROM, quad strength, avoid early hamstring loading.
• Mock question included: Yes.

Lock down PCL injuries in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

• What it is:
• Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow.
• Classic signs:
• Medial knee pain
• Pain with valgus stress
• Local tenderness
• Mild swelling
• Lateral blow mechanism
• Rule-in test:
• Valgus Stress Test at 30°
• Rule-out clues:
• Pop + immediate swelling → ACL
• Locking → Meniscus
• Posterior sag → PCL
• NPTE trap:
• Valgus force + medial pain = MCL. Full stop.
• Best treatment:
• ROM, quad/hip strength, bracing, progressive load.

Mock question included. Listen in and lock it down.

• What it is:
• Non-mechanical symptoms raising suspicion for malignancy.
• Classic signs:
• Night pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant, deep ache
• No mechanical pattern
• History of cancer
• Rule-in test:
• None — this is a screening cluster.
• Rule-out clues:
• Pain that changes with movement or position.
• NPTE trap:
• Night pain + weight loss = refer immediately.
• Best treatment:
• Medical referral, not PT.

Jimmy McKay hosts a webinar hosted by the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy to answer frequently asked questions about becoming an orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS)

Key Topics Covered:

- Prerequisites and eligibility requirements for taking the OCS exam

- Realistic timeframes for preparing for the OCS exam

- Recommended study materials and resources for OCS exam preparation

- Key content areas tested on the OCS exam

- Study strategies and tips for retaining information

- Role of residency and fellowship programs in enhancing OCS exam preparation

- Common challenges OCS candidates face and how to overcome them

- What to expect on OCS exam day

Resources Mentioned:

- Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AOPT) website, YouTube channel, podcast

- AOPT Independent Study Courses and Current Concepts monographs

- Medbridge OCS prep course

- OCS Field Guide podcast

- OCS Prep podcast

The webinar focuses on providing an overview of the OCS exam, eligibility requirements, realistic preparation timelines, recommended study strategies and resources, challenges candidates may face, and insight into what to expect on exam day. Several free and paid resources to aid in exam preparation are highlighted.

You studied and passed the NPTE!

CONGRATS!

Um... now what?

Our 3 hosts give you advice on what to do NOW that you did the thing you set out to do in the first place!

Finding a job

Networking

Self Assessment

Welcome back to NPTE Studycast, your indispensable guide for mastering the NPTE! In this episode, we're diving deep into Parkinson's Disease—a subject crucial not just for the NPTE but also for your real-world clinical practice. Listen in to expand your understanding and enhance your skills in addressing this complex condition.

Rachele Burriesci of All Things Cardio Pulm dives into the essential topic of sublingual nitroglycerin, specifically tailored for physical therapy students gearing up for the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) exam. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this medication, its clinical applications, and its implications in the context of physical therapy practice.

Episode Highlights:

• Overview of sublingual nitroglycerin: We provide a comprehensive introduction to sublingual nitroglycerin, discussing its pharmacological properties, mechanism of action, and common indications.
• Understanding angina and cardiovascular conditions: Learn about the pathophysiology of angina, different types of angina, and how sublingual nitroglycerin is utilized as a primary treatment for angina and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Clinical considerations for physical therapists: Discover the role of physical therapists in managing patients who use sublingual nitroglycerin, including safety precautions, monitoring, and potential contraindications.
• Interprofessional collaboration: Explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when working with patients on sublingual nitroglycerin, highlighting the significance of effective communication and shared decision-making.
• NPTE exam preparation tips: We provide valuable insights and strategies to help physical therapy students effectively study and master the topic of sublingual nitroglycerin for the NPTE exam.
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In this episode, Dr. Burriesci breaks down sublingual nitroglycerin. She gives the need-to-know facts, safety considerations and important education tips for your patients.

In This Episode

• MOA of Sublingual Nitro
• Indications of Nitro
• Side effects of Nitro
• How to take Nitro
• 3 Rules of Nitro
• Safety Considerations 

Find Dr. Burriesci on:

IG: @all_things_cardiopulm

Website: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com

Podcast: Talking All Things Cardiopulm

Twitter: @allcardiopulm