RESNA ATP PRACTICE EXAM – EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED
PASS | 2026/27 LATEST UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-50
1. A consumer with C6 incomplete spinal cord injury presents with diminished
hand function but good wrist extension and tenodesis. The ATP is evaluating
power wheelchair control interfaces. Which clinical intervention should be
prioritized to optimize driving control?
A. Fit the consumer with a chin-operated joystick to prevent fatigue.
B. Recommend a head array system to bypass upper extremity limitations.
C. Select a standard joystick with a custom-molded hand rest to support the
palm.
D. Implement a mini-joystick with a raised mounting position to leverage wrist
extension.
Correct Answer: C. Select a standard joystick with a custom-molded hand rest to
support the palm.
Rationale: A consumer with C6 SCI and good wrist extension can effectively operate
a standard joystick. The key intervention is to provide stability for the hand and
forearm, which allows the consumer to use their available wrist extension and
tenodesis to manipulate the joystick. A custom-molded hand rest provides this
stability. A chin-controlled or mini-joystick may be considered if standard joystick
control fails, and a head array is typically for those with very limited upper
extremity function.
,2. An ATP is evaluating a client's wheelchair seating system for postural
support. Which of the following best describes the primary biomechanical goal
of a back support contour that provides adequate lumbar support?
A. To reduce the risk of developing pressure injuries on the ischial tuberosities.
B. To maintain a neutral pelvic position and support the natural lordotic curve.
C. To prevent forward head posture by retracting the scapulae.
D. To distribute the weight of the upper body over the gluteal muscles.
Correct Answer: B. To maintain a neutral pelvic position and support the natural
lordotic curve.
Rationale: The primary biomechanical goal of lumbar support in a seating system is
to maintain the pelvis in a neutral tilt and support the spine's natural lordotic curve.
This foundational positioning impacts overall trunk alignment, respiratory function,
and upper extremity reach. Options A and D are primary goals of the cushion, and
C is a goal of the upper back support.
3. Which of the following assessment tools would be MOST appropriate for
evaluating the effectiveness of a power tilt and recline system for a client who
is a full-time wheelchair user?
A. The seating pressure mapping to assess interface pressure distribution.
B. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for general mobility.
C. The Berg Balance Scale to assess dynamic sitting balance.
D. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) for goal setting.
,Correct Answer: A. The seating pressure mapping to assess interface pressure
distribution.
Rationale: Seating pressure mapping is a direct and objective tool for evaluating the
effectiveness of a tilt and recline system. It measures the pressure redistribution that
occurs when these functions are used, which is their primary clinical purpose for
pressure injury prevention and tissue protection. The FIM, Berg Balance Scale, and
COPM measure other constructs and are less specific to this intervention.
4. During a wheelchair skills training session, a client with a T12 paraplegia is
learning to perform a "wheelie" to navigate a curb cut. The client is having
difficulty maintaining the balance point. What instruction should the ATP
provide?
A. "Lean forward to move your center of gravity over the front casters."
B. "Apply quick, hard pushes to the hand rims to provide momentum."
C. "Make small, quick adjustments with your hands and trunk to stay centered."
D. "Look down at the ground to anticipate the rear wheel position."
Correct Answer: C. "Make small, quick adjustments with your hands and trunk to
stay centered."
Rationale: Maintaining a wheelie requires constant, small corrective movements to
keep the center of gravity directly over the axle of the rear wheels. Small
adjustments with the hands and upper trunk are the appropriate technique to
maintain this balance point. Option A would tip the chair forward, B could cause a
loss of control, and D is the opposite of proper technique, which is to look forward
toward the destination.
, 5. Which of the following is a PRIMARY responsibility of the ATP when
recommending an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device
for a client with progressive ALS?
A. Ensuring the device is covered by insurance before any trial begins.
B. Selecting a device that can be accessed using a currently or potentially reliable
access method.
C. Recommending the device with the most advanced vocabulary options
available.
D. Designing the device solely around the client's current abilities.
Correct Answer: B. Selecting a device that can be accessed using a currently or
potentially reliable access method.
Rationale: For a client with a progressive condition like ALS, the primary
responsibility is to anticipate future needs. The ATP must select an access method
that is reliable now but also has the potential to be adapted (e.g., from direct touch
to eye gaze) as the disease progresses. While funding is important, clinical
justification must drive the recommendation. Focusing on the most advanced
vocabulary is less critical than ensuring the client can access it.
6. A bariatric client requires a new power wheelchair. When considering the
drivetrain configuration, the ATP should prioritize a model with:
A. Mid-wheel drive for superior maneuverability in small spaces.
B. Front-wheel drive for a tighter turning radius and easier ramp access.
VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED
PASS | 2026/27 LATEST UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-50
1. A consumer with C6 incomplete spinal cord injury presents with diminished
hand function but good wrist extension and tenodesis. The ATP is evaluating
power wheelchair control interfaces. Which clinical intervention should be
prioritized to optimize driving control?
A. Fit the consumer with a chin-operated joystick to prevent fatigue.
B. Recommend a head array system to bypass upper extremity limitations.
C. Select a standard joystick with a custom-molded hand rest to support the
palm.
D. Implement a mini-joystick with a raised mounting position to leverage wrist
extension.
Correct Answer: C. Select a standard joystick with a custom-molded hand rest to
support the palm.
Rationale: A consumer with C6 SCI and good wrist extension can effectively operate
a standard joystick. The key intervention is to provide stability for the hand and
forearm, which allows the consumer to use their available wrist extension and
tenodesis to manipulate the joystick. A custom-molded hand rest provides this
stability. A chin-controlled or mini-joystick may be considered if standard joystick
control fails, and a head array is typically for those with very limited upper
extremity function.
,2. An ATP is evaluating a client's wheelchair seating system for postural
support. Which of the following best describes the primary biomechanical goal
of a back support contour that provides adequate lumbar support?
A. To reduce the risk of developing pressure injuries on the ischial tuberosities.
B. To maintain a neutral pelvic position and support the natural lordotic curve.
C. To prevent forward head posture by retracting the scapulae.
D. To distribute the weight of the upper body over the gluteal muscles.
Correct Answer: B. To maintain a neutral pelvic position and support the natural
lordotic curve.
Rationale: The primary biomechanical goal of lumbar support in a seating system is
to maintain the pelvis in a neutral tilt and support the spine's natural lordotic curve.
This foundational positioning impacts overall trunk alignment, respiratory function,
and upper extremity reach. Options A and D are primary goals of the cushion, and
C is a goal of the upper back support.
3. Which of the following assessment tools would be MOST appropriate for
evaluating the effectiveness of a power tilt and recline system for a client who
is a full-time wheelchair user?
A. The seating pressure mapping to assess interface pressure distribution.
B. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for general mobility.
C. The Berg Balance Scale to assess dynamic sitting balance.
D. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) for goal setting.
,Correct Answer: A. The seating pressure mapping to assess interface pressure
distribution.
Rationale: Seating pressure mapping is a direct and objective tool for evaluating the
effectiveness of a tilt and recline system. It measures the pressure redistribution that
occurs when these functions are used, which is their primary clinical purpose for
pressure injury prevention and tissue protection. The FIM, Berg Balance Scale, and
COPM measure other constructs and are less specific to this intervention.
4. During a wheelchair skills training session, a client with a T12 paraplegia is
learning to perform a "wheelie" to navigate a curb cut. The client is having
difficulty maintaining the balance point. What instruction should the ATP
provide?
A. "Lean forward to move your center of gravity over the front casters."
B. "Apply quick, hard pushes to the hand rims to provide momentum."
C. "Make small, quick adjustments with your hands and trunk to stay centered."
D. "Look down at the ground to anticipate the rear wheel position."
Correct Answer: C. "Make small, quick adjustments with your hands and trunk to
stay centered."
Rationale: Maintaining a wheelie requires constant, small corrective movements to
keep the center of gravity directly over the axle of the rear wheels. Small
adjustments with the hands and upper trunk are the appropriate technique to
maintain this balance point. Option A would tip the chair forward, B could cause a
loss of control, and D is the opposite of proper technique, which is to look forward
toward the destination.
, 5. Which of the following is a PRIMARY responsibility of the ATP when
recommending an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device
for a client with progressive ALS?
A. Ensuring the device is covered by insurance before any trial begins.
B. Selecting a device that can be accessed using a currently or potentially reliable
access method.
C. Recommending the device with the most advanced vocabulary options
available.
D. Designing the device solely around the client's current abilities.
Correct Answer: B. Selecting a device that can be accessed using a currently or
potentially reliable access method.
Rationale: For a client with a progressive condition like ALS, the primary
responsibility is to anticipate future needs. The ATP must select an access method
that is reliable now but also has the potential to be adapted (e.g., from direct touch
to eye gaze) as the disease progresses. While funding is important, clinical
justification must drive the recommendation. Focusing on the most advanced
vocabulary is less critical than ensuring the client can access it.
6. A bariatric client requires a new power wheelchair. When considering the
drivetrain configuration, the ATP should prioritize a model with:
A. Mid-wheel drive for superior maneuverability in small spaces.
B. Front-wheel drive for a tighter turning radius and easier ramp access.
