NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY
EXAMINATION (NPTE) PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A patient post-stroke presents with right-sided hemiparesis. Which
intervention best facilitates motor recovery in the early stage?
A. High-load resistance training
B. Task-specific training
C. Prolonged bed rest
D. Passive stretching only
Answer: B. Task-specific training
Rationale: Task-specific training promotes neuroplasticity by repeatedly
engaging functional movements relevant to daily activities. Early stroke
rehabilitation focuses on active motor relearning rather than passive or
high-load interventions, which may be inappropriate or less effective
initially.
2. Which gait pattern is most commonly seen in a patient with foot drop?
A. Trendelenburg gait
B. Steppage gait
C. Scissoring gait
D. Festinating gait
Answer: B. Steppage gait
Rationale: Steppage gait occurs due to dorsiflexor weakness, often from
, peroneal nerve injury or L5 radiculopathy. The patient lifts the knee
excessively to prevent toe dragging during swing phase.
3. What is the primary function of the rotator cuff muscles?
A. Shoulder elevation
B. Glenohumeral joint stabilization
C. Elbow flexion
D. Scapular protraction
Answer: B. Glenohumeral joint stabilization
Rationale: The rotator cuff muscles dynamically stabilize the humeral
head within the glenoid fossa during shoulder movement, preventing
dislocation and ensuring efficient motion.
4. Which condition is characterized by a positive Lachman test?
A. ACL tear
B. PCL tear
C. Meniscus tear
D. MCL sprain
Answer: A. ACL tear
Rationale: The Lachman test assesses anterior translation of the tibia
relative to the femur, indicating anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency
when excessive movement is present.
5. A patient has decreased balance and coordination. Which system is MOST
responsible?
A. Vestibular system
B. Cardiovascular system
C. Respiratory system
D. Renal system
Answer: A. Vestibular system
, Rationale: The vestibular system contributes to balance, spatial
orientation, and coordination of eye and head movements. Dysfunction
leads to dizziness and postural instability.
6. Which modality is contraindicated in a patient with malignancy?
A. Ultrasound over tumor site
B. Gentle ROM exercises
C. Breathing exercises
D. Bed mobility training
Answer: A. Ultrasound over tumor site
Rationale: Heat-producing modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound may
increase metabolic activity and potentially promote tumor growth or
metastasis.
7. What is the normal range of motion for knee flexion?
A. 0–90°
B. 0–120°
C. 0–135°
D. 0–150°
Answer: C. 0–135°
Rationale: Normal knee flexion ranges approximately from 0 to 135
degrees, allowing functional activities such as squatting and stair
climbing.
8. A patient with COPD should be instructed to use which breathing
technique?
A. Shallow chest breathing
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Breath holding
D. Hyperventilation
, Answer: B. Pursed-lip breathing
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prolong exhalation, prevent airway
collapse, and improve gas exchange in patients with obstructive lung
disease.
9. Which muscle is primarily responsible for plantarflexion?
A. Tibialis anterior
B. Gastrocnemius
C. Sartorius
D. Quadriceps
Answer: B. Gastrocnemius
Rationale: The gastrocnemius, along with the soleus, is the primary
plantarflexor of the ankle, essential for push-off during gait.
10.What is the main goal of early mobilization after surgery?
A. Prevent muscle hypertrophy
B. Reduce risk of complications such as DVT
C. Increase pain
D. Decrease circulation
Answer: B. Reduce risk of complications such as DVT
Rationale: Early mobilization improves circulation, reduces venous stasis,
and prevents complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary
embolism.
11.Which nerve is affected in carpal tunnel syndrome?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Radial nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Answer: B. Median nerve
EXAMINATION (NPTE) PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A patient post-stroke presents with right-sided hemiparesis. Which
intervention best facilitates motor recovery in the early stage?
A. High-load resistance training
B. Task-specific training
C. Prolonged bed rest
D. Passive stretching only
Answer: B. Task-specific training
Rationale: Task-specific training promotes neuroplasticity by repeatedly
engaging functional movements relevant to daily activities. Early stroke
rehabilitation focuses on active motor relearning rather than passive or
high-load interventions, which may be inappropriate or less effective
initially.
2. Which gait pattern is most commonly seen in a patient with foot drop?
A. Trendelenburg gait
B. Steppage gait
C. Scissoring gait
D. Festinating gait
Answer: B. Steppage gait
Rationale: Steppage gait occurs due to dorsiflexor weakness, often from
, peroneal nerve injury or L5 radiculopathy. The patient lifts the knee
excessively to prevent toe dragging during swing phase.
3. What is the primary function of the rotator cuff muscles?
A. Shoulder elevation
B. Glenohumeral joint stabilization
C. Elbow flexion
D. Scapular protraction
Answer: B. Glenohumeral joint stabilization
Rationale: The rotator cuff muscles dynamically stabilize the humeral
head within the glenoid fossa during shoulder movement, preventing
dislocation and ensuring efficient motion.
4. Which condition is characterized by a positive Lachman test?
A. ACL tear
B. PCL tear
C. Meniscus tear
D. MCL sprain
Answer: A. ACL tear
Rationale: The Lachman test assesses anterior translation of the tibia
relative to the femur, indicating anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency
when excessive movement is present.
5. A patient has decreased balance and coordination. Which system is MOST
responsible?
A. Vestibular system
B. Cardiovascular system
C. Respiratory system
D. Renal system
Answer: A. Vestibular system
, Rationale: The vestibular system contributes to balance, spatial
orientation, and coordination of eye and head movements. Dysfunction
leads to dizziness and postural instability.
6. Which modality is contraindicated in a patient with malignancy?
A. Ultrasound over tumor site
B. Gentle ROM exercises
C. Breathing exercises
D. Bed mobility training
Answer: A. Ultrasound over tumor site
Rationale: Heat-producing modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound may
increase metabolic activity and potentially promote tumor growth or
metastasis.
7. What is the normal range of motion for knee flexion?
A. 0–90°
B. 0–120°
C. 0–135°
D. 0–150°
Answer: C. 0–135°
Rationale: Normal knee flexion ranges approximately from 0 to 135
degrees, allowing functional activities such as squatting and stair
climbing.
8. A patient with COPD should be instructed to use which breathing
technique?
A. Shallow chest breathing
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Breath holding
D. Hyperventilation
, Answer: B. Pursed-lip breathing
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prolong exhalation, prevent airway
collapse, and improve gas exchange in patients with obstructive lung
disease.
9. Which muscle is primarily responsible for plantarflexion?
A. Tibialis anterior
B. Gastrocnemius
C. Sartorius
D. Quadriceps
Answer: B. Gastrocnemius
Rationale: The gastrocnemius, along with the soleus, is the primary
plantarflexor of the ankle, essential for push-off during gait.
10.What is the main goal of early mobilization after surgery?
A. Prevent muscle hypertrophy
B. Reduce risk of complications such as DVT
C. Increase pain
D. Decrease circulation
Answer: B. Reduce risk of complications such as DVT
Rationale: Early mobilization improves circulation, reduces venous stasis,
and prevents complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary
embolism.
11.Which nerve is affected in carpal tunnel syndrome?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Radial nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Answer: B. Median nerve
