National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What modality is most appropriate in the physical therapy plan for acute biceps tendonitis?

1. Phonophoresis using a 50% duty cycle

2. Iontophoresis using dexamethasone at 40 mAmp minutes

3. Phonophoresis using a 100% duty cycle

4. Iontophoresis using lidocaine at 40 mAmp minutes

The correct answer is: Iontophoresis using dexamethasone at 40 mAmp minutes

In the context of acute biceps tendonitis, the use of iontophoresis with dexamethasone is particularly beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation, which is a primary concern in cases of tendonitis. The iontophoresis method allows for the transdermal delivery of the medication directly to the affected area, promoting localized treatment that can enhance the efficacy of the drug while minimizing systemic side effects. Iontophoresis involves the use of electrical current to drive the medication into the tissues. The specified dosage of 40 mAmp minutes indicates a controlled and effective administration of the dexamethasone. The acute nature of the condition reinforces the importance of using a modality that not only targets pain relief but also addresses the inflammation effectively, thus promoting healing. While phonophoresis is another modality that can be used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory agents, its effectiveness compared to iontophoresis is typically less for the direct management of inflammation in acute conditions. The duty cycle in phonophoresis options would impact the delivery of medication, but the preference for iontophoresis stems from its proven ability to deliver corticosteroids in a targeted manner that can rapidly reduce