PTA Board Exam Physical
Therapist Assistant 2026/2027
– Practice Questions & Detailed
Rationales | Comprehensive
Study Guide Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
Question 1
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is treating a patient
following total knee arthroplasty. Which intervention is MOST
appropriate during the early postoperative phase?
A. High-resistance strengthening exercises
B. Aggressive joint manipulation
C. Gentle range-of-motion exercises
D. Running drills
Answer: C. Gentle range-of-motion exercises
Rationale: Early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty
focuses on restoring mobility, reducing pain and swelling, and
preventing joint stiffness. Gentle ROM exercises are safe and
effective during this phase.
,Question 2
Which gait pattern is commonly used when a patient is non-
weight-bearing on one lower extremity while using crutches?
A. Two-point gait
B. Three-point gait
C. Four-point gait
D. Swing-through gait
Answer: B. Three-point gait
Rationale: The three-point gait pattern is used when one lower
extremity cannot bear weight. Both crutches and the affected leg
move forward together, followed by the unaffected leg.
Question 3
A patient reports dizziness when moving from a lying to a
standing position. The PTA should FIRST:
A. Continue treatment as planned
B. Measure vital signs
C. Increase exercise intensity
D. Begin balance training
Answer: B. Measure vital signs
Rationale: Dizziness upon standing may indicate orthostatic
hypotension. Assessing vital signs is the priority to ensure
patient safety.
,Question 4
What is the normal range for adult resting respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/min
B. 8–12 breaths/min
C. 12–20 breaths/min
D. 25–35 breaths/min
Answer: C. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal resting respiratory rate for adults is 12–
20 breaths per minute. Values outside this range may indicate
respiratory dysfunction.
Question 5
Which assistive device provides the GREATEST stability
during ambulation?
A. Single-point cane
B. Quad cane
C. Axillary crutches
D. Standard walker
Answer: D. Standard walker
Rationale: A standard walker provides the largest base of
support and offers maximum stability for patients with balance
or mobility impairments.
, Question 6
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
should be instructed to use which breathing technique?
A. Hyperventilation breathing
B. Breath holding
C. Pursed-lip breathing
D. Rapid breathing
Answer: C. Pursed-lip breathing
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps reduce air trapping,
improves oxygenation, and decreases shortness of breath in
patients with COPD.
Question 7
Which position is MOST appropriate for drainage of the
posterior basal segment of the lower lobe?
A. Trendelenburg position with patient prone
B. Supine position
C. High Fowler's position
D. Side-lying without tilt
Answer: A. Trendelenburg position with patient prone
Therapist Assistant 2026/2027
– Practice Questions & Detailed
Rationales | Comprehensive
Study Guide Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
Question 1
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is treating a patient
following total knee arthroplasty. Which intervention is MOST
appropriate during the early postoperative phase?
A. High-resistance strengthening exercises
B. Aggressive joint manipulation
C. Gentle range-of-motion exercises
D. Running drills
Answer: C. Gentle range-of-motion exercises
Rationale: Early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty
focuses on restoring mobility, reducing pain and swelling, and
preventing joint stiffness. Gentle ROM exercises are safe and
effective during this phase.
,Question 2
Which gait pattern is commonly used when a patient is non-
weight-bearing on one lower extremity while using crutches?
A. Two-point gait
B. Three-point gait
C. Four-point gait
D. Swing-through gait
Answer: B. Three-point gait
Rationale: The three-point gait pattern is used when one lower
extremity cannot bear weight. Both crutches and the affected leg
move forward together, followed by the unaffected leg.
Question 3
A patient reports dizziness when moving from a lying to a
standing position. The PTA should FIRST:
A. Continue treatment as planned
B. Measure vital signs
C. Increase exercise intensity
D. Begin balance training
Answer: B. Measure vital signs
Rationale: Dizziness upon standing may indicate orthostatic
hypotension. Assessing vital signs is the priority to ensure
patient safety.
,Question 4
What is the normal range for adult resting respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/min
B. 8–12 breaths/min
C. 12–20 breaths/min
D. 25–35 breaths/min
Answer: C. 12–20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal resting respiratory rate for adults is 12–
20 breaths per minute. Values outside this range may indicate
respiratory dysfunction.
Question 5
Which assistive device provides the GREATEST stability
during ambulation?
A. Single-point cane
B. Quad cane
C. Axillary crutches
D. Standard walker
Answer: D. Standard walker
Rationale: A standard walker provides the largest base of
support and offers maximum stability for patients with balance
or mobility impairments.
, Question 6
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
should be instructed to use which breathing technique?
A. Hyperventilation breathing
B. Breath holding
C. Pursed-lip breathing
D. Rapid breathing
Answer: C. Pursed-lip breathing
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps reduce air trapping,
improves oxygenation, and decreases shortness of breath in
patients with COPD.
Question 7
Which position is MOST appropriate for drainage of the
posterior basal segment of the lower lobe?
A. Trendelenburg position with patient prone
B. Supine position
C. High Fowler's position
D. Side-lying without tilt
Answer: A. Trendelenburg position with patient prone
