A 33-year-old woman with chronic low back pain has a copper intrauterine device. A colleague suggests shortwave diathermy to the lumbosacral region. What is the best decision?

Avoid it, as the device may heat and damage tissue

Proceed after removing her watch and jewellery only

Proceed with a longer treatment

During ultrasound the head is moved slowly and continuously over the skin. What is the main reason?

To avoid hot spots and standing waves

To increase depth of penetration

In shortwave diathermy, an inductive coil (drum) applicator mainly heats:

Muscle, because of its high water content

Subcutaneous fat and superficial skin only

Continuous therapeutic ultrasound is suggested for a child's painful knee, close to the open growth plates. What is the best decision?

Avoid ultrasound over the open growth plates

Treat, as growth plates are not affected by ultrasound

Use continuous 1 MHz at a high intensity

Use 3 MHz continuously so that it stays superficial

Thermal agents, ultrasound, laser and hydrotherapy

50 Gulf Prometric Physiotherapist (DHA, DOH, MOH, SCFHS, QCHP) practice questions on Thermal agents, ultrasound, laser and hydrotherapy, part of Electrotherapy and Physical Agents. The first 25 are below; the first 5 with answers and explanations (tap Show answer after you have chosen), the rest in Learn with a free account.

Question 1 · Hard
A 33-year-old woman with chronic low back pain has a copper intrauterine device. A colleague suggests shortwave diathermy to the lumbosacral region. What is the best decision?
1. AProceed after removing her watch and jewellery only
2. BAvoid it, as the device may heat and damage tissue
3. CProceed at high intensity
4. DProceed with a longer treatment
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Answer: B · Avoid it, as the device may heat and damage tissue
A metallic intrauterine device in the pelvic field may overheat. Diathermy over the lower back and pelvis is avoided in such patients. Alternative options such as exercise or TENS are chosen.
- A: Removing a watch does not remove the implanted device.
- C: High intensity adds to the risk.
- D: A longer treatment adds to the risk.
Remember this
Avoid shortwave diathermy near a metal intrauterine device.
Question 2 · Medium
During ultrasound the head is moved slowly and continuously over the skin. What is the main reason?
1. ATo increase the frequency
2. BTo reduce absorption in tissue
3. CTo avoid hot spots and standing waves
4. DTo increase depth of penetration
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Answer: C · To avoid hot spots and standing waves
The beam is not perfectly uniform and reflected waves can form standing waves, creating zones of high intensity. Continuous movement spreads the energy and prevents tissue damage and periosteal pain. A stationary applicator is only used at a very low intensity.
- A: Movement does not change the frequency.
- B: Absorption is a property of tissue.
- D: Depth depends on frequency.
Remember this
Keep the applicator moving to avoid hot spots and standing waves.
Question 3 · Medium
In shortwave diathermy, an inductive coil (drum) applicator mainly heats:
1. ABone
2. BAir
3. CSubcutaneous fat and superficial skin only
4. DMuscle, because of its high water content
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Answer: D · Muscle, because of its high water content
The magnetic field of a coil induces eddy currents in tissues with good conductivity, such as muscle and blood, which therefore heat well. The capacitive method heats fat and superficial tissues more. Bone and air are poor conductors.
- A: Bone is a poor conductor.
- B: Air is not heated.
- C: Fat is heated more by the capacitor field.
Remember this
Inductive shortwave heats muscle; capacitive heats fat and superficial tissue more.
Question 4 · Easy
A therapist is treating the Achilles tendon, a structure lying about 1 cm below the skin. Which ultrasound frequency is most suitable?
1. A3 MHz
2. B1 MHz
3. C20 kHz
4. D0.5 MHz
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Answer: A · 3 MHz
Superficial tissues within 1 to 2 cm are best treated with 3 MHz, because the energy is absorbed in the first centimetres. A 1 MHz beam would pass through to deeper tissue. The tendon, with its high collagen content, also absorbs strongly.
- B: 1 MHz reaches deeper tissue than the tendon.
- C: 20 kHz is a very low frequency, not used for this.
- D: 0.5 MHz is not a standard treatment frequency.
Remember this
Use 3 MHz for superficial tissue within 1-2 cm.
Question 5 · Medium
Continuous therapeutic ultrasound is suggested for a child's painful knee, close to the open growth plates. What is the best decision?
1. ATreat, as growth plates are not affected by ultrasound
2. BAvoid ultrasound over the open growth plates
3. CUse continuous 1 MHz at a high intensity
4. DUse 3 MHz continuously so that it stays superficial
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Answer: B · Avoid ultrasound over the open growth plates
Ultrasound over open epiphyseal plates is listed as a contraindication or strong precaution, because heating may disturb bone growth. Another treatment, such as exercise or a non-thermal option away from the physis, is chosen. Key information is the child's skeletal maturity.
- A: Growth plates can be affected, which is why they are a contraindication.
- C: High-intensity continuous ultrasound adds to the heating risk.
- D: Changing frequency does not make treatment over the physis safe.
Remember this
Avoid therapeutic ultrasound over open growth plates.
Question 6 · Medium
Ice is requested for a painful finger joint by a patient with Raynaud's disease. What is the correct decision?
1. AUse brief ice massage for under 5 minutes
2. BAvoid cold because it may provoke vasospasm
3. CApply a cold pack over a damp towel
4. DUse contrast baths ending in cold water
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 7 · Medium
Heat applied to a tight joint capsule before a stretch mainly helps by:
1. ALowering nerve conduction speed
2. BDecreasing metabolism
3. CReducing blood flow
4. DIncreasing the extensibility of collagen
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 8 · Easy
Which therapeutic ultrasound frequency is chosen to treat tissues at a depth of about 3 to 5 cm?
1. A1 MHz
2. B3 MHz
3. C100 kHz
4. D10 MHz
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 9 · Medium
Which condition is an absolute contraindication to cold therapy?
1. AAcute ankle sprain
2. BMuscle spasm
3. CPost-exercise soreness
4. DCold urticaria
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 10 · Hard
An applicator has an ERA of 5 cm2. A pulsed output has a peak intensity of 0.8 W/cm2 and a 25% duty cycle. What is the average power delivered?
1. A0.2 W
2. B1 W
3. C4 W
4. D0.16 W
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 11 · Hard
A therapist wants to heat the hand with an agent that transfers heat mainly by convection and lets the patient move the fingers actively during treatment. Which agent fits?
1. AInfrared lamp
2. BMoist hot pack
3. CFluidotherapy
4. DParaffin wax bath
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 12 · Hard
The half-value depth of ultrasound in muscle at 1 MHz is about 4 cm, and it varies inversely with frequency. What is the approximate half-value depth at 3 MHz?
1. A1.3 cm
2. B12 cm
3. C0.4 cm
4. D4 cm
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 13 · Medium
Which tissue absorbs ultrasound most strongly because of its high protein content?
1. ABlood
2. BTendon
3. CWater
4. DFat
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 14 · Medium
As the frequency of therapeutic ultrasound is raised, absorption in soft tissue:
1. ADecreases, so penetration rises
2. BIncreases, so penetration falls
3. CStays the same at every depth
4. DFalls in muscle but rises in fat
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 15 · Hard
An applicator has an ERA of 5 cm2 and delivers 0.4 W/cm2 continuously for 4 minutes. How much energy is delivered?
1. A8 J
2. B480 J
3. C1920 J
4. D120 J
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 16 · Medium
A therapist considers ultrasound for a pregnant patient with low back pain. What is the correct decision?
1. AUse high-intensity continuous ultrasound
2. BDo not treat over the pregnant uterus or the area close to it
3. CTreat the abdomen with 1 MHz
4. DNo precautions are needed
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 17 · Medium
An applicator has an ERA of 5 cm2. What is the largest area normally treated effectively in one session?
1. AAbout 100 cm2
2. BAbout 5 cm2
3. CAbout 50 cm2
4. DAbout 10 to 15 cm2
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 18 · Medium
According to the inverse square law, if an infrared lamp is moved from 50 cm to 100 cm from the patient, the intensity becomes:
1. ADouble
2. BOne quarter
3. CUnchanged
4. DOne half
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 19 · Hard
A 60 kg patient may bear no more than 20 kg through the leg during pool walking. Approximate weight bearing is 10% of body weight at C7, 30% at the xiphoid, 50% at the ASIS and 80% at mid-thigh. What is the shallowest immersion level that keeps within the limit?
1. AThe ASIS, about 30 kg
2. BMid-thigh, about 48 kg
3. CC7, about 6 kg
4. DThe xiphoid process, about 18 kg
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 20 · Medium
According to the cosine law, infrared radiation is absorbed best when the lamp is placed:
1. ABehind the patient
2. BAt a steep slant to the skin
3. CParallel to the skin
4. DAt a right angle to the skin surface
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 21 · Easy
The shortwave diathermy frequency allocated for medical use is:
1. A27.12 MHz
2. B50 Hz
3. C2.45 GHz
4. D1 MHz
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 22 · Medium
A 58-year-old man with diabetic neuropathy asks for a hot pack on his foot. What is the main concern?
1. AHeat will worsen the neuropathy at once
2. BHe may not feel a burn developing
3. CHeat will weaken the bone
4. DHeat will lower his glucose
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 23 · Medium
Cold reduces pain partly because it:
1. ADilates deep vessels
2. BSlows nerve conduction velocity
3. CIncreases tissue metabolism
4. DIncreases nerve conduction velocity
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 24 · Easy
Shortwave diathermy to the lumbar region is contraindicated in a patient who has:
1. AChronic low back pain
2. BA cardiac pacemaker
3. COsteoarthritis of the hip
4. DA subacute muscle strain
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 25 · Hard
A patient complains of deep, burning pain over the tibial crest while the therapist treats the shin with continuous 3 MHz ultrasound. What is the best response?
1. AHold the head still to focus the energy
2. BIgnore it, because periosteal pain is normal during treatment
3. CIncrease the intensity slightly to override the pain
4. DReduce intensity, keep the head moving and check technique
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account

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Thermal agents, ultrasound, laser and hydrotherapy

A 33-year-old woman with chronic low back pain has a copper intrauterine device. A colleague suggests shortwave diathermy to the lumbosacral region. What is the best decision?

During ultrasound the head is moved slowly and continuously over the skin. What is the main reason?

In shortwave diathermy, an inductive coil (drum) applicator mainly heats:

A therapist is treating the Achilles tendon, a structure lying about 1 cm below the skin. Which ultrasound frequency is most suitable?

Continuous therapeutic ultrasound is suggested for a child's painful knee, close to the open growth plates. What is the best decision?

Ice is requested for a painful finger joint by a patient with Raynaud's disease. What is the correct decision?

Heat applied to a tight joint capsule before a stretch mainly helps by:

Which therapeutic ultrasound frequency is chosen to treat tissues at a depth of about 3 to 5 cm?

Which condition is an absolute contraindication to cold therapy?

An applicator has an ERA of 5 cm2. A pulsed output has a peak intensity of 0.8 W/cm2 and a 25% duty cycle. What is the average power delivered?

A therapist wants to heat the hand with an agent that transfers heat mainly by convection and lets the patient move the fingers actively during treatment. Which agent fits?

The half-value depth of ultrasound in muscle at 1 MHz is about 4 cm, and it varies inversely with frequency. What is the approximate half-value depth at 3 MHz?

Which tissue absorbs ultrasound most strongly because of its high protein content?

As the frequency of therapeutic ultrasound is raised, absorption in soft tissue:

An applicator has an ERA of 5 cm2 and delivers 0.4 W/cm2 continuously for 4 minutes. How much energy is delivered?

A therapist considers ultrasound for a pregnant patient with low back pain. What is the correct decision?

An applicator has an ERA of 5 cm2. What is the largest area normally treated effectively in one session?

According to the inverse square law, if an infrared lamp is moved from 50 cm to 100 cm from the patient, the intensity becomes:

A 60 kg patient may bear no more than 20 kg through the leg during pool walking. Approximate weight bearing is 10% of body weight at C7, 30% at the xiphoid, 50% at the ASIS and 80% at mid-thigh. What is the shallowest immersion level that keeps within the limit?

According to the cosine law, infrared radiation is absorbed best when the lamp is placed:

The shortwave diathermy frequency allocated for medical use is:

A 58-year-old man with diabetic neuropathy asks for a hot pack on his foot. What is the main concern?

Cold reduces pain partly because it:

Shortwave diathermy to the lumbar region is contraindicated in a patient who has:

A patient complains of deep, burning pain over the tibial crest while the therapist treats the shin with continuous 3 MHz ultrasound. What is the best response?