PTI 2 Final Exam Questions and Answers
Question 1
Which type of electrical current is characterized as twin-peak, monophasic pulsed current?
a. direct current
b. alternating current
c. interferential current
d. high-voltage pulsed current
Correct Answer
Answer: d
Rationale: High-voltage pulsed current is a twin-peak monophasic pulsed current. High-voltage pulsed current is
commonly used in wound healing and pain management.
Question 2
A physical therapist incorporates electrical stimulation as part of the plan of care for a patient rehabilitating from a lower
extremity injury. Which of the following recommendations would be LEAST effective to minimize electrode resistance?
a. keep the sponge interface well moistened
b. use small electrodes
c. maintain even, firm contact with the skin
d. remove hair from the skin
Correct Answer
Answer: b
Rationale: Small electrodes increase electrode resistance, while large electrodes decrease electrode resistance. Resistance
refers to the opposition to electron flow in a conducting material
Page 1 of 59
,Question 3
A physical therapist treats a patient diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis using iontophoresis. the therapist uses
dexamethasone with a current intensity of 3 mA for 20 minutes. How often during the treatment session should the
therapist check the skin?
a. every minute
b. every 3 to 5 minutes
c. every ten minutes
d. at the conclusion of the treatment session
Correct Answer
B
Question 4
An elderly patient presents with a stage III decubitus ulcer on the plantar surface of the right foot. After a series of
conservative interventions with limited success, ther threapist chooses to apply electrical stimulation for tissue repair. The
BEST choice for electrical current in this case is:
a. low-volt biphasic pulsed current
b. High-volt monophasic pulsed current
c. medium frequency burst current
d. medium frequency beat current
Correct Answer
B
Page 2 of 59
,Question 5
What electrode configuration includes two electrodes from two different stimulating circuits that are positioned so that the
individual currents intersect?
a. unipolar
b. monopolar
c. bipolar
d. quadripolar
Correct Answer
Answer: d
Rationale: Quadripolar technique refers to two electrodes from two separate stimulating circuits that are positioned so
that the individual currents intersect with each other. This technique is utilized with interferential current.
Question 6
A 28 yr old male referred to physical therapy by his primary physician complains of recurrent ankle pain. As part of the
treatment program, the therapist uses ultrasound over the peroneus longus and brevis tendons. The MOST appropriate
location for the ultrasound application is:
a. inferior to the sustentaculum tali
b. over the sinus tarsi
c. posterior to the lateral malleollus
d. anterior to the lateral malleolus
Correct Answer
C
Page 3 of 59
, Question 7
You want to achieve a motor response but the patient is telling you that the estim is very uncomfortable. You are at 10
usecs and 40 mA. What can you do to achieve a motor response without increasing the amplitude?
A. Decrease the amplitude
B. Increase the space between the electrodes
C. Increase the phase duration
D. Patient can not tolerate estim, PT should not use this modality
Correct Answer
C
Question 8
A patient with acute back pain is given a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit to use at home. The physical
therapist provides detailed instructions on the care and use of the unit. WHich of the following activities is NOT the
responsibility of the patient?
a. modulate the current intensity
b. application of new electrodes
c. change the battery
d. alter the pulse rate and width
Correct Answer
D
Page 4 of 59
Question 1
Which type of electrical current is characterized as twin-peak, monophasic pulsed current?
a. direct current
b. alternating current
c. interferential current
d. high-voltage pulsed current
Correct Answer
Answer: d
Rationale: High-voltage pulsed current is a twin-peak monophasic pulsed current. High-voltage pulsed current is
commonly used in wound healing and pain management.
Question 2
A physical therapist incorporates electrical stimulation as part of the plan of care for a patient rehabilitating from a lower
extremity injury. Which of the following recommendations would be LEAST effective to minimize electrode resistance?
a. keep the sponge interface well moistened
b. use small electrodes
c. maintain even, firm contact with the skin
d. remove hair from the skin
Correct Answer
Answer: b
Rationale: Small electrodes increase electrode resistance, while large electrodes decrease electrode resistance. Resistance
refers to the opposition to electron flow in a conducting material
Page 1 of 59
,Question 3
A physical therapist treats a patient diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis using iontophoresis. the therapist uses
dexamethasone with a current intensity of 3 mA for 20 minutes. How often during the treatment session should the
therapist check the skin?
a. every minute
b. every 3 to 5 minutes
c. every ten minutes
d. at the conclusion of the treatment session
Correct Answer
B
Question 4
An elderly patient presents with a stage III decubitus ulcer on the plantar surface of the right foot. After a series of
conservative interventions with limited success, ther threapist chooses to apply electrical stimulation for tissue repair. The
BEST choice for electrical current in this case is:
a. low-volt biphasic pulsed current
b. High-volt monophasic pulsed current
c. medium frequency burst current
d. medium frequency beat current
Correct Answer
B
Page 2 of 59
,Question 5
What electrode configuration includes two electrodes from two different stimulating circuits that are positioned so that the
individual currents intersect?
a. unipolar
b. monopolar
c. bipolar
d. quadripolar
Correct Answer
Answer: d
Rationale: Quadripolar technique refers to two electrodes from two separate stimulating circuits that are positioned so
that the individual currents intersect with each other. This technique is utilized with interferential current.
Question 6
A 28 yr old male referred to physical therapy by his primary physician complains of recurrent ankle pain. As part of the
treatment program, the therapist uses ultrasound over the peroneus longus and brevis tendons. The MOST appropriate
location for the ultrasound application is:
a. inferior to the sustentaculum tali
b. over the sinus tarsi
c. posterior to the lateral malleollus
d. anterior to the lateral malleolus
Correct Answer
C
Page 3 of 59
, Question 7
You want to achieve a motor response but the patient is telling you that the estim is very uncomfortable. You are at 10
usecs and 40 mA. What can you do to achieve a motor response without increasing the amplitude?
A. Decrease the amplitude
B. Increase the space between the electrodes
C. Increase the phase duration
D. Patient can not tolerate estim, PT should not use this modality
Correct Answer
C
Question 8
A patient with acute back pain is given a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit to use at home. The physical
therapist provides detailed instructions on the care and use of the unit. WHich of the following activities is NOT the
responsibility of the patient?
a. modulate the current intensity
b. application of new electrodes
c. change the battery
d. alter the pulse rate and width
Correct Answer
D
Page 4 of 59
