Preparing for the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) exam? Procedures is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 140 of its 1010 flashcards focus on procedures, covering topics like Maitland Grade, IFC, Interferential Current. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
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A patient with chronic LBP presents with a stiff lumbar segment and 3/10 pain. You decide to perform a Maitland Grade III mobilization. What is the defining characteristic of this grade and its primary clinical goal?
Show answer →Maitland Grade III is a large-amplitude rhythmic oscillation performed from the middle to the end range of resistance. Goal: Increase joint mobility/ROM and address tissue stiffness. Clinical Pearl: Unlike Grades I and II (used for pain modulation and irritability), Grades III and IV are stretching grades used when pain is absent at rest and only occurs at the end of range. FSBPT often tests the distinction between pain-limited (I/II) and resistance-limited (III/IV) interventions.
A patient is performing a Chopping pattern to improve trunk rotation. Describe the bilateral asymmetrical UE pattern and the lead arm's movement.
Show answer →Chopping: The lead arm performs D1 Extension (Shoulder Ext/Abd/IR), while the assist arm holds the lead arm's wrist. Rationale: Facilitates trunk flexion with rotation. Clinical Pearl: Lifting is the opposite, where the lead arm performs D1 Flexion. NPTE Tip: Chopping is used to facilitate trunk stability and rolling toward the lead arm side (e.g., for bed mobility).
A patient with a TF prosthesis presents with a vaulting gait. The prosthetic knee and suspension appear intact. Which prosthetic-related factor most commonly contributes to this deviation?
Show answer →Prosthesis is too long. Rationale: Vaulting (rising on the sound limb's toes) is a compensatory strategy to clear a prosthesis that is functionally or physically too long. Other causes include excessive knee friction (preventing flexion) or inadequate suspension (pistoning). NPTE Tip: FSBPT often asks to differentiate between vaulting and circumduction. Both are clearance issues, but vaulting involves the contralateral limb.
A patient with C5 tetraplegia requires a power wheelchair. The therapist must choose between a recline or a tilt-in-space mechanism for pressure relief. Which is superior for maintaining pelvic stability and preventing shear?
Show answer →Tilt-in-space is superior for maintaining pelvic stability and preventing shear. Rationale: Tilt-in-space maintains the seat-to-back angle, keeping the pelvis in a fixed position while shifting weight to the back. Recline changes the seat-to-back angle, which can cause the patient to slide forward (shear) and promotes a posterior pelvic tilt. Clinical Pearl: Tilt-in-space is often preferred for those with spasticity or limited hip range of motion to avoid triggering spasms or exceeding joint limits.
A therapist is using Interferential Current (IFC) for a patient with diffuse, poorly localized shoulder pain. Which IFC setting should be adjusted to increase the treatment area between the four electrodes?
Show answer →The Vector Scan (or Amplitude Modulation) should be utilized. This function varies the amplitude of one of the two circuits, causing the interference pattern (cloverleaf) to rotate, effectively increasing the area of coverage for diffuse pain. Exam Tip: Differentiate from Frequency Sweep, which modulates the beat frequency to prevent nerve accommodation. Use Quadripolar placement for IFC to ensure the interference occurs deep within the target tissue.
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Try 30 free NPTE cards firstThe full NPTE deck contains 1010 flashcards, and 140 of them focus on procedures. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our NPTE deck dedicates 140 of 1010 cards (14%) to procedures — 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.
Assessment
160 cards
Basics
40 cards
Diagnostics
30 cards
Management
160 cards
Pathology
330 cards
Physiology
90 cards
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