Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Physical Therapy Assistant Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What effect does a high beam nonuniformity ratio have on patient safety?

Increases patient comfort
Decreases risk of side effects
Increases risk for undesirable side effects
Has no effect on patient safety

The correct answer is: Increases risk for undesirable side effects

A high beam nonuniformity ratio (BNR) refers to a situation where the intensity of ultrasound energy emitted from a transducer is uneven, indicating that some areas are receiving significantly more energy than others. This uneven distribution can lead to hot spots in the treatment area. When hot spots occur, the risk of overheating the tissue at those points increases, which can result in undesirable side effects such as burns, pain, or tissue damage. Therefore, a high BNR compromises patient safety by heightening the chance of these adverse effects. It emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and adjustment of treatment parameters, such as duration and intensity, especially when utilizing equipment with a high BNR. Using ultrasound modalities with a more uniform energy distribution can help mitigate these risks and enhance overall treatment safety and effectiveness.