National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

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A finding of decreased range of motion in a patient's knee could suggest which type of condition?

Neurological
Musculoskeletal
Cardiovascular
Respiratory

The correct answer is: Musculoskeletal

Decreased range of motion in a patient's knee is most commonly associated with musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions can involve injuries, arthritis, tendinitis, or any inflammatory process that directly affects the joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments surrounding the knee. When an individual experiences pain, swelling, or stiffness in the knee joint, it often leads to a reduction in the ability to move the knee through its full range, which points to a musculoskeletal issue. While neurological conditions can also impact range of motion through muscle weakness or spasticity, the specific indication of decreased motion in the knee generally points more towards a direct musculoskeletal problem. Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions typically do not manifest as decreased joint motion; instead, they might influence overall activity levels or breathlessness but would not directly cause limitation in joint movement. Thus, the correct choice reflects the typical relationship between joint motion and musculoskeletal health.