2nd PEAT Part V – NPTE Practice Exam Study Guide (Physical Therapy Review, Clinical
Reasoning & Answer Explanations)
A physical therapist is guarding a patient who is using an assistive device to come down a flight
of stairs. Which of the following is the SAFEST position for the therapist to take to avoid self-
injury?
1. In front, with one foot on the step immediately below the patient
2. In front, with both feet on the step immediately below the patient
3. In back, with one foot on the same step as the patient
4. In back, with both feet on the same step as the patient - ANS ✔✔1
On the basis of the history and objective assessment of a patient with knee pain, a physical
therapist suspects a ligamentous lesion. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the
therapist request to confirm these findings?
1. Myelography
2. Radiography
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
4. Computed tomography (CT) scan - ANS ✔✔3
A patient reports cervical muscle tightness and headaches originating in the back of the head.
Which of the following nerves is MOST likely involved?
1. Trigeminal
2. Spinal accessory
3. Hypoglossal
4. Lesser occipital - ANS ✔✔4
A patient who had a myocardial infarction is in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Which of the
following changes should cause the physical therapist to stop the exercise session?
, 1. An increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg
2. A decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg
3. An increase in the respiratory rate of 5 breaths/minute
4. A decrease in the heart rate of 15 bpm - ANS ✔✔4
A physical therapist is treating a patient who has Parkinson disease. The patient expresses
concern about declining health and a poor prognosis. Which of the following is the MOST
appropriate response for the therapist to make?
1. Offer resources on support groups.
2. Refer the patient to a psychiatrist.
3. Have the patient speak with another patient who has Parkinson disease.
4. Tell the patient that physical therapy will prevent disease progression. - ANS ✔✔1
A physical therapist can perform a quick, nonspecific functional assessment of shoulder
abduction and lateral (external) rotation by instructing the patient to use the arm being tested
to reach:
1. across the chest and touch the contralateral shoulder.
2. overhead and touch the superior medial border of the contralateral scapula.
3. up and touch the ipsilateral shoulder.
4. behind the back and touch the inferior angle of the contralateral scapula. - ANS ✔✔2
A physical therapist is considering using neuromuscular electrical stimulation as an alternative
to static bracing for control of ankle position during gait in a client 3 months post
cerebrovascular accident. Which of the following criteria improves chances of success with this
treatment approach?
1. Limited spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors
2. Altered selective control of the hip/knee with volitional ankle activity
3. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes at the ankle and knee
Reasoning & Answer Explanations)
A physical therapist is guarding a patient who is using an assistive device to come down a flight
of stairs. Which of the following is the SAFEST position for the therapist to take to avoid self-
injury?
1. In front, with one foot on the step immediately below the patient
2. In front, with both feet on the step immediately below the patient
3. In back, with one foot on the same step as the patient
4. In back, with both feet on the same step as the patient - ANS ✔✔1
On the basis of the history and objective assessment of a patient with knee pain, a physical
therapist suspects a ligamentous lesion. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the
therapist request to confirm these findings?
1. Myelography
2. Radiography
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
4. Computed tomography (CT) scan - ANS ✔✔3
A patient reports cervical muscle tightness and headaches originating in the back of the head.
Which of the following nerves is MOST likely involved?
1. Trigeminal
2. Spinal accessory
3. Hypoglossal
4. Lesser occipital - ANS ✔✔4
A patient who had a myocardial infarction is in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Which of the
following changes should cause the physical therapist to stop the exercise session?
, 1. An increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg
2. A decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg
3. An increase in the respiratory rate of 5 breaths/minute
4. A decrease in the heart rate of 15 bpm - ANS ✔✔4
A physical therapist is treating a patient who has Parkinson disease. The patient expresses
concern about declining health and a poor prognosis. Which of the following is the MOST
appropriate response for the therapist to make?
1. Offer resources on support groups.
2. Refer the patient to a psychiatrist.
3. Have the patient speak with another patient who has Parkinson disease.
4. Tell the patient that physical therapy will prevent disease progression. - ANS ✔✔1
A physical therapist can perform a quick, nonspecific functional assessment of shoulder
abduction and lateral (external) rotation by instructing the patient to use the arm being tested
to reach:
1. across the chest and touch the contralateral shoulder.
2. overhead and touch the superior medial border of the contralateral scapula.
3. up and touch the ipsilateral shoulder.
4. behind the back and touch the inferior angle of the contralateral scapula. - ANS ✔✔2
A physical therapist is considering using neuromuscular electrical stimulation as an alternative
to static bracing for control of ankle position during gait in a client 3 months post
cerebrovascular accident. Which of the following criteria improves chances of success with this
treatment approach?
1. Limited spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors
2. Altered selective control of the hip/knee with volitional ankle activity
3. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes at the ankle and knee
