PAMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS – PHYSICAL AGENT MODALITIES STUDY GUIDE WITH ANSWERS
2026/2027
Physical agent can be routinely applied without consideration of occupational performance or
engagement in activity - ANS ✔✔False
If too little inflammation occurs, the healing response is ___; if too much inflammation occurs,
___ scar is produced - ANS ✔✔slow; excessive
Within hours after injury, undamaged epithelial cells at the wound's____ begin to reproduce
and prepare to close the wound - ANS ✔✔deep center
Which interventions can assist with achieving the low-load, long-duration stress necessary to
change scar configuration - ANS ✔✔dynamic splints, positional heat & stretching, NMES
Pain is an experience, rather than a bodily function - ANS ✔✔True
Physical signs of pain may include sleep disturbance, inactivity & poor muscle conditioning, &
weight gain but NOT - ANS ✔✔compulsive behaviors
What is not a physiologic response in using a superficial cold modality? - ANS ✔✔increase
vascular dilation leading to decreased edema
Which has the least conductivity? - ANS ✔✔Fat tissue
Cold therapy is contraindicated for any medical condition in which _____ will increase
symptoms - ANS ✔✔vasoconstriction
2026/2027
Physical agent can be routinely applied without consideration of occupational performance or
engagement in activity - ANS ✔✔False
If too little inflammation occurs, the healing response is ___; if too much inflammation occurs,
___ scar is produced - ANS ✔✔slow; excessive
Within hours after injury, undamaged epithelial cells at the wound's____ begin to reproduce
and prepare to close the wound - ANS ✔✔deep center
Which interventions can assist with achieving the low-load, long-duration stress necessary to
change scar configuration - ANS ✔✔dynamic splints, positional heat & stretching, NMES
Pain is an experience, rather than a bodily function - ANS ✔✔True
Physical signs of pain may include sleep disturbance, inactivity & poor muscle conditioning, &
weight gain but NOT - ANS ✔✔compulsive behaviors
What is not a physiologic response in using a superficial cold modality? - ANS ✔✔increase
vascular dilation leading to decreased edema
Which has the least conductivity? - ANS ✔✔Fat tissue
Cold therapy is contraindicated for any medical condition in which _____ will increase
symptoms - ANS ✔✔vasoconstriction