NPTE-PTA – Study Guide (Physical Therapist Assistant National Exam Review, Key Concepts &
Practice Questions with Answers)
To avoid substitution during range of motion assessment for forearm pronation and supination,
the patient should be seated with the: - ANS ✔✔elbow stabilized at 90° of flexion, and the
shoulder in neutral adduction.
Which of the following is the SAFEST way to measure exercise intensity with a patient taking a
beta-blocker? - ANS ✔✔Asking about the patient's perceived level of exertion
A patient has a full-thickness burn to the antecubital region. Which of the following positions is
BEST for splinting the extremity? - ANS ✔✔Elbow extension and supination
Compression of the S1 nerve root is MOST likely to result in weakness of which muscle? - ANS
✔✔Fibularis (peroneus) longus
Which of the following statements is true regarding disposal of contaminated waste in a health
care facility? - ANS ✔✔Federal safety guidelines describe standard methods for disposal of
contaminated waste according to amount and type of fluids involved.
Which of the following is an effective method to increase the amount of weight-bearing on the
lower extremities when exercising in water? - ANS ✔✔Decrease the depth of water.
A patient sustained a displaced fracture to the right lateral epicondyle resulting in wrist drop. A
physical therapist assistant should suspect injury to which structure? - ANS ✔✔Radial nerve
Tapping or vibration of the skin over the posterior calf is MOST likely to have which of the
following effects? - ANS ✔✔Facilitating plantar flexion
, A patient with a posterolateral lumbar disc herniation walks with the trunk in slight flexion and
rotation. Which of the following positioning strategies for the patient at work would MOST
reduce the chance of additional pressure on the injury? - ANS ✔✔Stand with a normal erect
posture as much as possible.
During auscultation over the chest of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
crackles were noted in bilateral upper lobes, posterior segments. In which position should the
patient be placed for postural drainage? - ANS ✔✔Seated leaning forward over a folded pillow
at a 30° angle
A physical therapist assistant observes a patient ambulating with a left transfemoral prosthesis
and identifies a lateral heel whip. This gait deviation would MOST likely occur during: - ANS
✔✔pre- swing through initial swing
A patient rocks back and forth repeatedly before being able to transition from sitting position to
standing position. Which of the following muscles is MOST likely to be weak? - ANS
✔✔Quadriceps
A patient with asthma begins to exhibit wheezing and becomes very anxious. Which of the
following inflammatory reactions would MOST likely be occurring in the patient? - ANS
✔✔Bronchoconstriction and increased airway resistance
In reviewing the physical therapist's evaluation, the PTA notes his pt tested positive for
McMurray's test. What does this test indicate? - ANS ✔✔Meniscal tear
Slow, sustained application of which of the following manual techniques is MOST likely to
decrease muscle spasm and reduce pain? - ANS ✔✔Joint traction
To correctly fit a single-point cane, the handpiece should be level with which of the following
structures? - ANS ✔✔Greater trochanter
Practice Questions with Answers)
To avoid substitution during range of motion assessment for forearm pronation and supination,
the patient should be seated with the: - ANS ✔✔elbow stabilized at 90° of flexion, and the
shoulder in neutral adduction.
Which of the following is the SAFEST way to measure exercise intensity with a patient taking a
beta-blocker? - ANS ✔✔Asking about the patient's perceived level of exertion
A patient has a full-thickness burn to the antecubital region. Which of the following positions is
BEST for splinting the extremity? - ANS ✔✔Elbow extension and supination
Compression of the S1 nerve root is MOST likely to result in weakness of which muscle? - ANS
✔✔Fibularis (peroneus) longus
Which of the following statements is true regarding disposal of contaminated waste in a health
care facility? - ANS ✔✔Federal safety guidelines describe standard methods for disposal of
contaminated waste according to amount and type of fluids involved.
Which of the following is an effective method to increase the amount of weight-bearing on the
lower extremities when exercising in water? - ANS ✔✔Decrease the depth of water.
A patient sustained a displaced fracture to the right lateral epicondyle resulting in wrist drop. A
physical therapist assistant should suspect injury to which structure? - ANS ✔✔Radial nerve
Tapping or vibration of the skin over the posterior calf is MOST likely to have which of the
following effects? - ANS ✔✔Facilitating plantar flexion
, A patient with a posterolateral lumbar disc herniation walks with the trunk in slight flexion and
rotation. Which of the following positioning strategies for the patient at work would MOST
reduce the chance of additional pressure on the injury? - ANS ✔✔Stand with a normal erect
posture as much as possible.
During auscultation over the chest of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
crackles were noted in bilateral upper lobes, posterior segments. In which position should the
patient be placed for postural drainage? - ANS ✔✔Seated leaning forward over a folded pillow
at a 30° angle
A physical therapist assistant observes a patient ambulating with a left transfemoral prosthesis
and identifies a lateral heel whip. This gait deviation would MOST likely occur during: - ANS
✔✔pre- swing through initial swing
A patient rocks back and forth repeatedly before being able to transition from sitting position to
standing position. Which of the following muscles is MOST likely to be weak? - ANS
✔✔Quadriceps
A patient with asthma begins to exhibit wheezing and becomes very anxious. Which of the
following inflammatory reactions would MOST likely be occurring in the patient? - ANS
✔✔Bronchoconstriction and increased airway resistance
In reviewing the physical therapist's evaluation, the PTA notes his pt tested positive for
McMurray's test. What does this test indicate? - ANS ✔✔Meniscal tear
Slow, sustained application of which of the following manual techniques is MOST likely to
decrease muscle spasm and reduce pain? - ANS ✔✔Joint traction
To correctly fit a single-point cane, the handpiece should be level with which of the following
structures? - ANS ✔✔Greater trochanter
