1 NPTEFF Book Ch2 Pg 10-14

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NPTE Final Frontier – NPTE Final Frontier Study Guide10
study resources provided by NPTEFF, which you are highly encouraged to take advantage of. 
These resources include the following:
 ■ NPTEFF Facebook page (main group) for posted practice questions, related content, other 
bonus information and content from other Final Frontier team members, questions and 
answers, and support and guidance for your journey
 ■ Quizlet for extra practice questions (you can create a free Quizlet account online)
 ■ NPTEFF on Instagram, NPTEFF on TikTok, NPTEFF on Twitter, and NPTEFF on YouTube 
for announcements, content questions, tips and tricks, and additional videos
 ■ Free NPTEFF Podcast on Apple and Google podcasts, and on Spotify, for practice ques-
tions; content breakdown; and tips and tricks for studying, managing stress, and manag-
ing your time
TESTING TIPS
Know Your Exam
The most important part of testing strategy is preparation. When preparing for the NPTE, make 
sure to go over the exam content outline provided by the FSBPT because it will help you decide 
what to study, how to study it, how much importance to give each topic, and how in depth to 
study a particular topic and also help you predict the important topics, making your prepara-
tion more systematic. For example, “Other Systems” (Chapter 9) is not a topic that is very intense 
on differential diagnosis, so it is necessary to focus on key features that help differentiate one 
condition from the other, such as the fact that right lower quadrant pain is indicative of appen-
dicitis or Crohn disease, so you could eliminate other conditions as the likely answer.
Question-Solving Strategies
Multiple question-solving strategies could be used when trying to answer questions. These 
strategies help you find the answer, be more certain about the choice you made, or at least nar-
row down the options. Some potentially helpful strategies are as follows:
Rule of Opposites
When two options are exactly opposite to each other, then it is most likely that one of them is 
the correct choice, which helps you narrow the potential answers down to two options.
Example Question: In pregnancy, which of the following vital signs is MOST likely 
observed?
 A. Increased cardiac output
 B. Decreased cardiac output
 C. Increased total lung capacity
 D. Increased vital capacity
The correct answer to this question is A. By using the rule of opposites in this question, one 
can eliminate options C and D, which increases the probability of choosing the correct answer.
Rule of Similarities
When two options mean the same thing or are similar, neither one of them can be chosen over 
the other, which means that neither one of them is a correct option, so both of them should be 
eliminated.
Example Question: A patient with right hip pain demonstrates antalgic gait. Which of the 
following gait deviations is MOST likely to be observed in this patient?
 A. Increased time on right side during stance phase
 B. Increased time on left side during swing phase
 C. Reduced step length on left side
 D. Increased trunk rotation during swing phase
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Preparing for the Exam 11
The correct answer is C. Right stance phase and left swing phase occur at about the same time, 
which means that the right stance and left swing are similar. Because both options A and B men-
tion increased time, one cannot be chosen over the other, which means that they both should 
be eliminated as there can be only one correct answer. Option D is in a different plane, which 
means that it is also not the correct choice, leaving option C as the most appropriate choice.
Inductive Reasoning and Deductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning is a type of logical reasoning that involves generalizing based on specific 
observations or evidence. It is often used in scientific research and involves reasoning from 
the particular to the general. For example, if you know that multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascu-
lar accident (stroke), and brain injury are all upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions, then you 
can use this information and apply characteristic features such as increased tone, reflexes, 
spasticity, and clonus features to all of them. Deductive reasoning is a type of logical thinking 
that involves drawing specific conclusions from general premises or principles. This process 
involves using known information or assumptions to reach a logical conclusion.
Example Question: Which of the following would be LEAST LIKELY to be observed in a 
patient with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS)?
 A. Neurogenic atrophy
 B. Disuse atrophy
 C. Possibility of good recovery
 D. Flaccidity
The correct answer is B. GBS is a lower motor neuron (LMN) lesion. Consequently, options 
A, C, and D can all be eliminated because they are features of LMN lesions and the question 
is asking for the LEAST LIKELY observation. This makes disuse atrophy the correct choice, 
because disuse atrophy is a UMN presentation.
Rule of Elimination
This is one of the most frequently used strategies. By using this method, one can eliminate 
incorrect choices rather than trying to choose the correct ones.
Example Question: The physical therapist suspects shoulder instability in a patient. Which 
of the following test would be MOST appropriate for the therapist to perform to check for 
shoulder instability?
 A. Drop-arm test (Codman test)
 B. Hawkins–Kennedy test
 C. Feagin test
 D. Lift-off sign
The correct answer to this question is C. Assuming that the Feagin test is not very commonly 
used, the test taker might be unaware of its purpose. However, the test taker does know the 
other tests because they are commonly used. The Codman test is used for diagnosing rotator 
cuff injuries, whereas the Hawkins–Kennedy test helps in the assessment of acromioclavicu-
lar joint impingement, and the lift-off sign is for the subscapularis muscle, which is an inter-
nal rotator. Thus, all of the options other than C can be eliminated, and even if the test taker 
does not know exactly what C is, it is most likely to be the correct answer.
Study, Retention, and Recall Strategies
Mnemonics
Mnemonic strategies involve the use of memory aids, such as acronyms, rhymes, and associa-
tions, to help remember key information or concepts. One common example is the use of the 
acronym APT M 2245, for cardiac auscultation:
Aortic: 2nd IC space
Pulmonic: 2nd IC space
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NPTE Final Frontier – NPTE Final Frontier Study Guide12
Tricuspid: 4th IC space
Mitral: 5th IC space
Visualization
This strategy involves creating pictures and stories of a concept, scenario, or problem in your 
mind. Using visualization when studying can help you better understand material and retain 
it in your long-term memory. In addition, during the exam, it can help you better understand 
a problem and recall and apply your knowledge to solve it.
Analogies
Using analogies in learning involves making comparisons between new information and 
information that you already understand. For example, one might compare muscles and joints 
to the hardware in a computer system, in which case the nervous system would be like soft-
ware and the operating system. Effective analogies can help you clarify your thinking, resolve 
misconceptions, and visualize abstract concepts.
General Instructions for Solving Questions
 1. Read each question well and do not assume information.
 2. Answer what the question asks, not what you know about the question.
 3. Pick out the KEY words. (Highlight if needed.)
 4. Use question-solving strategies as needed to determine or confirm the correct answer.
 5. Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, to manage test anxiety.
 6. Keep track of the time and pace your sessions.
 7. Take breaks when needed to recharge and avoid burnout.
 8. Trust yourself and be confidentin choosing the answer. Avoid changing answers due to 
overthinking.
 9. Manifest positivity and success.
TEST ANXIETY
Following are several suggestions for decreasing test anxiety, organized by general topic.
Diet
 ■ Your brain and body need fuel.
 ■ Do not skip meals or avoid eating.
 ■ Nourish yourself.
 ■ Feed yourself food that you enjoy.
 ■ Regardless of your diet or dietary modifications, everyone needs nutrients.
 ■ Tomorrow is a big day. Do not deprive your body of the fuel it needs.
Rest
 ■ This sounds hard and you will likely feel restless, but do your best to rest.
 ■ Sleep is very important.
 ■ Your brain and body need sleep to recover.
 ■ Allow your body time to prepare for tomorrow.
 ■ Avoid staying up past your normal sleep time.
 ■ Turn off phones, computers, tablets, and televisions 30 minutes before bedtime.
 ■ Make the temperature of your room comfortable.
 ■ Try to sleep uninterrupted.
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Preparing for the Exam 13
Exercise
 ■ Exercise is good for your mind.
 ■ Find time to do some physical activity that fits your schedule and your body.
 ■ Go for a walk, go to the gym, swim, lift weights, etc. This will be a good mental break 
for you.
 ■ Really focus and practice mindfulness during your exercise.
Meditation, Prayer, Positive Reflection
 ■ All of us can reflect on our hard work and focus on the positives.
 ■ Take a few minutes to find a quiet place and reflect.
 ■ Think about all your hard work, dedication and determination it took to get here.
 ■ Praise yourself for all the work you have done, you deserve it!
Relax
 ■ It is important to try to stay relaxed.
 ■ It is normal to feel nervous, anxious, or scared.
 ■ Do not overfocus on your discomfort; instead, use your energy to relax. 
Some examples:
 ● Take a hot bath or shower.
 ● Get a massage.
 ● Cook yourself a new recipe.
 ● Order a special dessert or meal.
 ● Watch a movie.
 ● Cuddle with an animal.
 ● Spend time with friends or family.
 ● Get a haircut.
 ● Get a manicure or pedicure.
Avoid Giving in to Negative Self-Talk
 ■ Redirect your negative thoughts to positive ones.
 ■ Challenge your negative thoughts by asking for evidence.
 ■ Say affirmations in the mirror as often as you need and at least once a day.
 ■ Avoid going down the rabbit hole of self-doubt.
 ■ Remember that the negative thoughts are fleeting. Accept that negative thoughts may 
come and that they will pass if you let them.
 ■ Believe in yourself.
Prepare the Night Before
 ■ Pick out your outfit for test day.
 ■ Pack your snacks and beverages.
 ■ Check how long it takes to get to your test center. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before 
your scheduled appointment.
 ■ Choose a route or practice your drive to the test center.
 ■ Set your alarm(s).
 ■ Confirm your childcare or animal care, if needed.
 ■ Plan your breakfast.
 ■ Set your coffee timer.
 ■ Bring two acceptable forms of identification: one primary (eg, driver’s license, passport) 
and one secondary (eg, includes your name and your signature and is current).
 ■ Mentally rehearse your morning routine.
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NPTE Final Frontier – NPTE Final Frontier Study Guide14
Clear Your Mind
 ■ Go for a walk.
 ■ Exercise.
 ■ Eat or cook a meal or snack that you enjoy.
 ■ Spend time with friends and family.
 ■ Go see a movie or do a fun activity.
 ■ Meditate.
 ■ Listen to music.
 ■ Draw, paint, sculpt, create.
 ■ Take a nap.
LINKS AND REFERENCES
NPTEFF on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPTEFF/
NPTEFF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npteff/
NPTEFF on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@npteff?
NPTEFF on Twitter: https://twitter.com/npteff
NPTEFF on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NPTEFinalFrontier
NPTEFF on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/npte-final-frontier- 
podcast/id1541743380
NPTEFF on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy 
5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNTA3ODY0LnJzcw==
NPTEFF on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f8oE1DkGSgtuMy0U6A6fX
Quizlet: https://quizlet.com
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