ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems
- Integumentary System
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Safety & Protection
- Professional Responsibilities & Ethics
- Equipment, Devices & Technologies
- Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- System Interactions & Comorbidities
,This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level competency for physical therapist assistants seeking
licensure in Illinois. The exam measures knowledge and clinical decision-making skills essential for safe,
effective patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Questions assess foundational
theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and real-world scenario-based
decision-making across all major body systems and nonsystem domains. The multiple-choice format includes
patient scenarios requiring critical thinking, prioritization, and application of evidence-based practice
principles. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in data collection, disease/conditions knowledge,
interventions, therapeutic modalities, safety protocols, and professional responsibilities consistent with the
FSBPT NPTE-PTA blueprint.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A physical therapist assistant is treating a patient with chronic low back pain. The patient reports pain increases
with prolonged sitting and decreases with walking. Which intervention is MOST appropriate for this patient?
A. Prone lumbar extension exercises
B. Sitting posture education with frequent standing breaks
C. Supine flexion bias stretching
D. Manual traction at 30 lbs
🟢 B. Sitting posture education with frequent standing breaks
,🔴 RATIONALE: The patient's pain pattern (worse with sitting, better with walking) suggests extension-biased
or postural syndrome. Education on posture and frequent position changes addresses the aggravated position
directly. Prone extension (A) may help but doesn't address the primary aggravating factor. Flexion (C) would
likely worsen symptoms. Traction (D) lacks evidence for this presentation.
Question 2
A PTA is documenting a patient's progress. Which element is REQUIRED for compliant documentation
according to Medicare guidelines?
A. Therapist's bedroom number
B. Patient's insurance policy expiration date
C. Date of service and PTA signature with credentials
D. Family member contact information
🟢 C. Date of service and PTA signature with credentials
🔴 RATIONALE: Medicare requires date of service and the treating clinician's signature with credentials for all
documentation. The other options are not required elements for treatment documentation. Proper
documentation is essential for reimbursement and legal compliance.
Question 3
During a treatment session, a patient with a new total hip arthroplasty (posterior approach) reports sudden
shortness of breath and chest pain. What is the PTA's FIRST action?
, A. Continue treatment but monitor vital signs
B. Have the patient perform deep breathing exercises
C. Call for emergency assistance and position patient comfortably
D. Administer the patient's prescribed nitroglycerin
🟢 C. Call for emergency assistance and position patient comfortably
🔴 RATIONALE: Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain post-hip surgery suggest possible pulmonary
embolism, a medical emergency. The PTA must immediately call for emergency assistance. Continuing
treatment (A) or breathing exercises (B) delays critical care. PTAs cannot administer medications like
nitroglycerin (D).
Question 4
A patient with osteoarthritis of the knee is being treated with thermal ultrasound. What is the PRIMARY
contraindication for this modality?
A. Mild knee stiffness
B. Metal implant in the treatment area
C. Age over 65
D. Diabetes mellitus
🟢 B. Metal implant in the treatment area
🔴 RATIONALE: Metal implants are a contraindication for therapeutic ultrasound because ultrasound energy
can cause heating at the bone-implant interface, potentially damaging surrounding tissues. Mild stiffness (A) is
an indication, not contraindication. Age (C) and diabetes (D) are not contraindications for ultrasound.
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems
- Integumentary System
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Safety & Protection
- Professional Responsibilities & Ethics
- Equipment, Devices & Technologies
- Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- System Interactions & Comorbidities
,This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level competency for physical therapist assistants seeking
licensure in Illinois. The exam measures knowledge and clinical decision-making skills essential for safe,
effective patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Questions assess foundational
theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and real-world scenario-based
decision-making across all major body systems and nonsystem domains. The multiple-choice format includes
patient scenarios requiring critical thinking, prioritization, and application of evidence-based practice
principles. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in data collection, disease/conditions knowledge,
interventions, therapeutic modalities, safety protocols, and professional responsibilities consistent with the
FSBPT NPTE-PTA blueprint.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A physical therapist assistant is treating a patient with chronic low back pain. The patient reports pain increases
with prolonged sitting and decreases with walking. Which intervention is MOST appropriate for this patient?
A. Prone lumbar extension exercises
B. Sitting posture education with frequent standing breaks
C. Supine flexion bias stretching
D. Manual traction at 30 lbs
🟢 B. Sitting posture education with frequent standing breaks
,🔴 RATIONALE: The patient's pain pattern (worse with sitting, better with walking) suggests extension-biased
or postural syndrome. Education on posture and frequent position changes addresses the aggravated position
directly. Prone extension (A) may help but doesn't address the primary aggravating factor. Flexion (C) would
likely worsen symptoms. Traction (D) lacks evidence for this presentation.
Question 2
A PTA is documenting a patient's progress. Which element is REQUIRED for compliant documentation
according to Medicare guidelines?
A. Therapist's bedroom number
B. Patient's insurance policy expiration date
C. Date of service and PTA signature with credentials
D. Family member contact information
🟢 C. Date of service and PTA signature with credentials
🔴 RATIONALE: Medicare requires date of service and the treating clinician's signature with credentials for all
documentation. The other options are not required elements for treatment documentation. Proper
documentation is essential for reimbursement and legal compliance.
Question 3
During a treatment session, a patient with a new total hip arthroplasty (posterior approach) reports sudden
shortness of breath and chest pain. What is the PTA's FIRST action?
, A. Continue treatment but monitor vital signs
B. Have the patient perform deep breathing exercises
C. Call for emergency assistance and position patient comfortably
D. Administer the patient's prescribed nitroglycerin
🟢 C. Call for emergency assistance and position patient comfortably
🔴 RATIONALE: Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain post-hip surgery suggest possible pulmonary
embolism, a medical emergency. The PTA must immediately call for emergency assistance. Continuing
treatment (A) or breathing exercises (B) delays critical care. PTAs cannot administer medications like
nitroglycerin (D).
Question 4
A patient with osteoarthritis of the knee is being treated with thermal ultrasound. What is the PRIMARY
contraindication for this modality?
A. Mild knee stiffness
B. Metal implant in the treatment area
C. Age over 65
D. Diabetes mellitus
🟢 B. Metal implant in the treatment area
🔴 RATIONALE: Metal implants are a contraindication for therapeutic ultrasound because ultrasound energy
can cause heating at the bone-implant interface, potentially damaging surrounding tissues. Mild stiffness (A) is
an indication, not contraindication. Age (C) and diabetes (D) are not contraindications for ultrasound.
