NPTE Clinical Files | Physical Therapy

Mid Thoracic Pain Evaluation

Dr. Rice evaluates a patient with a chief complaint of mid-thoracic pain radiating around the left lateral rib cage. The patient reports symptoms worsen with deep breathing and coughing, but are not reproduced with spinal movement, rib mobilization, or palpation. Neurological screening is unremarkable. Which of the following structures is MOST likely referring pain to this region?A) Thoracic facet joint dysfunctionB) Intercostal muscle strainC) The pleuraD) The pancreashttp://www.nptecheatsheets.com

Sensitivity & 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 presentB) The condition is likely presentC) The test confirms the diagnosisD) The test has low false negativesJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com

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 tractB) An injury to the cerebellumC) Compression of the posterior columns D) A lesion in the anterior horn cellsJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com

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 painB) Progress lumbar flexion exercises to reduce spinal compressionC) Continue repeated lumbar extension within toleranceD) Introduce hamstring stretching to reduce neural tensionJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.comDownload my lumbar spine intervention cheatsheet: www.nptecheatsheet.com/lumbar-treat

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 flexionB) Socket is excessively abductedC) Knee friction is too lowD) Foot is set too posteriorlyJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com