NPTE Exam information

This section covers cardiac anatomy and physiology, blood flow, electrical conduction, and the effects of cardiovascular pathologies such as heart failure, MI, and hypertension. You will study examination techniques like heart rate, blood pressure, auscultation, and EKG interpretation. Interventions include aerobic training, vital sign monitoring, and cardiac rehab phases. Understanding contraindications, MET levels, and emergency responses (e.g., for angina or orthostatic hypotension) is essential.

Pulmonary topics focus on normal lung mechanics, oxygenation, and gas exchange, along with obstructive (e.g., COPD, asthma) and restrictive (e.g., fibrosis, scoliosis) lung diseases. You'll review breath sounds, chest wall movement, ABG interpretation, and spirometry values. Interventions include airway clearance techniques, postural drainage, breathing exercises, and the use of oxygen therapy. Recognizing signs of respiratory distress and managing pulmonary devices (e.g., ventilators, O2 masks) is also emphasized.

This unit addresses central and peripheral nervous system disorders such as CVA, SCI, Parkinson’s, MS, and pediatric conditions like cerebral palsy and developmental delays. Emphasis is placed on motor learning, neuroplasticity, PNF, NDT, gait training, balance assessment, and functional outcome measures. Pediatric milestones, reflex integration, and age-appropriate intervention strategies are also tested. Interventions include facilitation/inhibition techniques, sensory integration, and coordination exercises.

Topics include joint structure and function, muscle physiology, biomechanics, and common conditions like OA, RA, fractures, tendon/ligament injuries, and post-op protocols (e.g., ACL, THA). Assessment tools include goniometry, MMT, special tests, and palpation. Interventions emphasize therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, modalities, and patient education. Proper progression, contraindications, and assistive device prescription are critical components.

This section involves endocrine, metabolic, integumentary, immune, GI, and GU systems. You’ll study diabetes management, wound healing stages, burns, pressure injuries, and infection control. Interventions include positioning, pressure relief, dressing types, and skin inspection. PTA scope in wound care, post-mastectomy rehab, and oncology-related precautions are also covered.

Non-systems content includes modalities (e.g., ultrasound, e-stim, cryo/thermotherapy), safety procedures, emergency responses, assistive devices, prosthetics, and equipment. You'll also be tested on research and evidence-based practice, ethics, supervision, documentation, ADA guidelines, and infection control. Knowing parameters and contraindications for therapeutic modalities is key. This section supports clinical reasoning and professional responsibility across all settings.