This is Part 1 of 5 of the Doctor of Physical
Therapy (DPT) Program 1st Edition
Comprehensive Test Bank by the American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
TABLE OF CONTENTS — PART 1 of 5
Chapter 1: Foundations of Physical Therapy Practice — Questions 1–20
Chapter 2: Anatomy and Biomechanics — Questions 21–40
Chapter 3: Physiology and Exercise Science — Questions 41–60
Chapter 4: Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy — Questions 61–80
Chapter 5: Neuromuscular Physical Therapy — Questions 81–100
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Q1. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with low back pain. Which of the following is the most
appropriate first step in the examination process?
A. Perform a thorough history and systems review
B. Begin with resisted strength testing
C. Apply manual therapy techniques
D. Order imaging studies
Correct Answer: Perform a thorough history and systems review
Rationale: The first step in the physical therapy examination process is to perform a thorough
history and systems review. This step allows the therapist to gather information about the patient's
chief complaint, medical history, medications, and functional limitations. Beginning with resisted
strength testing, applying manual therapy techniques, or ordering imaging studies before completing
the history and systems review would be premature and could miss important clinical information.
Understanding the patient's history guides the selection of appropriate tests and measures and helps
establish a diagnosis and prognosis for physical therapy care.
,Q2. A physical therapist is examining a patient with shoulder pain. Which of the following is the most
appropriate special test for assessing a rotator cuff tear?
A. Drop arm test
B. Phalen test
C. Tinel sign
D. Lachman test
Correct Answer: Drop arm test
Rationale: The drop arm test is used to assess for a rotator cuff tear, particularly of the
supraspinatus tendon. The patient is asked to actively abduct the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly
lower it. If the arm drops suddenly or the patient experiences severe pain, the test is considered
positive. The Phalen test and Tinel sign are used to assess carpal tunnel syndrome. The Lachman test
is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament integrity in the knee. Selecting the correct special test
based on the patient's presenting condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment
planning.
Q3. A physical therapist is developing a plan of care for a patient following total knee arthroplasty.
Which of the following is the most appropriate early intervention?
A. Progressive resistive exercises
B. Continuous passive motion and ankle pumps
C. Plyometric training
D. High-impact aerobic exercise
Correct Answer: Continuous passive motion and ankle pumps
Rationale: Following total knee arthroplasty, early intervention focuses on reducing swelling,
preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, and initiating gentle range of motion.
Continuous passive motion and ankle pumps are appropriate early interventions. Progressive
resistive exercises, plyometric training, and high-impact aerobic exercise are advanced interventions
that are not appropriate in the immediate postoperative period. Understanding the phases of tissue
healing and postoperative precautions is essential for safe and effective physical therapy care.
Q4. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. Which of the
following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Phalen test
B. Drop arm test
C. Lachman test
D. McMurray test
,Correct Answer: Phalen test
Rationale: The Phalen test is used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient is asked to
hold the wrists in full flexion for 60 seconds. If the patient experiences tingling or numbness in the
median nerve distribution, the test is considered positive. The drop arm test is used for rotator cuff
tears. The Lachman test is used for anterior cruciate ligament integrity. The McMurray test is used for
meniscal tears. Selecting the correct special test based on the patient's presenting condition is
essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q5. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with knee pain. Which of the following is the most
appropriate special test for assessing a meniscal tear?
A. McMurray test
B. Phalen test
C. Drop arm test
D. Lachman test
Correct Answer: McMurray test
Rationale: The McMurray test is used to assess for a meniscal tear. The patient lies supine, and
the examiner flexes the knee and rotates the tibia internally and externally while extending the knee.
A positive test is indicated by a click or pain. The Phalen test is used for carpal tunnel syndrome. The
drop arm test is used for rotator cuff tears. The Lachman test is used for anterior cruciate ligament
integrity. Selecting the correct special test based on the patient's presenting condition is essential for
accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q6. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear. Which
of the following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Lachman test
B. Phalen test
C. Drop arm test
D. McMurray test
Correct Answer: Lachman test
Rationale: The Lachman test is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament integrity. The patient
lies supine with the knee flexed to 20 to 30 degrees, and the examiner stabilizes the femur while
pulling the tibia anteriorly. A positive test is indicated by excessive anterior translation with a soft
endpoint. The Phalen test is used for carpal tunnel syndrome. The drop arm test is used for rotator
cuff tears. The McMurray test is used for meniscal tears. Selecting the correct special test based on
the patient's presenting condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
, Q7. A physical therapist is developing a plan of care for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. Which of the following is the most appropriate exercise intervention?
A. High-intensity interval training
B. Aerobic conditioning and breathing exercises
C. Plyometric training
D. Maximal strength training
Correct Answer: Aerobic conditioning and breathing exercises
Rationale: For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aerobic conditioning and
breathing exercises are appropriate interventions to improve exercise tolerance and respiratory
function. High-intensity interval training and maximal strength training may be too intense for some
patients. Plyometric training is not appropriate for this population. Understanding the patient's
underlying condition and functional limitations is essential for selecting safe and effective exercise
interventions.
Q8. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Which of the following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Lachman test
B. Phalen test
C. Drop arm test
D. McMurray test
Correct Answer: Lachman test
Rationale: The Lachman test is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament integrity. The patient
lies supine with the knee flexed to 20 to 30 degrees, and the examiner stabilizes the femur while
pulling the tibia anteriorly. A positive test is indicated by excessive anterior translation with a soft
endpoint. The Phalen test is used for carpal tunnel syndrome. The drop arm test is used for rotator
cuff tears. The McMurray test is used for meniscal tears. Selecting the correct special test based on
the patient's presenting condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q9. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with a suspected rotator cuff tear. Which of the
following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Drop arm test
B. Phalen test
C. Tinel sign
D. Lachman test
Correct Answer: Drop arm test
Therapy (DPT) Program 1st Edition
Comprehensive Test Bank by the American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
TABLE OF CONTENTS — PART 1 of 5
Chapter 1: Foundations of Physical Therapy Practice — Questions 1–20
Chapter 2: Anatomy and Biomechanics — Questions 21–40
Chapter 3: Physiology and Exercise Science — Questions 41–60
Chapter 4: Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy — Questions 61–80
Chapter 5: Neuromuscular Physical Therapy — Questions 81–100
---
Q1. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with low back pain. Which of the following is the most
appropriate first step in the examination process?
A. Perform a thorough history and systems review
B. Begin with resisted strength testing
C. Apply manual therapy techniques
D. Order imaging studies
Correct Answer: Perform a thorough history and systems review
Rationale: The first step in the physical therapy examination process is to perform a thorough
history and systems review. This step allows the therapist to gather information about the patient's
chief complaint, medical history, medications, and functional limitations. Beginning with resisted
strength testing, applying manual therapy techniques, or ordering imaging studies before completing
the history and systems review would be premature and could miss important clinical information.
Understanding the patient's history guides the selection of appropriate tests and measures and helps
establish a diagnosis and prognosis for physical therapy care.
,Q2. A physical therapist is examining a patient with shoulder pain. Which of the following is the most
appropriate special test for assessing a rotator cuff tear?
A. Drop arm test
B. Phalen test
C. Tinel sign
D. Lachman test
Correct Answer: Drop arm test
Rationale: The drop arm test is used to assess for a rotator cuff tear, particularly of the
supraspinatus tendon. The patient is asked to actively abduct the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly
lower it. If the arm drops suddenly or the patient experiences severe pain, the test is considered
positive. The Phalen test and Tinel sign are used to assess carpal tunnel syndrome. The Lachman test
is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament integrity in the knee. Selecting the correct special test
based on the patient's presenting condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment
planning.
Q3. A physical therapist is developing a plan of care for a patient following total knee arthroplasty.
Which of the following is the most appropriate early intervention?
A. Progressive resistive exercises
B. Continuous passive motion and ankle pumps
C. Plyometric training
D. High-impact aerobic exercise
Correct Answer: Continuous passive motion and ankle pumps
Rationale: Following total knee arthroplasty, early intervention focuses on reducing swelling,
preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, and initiating gentle range of motion.
Continuous passive motion and ankle pumps are appropriate early interventions. Progressive
resistive exercises, plyometric training, and high-impact aerobic exercise are advanced interventions
that are not appropriate in the immediate postoperative period. Understanding the phases of tissue
healing and postoperative precautions is essential for safe and effective physical therapy care.
Q4. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. Which of the
following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Phalen test
B. Drop arm test
C. Lachman test
D. McMurray test
,Correct Answer: Phalen test
Rationale: The Phalen test is used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient is asked to
hold the wrists in full flexion for 60 seconds. If the patient experiences tingling or numbness in the
median nerve distribution, the test is considered positive. The drop arm test is used for rotator cuff
tears. The Lachman test is used for anterior cruciate ligament integrity. The McMurray test is used for
meniscal tears. Selecting the correct special test based on the patient's presenting condition is
essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q5. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with knee pain. Which of the following is the most
appropriate special test for assessing a meniscal tear?
A. McMurray test
B. Phalen test
C. Drop arm test
D. Lachman test
Correct Answer: McMurray test
Rationale: The McMurray test is used to assess for a meniscal tear. The patient lies supine, and
the examiner flexes the knee and rotates the tibia internally and externally while extending the knee.
A positive test is indicated by a click or pain. The Phalen test is used for carpal tunnel syndrome. The
drop arm test is used for rotator cuff tears. The Lachman test is used for anterior cruciate ligament
integrity. Selecting the correct special test based on the patient's presenting condition is essential for
accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q6. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear. Which
of the following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Lachman test
B. Phalen test
C. Drop arm test
D. McMurray test
Correct Answer: Lachman test
Rationale: The Lachman test is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament integrity. The patient
lies supine with the knee flexed to 20 to 30 degrees, and the examiner stabilizes the femur while
pulling the tibia anteriorly. A positive test is indicated by excessive anterior translation with a soft
endpoint. The Phalen test is used for carpal tunnel syndrome. The drop arm test is used for rotator
cuff tears. The McMurray test is used for meniscal tears. Selecting the correct special test based on
the patient's presenting condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
, Q7. A physical therapist is developing a plan of care for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. Which of the following is the most appropriate exercise intervention?
A. High-intensity interval training
B. Aerobic conditioning and breathing exercises
C. Plyometric training
D. Maximal strength training
Correct Answer: Aerobic conditioning and breathing exercises
Rationale: For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aerobic conditioning and
breathing exercises are appropriate interventions to improve exercise tolerance and respiratory
function. High-intensity interval training and maximal strength training may be too intense for some
patients. Plyometric training is not appropriate for this population. Understanding the patient's
underlying condition and functional limitations is essential for selecting safe and effective exercise
interventions.
Q8. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Which of the following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Lachman test
B. Phalen test
C. Drop arm test
D. McMurray test
Correct Answer: Lachman test
Rationale: The Lachman test is used to assess anterior cruciate ligament integrity. The patient
lies supine with the knee flexed to 20 to 30 degrees, and the examiner stabilizes the femur while
pulling the tibia anteriorly. A positive test is indicated by excessive anterior translation with a soft
endpoint. The Phalen test is used for carpal tunnel syndrome. The drop arm test is used for rotator
cuff tears. The McMurray test is used for meniscal tears. Selecting the correct special test based on
the patient's presenting condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q9. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with a suspected rotator cuff tear. Which of the
following is the most appropriate special test?
A. Drop arm test
B. Phalen test
C. Tinel sign
D. Lachman test
Correct Answer: Drop arm test
