2024 /2025 | © copyright | This work may not be copied for profit gain Excel!
NPLEX II - Physical Medicine Questions and
Correct Answers | Latest Update
What is short wave diathermy?
✓ -:- a modality that emits electromagnetic energy that is capable of
producing temperature increases in the deeper tissues or have other
physiological changes within tissue for healing
__ MHz is the msot commonly used short wave diathermy because it has the widest
bandwidth and easiest to generate
✓ -:- 27.12 Hz
T/F Short wave diathermy can interfere with communication signals
✓ -:- true
What is an advantage of short wave diathermy compared to hot packs and ultrasound?
✓ -:- better than hot packs - can penetrate deeper tissues
better than ultrasound - does not concentrate at periosteum and cause burning; it can also
cover larger areas
1|P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 0 2 5
,2024 /2025 | © copyright | This work may not be copied for profit gain Excel!
Short wave diathermy should not be used in those with ___ as the nerve can cause
conduction block dt shortened duration of sodium channel opening the node of Ranvier
during neuron depolarization
✓ -:- multiple sclerosis
Thermal effects of diathermy
✓ -:- Used to heat large, deep areas of tissue
Superficial tissues—vasodilation --> increase circulation with increased temperature;
increase pain threshold = reduce pain; increase rate of nerve conduction
Deeper tissues—increase tissue extensibility
Short wave diathermy when pulsed at low average intensity allows tissue temperature to be
maintained dt heat quickly dissipating through the blood. What nonthermal effects does it
have?
✓ -:- 1. immproves tissue healing by altering cell membrane function and
cellular activity (accelerate calcium ion binding, NO release)
2.increases microvascular perfusion and accelerate tissue healing and increase oxygenation
2|P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 0 2 5
, 2024 /2025 | © copyright | This work may not be copied for profit gain Excel!
What are indications for using short wave diathermy?
✓ -:- 1.fractures
2.any pain or edema (rotator cuff syndrome, ankle sprain, low back pain)
3.soft tissue healing (incisional wounds, pressure ulcers, tendon injuries)
4.OA
What are contraindications to short wave diathermy? (7)
✓ -:- 1. during pregnancy esp in the pelvic and abdominal area
2.over the eyes
3.over the testes
4.over growing epiphyses
5.metal implants/jewellry
6.pacemakers and implanted or transcutaneous neural stimulators
7.malignancy
Sine wave uses a __ frequency current, __ voltage, and __ amperage
✓ -:- low everything!
3|P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 0 2 5
NPLEX II - Physical Medicine Questions and
Correct Answers | Latest Update
What is short wave diathermy?
✓ -:- a modality that emits electromagnetic energy that is capable of
producing temperature increases in the deeper tissues or have other
physiological changes within tissue for healing
__ MHz is the msot commonly used short wave diathermy because it has the widest
bandwidth and easiest to generate
✓ -:- 27.12 Hz
T/F Short wave diathermy can interfere with communication signals
✓ -:- true
What is an advantage of short wave diathermy compared to hot packs and ultrasound?
✓ -:- better than hot packs - can penetrate deeper tissues
better than ultrasound - does not concentrate at periosteum and cause burning; it can also
cover larger areas
1|P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 0 2 5
,2024 /2025 | © copyright | This work may not be copied for profit gain Excel!
Short wave diathermy should not be used in those with ___ as the nerve can cause
conduction block dt shortened duration of sodium channel opening the node of Ranvier
during neuron depolarization
✓ -:- multiple sclerosis
Thermal effects of diathermy
✓ -:- Used to heat large, deep areas of tissue
Superficial tissues—vasodilation --> increase circulation with increased temperature;
increase pain threshold = reduce pain; increase rate of nerve conduction
Deeper tissues—increase tissue extensibility
Short wave diathermy when pulsed at low average intensity allows tissue temperature to be
maintained dt heat quickly dissipating through the blood. What nonthermal effects does it
have?
✓ -:- 1. immproves tissue healing by altering cell membrane function and
cellular activity (accelerate calcium ion binding, NO release)
2.increases microvascular perfusion and accelerate tissue healing and increase oxygenation
2|P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 0 2 5
, 2024 /2025 | © copyright | This work may not be copied for profit gain Excel!
What are indications for using short wave diathermy?
✓ -:- 1.fractures
2.any pain or edema (rotator cuff syndrome, ankle sprain, low back pain)
3.soft tissue healing (incisional wounds, pressure ulcers, tendon injuries)
4.OA
What are contraindications to short wave diathermy? (7)
✓ -:- 1. during pregnancy esp in the pelvic and abdominal area
2.over the eyes
3.over the testes
4.over growing epiphyses
5.metal implants/jewellry
6.pacemakers and implanted or transcutaneous neural stimulators
7.malignancy
Sine wave uses a __ frequency current, __ voltage, and __ amperage
✓ -:- low everything!
3|P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 0 2 5
