These NPTE practice questions target physiology — including EDV, ESV, EF, Diastolic Volume. The complete NPTE deck holds 1010 flashcards, 90 of them dedicated to this topic. Study the free samples below, then unlock the whole collection for a one-time $7.
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During auscultation, a PT hears a low-pitched sound early in diastole (ventricular filling phase) in a patient with HFrEF. What is this sound, and what does it signify?
Show answer →S3 (Ventricular Gallop). Occurs early in diastole during rapid ventricular filling. It signifies ventricular non-compliance or volume overload, common in HFrEF. NPTE Tip: S3 is normal in children and elite athletes but pathological in older adults (Heart Failure). S4 (Atrial Gallop) occurs late in diastole during the atrial kick and signifies stiff ventricles (HTN, LVH). FSBPT often tests the timing of these sounds relative to S1/S2.
A patient's stroke volume increases when moving from a standing to a supine position due to increased venous return. Which physiological principle explains this relationship?
Show answer →Frank-Starling Law. It states that the stroke volume of the heart increases in response to an increase in the volume of blood filling the heart (end-diastolic volume) when all other factors remain constant. Increased stretch of the myocardium leads to more optimal actin-myosin cross-bridge formation, increasing contractile force. NPTE Tip: FSBPT tests this in the context of Preload. If preload increases, SV increases (up to a physiological limit). If preload is too low (dehydration/hemorrhage), SV and CO drop.
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.
A patient has an End-Diastolic Volume (EDV) of 120 mL and an End-Systolic Volume (ESV) of 50 mL. Calculate the Ejection Fraction (EF) and classify the clinical status based on 2026 HFrEF guidelines.
Show answer →EF = 58%. Calculation: (EDV - ESV) / EDV. In this case: (120-50)/120 = 70/120 = 0.583 (58%). Clinical Status: Normal (EF >50%). NPTE Tip: FSBPT focuses on EF ranges for exercise prescription. HFrEF (Reduced) is ≤40%, HFpEF (Preserved) is ≥50%. Patients with EF <30% are at high risk for sudden cardiac death and require strict intensity monitoring during PT. Stroke Volume (SV) in this example is 70 mL.
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).
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Try 30 free NPTE cards firstThe full NPTE deck contains 1010 flashcards, and 90 of them focus on physiology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our NPTE deck dedicates 90 of 1010 cards (9%) to physiology — always cross-check the official FSBPT exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the NPTE preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1010 cards is a one-time $7.
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