Sinopsis
NPTE CLINICAL FILES is a podcast from the creator of Dominating the NPTE, hosted by Kyle Rice. NPTE Case files explains a true clinical scenario in the form a mock NPTE-based questioneach week. Each question is followed by a set of answer choices, where Dr. Kyle Rice explains the right answer with a detailed rationale. Each season covers all of the major systems and topics found in physical therapy and likely to be found on an NPTE. NPTE Case Files gives the Physical Therapist a weekly opportunity to solve clinical puzzles while learning the latest research related to the topic.
Episodios
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Exercise Physiology
09/04/2025 Duración: 09minNivayah presents with a history of myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. The patient reports limited endurance and shortness of breath when walking up a flight of stairs. The physical therapist wants to assess her aerobic capacity and guide the exercise prescription while considering safety due to her cardiovascular history. Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate to assess this patient’s aerobic capacity?A) VO2 max test using a treadmill protocolB) 6-minute walk testC) Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)D) Step testJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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Cardiac Rehab Phases
02/04/2025 Duración: 09minJamie is a 62-year-old female who is referred to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction. She reports feeling fatigued with moderate exertion but denies chest pain. Her resting vitals are HR 80 bpm, BP 128/82 mmHg, and SpO₂ 98%. She completed Phase I rehabilitation without complications and is eager to begin exercising to improve her endurance. Which activity is MOST appropriate to initiate during Phase II of cardiac rehabilitation?A) Jogging on a treadmill at 70% maximum heart ratB) Cycling on a stationary bike at 3-5 METsC) Strength training at 50% of 1-rep maxD) Stretching and light walking onlyDOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET:www.nptecheatsheet.com/cardiac-rehab1
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Spinal Cord Injuries / ASIA Scale
26/03/2025 Duración: 07minTeddy sustained a spinal cord injury at the C7 level after a motor vehicle accident. During the ASIA examination, the patient has preserved sensation at S4-S5 but no voluntary anal contraction. Motor function is absent below C7. Reflex activity is present. How should this patient’s spinal cord injury be classified on the ASIA Impairment Scale?A) ASIA A (Complete)B) ASIA B (Sensory Incomplete)C) ASIA C (Motor Incomplete)D) ASIA D (Motor Incomplete)TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573
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Hip Special Tests / Key Signs
19/03/2025 Duración: 10minCarlos is a long-distance runner who presents with deep groin pain that worsens with running and prolonged sitting. He also reports occasional clicking and a sensation of instability in the left hip. Examination reveals full strength and range of motion, but pain is elicited during specific hip movements that compress the joint. Which clinical test is MOST appropriate to confirm the suspected diagnosis?A) FABER testB) Thomas testC) Scour testD) FADIR testJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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Knee Special Tests
12/03/2025 Duración: 08minBeniah is a 21-year-old female soccer player who presents with right knee pain and instability after pivoting during a game. She reports hearing a “pop” at the time of injury and is now hesitant to bear weight. Examination reveals mild swelling, limited range of motion, and hamstring guarding. Which special test is MOST sensitive for detecting an ACL tear in this patient?A) Lachman testB) Anterior drawer testC) Pivot shift testD) Valgus stress testDOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/knee-specials
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Wound Healing Stages
05/03/2025 Duración: 08minHeather is a female with diabetes who is referred to physical therapy for evaluation of a right heel wound. The wound measures 4 cm in diameter, shows a dry black eschar covering the entire wound bed, and has no surrounding erythema or drainage. The patient denies pain at the wound site. Which wound stage is MOST consistent with the described findings?A) Stage IIB) Stage IIIC) Stage IVD) UnstageableTEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573
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Wheelchair Prescription & Positioning
26/02/2025 Duración: 10minJessica presents with a C6 spinal cord injury and is being fitted for a wheelchair. She has full innervation of the deltoids, biceps, and wrist extensors but lacks active triceps function. The patient requires independence in propulsion and activities of daily living. During assessment, she demonstrates forward shoulder positioning and mild scapular instability. Which wheelchair feature is MOST appropriate to optimize the patient’s function and minimize shoulder strain?A) Reclining backrest to improve postural supportB) Lightweight frame with adjustable axle positionC) High backrest to improve scapular stabilityD) Elevating leg rests to reduce shoulder loadingDOWNLOAD THIS EPISODE'S CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/wheelchair-prescription
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Medical Team Communication
19/02/2025 Duración: 09minTeniah was admitted to the acute care hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. She reports shortness of breath and fatigue. Auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds in the right lower lobe, and SpO₂ drops from 95% to 88% with exertion. Resting vital signs: HR 92 bpm, BP 142/86 mmHg, RR 22 breaths per minute. Which finding requires the MOST immediate communication with the medical team?A) Decreased breath sounds in the right lower lobeB) Blood pressure of 142/86 mmHgC) Resting respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minuteD) Oxygen desaturation to 88% with exertionJoin the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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Parkinson’s Disease: Stages & Treatments
12/02/2025 Duración: 10minJamie presents with stage 3 Parkinson’s disease and marked presbycusis and reports frequent freezing episodes during ambulation. She demonstrates a reduced step length and minimal arm swing. Her goal is to improve safety and mobility. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to address the patient’s freezing episodes? A) Dynamic balance training B) Rhythmic auditory cueing C) External visual cues D) Strengthening postural muscles DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/parkinsons-overview
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Rotator Cuff Tear Rehab Protocols
05/02/2025 Duración: 11minTravasia is 4 weeks post-supraspinatus repair. She reports mild soreness but no significant pain. Examination reveals limited passive shoulder elevation beyond 90° due to stiffness and marked restriction in active range of motion. Which intervention is MOST appropriate at this stage? A) Resisted external rotation with a resistance band B) Active-assisted range of motion for shoulder flexion C) Pendulum exercises for shoulder mobility D) Isometric strengthening of the supraspinatus TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573
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Gait Dysfunction Assessment
29/01/2025 Duración: 08minNarek reports progressive gait difficulties, including frequent tripping and reduced foot clearance during swing phase. Which examination is MOST appropriate to evaluate the primary cause of his impairments? A) Neurological assessment of the deep common peroneal nerve B) Assessment of proprioception in the lower extremities C) Passive motion of the ankle into plantarflexion D) Skin assessment on the bottom of the heel Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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Pressure Ulcer Examination
22/01/2025 Duración: 08minTalar is a diabetic patient that presents with a chronic foot ulcer that has not healed despite standard care. The ulcer is clean, but the tissue around the wound is swollen and warm, and there is noticeable erythema. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of this condition? A) Poor wound dressing technique B) Venous insufficiency Infection C) Necrotic tissue D) Infection DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/pressure-ulcer-staging
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ECG Evaluation
15/01/2025 Duración: 11minJamie is a 68 year old male with a history of hypertension presents with dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. An ECG reveals a regular rhythm at 110 bpm with narrow QRS complexes and absent P waves. What is the MOST likely diagnosis? A) Atrial fibrillation B) Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) C) Ventricular tachycardia D) Sinus tachycardia TEXT OUR TEAM: (727) 732-4573
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Stroke Rehabilitation Strategies
08/01/2025 Duración: 10minHamza is 3 weeks post-stroke and presents with right-sided hemiparesis. He is able to sit unsupported but struggles to stand and has difficulty walking without assistance. His Brunnstrom stage is III for the right upper extremity and II for the right lower extremity. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate for this patient to improve his functional mobility and independence? A) Facilitate weight-bearing on the right lower extremity using assistive devices B) Move the patient's right lower extremity through PNF patterns C) Use body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) D) Initiate fine motor activities for the right hand to improve hand dexterity Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com
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Shoulder Differential Diagnosis
01/01/2025 Duración: 10minMilani presents with anterior shoulder pain and reports difficulty with overhead activities. The patient describes intermittent clicking and discomfort with forward reaching. On examination, the therapist observes a positive Speed’s test, normal strength in external rotation, and no pain with passive shoulder elevation. Which of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis? A. Bankart lesion B. Subacromial bursitis C. Biceps tendinopathy D. Rotator cuff tendinopathy DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODES CHEATSHEET: www.nptecheatsheet.com/differential-shoulder --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support
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Neurological Outcome Measures
25/09/2024 Duración: 11minJeremy is performing a neurological evaluation. The therapist notes repeated falls in quiet standing with a suspected forward anticipatory balance impairment. Which of the following tests is MOST likely to reveal this specific impairment? A) Functional Reach Test B) Romberg Test C) Sensory Organization Test D) Standing in tandem with eyes closed LINKS MENTIONED: NPTE Tips & Tricks: www.nptegroup.com Practice Question Club: www.npteclub.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support
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Other Systems Differential Diagnosis
18/09/2024 Duración: 11minA 45-year-old female presents to physical therapy with complaints of persistent fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Upon examination, the therapist notes tachycardia, low blood pressure episodes, and excessive sweating. Which of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis? A) Graves Disease B) Cor Pulmonale C) Hypoglycemia D) Adrenocortical hyperplasia Links Mentioned: NPTE Tips & Tricks: www.nptegroup.com Truelearn: USE CODE: PTH020 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support
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What Would I Do Different After Passing The NPTE W/ Greg Todd
12/09/2024 Duración: 48minAre you a PT wondering where you'll find the money to pay off your student loan debt? In this exclusive episode, Coach K and his long-term mentor and best friend Greg Todd discuss what they'd do differently after Passing the NPTE to build financial freedom. Check out Greg's Exclusive Resources for Clinical Files Listeners Only! Side Hustle Checklist - https://smartsuccesshealthcare.com/sidehustlekr How to Prep for Job Interviews - https://smartsuccesshealthcare.com/interviewkr How to Build Your First Digital Product as a New Grad - https://smartsuccesshealthcare.com/digitalkr --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support
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Cardio Exercise Prescription
11/09/2024 Duración: 13minLina presents with a history of chronic heart failure, increased dyspnea and fatigue during daily activities. The physical therapist plans to implement an aerobic exercise program. Which of the following exercise protocols is MOST appropriate for this patient? A) 70-85% of HRmax, 5 times per week, for 45-60 minutes B) 50-60% of HRR, 3 times per week, for 20-40 minutes C) 30-40% of HRmax, daily, for 10-15 minutes D) 80-90% of HRR, 4 times per week, for 60 minutes LINKS MENTIONED: NPTE Tips & Tricks: www.nptegroup.com Truelearn: USE CODE: PTH020 Free Cheatsheets: www.nptecheatsheets.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support
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Burn Interventions 2
04/09/2024 Duración: 10minBronny presents to the hospital with burns to the anterior neck, chest, axillas, and cubital fossa regions. Which of the following positions is the BEST for this patient? A. Cervical slight extension, arm abduction with elbow extension B. Neutral cervical spine, shoulder external rotation with wrist extension C. Cervical slight flexion, arm elevated and elbow extended D. Cervical extension with arm abduction and elbow flexion LINKS MENTIONED: Practice Question Club: www.npteclub.com NPTE Tips & Tricks: www.nptegroup.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepthustle/support