The NPTE Podcast
Episodes
278. Lymphatic System
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A patient presents with bilateral, symmetrical leg enlargement that is painful to palpation, shows easy bruising, and spares the feet. Stemmer sign is...
277. Genitourinary System
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with an indwelling Foley catheter reports new lower‑abdominal discomfort during gait training. The therapist observes the collection bag p...
276. Gastrointestinal System
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A patient reports constant right‑sided upper abdominal pain that began shortly after eating a high‑fat meal. The pain radiates to the right should...
275. Metabolic & Endocrine System
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with metabolic disease develops progressive shoulder pain with loss of motion, proximal thigh weakness, and has a history of low‑trauma fr...
274. Integumentary System
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A patient presents with acute onset of lower‑leg redness, warmth, and tenderness. The involved area has poorly defined borders and has expanded over...
273. CP System
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with chronic obstructive lung disease frequently assumes a tripod position during seated rest. Which of the following explanations BEST desc...
272. NM System
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Which group of symptoms is MOST characteristic of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with a C6 complete spinal cord injury? Find it all out in the pod...
271. MSK System
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist examines a 3‑week‑old infant and notes a firm, nontender mass in the inferior third of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle....
270. Special NPTE Edition
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are you taking the NPTE this week? How will the Snowpocalypse affect your exam schedule? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE...
269. Nonsystems
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist is reviewing a study that measured patient satisfaction with outpatient physical therapy services at a single point in time. Whic...
268. System Interactions
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist evaluates a client presenting with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Which of the following additional findings would most strong...
267. Lymphatic System
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with lower extremity lymphedema is instructed in the use of a Velcro-assisted compression garment. Which of the following is an advantage of...
266. The NPTE Podcast Special Edition
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we rewind the clock to the most downloaded episode in our library with handy mnemonics of the NM system on the NPTE. Find it all out i...
265. The NPTE Podcast Special Edition
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we rewind the clock and listen to an episode where we talk about how to navigate a failed NPTE attempt. Find it all out in the podcast...
264. Genitourinary System
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A 52-year-old male presents with fever, chills, urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria. On examination, costovertebral angle tenderness is noted. Whi...
263. Gastrointestinal System
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An adult male patient reports chronic back pain that has been episodic in nature and has worsened in the last two weeks. The patient reports that th...
262. Metabolic & Endocrine System
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A 32-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents with a new onset proximal muscle weakness, facial rounding, and abdominal striae....
261. Integumentary System
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with a transtibial amputation reports erythema and itching on the residual limb after using a silicone liner. Which of the following is the ...
260. CP System
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following responses to endurance activity would be considered abnormal in a patient with a history of cardiovascular dysfunction? Find it...
259. NM System
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which patient position is MOST likely to be problematic in a child with spinal muscular atrophy type I? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared fo...
258. MSK Interventions
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist is treating a patient 3 weeks postoperatively following a traumatic elbow injury complicated by early signs of heterotopic ossifi...
257. Navigating the NPTE Test-Day Experience
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know you need to bring your A-game for test day! Want the best tips for navigating the NPTE? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the...
256. System Interactions
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which combination of impairments is MOST likely to be present in a 7-year-old patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Find it all out in the podcast...
255. Lymphatic System
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist is treating a patient with chronic unilateral lower extremity lymphedema using manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). After several ses...
254. Genitourinary Examination
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist notes fever of 39.2°C (102.6°F), nausea, and new confusion in a patient recently diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Whic...
253. Gastrointestinal Differential Diagnosis
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A 52-year-old patient reports persistent midthoracic back pain that worsens at night and improves with antacid use. Which of the following actions is ...
252. Metabolic & Endocrine Differential Diagnosis
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An adult patient presents with chronic pain, redness, and swelling in the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the right foot. The clinician notes the j...
251. Integumentary Interventions
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When applying semi-permeable film dressing, how much intact skin should be used for attachment around the perimeter of the wound? Find it all out in t...
250. Cardipulmonary Interventions
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist is treating a patient following a thoracic surgery that occurred 1 week ago. The patient requires airway clearance, but reports t...
249. NM Differential Diagnosis
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with central cord syndrome will MOST likely have difficulty with which of the following activities? Find it all out in the podcast! Be pre...
248. MSK Examination
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with lateral elbow tendinopathy will MOST likely present with which of the following findings? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepare...
247. The NPTE Content Outline
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Interested to know what's on the NPTE and how the questions are developed? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that you can ...
246. Test-Taking Tips for the NPTE
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want the best test-taking tips for the NPTE? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that you can pass with flying colors! Check...
245. Nonsystems Modalities
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A physical therapist is preparing to administer electrical stimulation to a patient's knee as part of their rehabilitation program. Which of the follo...
244. System Interactions Differential Diagnosis
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A 72-year-old individual presents to outpatient physical therapy with complaints of bilateral shoulder and hip stiffness, difficulty rising from a cha...
243. Lymphatic Interventions
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In which stage of lymphedema will elevation of an extremity MOST particularly help reduce swelling? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for ...
242. "Help!! I Failed the NPTE!"
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Help!! I failed the NPTE!! What do I do next?!" Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that you can pass with flying color...
241. Effective Study Strategies for the NPTE
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to have the most effective strategies for the NPTE? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that you can pass with f...
240. Genitourinary Examination BPH
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A 65-year-old male with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) reports frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia. Which of the following mechanisms BEST e...
239. Gastrointestinal Interventions Ascites
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with ascites is most likely to develop which of the following complications? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so t...
238. Metabolic & Endocrine DDx Metabolic Alkalosis
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following disorders is MOST likely to be the cause of metabolic alkalosis? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so ...
237. Integumentary Interventions Wound Dressings
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For which of the following integumentary impairments will a transparent film dressing be MOST appropriate? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepar...
236. CP Examination Pharmacology
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
During examination, a patient's chart indicates that they have been prescribed lisinopril (Prinivil). Which of the following primary effects is this...
235. NM Differential Diagnosis Cutaneous Reflexes
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely present in a patient with exaggerated cutaneous reflexes? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepa...
234. NPTE Myths
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about some of the common myths surrounding the NPTE to make sure you are prepared to dominate the exam! Find it all out in th...
233. MSK Interventions Shoulder
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following mobilizations is MOST appropriate for a patient with limited shoulder external rotation while in 90° abduction? Find it all ...
232. System Interactions CD4
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with a CD4 count 3 is MOST likely to be diagnosed with which condition? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that ...
231. Integumentary Interventions Pressure Injuries
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When managing a high-risk patient for pressure injuries, which of the following guidelines will be MOST appropriate? Find it all out in the podcast! ...
230. FSPBT Pass Rates: Silver Linings and Dark Clouds
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The FSBPT pass rates have been dropping over the last 5 years. Why is that? How can you be sure to not be a part of that drop? Find it all out in ...
229. Integumentary Examination Wounds
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What pressure injury grading is most appropriate for a wound with undermining or tunneling at its base with no muscle or bone visible? Find it all ou...
228. NM Interventions TBI
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If a patient with a traumatic brain injury is exhibiting aggressive behavior, which of the following intervention strategies will be MOST appropriate...
226. NM Examination Stroke
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with lateral medullary (Wallenburg) syndrome will most likely demonstrate which of the following clinical manifestations? Find it all out i...
225. MSK System Scoliosis
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When evaluating structural scoliosis, which of the following observations is MOST likely to be present? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared...
224. Nonsystems Research Positive Predictive Values
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If a diagnostic test is known to have a positive predictive value of 20%, which of the following statements is true? Find it all out in the podcast! ...
223. Nonsystems Modalities
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following applications of cryotherapy will be MOST effective at reducing spasticity and improving therapeutic interventions? Find it all...
222. System Interactions Sign of the Buttock
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The clinician then performs passive hip flexion with the knee bent and observes no change in the left hip flexion range of motion. Which of the fol...
221. Lymphatic System Interventions
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When treating lymphedema, which of the following descriptions BEST matches that of a short-stretch bandaging system? Find it all out in the podcast! ...
220. Second-Guessing vs Double-Checking
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Second-Guessing: The act of reading a question and artificially placing an external bias or situation that is not actually present in the context of...
219. Gastrointestinal Interventions
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient in a long-term care facility is referred for physical therapy intervention for mobility training. The patient's chart indicates that the ...
218. Metabolic & Endocrine Interventions Hyperthyroidism
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When treating individuals with hyperthyroidism, which of the following considerations is MOST important? Find it all out in the podcast! Be pre...
217. Integumentary Differential Diagnosis
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient reports painful cramping in the left lower extremity during walking activities that subsides with rest. Additionally, the patient appears...
216. CP Interventions Heart Transplant
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following physiological changes is MOST likely to occur related to exercise after a patient receives a heart transplant? Find it all out...
215. Lymphatic Examination
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with lower extremity lymphedema is being treated with complete decongestive therapy. After several weeks of treatment, the therapist note...
214. Integumentary Interventions Hydrogels
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following wound types will MOST likely benefit from the use of a hydrogel dressing? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for th...
CP Examination EKG
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient's electrocardiogram exhibits signs of consecutive p-waves at a rate of 250 per minute with QRS complexes appearing at rate of 80 per minute...
NM Interventions TBI
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When treating patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, which of the following strategies will be MOST important to reduce aggressiv...
MSK Interventions Crutches
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient is receiving gait training from a physical therapist after a surgical repair of a lower extremity fracture. The surgeon has written order...
MSK Interventions Hip Fracture
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An elderly patient has undergone an open reduction and internal fixation of a subtrochanteric femoral fracture that resulted from a fall. Which of ...
NPTE Study Hints: Diabetes & Exercise
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know the key bullet points to remember for Diabetes and the NPTE? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that you can pa...
Nonsystems Modalities
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following ions and parameters will be MOST effective at reducing soft tissue inflammation via iontophoresis? Find it all out in the podc...
Metabolic & Endocrine Interventions Aquatic Therapy
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following precautions is MOST appropriate for a patient with diabetes mellitus to implement during aquatic exercise? Find it all out in ...
Lymphatic System Interventions MLD
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following techniques is MOST indicated for manual lymph drainage in the treatment of lymphedema? Find it all out in the podcast! Be pr...
Genitourinary Differential Diagnosis
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences bladder dyssynergia during micturition. Which of the following descriptions BEST matches this conditi...
Integumentary Examination--Clock Method
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient has a neuropathic wound on the plantar surface of the left foot and is being examined in the prone position. The wound is located at the ...
NPTE Multiple-Choice Question Strategies
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know how to answer MCQ's on the NPTE? Find out all of our NPTE secrets in this VIP preview webinar. Find it all out in the podcast! Be ...
NPTE Essentials
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know what is on the NPTE? Do you know how they develop the questions and thus what to study? Find it all out in this handy NPTE primer. In this...
GI Differential Diagnosis
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A 25-year-old patient is being evaluated for pain in the region of the right oblique abdominis muscle that has been present for 1 week. The patient...
Episode 200 Giveaway! Understanding the NPTE Mindset
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
200. Do you have the NPTE mindset? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that you can pass with flying colors! Check out w...
M&E Evaluation Glucocorticoids
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
199. In a patient that is receiving prolonged systemic glucocorticoid therapy, which of the following groups of adverse effects is most likely to be...
Integumentary Interventions
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
198. After receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, the adhesive electrodes from the modality are removed and the skin is inspected. W...
CP Interventions PAT
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
197. At the beginning of a physical therapy intervention, a patient's heart rate is measured to be 75 beats per minute. After explaining the interve...
Metabolic & Endocrine Differential Diagnosis Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following conditions is associated with an increased risk of developing bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome? Find it all out in the podcas...
Integumentary Evaluation
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 195. Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between skin turgor and aging? Find it all out in the podcast! ...
CP Examination Chronic Bronchitis
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following measures is MOST likely to be less than normal in a patient with chronic bronchitis? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prep...
NM Examination ALS
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following groups of cranial nerves is MOST likely to be impaired in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Find it all out in the ...
MSK Interventions Regenerative Medicine
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient received an autologous chondrocyte implantation to right knee medial femoral condyle 1 week ago and is attending physical therapy post surgi...
"Help! I Failed the NPTE!"
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Help! I failed the NPTE!" If you've had a failed attempt or want to avoid a failed attempt, this is the episode for you. In this episode, I talk ...
Nonsystems Modalities EMG
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following signals is MOST likely to occur during EMG examination of a normal relaxed muscle? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepa...
System Interactions Differential Diagnosis
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with a history of breast cancer is being evaluated for mid-thoracic pain. The clinician observes lower extremity weakness and impaired sen...
Lymphatic Interventions
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following guidelines for lymphedema compression bandaging is MOST appropriate to provide to a patient during initial lymphedema interven...
Genitourinary Evaluation
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following groups of signs and symptoms are MOST commonly present in a patient with dyssynergic bladder? Find it all out in the podcast! ...
Gastrointestinal Differential Diagnosis Constipation
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to cause constipation? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the NPTE so that you can pas...
Metabolic & Endocrine Differential Diagnosis Diabetes Insipidus
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with diabetes insipidus is MOST likely to experience which of the following clinical symptoms? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared...
Integumentary Interventions Venous Insufficiency
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following interventions is contraindicated for the treatment of venous insufficiency ulcers? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepare...
CP Examination Pharmacology
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following adverse reactions is MOST likely to occur when taking inhaled albuterol? Find it all out in the podcast! Be prepared for the...
Neuromuscular Differential Diagnosis MS
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences discrete attacks of symptoms followed by periods of alleviation. Which of the following disease cours...
MSK Interventions rTSA
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A 61-year-old patient underwent a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty 2 weeks ago. Which of the following interventions will be MOST appropriate at...
Nonsystems Equipment & Devices SMA
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An 8-year-old child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type II is being assessed for mobility needs while at public school. Which of the following ...
System Interactions Pediatrics
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A child has the following signs and symptoms: bone fragility, shortened stature, thin skin, deformed teeth, blue tinted sclerae, and delayed developm...
Lymphatic System Evaluation Lymphangitis
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Which of the following actions is the MOST appropriate first step to complete after identifying the novel onset of lymphangitis in a patient? Find it...