PTA Board Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 180 Questions |
Original Evaluation with Verified Correct Answers
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) NPTE for PTA | Expert-Verified Q&A | Certification-Ready
Format
Introduction
This 2026/2027 PTA Board Exam Evaluation focuses on the FSBPT NPTE for PTA domains using the current
official NPTE-PTA format of 180 total multiple-choice items, including scored and unscored pretest items. The
document integrates musculoskeletal and neuromuscular interventions, cardiovascular and pulmonary
management, integumentary and metabolic considerations, therapeutic modalities, equipment safety,
documentation, professional roles, and clinical decision-making under the direction and supervision of a physical
therapist. The questions emphasize competent, evidence-based, compassionate patient care, safe progression of the
established plan of care, recognition of red flags, appropriate communication with the supervising physical
therapist, and protection of patient safety across body systems and care settings. Each item is original, blueprint-
aligned, and expert-verified for accurate Evaluation readiness without using proprietary live examination items.
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions (Total 180) Key Topics Weight
Therapeutic exercise, gait,
posture, balance,
Musculoskeletal and orthopedic precautions,
70 of 180 39%
Neuromuscular Systems neurologic interventions,
motor control, functional
mobility, assistive devices
Vital signs, aerobic
conditioning, cardiac
Cardiovascular and precautions, pulmonary
29 of 180 16%
Pulmonary Systems interventions, airway
clearance, oxygen safety,
endurance, vascular signs
Wound care, diabetes,
Other Systems
burns, edema, amputation
(Gastrointestinal,
considerations, renal and
Genitourinary, 27 of 180 15%
GI/GU concerns,
Integumentary,
oncology, systemic red
Endocrine)
flags
Modalities, equipment,
transfers, infection
Non-Systems
control, documentation,
(Equipment, Research,
54 of 180 ethics, supervision, 30%
Professional Roles,
evidence concepts,
Safety)
emergency response,
patient safety
Examination Questions
Domain: Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Systems
1. A patient after posterior total hip arthroplasty is transferring from bed to chair. Which
movement should the PTA prevent?
A. Hip flexion beyond 90 degrees with adduction and internal rotation
B. Hip abduction with neutral rotation
C. Use of an elevated chair surface
D. Keeping the operated leg slightly forward during sitting
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Posterior hip precautions limit combined flexion, adduction, and internal rotation because that
position increases dislocation risk. The PTA reinforces precautions during mobility and reports any suspected
dislocation immediately.
2. A patient after total knee arthroplasty has limited knee extension during gait. Which
intervention is most appropriate within the established plan?
A. Placing a pillow under the knee for prolonged resting
B. Positioning and therapeutic exercise emphasizing terminal knee extension
C. Avoiding quadriceps activation for several weeks
D. Encouraging persistent knee flexion during stance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restoring knee extension improves stance stability and gait mechanics after knee arthroplasty.
Prolonged knee-flexed positioning can contribute to contracture and should be avoided unless specifically
ordered for another reason.
3. A patient with osteoporosis is learning a home exercise program. Which activity should the PTA
emphasize?
A. Repeated loaded spinal flexion with twisting
B. High-velocity manipulation of the thoracic spine
C. Weight-bearing exercise with safe posture and fall prevention
D. Unsupervised jumping from elevated surfaces
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Weight-bearing and strengthening activities can support bone health when performed safely.
Flexion and twisting under load increase vertebral compression risk in osteoporotic patients.
4. A patient with acute ankle sprain has swelling and pain during the first 24 hours. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Aggressive high-load plyometrics
B. Deep heat applied continuously for several hours
C. Maximum resisted inversion exercises
D. Protection, compression, elevation, and gentle pain-free movement as allowed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Early management focuses on protecting the injured tissue, controlling swelling, and maintaining
safe mobility. High-load or heat-heavy interventions may increase symptoms during the acute inflammatory
phase.
5. A patient demonstrates foot drop during swing phase after peroneal nerve injury. Which orthosis
is most likely to improve toe clearance?
A. An ankle-foot orthosis that limits plantarflexion during swing
B. A wrist-hand orthosis
C. A cervical collar
D. A thoracolumbosacral orthosis only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An ankle-foot orthosis can hold the ankle in a more neutral position and improve toe clearance
during swing. The PTA should ensure fit, skin tolerance, and safe gait training.
6. A patient with adhesive capsulitis is in the painful early phase. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Forceful end-range stretching into severe pain
B. Gentle pain-limited range of motion and patient education
C. Immobilization of the shoulder for several months
D. Heavy overhead strengthening on day one
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early adhesive capsulitis care emphasizes pain control, gentle mobility, and avoidance of aggressive
painful stretching. Excessive force may increase guarding and irritability.
7. A patient with lateral epicondylalgia reports pain with gripping. Which exercise progression is
commonly appropriate when symptoms allow?
A. Maximal resisted wrist flexion only
B. Prolonged elbow immobilization in full flexion
C. Wrist extensor isometrics progressing to eccentric loading
D. Repeated high-speed throwing drills immediately
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Gradual loading of the wrist extensors supports tendon adaptation. The PTA should stay within
symptom guidelines established by the physical therapist and modify load if irritability increases.
8. A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome reports nocturnal paresthesia in the thumb, index, and
middle fingers. Which nerve is primarily involved?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Radial nerve
C. Axillary nerve
D. Median nerve
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Symptoms
commonly affect the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger.
9. A patient with low back pain reports new saddle anesthesia and loss of bladder control. What is
the PTA's priority action?
A. Stop treatment and notify the physical therapist or emergency medical provider immediately
B. Continue lumbar stabilization exercises
C. Apply superficial heat and reassess next week
D. Document as expected delayed-onset soreness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Saddle anesthesia with bladder or bowel dysfunction is a red flag for possible cauda equina
syndrome. Immediate escalation is required because delayed care can cause permanent neurologic injury.
10. A patient with cervical radiculopathy has worsening bilateral hand clumsiness and gait
instability. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Begin aggressive cervical traction without consultation
B. Hold intervention and report possible cervical myelopathy signs
C. Progress overhead strengthening only
D. Ignore findings because they are unrelated to the neck
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bilateral hand dysfunction and gait changes may indicate spinal cord involvement. The PTA must
stop unsafe intervention and communicate promptly with the physical therapist.
11. A patient after rotator cuff repair is in the protected phase. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Begin resisted shoulder external rotation immediately
B. Lift heavy objects overhead to restore strength
C. Follow surgeon and physical therapist restrictions for passive or protected motion
D. Force combined abduction and external rotation repeatedly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Postoperative tendon healing requires protection. The PTA must follow protocol limits for motion,
resistance, and functional use while monitoring pain, guarding, and incision status.
12. A patient with knee osteoarthritis has pain with stairs. Which intervention is commonly
appropriate?
A. Complete avoidance of all physical activity
B. High-impact downhill running as the first intervention
C. Long-term bed rest to preserve cartilage
D. Hip and quadriceps strengthening with joint-protection education
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Strengthening and education can reduce symptoms and improve function in osteoarthritis.
Appropriate activity helps maintain mobility and does not require unnecessary immobility.
13. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has an acute flare with warm swollen joints. Which
approach is most appropriate?
A. Gentle range of motion, joint protection, and energy conservation
B. High-resistance exercise through inflamed joints
C. Prolonged end-range stretching into pain
D. Ignoring systemic fatigue during exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During inflammatory flares, treatment should protect joints, maintain gentle mobility, and respect
fatigue. High loads through inflamed joints may worsen pain and tissue stress.
14. A patient with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is early in rehabilitation. Which
finding should be reported promptly?
Original Evaluation with Verified Correct Answers
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) NPTE for PTA | Expert-Verified Q&A | Certification-Ready
Format
Introduction
This 2026/2027 PTA Board Exam Evaluation focuses on the FSBPT NPTE for PTA domains using the current
official NPTE-PTA format of 180 total multiple-choice items, including scored and unscored pretest items. The
document integrates musculoskeletal and neuromuscular interventions, cardiovascular and pulmonary
management, integumentary and metabolic considerations, therapeutic modalities, equipment safety,
documentation, professional roles, and clinical decision-making under the direction and supervision of a physical
therapist. The questions emphasize competent, evidence-based, compassionate patient care, safe progression of the
established plan of care, recognition of red flags, appropriate communication with the supervising physical
therapist, and protection of patient safety across body systems and care settings. Each item is original, blueprint-
aligned, and expert-verified for accurate Evaluation readiness without using proprietary live examination items.
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions (Total 180) Key Topics Weight
Therapeutic exercise, gait,
posture, balance,
Musculoskeletal and orthopedic precautions,
70 of 180 39%
Neuromuscular Systems neurologic interventions,
motor control, functional
mobility, assistive devices
Vital signs, aerobic
conditioning, cardiac
Cardiovascular and precautions, pulmonary
29 of 180 16%
Pulmonary Systems interventions, airway
clearance, oxygen safety,
endurance, vascular signs
Wound care, diabetes,
Other Systems
burns, edema, amputation
(Gastrointestinal,
considerations, renal and
Genitourinary, 27 of 180 15%
GI/GU concerns,
Integumentary,
oncology, systemic red
Endocrine)
flags
Modalities, equipment,
transfers, infection
Non-Systems
control, documentation,
(Equipment, Research,
54 of 180 ethics, supervision, 30%
Professional Roles,
evidence concepts,
Safety)
emergency response,
patient safety
Examination Questions
Domain: Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Systems
1. A patient after posterior total hip arthroplasty is transferring from bed to chair. Which
movement should the PTA prevent?
A. Hip flexion beyond 90 degrees with adduction and internal rotation
B. Hip abduction with neutral rotation
C. Use of an elevated chair surface
D. Keeping the operated leg slightly forward during sitting
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Posterior hip precautions limit combined flexion, adduction, and internal rotation because that
position increases dislocation risk. The PTA reinforces precautions during mobility and reports any suspected
dislocation immediately.
2. A patient after total knee arthroplasty has limited knee extension during gait. Which
intervention is most appropriate within the established plan?
A. Placing a pillow under the knee for prolonged resting
B. Positioning and therapeutic exercise emphasizing terminal knee extension
C. Avoiding quadriceps activation for several weeks
D. Encouraging persistent knee flexion during stance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restoring knee extension improves stance stability and gait mechanics after knee arthroplasty.
Prolonged knee-flexed positioning can contribute to contracture and should be avoided unless specifically
ordered for another reason.
3. A patient with osteoporosis is learning a home exercise program. Which activity should the PTA
emphasize?
A. Repeated loaded spinal flexion with twisting
B. High-velocity manipulation of the thoracic spine
C. Weight-bearing exercise with safe posture and fall prevention
D. Unsupervised jumping from elevated surfaces
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Weight-bearing and strengthening activities can support bone health when performed safely.
Flexion and twisting under load increase vertebral compression risk in osteoporotic patients.
4. A patient with acute ankle sprain has swelling and pain during the first 24 hours. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Aggressive high-load plyometrics
B. Deep heat applied continuously for several hours
C. Maximum resisted inversion exercises
D. Protection, compression, elevation, and gentle pain-free movement as allowed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Early management focuses on protecting the injured tissue, controlling swelling, and maintaining
safe mobility. High-load or heat-heavy interventions may increase symptoms during the acute inflammatory
phase.
5. A patient demonstrates foot drop during swing phase after peroneal nerve injury. Which orthosis
is most likely to improve toe clearance?
A. An ankle-foot orthosis that limits plantarflexion during swing
B. A wrist-hand orthosis
C. A cervical collar
D. A thoracolumbosacral orthosis only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An ankle-foot orthosis can hold the ankle in a more neutral position and improve toe clearance
during swing. The PTA should ensure fit, skin tolerance, and safe gait training.
6. A patient with adhesive capsulitis is in the painful early phase. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Forceful end-range stretching into severe pain
B. Gentle pain-limited range of motion and patient education
C. Immobilization of the shoulder for several months
D. Heavy overhead strengthening on day one
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early adhesive capsulitis care emphasizes pain control, gentle mobility, and avoidance of aggressive
painful stretching. Excessive force may increase guarding and irritability.
7. A patient with lateral epicondylalgia reports pain with gripping. Which exercise progression is
commonly appropriate when symptoms allow?
A. Maximal resisted wrist flexion only
B. Prolonged elbow immobilization in full flexion
C. Wrist extensor isometrics progressing to eccentric loading
D. Repeated high-speed throwing drills immediately
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Gradual loading of the wrist extensors supports tendon adaptation. The PTA should stay within
symptom guidelines established by the physical therapist and modify load if irritability increases.
8. A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome reports nocturnal paresthesia in the thumb, index, and
middle fingers. Which nerve is primarily involved?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Radial nerve
C. Axillary nerve
D. Median nerve
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Symptoms
commonly affect the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger.
9. A patient with low back pain reports new saddle anesthesia and loss of bladder control. What is
the PTA's priority action?
A. Stop treatment and notify the physical therapist or emergency medical provider immediately
B. Continue lumbar stabilization exercises
C. Apply superficial heat and reassess next week
D. Document as expected delayed-onset soreness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Saddle anesthesia with bladder or bowel dysfunction is a red flag for possible cauda equina
syndrome. Immediate escalation is required because delayed care can cause permanent neurologic injury.
10. A patient with cervical radiculopathy has worsening bilateral hand clumsiness and gait
instability. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Begin aggressive cervical traction without consultation
B. Hold intervention and report possible cervical myelopathy signs
C. Progress overhead strengthening only
D. Ignore findings because they are unrelated to the neck
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bilateral hand dysfunction and gait changes may indicate spinal cord involvement. The PTA must
stop unsafe intervention and communicate promptly with the physical therapist.
11. A patient after rotator cuff repair is in the protected phase. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Begin resisted shoulder external rotation immediately
B. Lift heavy objects overhead to restore strength
C. Follow surgeon and physical therapist restrictions for passive or protected motion
D. Force combined abduction and external rotation repeatedly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Postoperative tendon healing requires protection. The PTA must follow protocol limits for motion,
resistance, and functional use while monitoring pain, guarding, and incision status.
12. A patient with knee osteoarthritis has pain with stairs. Which intervention is commonly
appropriate?
A. Complete avoidance of all physical activity
B. High-impact downhill running as the first intervention
C. Long-term bed rest to preserve cartilage
D. Hip and quadriceps strengthening with joint-protection education
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Strengthening and education can reduce symptoms and improve function in osteoarthritis.
Appropriate activity helps maintain mobility and does not require unnecessary immobility.
13. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has an acute flare with warm swollen joints. Which
approach is most appropriate?
A. Gentle range of motion, joint protection, and energy conservation
B. High-resistance exercise through inflamed joints
C. Prolonged end-range stretching into pain
D. Ignoring systemic fatigue during exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During inflammatory flares, treatment should protect joints, maintain gentle mobility, and respect
fatigue. High loads through inflamed joints may worsen pain and tissue stress.
14. A patient with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is early in rehabilitation. Which
finding should be reported promptly?
