NPTE Practice Exam – Score Builders Exam 2 (Physical Therapy Comprehensive Review,
Practice Questions & Answers)
A physical therapist assistant works with an 84-year-old female in the physical therapy gym. The
patient answers the physical therapist assistant's questions in a very soft voice and appears to
be intimidated by the bustling environment. What is the MOST appropriate action? - complete
the session in a private treatment room
A physical therapist assistant assesses the muscle activity of a patient ambulating on a level
surface using electromyography. Which muscle would likely possess the MOST sustained activity
throughout the swing phase of gait? - tibialis anterior
A physical therapist assistant attempts to assess the balance of a 42-year-old female
rehabilitating from a stroke. Which of the following balance tests would require the GREATEST
reliance on the vestibular system? - standing on a foam surface with eyes closed
A physical therapist assistant reads in the medical record that a physician ordered a maximal
exercise test for a patient. What is the PRIMARY rationale for utilizing a maximal exercise test
instead of a submaximal exercise test? - determine maximum oxygen consumption
A physical therapist assistant positions a patient as shown on a mat table in preparation for a
manual muscle test. Which muscle is being tested? - lower traps
An individual with declining health due to unhealthy lifestyle choices plans to engage in an
independent exercise program designed to improve their cardiovascular health. Which form of
self-monitoring would be the MOST appropriate for the individual to utilize when exercising? -
rate of perceived exertion
A physical therapist assistant elects to use a recumbent bicycle instead of a treadmill as part of a
cardiovascular conditioning program for a patient. Which body mass index value would provide
the MOST appropriate justification for using this type of equipment? - 33
,A physical therapist assistant assesses a patient that describes his pain as burning, stinging, and
shooting. These characteristics describe which type of pain pattern? - neurogenic
A physical therapist assistant completes a work site analysis for a patient with T3 paraplegia.
The patient is employed in the marketing department of an advertising agency and relies on a
wheelchair for daily locomotion. Which of the following is likely to be the MOST significant
architectural barrier for the patient? - an entrance ramp with one inch of vertical rise for every
six inches of ramp length
A physical therapist assistant uses a pan splint as an intervention to diminish spasticity in the
wrist flexors. Which position of the wrist would be MOST desirable based on the established
therapeutic goal? - wrist in extension to decrease activity of the agonist
A physical therapist assistant treating a patient on hemodialysis attempts to measure the
intensity of an exercise activity. What is the MOST appropriate method to utilize? - rating of
perceived exertion
A physical therapist assistant treats a patient who has had a cerebrovascular accident in a step-
down neurological unit. The patient asks the physical therapist assistant for a glass of water
prior to beginning the session. What is the MOST appropriate physical therapist assistant
action? - check the patient's medical record for oral intake orders
A patient with a severe knee injury develops capsular tightness. As part of the established
treatment program the physical therapist assistant incorporates stretching activities. Which
statement is the MOST accurate when considering the viscoelastic properties of the connective
tissues around the knee? - the assistant should consider using a prolonged stretch to induce
creep and remodeling within the tissues
A physical therapist assistant attempts to identify an appropriate wheelchair for a 34-year-old
patient with bilateral lower extremity amputations. What should be the MOST important
,feature of a wheelchair designed for the patient? - the drive wheels are set behind the vertical
back supports
A six-year-old female is currently taking Neurontin for the treatment of seizures. Which item
would be MOST affected by this pharmacological agent? - coordination
A patient confides in their physical therapist assistant that while taking a prescribed sedative
they would often consume alcohol. What effect BEST describes the interaction of these two
agents? - synergistic
A physical therapist assistant assesses the protective sensation of a patient using Semmes-
Weinstein monofilaments. What is the MOST appropriate procedure when contacting the skin
with the monofilament? - ask the patient to say "yes" when they sense contact with the
monofilament
A patient in the intensive care unit rehabilitating from a serious infection is connected to a
series of lines and tubes. Which lower extremity intravenous infusion site would be the MOST
appropriate to administer an intravenous line? - saphenous vein
A patient on prolonged bed rest attempts to get out of bed. Upon attaining a standing position
the patient complains of lightheadedness and blurred vision. What is the MOST appropriate
explanation? - decrease in blood pressure
A physical therapist assistant interviews a patient diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which
statement would be MOST consistent with the typical clinical presentation of this disease? -
morning stiffness lasts for less than one hour
A physical therapist assistant prepares to use mechanical cervical traction on a 170-pound male
with degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine. Assuming the patient has not received
traction previously, what is the MOST appropriate amount of traction force if the therapist's
goal is to decrease compression on the nerve roots through joint distraction? - 8 pounds
, A physical therapist assistant treats a patient with cardiac pathology. The patient explains that
there are times that they wake up during the night with the feeling of suffocation which is only
relieved by sitting upright or standing for approximately 20-30 minutes. What is the MOST likely
cardiac condition associated with this occurrence? - left-sided heart failure
A note in the medical record indicates a patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of
rhabdomyolysis. Which of the following would be the MOST relevant finding based on this
condition? - diminished muscle performance
A physical therapist assistant treats a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter inserted through
the subclavian vein. Which active range of motion exercise would MOST likely be restricted
based on the presence of the catheter? - shoulder flexion
A physical therapist assistant treats a patient that has experienced altered serum potassium
levels during their current hospitalization. What is the MOST relevant complication for a patient
with abnormal potassium levels? - cardiac arrhythmias
A physical therapist assistant has a patient perform active shoulder flexion in supine without
using any weights. Which patient would LEAST benefit from this intervention? - a patient is 2
weeks status post rotator cuff repair
The medical record indicates that a patient being treated for a low back strain is taking Lasix for
the management of heart failure. During ambulation activities, the patient complains of
lightheadedness, fatigue, and weakness. The physical therapist assistant measures the patient's
vital signs and identifies an irregular pulse. What is the MOST likely explanation? - dehydration
A physical therapist assistant elects to use cushion contact instead of traditional direct contact
when administering ultrasound. Which medical condition would provide the MOST support for
utilizing this method of ultrasound administration? - peroneal tenosynovitis
Practice Questions & Answers)
A physical therapist assistant works with an 84-year-old female in the physical therapy gym. The
patient answers the physical therapist assistant's questions in a very soft voice and appears to
be intimidated by the bustling environment. What is the MOST appropriate action? - complete
the session in a private treatment room
A physical therapist assistant assesses the muscle activity of a patient ambulating on a level
surface using electromyography. Which muscle would likely possess the MOST sustained activity
throughout the swing phase of gait? - tibialis anterior
A physical therapist assistant attempts to assess the balance of a 42-year-old female
rehabilitating from a stroke. Which of the following balance tests would require the GREATEST
reliance on the vestibular system? - standing on a foam surface with eyes closed
A physical therapist assistant reads in the medical record that a physician ordered a maximal
exercise test for a patient. What is the PRIMARY rationale for utilizing a maximal exercise test
instead of a submaximal exercise test? - determine maximum oxygen consumption
A physical therapist assistant positions a patient as shown on a mat table in preparation for a
manual muscle test. Which muscle is being tested? - lower traps
An individual with declining health due to unhealthy lifestyle choices plans to engage in an
independent exercise program designed to improve their cardiovascular health. Which form of
self-monitoring would be the MOST appropriate for the individual to utilize when exercising? -
rate of perceived exertion
A physical therapist assistant elects to use a recumbent bicycle instead of a treadmill as part of a
cardiovascular conditioning program for a patient. Which body mass index value would provide
the MOST appropriate justification for using this type of equipment? - 33
,A physical therapist assistant assesses a patient that describes his pain as burning, stinging, and
shooting. These characteristics describe which type of pain pattern? - neurogenic
A physical therapist assistant completes a work site analysis for a patient with T3 paraplegia.
The patient is employed in the marketing department of an advertising agency and relies on a
wheelchair for daily locomotion. Which of the following is likely to be the MOST significant
architectural barrier for the patient? - an entrance ramp with one inch of vertical rise for every
six inches of ramp length
A physical therapist assistant uses a pan splint as an intervention to diminish spasticity in the
wrist flexors. Which position of the wrist would be MOST desirable based on the established
therapeutic goal? - wrist in extension to decrease activity of the agonist
A physical therapist assistant treating a patient on hemodialysis attempts to measure the
intensity of an exercise activity. What is the MOST appropriate method to utilize? - rating of
perceived exertion
A physical therapist assistant treats a patient who has had a cerebrovascular accident in a step-
down neurological unit. The patient asks the physical therapist assistant for a glass of water
prior to beginning the session. What is the MOST appropriate physical therapist assistant
action? - check the patient's medical record for oral intake orders
A patient with a severe knee injury develops capsular tightness. As part of the established
treatment program the physical therapist assistant incorporates stretching activities. Which
statement is the MOST accurate when considering the viscoelastic properties of the connective
tissues around the knee? - the assistant should consider using a prolonged stretch to induce
creep and remodeling within the tissues
A physical therapist assistant attempts to identify an appropriate wheelchair for a 34-year-old
patient with bilateral lower extremity amputations. What should be the MOST important
,feature of a wheelchair designed for the patient? - the drive wheels are set behind the vertical
back supports
A six-year-old female is currently taking Neurontin for the treatment of seizures. Which item
would be MOST affected by this pharmacological agent? - coordination
A patient confides in their physical therapist assistant that while taking a prescribed sedative
they would often consume alcohol. What effect BEST describes the interaction of these two
agents? - synergistic
A physical therapist assistant assesses the protective sensation of a patient using Semmes-
Weinstein monofilaments. What is the MOST appropriate procedure when contacting the skin
with the monofilament? - ask the patient to say "yes" when they sense contact with the
monofilament
A patient in the intensive care unit rehabilitating from a serious infection is connected to a
series of lines and tubes. Which lower extremity intravenous infusion site would be the MOST
appropriate to administer an intravenous line? - saphenous vein
A patient on prolonged bed rest attempts to get out of bed. Upon attaining a standing position
the patient complains of lightheadedness and blurred vision. What is the MOST appropriate
explanation? - decrease in blood pressure
A physical therapist assistant interviews a patient diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which
statement would be MOST consistent with the typical clinical presentation of this disease? -
morning stiffness lasts for less than one hour
A physical therapist assistant prepares to use mechanical cervical traction on a 170-pound male
with degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine. Assuming the patient has not received
traction previously, what is the MOST appropriate amount of traction force if the therapist's
goal is to decrease compression on the nerve roots through joint distraction? - 8 pounds
, A physical therapist assistant treats a patient with cardiac pathology. The patient explains that
there are times that they wake up during the night with the feeling of suffocation which is only
relieved by sitting upright or standing for approximately 20-30 minutes. What is the MOST likely
cardiac condition associated with this occurrence? - left-sided heart failure
A note in the medical record indicates a patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of
rhabdomyolysis. Which of the following would be the MOST relevant finding based on this
condition? - diminished muscle performance
A physical therapist assistant treats a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter inserted through
the subclavian vein. Which active range of motion exercise would MOST likely be restricted
based on the presence of the catheter? - shoulder flexion
A physical therapist assistant treats a patient that has experienced altered serum potassium
levels during their current hospitalization. What is the MOST relevant complication for a patient
with abnormal potassium levels? - cardiac arrhythmias
A physical therapist assistant has a patient perform active shoulder flexion in supine without
using any weights. Which patient would LEAST benefit from this intervention? - a patient is 2
weeks status post rotator cuff repair
The medical record indicates that a patient being treated for a low back strain is taking Lasix for
the management of heart failure. During ambulation activities, the patient complains of
lightheadedness, fatigue, and weakness. The physical therapist assistant measures the patient's
vital signs and identifies an irregular pulse. What is the MOST likely explanation? - dehydration
A physical therapist assistant elects to use cushion contact instead of traditional direct contact
when administering ultrasound. Which medical condition would provide the MOST support for
utilizing this method of ultrasound administration? - peroneal tenosynovitis
