CHT MODALITIES EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
When heating tissues what must the tissue temperature be elevated to in order to
achieve therapeutic benefit? - ANSWER-40 degrees C - 45 degrees C (104 F -113 F )
Ultrasound has been shown to do what? - ANSWER-promote healing of soft tissue,
release growth factors from macrophages, facilitate collagen production
True/False: Frequencies, voltages, and intensities need to elicit action potentials in
motor nerves when a therapist is applying NMES to elicit a muscle contraction. -
ANSWER-true
Intermittent compression pumps may be used with all but which of the following?
- postmastectomy lymphedema
- venous insufficiency
- arterial insufficiency
- amputations - ANSWER-arterial insufficiency
- set parameters no higher than 40 mmHG for patients with compromised lymphatic
systems
- have a ratio of 3:1or 4:1 of inflation to deflation
- not to exceed the patient's diastolic blood pressure - ANSWER-all are correct
A patient presents in the clinic with acute pain of the left wrist 2 days after playing in a
racquetball contest. Which of the following treatment parameters with electrical
stimulation is most appropriate for decreasing pain?
- continuous, high voltage at 50-120 Hz for 10-30 min
- TENS
- interferential current (IFC) - ANSWER-all listed are appropriate for pain control
The therapist notices signs of cold intolerance when using a commercial ice pack. What
is the best course of treatment? - ANSWER-discontinue all cold modalities and
document findings
True/False: Fluidotherapy is safer than other superficial heating modalities because it
can be applied at a much higher temperature. - ANSWER-false
, A therapist is treating a stiff digit with abundant scar tissue. Which ultrasound frequency
is most helpful to elongate the scar? - ANSWER-3MHz
True/False regarding Melzack and Wall's "Gate Theory of Pain: Stimuli that approach
the CNS with high speed travel along large diameter nerve fibers which close the gate
to pain fibers. - ANSWER-True
For which of the following is CPM contraindicated?
-burn patients
-capsulotomies
-fractures with ORIF
-unstable fractures - ANSWER-unstable fractures
Match the following:
Parameter
1. amplitude
2. pulse duration
3. frequency
4. rise time
5. on time/off time
Words
a. rate, pulse/second, Hz
b. width
c. duty cycle
d. intensity
e. ramp/surge - ANSWER-1. d
2. b
3. a
4. e
5. c
True/False: After a tendon repair, NMES may be applied at high intensity. As this is the
equivalent of resistive exercise the therapist should wait until a minimum of 12 weeks
post op to safely initiate this modality. - ANSWER-false
A 29 y/o active tennis player developed a gradual onset of extensor tendonitis in the
right forearm and is unable to play tennis secondary to severe, sharp pain at the
common extensor tendon origin when extending his wrist. Iontophoresis has been
indicated as a treatment option. Which solution is the most appropriate choice for this
diagnosis? - ANSWER-dexamethasone
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
When heating tissues what must the tissue temperature be elevated to in order to
achieve therapeutic benefit? - ANSWER-40 degrees C - 45 degrees C (104 F -113 F )
Ultrasound has been shown to do what? - ANSWER-promote healing of soft tissue,
release growth factors from macrophages, facilitate collagen production
True/False: Frequencies, voltages, and intensities need to elicit action potentials in
motor nerves when a therapist is applying NMES to elicit a muscle contraction. -
ANSWER-true
Intermittent compression pumps may be used with all but which of the following?
- postmastectomy lymphedema
- venous insufficiency
- arterial insufficiency
- amputations - ANSWER-arterial insufficiency
- set parameters no higher than 40 mmHG for patients with compromised lymphatic
systems
- have a ratio of 3:1or 4:1 of inflation to deflation
- not to exceed the patient's diastolic blood pressure - ANSWER-all are correct
A patient presents in the clinic with acute pain of the left wrist 2 days after playing in a
racquetball contest. Which of the following treatment parameters with electrical
stimulation is most appropriate for decreasing pain?
- continuous, high voltage at 50-120 Hz for 10-30 min
- TENS
- interferential current (IFC) - ANSWER-all listed are appropriate for pain control
The therapist notices signs of cold intolerance when using a commercial ice pack. What
is the best course of treatment? - ANSWER-discontinue all cold modalities and
document findings
True/False: Fluidotherapy is safer than other superficial heating modalities because it
can be applied at a much higher temperature. - ANSWER-false
, A therapist is treating a stiff digit with abundant scar tissue. Which ultrasound frequency
is most helpful to elongate the scar? - ANSWER-3MHz
True/False regarding Melzack and Wall's "Gate Theory of Pain: Stimuli that approach
the CNS with high speed travel along large diameter nerve fibers which close the gate
to pain fibers. - ANSWER-True
For which of the following is CPM contraindicated?
-burn patients
-capsulotomies
-fractures with ORIF
-unstable fractures - ANSWER-unstable fractures
Match the following:
Parameter
1. amplitude
2. pulse duration
3. frequency
4. rise time
5. on time/off time
Words
a. rate, pulse/second, Hz
b. width
c. duty cycle
d. intensity
e. ramp/surge - ANSWER-1. d
2. b
3. a
4. e
5. c
True/False: After a tendon repair, NMES may be applied at high intensity. As this is the
equivalent of resistive exercise the therapist should wait until a minimum of 12 weeks
post op to safely initiate this modality. - ANSWER-false
A 29 y/o active tennis player developed a gradual onset of extensor tendonitis in the
right forearm and is unable to play tennis secondary to severe, sharp pain at the
common extensor tendon origin when extending his wrist. Iontophoresis has been
indicated as a treatment option. Which solution is the most appropriate choice for this
diagnosis? - ANSWER-dexamethasone
