ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPIST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Musculoskeletal System Examination and Intervention
Neuromuscular System Examination and Intervention
Cardiopulmonary System Examination and Intervention
Integumentary System Examination and Intervention
Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act and Regulatory Compliance
Ethics, Professional Standards, and Legal Responsibilities
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills
required for safe and effective physical therapy practice in Illinois. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice
and scenario-based questions that test foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory
compliance, ethics, and real-world clinical judgment. Questions emphasize critical thinking and the ability to
make sound decisions in diverse patient care situations. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of
examination techniques, intervention strategies, safety protocols, and adherence to Illinois state laws
governing physical therapy practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with low back pain who reports radicular symptoms extending below
the knee. Which finding would most strongly indicate the need for immediate referral to a physician?
A. Pain with straight leg raise at 45 degrees
B. Bilateral lower extremity weakness and saddle anesthesia
C. Tenderness over the lumbar paraspinal muscles
D. Decreased lumbar range of motion
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Bilateral lower extremity weakness and saddle anesthesia are red flag signs of cauda equina
syndrome, a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical evaluation to prevent permanent neurological
damage.
Question 2
According to the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act, which of the following actions requires a valid physical
therapy referral?
A. Providing work hardening programs for employed individuals
B. Evaluating and treating a patient in a outpatient orthopedic clinic
C. Offering fitness and wellness counseling to healthy adults
D. Conducting ergonomic assessments in a workplace setting
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: In Illinois, physical therapists must have a physician's referral or certification for evaluation
and treatment in most clinical settings, except for direct access scenarios explicitly permitted under the Practice
Act.
Question 3
A patient with Parkinson disease demonstrates bradykinesia and rigidity. Which intervention strategy is MOST
appropriate to improve gait velocity?
A. High-frequency electrical stimulation to hip flexors
B. Cueing strategies with rhythmic auditory stimulation
C. Passive range of motion exercises for lower extremities
D. Static balance training on a foam surface
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Rhythmic auditory cueing has strong evidence for improving gait velocity in Parkinson
disease by compensating for impaired internal timing mechanisms and facilitating more normal movement
patterns.
Question 4
Which continuing education requirement must Illinois-licensed physical therapists complete each licensure
cycle?
, A. 20 hours including 2 hours of ethics
B. 30 hours including 3 hours of ethics
C. 40 hours including 3 hours of ethics
D. 50 hours including 4 hours of ethics
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Physical Therapists in Illinois must complete 40 continuing education hours each licensure
cycle, including at least 3 hours focused on ethical practice.
Question 5
A patient 2 weeks post-total hip arthroplasty (posterior approach) demonstrates hip flexion to 100 degrees
during gait training. What is the MOST appropriate therapist response?
A. Continue gait training without modification
B. Restrict hip flexion to 90 degrees and modify activities
C. Progress to resisted hip flexion strengthening
D. Discontinue therapy and refer back to surgeon
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Posterior approach total hip arthroplasty requires hip flexion restriction to 90 degrees for 6–
12 weeks to prevent dislocation; exceeding this limit increases dislocation risk significantly.
Question 6
Which documentation element is MANDATORY under Illinois physical therapy practice regulations?
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Musculoskeletal System Examination and Intervention
Neuromuscular System Examination and Intervention
Cardiopulmonary System Examination and Intervention
Integumentary System Examination and Intervention
Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act and Regulatory Compliance
Ethics, Professional Standards, and Legal Responsibilities
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills
required for safe and effective physical therapy practice in Illinois. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice
and scenario-based questions that test foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory
compliance, ethics, and real-world clinical judgment. Questions emphasize critical thinking and the ability to
make sound decisions in diverse patient care situations. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of
examination techniques, intervention strategies, safety protocols, and adherence to Illinois state laws
governing physical therapy practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with low back pain who reports radicular symptoms extending below
the knee. Which finding would most strongly indicate the need for immediate referral to a physician?
A. Pain with straight leg raise at 45 degrees
B. Bilateral lower extremity weakness and saddle anesthesia
C. Tenderness over the lumbar paraspinal muscles
D. Decreased lumbar range of motion
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Bilateral lower extremity weakness and saddle anesthesia are red flag signs of cauda equina
syndrome, a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical evaluation to prevent permanent neurological
damage.
Question 2
According to the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act, which of the following actions requires a valid physical
therapy referral?
A. Providing work hardening programs for employed individuals
B. Evaluating and treating a patient in a outpatient orthopedic clinic
C. Offering fitness and wellness counseling to healthy adults
D. Conducting ergonomic assessments in a workplace setting
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: In Illinois, physical therapists must have a physician's referral or certification for evaluation
and treatment in most clinical settings, except for direct access scenarios explicitly permitted under the Practice
Act.
Question 3
A patient with Parkinson disease demonstrates bradykinesia and rigidity. Which intervention strategy is MOST
appropriate to improve gait velocity?
A. High-frequency electrical stimulation to hip flexors
B. Cueing strategies with rhythmic auditory stimulation
C. Passive range of motion exercises for lower extremities
D. Static balance training on a foam surface
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Rhythmic auditory cueing has strong evidence for improving gait velocity in Parkinson
disease by compensating for impaired internal timing mechanisms and facilitating more normal movement
patterns.
Question 4
Which continuing education requirement must Illinois-licensed physical therapists complete each licensure
cycle?
, A. 20 hours including 2 hours of ethics
B. 30 hours including 3 hours of ethics
C. 40 hours including 3 hours of ethics
D. 50 hours including 4 hours of ethics
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Physical Therapists in Illinois must complete 40 continuing education hours each licensure
cycle, including at least 3 hours focused on ethical practice.
Question 5
A patient 2 weeks post-total hip arthroplasty (posterior approach) demonstrates hip flexion to 100 degrees
during gait training. What is the MOST appropriate therapist response?
A. Continue gait training without modification
B. Restrict hip flexion to 90 degrees and modify activities
C. Progress to resisted hip flexion strengthening
D. Discontinue therapy and refer back to surgeon
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Posterior approach total hip arthroplasty requires hip flexion restriction to 90 degrees for 6–
12 weeks to prevent dislocation; exceeding this limit increases dislocation risk significantly.
Question 6
Which documentation element is MANDATORY under Illinois physical therapy practice regulations?
