Illinois Physical Therapist Assistant
Licensing Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A Instant Download
1. A PTA is assisting a patient with COPD during ambulation. The patient
suddenly shows pursed-lip breathing and accessory muscle use. What
should the PTA do first?
A. Increase walking speed
B. Allow the patient to rest and focus on breathing control
C. Encourage the patient to continue walking
D. Switch to stair training
Rationale: The first response to respiratory distress is to stop activity and
use breathing strategies to improve ventilation.
,2. A PTA observes a Stage III pressure injury on a patient’s sacrum. Which
characteristic best matches this stage?
A. Non-blanchable redness
B. Exposed bone
C. Full-thickness skin loss with visible fat
D. Intact blister
Rationale: Stage III involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed adipose
but no bone or muscle.
3. Which assistive device provides the most stability?
A. Single-point cane
B. Quad cane
C. Axillary crutches
D. Standard walker
Rationale: Standard walkers provide maximal stability because of a large
base of support.
4. A patient recovering from TKA should MOST avoid which motion early
post-op?
A. Knee flexion
B. Knee rotation
C. Quadriceps activation
,D. Heel slides
Rationale: Knee rotation stresses the healing prosthesis and soft tissues
immediately post-op.
5. A PTA checks blood pressure and sees 168/102 mmHg. What should be
done?
A. Begin strengthening exercises
B. Begin aerobic exercise
C. Notify PT and defer exercise
D. Continue with session as planned
Rationale: BP ≥160/100 requires caution and typically deferral of exercise
until cleared.
6. Which modality is contraindicated over a patient’s lumbar spine with a
history of cancer 5 months ago?
A. Cryotherapy
B. TENS
C. Ultrasound
D. Gentle stretching
Rationale: Ultrasound can increase metabolic activity and is
contraindicated over active or recent malignancy.
, 7. A PTA instructs diaphragmatic breathing. Where should the patient
place their hands?
A. Upper chest
B. Abdomen
C. Lower back
D. Clavicles
Rationale: Hands on the abdomen help cue diaphragmatic excursion.
8. A patient has a complete C6 spinal cord injury. Assistance level expected
for bed mobility?
A. Independent
B. Minimal to moderate assist
C. Dependent
D. Supervision
Rationale: C6 injury preserves some upper limb function but typically
requires some assist for bed mobility.
9. Which exercise is appropriate for early rotator cuff tendinopathy?
A. Overhead throwing
B. Isometric shoulder external rotation
C. Heavy resisted lat pull-downs
D. Handstand push-ups
Licensing Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A Instant Download
1. A PTA is assisting a patient with COPD during ambulation. The patient
suddenly shows pursed-lip breathing and accessory muscle use. What
should the PTA do first?
A. Increase walking speed
B. Allow the patient to rest and focus on breathing control
C. Encourage the patient to continue walking
D. Switch to stair training
Rationale: The first response to respiratory distress is to stop activity and
use breathing strategies to improve ventilation.
,2. A PTA observes a Stage III pressure injury on a patient’s sacrum. Which
characteristic best matches this stage?
A. Non-blanchable redness
B. Exposed bone
C. Full-thickness skin loss with visible fat
D. Intact blister
Rationale: Stage III involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed adipose
but no bone or muscle.
3. Which assistive device provides the most stability?
A. Single-point cane
B. Quad cane
C. Axillary crutches
D. Standard walker
Rationale: Standard walkers provide maximal stability because of a large
base of support.
4. A patient recovering from TKA should MOST avoid which motion early
post-op?
A. Knee flexion
B. Knee rotation
C. Quadriceps activation
,D. Heel slides
Rationale: Knee rotation stresses the healing prosthesis and soft tissues
immediately post-op.
5. A PTA checks blood pressure and sees 168/102 mmHg. What should be
done?
A. Begin strengthening exercises
B. Begin aerobic exercise
C. Notify PT and defer exercise
D. Continue with session as planned
Rationale: BP ≥160/100 requires caution and typically deferral of exercise
until cleared.
6. Which modality is contraindicated over a patient’s lumbar spine with a
history of cancer 5 months ago?
A. Cryotherapy
B. TENS
C. Ultrasound
D. Gentle stretching
Rationale: Ultrasound can increase metabolic activity and is
contraindicated over active or recent malignancy.
, 7. A PTA instructs diaphragmatic breathing. Where should the patient
place their hands?
A. Upper chest
B. Abdomen
C. Lower back
D. Clavicles
Rationale: Hands on the abdomen help cue diaphragmatic excursion.
8. A patient has a complete C6 spinal cord injury. Assistance level expected
for bed mobility?
A. Independent
B. Minimal to moderate assist
C. Dependent
D. Supervision
Rationale: C6 injury preserves some upper limb function but typically
requires some assist for bed mobility.
9. Which exercise is appropriate for early rotator cuff tendinopathy?
A. Overhead throwing
B. Isometric shoulder external rotation
C. Heavy resisted lat pull-downs
D. Handstand push-ups
