National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

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A physical therapist assistant is treating a patient who has a 35% valve pumping function of the heart. Which of the following considerations does the noted percentage represent?

Stroke volume percentage
Afterload percentage
Preload percentage
Ejection fraction percentage

The correct answer is: Ejection fraction percentage

The percentage indicating the valve pumping function of the heart in this context is best understood as the ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is a measurement that expresses the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart's ventricles with each contraction. It is calculated by taking the stroke volume, which is the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat, and dividing it by the total volume of blood in the ventricle before contraction, also referred to as the end-diastolic volume. In individuals with normal heart function, ejection fraction typically ranges from 50% to 70%. A value of 35% indicates that the heart is not pumping effectively, leading to potential symptoms of heart failure or decreased cardiac output. Understanding the ejection fraction is crucial for therapists, as it directly relates to the patient’s exercise tolerance, symptoms, and overall cardiovascular health. Therefore, a 35% valve pumping function is indicative of a decrease in the heart's ability to effectively circulate blood.