Think you are ready for the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) exam? Our deck rates 496 of its 1010 flashcards as hard — testing concepts like CO, Cardiac Output, JVD, CVP. Try the free samples below; if they feel comfortable, you are in good shape.
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An ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which coronary artery is most likely occluded, and which cardiac structures are at highest risk for dysfunction?
Show answer →Right Coronary Artery (RCA). These leads represent the inferior wall of the Left Ventricle. The RCA also typically supplies the SA node (60%), AV node (90%), and the Right Ventricle. NPTE Tip: Inferior MIs often present with bradycardia or heart blocks due to AV node involvement. Distinguish from LAD (V1-V4, anterior wall/septum) and Left Circumflex (I, aVL, V5-V6, lateral wall). Knowing the territories is high-yield for PT-related safety monitoring.
During the isovolumetric contraction phase of the cardiac cycle, which valves are closed, and what is the primary hemodynamic event occurring in the left ventricle?
Show answer →All four valves (Mitral, Tricuspid, Aortic, Pulmonic) are closed. The LV pressure rises sharply while volume remains constant. This phase begins immediately after the S1 heart sound (AV valve closure). NPTE Tip: FSBPT tests the sequence of the cardiac cycle. Isovolumetric contraction occurs after the atrial kick and before the aortic valve opens. Distinguish from isovolumetric relaxation, where all valves are closed and pressure drops after S2 (semilunar valve closure).
A patient with chronic uncontrolled hypertension presents with increased systemic vascular resistance. How does this increased afterload specifically alter the Pressure-Volume loop of the left ventricle?
Show answer →Increased afterload results in a taller, narrower loop. Specifically: 1) Increased LV pressure is required to open the aortic valve; 2) Decreased Stroke Volume (SV); 3) Increased End-Systolic Volume (ESV). NPTE Tip: Afterload is the load against which the heart must pump to eject blood. Chronic high afterload leads to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) and eventual heart failure. On the exam, vasoconstriction or hypertension are synonyms for increased afterload.
During aerobic exercise, Cardiac Output (CO) increases to meet metabolic demands. In a healthy individual, what is the primary mechanism for CO increase at exercise intensities above 50% of VO2 max?
Show answer →Increased Heart Rate (HR). While Stroke Volume (SV) increases initially (up to ~40-50% VO2 max) due to increased contractility and venous return, it plateaus in most individuals. Further increases in CO are driven almost entirely by HR. NPTE Tip: CO = HR x SV. At high intensities, the diastolic filling time decreases, which limits further SV increases. This is why HR is the most reliable indicator of exercise intensity for most patients.
A patient presents with jugular venous distension (JVD), peripheral pitting edema, and an enlarged liver. Hemodynamic monitoring shows elevated Central Venous Pressure (CVP). Which condition is most likely?
Show answer →Right-Sided Heart Failure (often called Cor Pulmonale if caused by lung disease). Elevated CVP (>8 mmHg) indicates the right atrium/ventricle is unable to handle venous return, leading to systemic backup. NPTE Tip: Distinguish Right vs Left failure. Left failure causes pulmonary congestion (crackles, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea). Right failure causes systemic congestion (JVD, dependent edema, ascites). Chronic COPD is the most common cause of isolated right heart failure.
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1,010 NPTE question-and-answer cards across 11 topics, written for this exam. Refund policy.
496 of the 1010 flashcards in the NPTE deck carry a "hard" difficulty rating. 5 free samples are on this page.
Difficulty ratings describe our deck, not the official exam. Practicing above test level builds a margin of safety — check the official FSBPT materials for representative difficulty.
Assessment
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Basics
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Diagnostics
30 cards
Management
160 cards
Pathology
330 cards
Pharmacology
20 cards
Physiology
90 cards
Procedures
140 cards
Research
10 cards
Safety
20 cards
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