National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The recommendation to set the inflation pressure of intermittent pneumatic compression to not exceed the patient's diastolic blood pressure minus 10 mm Hg is grounded in the goal of optimizing venous return and avoiding complications. This pressure setting ensures that the pressure applied does not exceed the minimal pressure in the systemic circulation during diastole, which could lead to reduced blood flow or other adverse effects.

By maintaining the inflation pressure below this threshold, the therapy remains effective in promoting fluid movement while also minimizing the risk of occlusion or harm to the vascular system. It balances the need for compression therapy with safety considerations for the patient, particularly in cases where high blood pressure or compromised vascular integrity may be a concern.

The other options suggest settings that could place the patient at risk for potential complications or ineffective treatment protocols. For instance, exceeding the systolic blood pressure could lead to excessive pressure during the compression cycle, potentially causing discomfort or vascular injury. Similarly, setting a fixed maximum pressure without correlating it to individual blood pressure measurements may not accommodate the specific needs or conditions of the patient effectively.