OREGON PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSURE EXAM – QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Integumentary Physical Therapy
Foundational Sciences and Differential Diagnosis
Professional Responsibilities and Ethics
Oregon Jurisprudence and Regulatory Compliance
Patient Care Management and Documentation
Introduction
The Oregon Physical Therapist Licensure Examination assesses the competency of
candidates seeking to practice physical therapy within the state. This
comprehensive assessment evaluates foundational knowledge, clinical reasoning,
and the application of evidence-based interventions across diverse patient
populations. The examination utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions to simulate real-world clinical decision-making and professional
judgment. Emphasis is placed on safe practice, ethical standards, and adherence
to Oregon-specific regulatory requirements. Successful completion demonstrates
the candidate’s readiness to deliver high-quality, autonomous physical therapy
services and contribute effectively to the healthcare team.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
,1. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with a suspected rotator cuff
tear. Which special test is most appropriate for assessing the integrity of the
supraspinatus tendon?
A. Empty Can (Jobe) Test
B. Apprehension Test
C. Speed's Test
D. Yergason's Test
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Empty Can (Jobe) Test
🔴 Rationale: The Empty Can test is designed to isolate and assess the
supraspinatus muscle and tendon by resisting shoulder abduction with the arm
internally rotated and angled forward. The Apprehension test assesses anterior
instability, Speed's tests the biceps tendon, and Yergason's tests the biceps
tendon and transverse humeral ligament.
2. During a gait assessment, a physical therapist observes that a patient
exhibits excessive forward trunk lean during the stance phase of gait. This
deviation is most likely a compensation for:
A. Weak hip abductors
B. Limited ankle dorsiflexion
C. Weak knee extensors
D. Impaired proprioception
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Weak knee extensors
🔴 Rationale: Forward trunk lean during stance is a classic compensatory
strategy to position the center of gravity anterior to the knee joint, creating an
external extension moment that reduces the demand on the quadriceps. This
helps maintain knee stability when the knee extensors are weak. Weak hip
abductors cause a Trendelenburg sign, limited dorsiflexion causes early heel
rise or toe-out, and impaired proprioception causes ataxic gait patterns.
,3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is performing
pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary physiological benefit of this
technique?
A. Increases respiratory rate
B. Prevents airway collapse during exhalation
C. Decreases functional residual capacity
D. Strengthens the diaphragm
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Prevents airway collapse during exhalation
🔴 Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates positive end-expiratory pressure,
which helps keep small airways open during exhalation, preventing dynamic
airway collapse and reducing air trapping. It does not increase respiratory rate
or strengthen the diaphragm, and it actually helps reduce functional residual
capacity by promoting more complete exhalation.
4. A physical therapist is treating a patient with a Stage II pressure ulcer on
the sacrum. Which intervention is contraindicated?
A. Position changes every two hours
B. Application of a hydrocolloid dressing
C. Direct massage over the ulcer
D. Use of a pressure-redistributing mattress
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Direct massage over the ulcer
🔴 Rationale: Direct massage over a Stage II pressure ulcer is contraindicated
because it can cause further tissue damage and delay healing. Position
changes, appropriate dressings, and pressure-redistributing surfaces are all
appropriate interventions for pressure ulcer management.
5. According to the APTA Code of Ethics, a physical therapist who suspects a
colleague is practicing while impaired should first:
, A. Report the colleague to the state licensing board
B. Confront the colleague in front of other staff members
C. Consult with the colleague privately and encourage self-reporting
D. Ignore the situation to avoid professional conflict
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Consult with the colleague privately and encourage self-
reporting
🔴 Rationale: The APTA Code of Ethics encourages physical therapists to
address suspected impairment through appropriate channels, beginning with a
private consultation and encouraging the colleague to seek assistance and
self-report. Immediate board reporting may be necessary if the colleague
refuses to seek help or poses an immediate danger to patients.
6. A physical therapist is examining a patient with suspected carpal tunnel
syndrome. Which finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Positive Tinel's sign at the elbow
B. Decreased sensation in the little finger
C. Weakness in thumb abduction
D. Pain with resisted wrist extension
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Weakness in thumb abduction
🔴 Rationale: Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median
nerve, which innervates the abductor pollicis brevis. Weakness in thumb
abduction is a hallmark motor finding. Tinel's sign at the elbow and decreased
sensation in the little finger suggest ulnar nerve involvement, and pain with
resisted wrist extension suggests lateral epicondylitis.
7. When performing a manual muscle test of the hip flexors, the patient is
positioned in sitting with the hip flexed to 90 degrees. This position primarily
isolates the:
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Integumentary Physical Therapy
Foundational Sciences and Differential Diagnosis
Professional Responsibilities and Ethics
Oregon Jurisprudence and Regulatory Compliance
Patient Care Management and Documentation
Introduction
The Oregon Physical Therapist Licensure Examination assesses the competency of
candidates seeking to practice physical therapy within the state. This
comprehensive assessment evaluates foundational knowledge, clinical reasoning,
and the application of evidence-based interventions across diverse patient
populations. The examination utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions to simulate real-world clinical decision-making and professional
judgment. Emphasis is placed on safe practice, ethical standards, and adherence
to Oregon-specific regulatory requirements. Successful completion demonstrates
the candidate’s readiness to deliver high-quality, autonomous physical therapy
services and contribute effectively to the healthcare team.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
,1. A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with a suspected rotator cuff
tear. Which special test is most appropriate for assessing the integrity of the
supraspinatus tendon?
A. Empty Can (Jobe) Test
B. Apprehension Test
C. Speed's Test
D. Yergason's Test
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Empty Can (Jobe) Test
🔴 Rationale: The Empty Can test is designed to isolate and assess the
supraspinatus muscle and tendon by resisting shoulder abduction with the arm
internally rotated and angled forward. The Apprehension test assesses anterior
instability, Speed's tests the biceps tendon, and Yergason's tests the biceps
tendon and transverse humeral ligament.
2. During a gait assessment, a physical therapist observes that a patient
exhibits excessive forward trunk lean during the stance phase of gait. This
deviation is most likely a compensation for:
A. Weak hip abductors
B. Limited ankle dorsiflexion
C. Weak knee extensors
D. Impaired proprioception
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Weak knee extensors
🔴 Rationale: Forward trunk lean during stance is a classic compensatory
strategy to position the center of gravity anterior to the knee joint, creating an
external extension moment that reduces the demand on the quadriceps. This
helps maintain knee stability when the knee extensors are weak. Weak hip
abductors cause a Trendelenburg sign, limited dorsiflexion causes early heel
rise or toe-out, and impaired proprioception causes ataxic gait patterns.
,3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is performing
pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary physiological benefit of this
technique?
A. Increases respiratory rate
B. Prevents airway collapse during exhalation
C. Decreases functional residual capacity
D. Strengthens the diaphragm
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Prevents airway collapse during exhalation
🔴 Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates positive end-expiratory pressure,
which helps keep small airways open during exhalation, preventing dynamic
airway collapse and reducing air trapping. It does not increase respiratory rate
or strengthen the diaphragm, and it actually helps reduce functional residual
capacity by promoting more complete exhalation.
4. A physical therapist is treating a patient with a Stage II pressure ulcer on
the sacrum. Which intervention is contraindicated?
A. Position changes every two hours
B. Application of a hydrocolloid dressing
C. Direct massage over the ulcer
D. Use of a pressure-redistributing mattress
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Direct massage over the ulcer
🔴 Rationale: Direct massage over a Stage II pressure ulcer is contraindicated
because it can cause further tissue damage and delay healing. Position
changes, appropriate dressings, and pressure-redistributing surfaces are all
appropriate interventions for pressure ulcer management.
5. According to the APTA Code of Ethics, a physical therapist who suspects a
colleague is practicing while impaired should first:
, A. Report the colleague to the state licensing board
B. Confront the colleague in front of other staff members
C. Consult with the colleague privately and encourage self-reporting
D. Ignore the situation to avoid professional conflict
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Consult with the colleague privately and encourage self-
reporting
🔴 Rationale: The APTA Code of Ethics encourages physical therapists to
address suspected impairment through appropriate channels, beginning with a
private consultation and encouraging the colleague to seek assistance and
self-report. Immediate board reporting may be necessary if the colleague
refuses to seek help or poses an immediate danger to patients.
6. A physical therapist is examining a patient with suspected carpal tunnel
syndrome. Which finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Positive Tinel's sign at the elbow
B. Decreased sensation in the little finger
C. Weakness in thumb abduction
D. Pain with resisted wrist extension
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Weakness in thumb abduction
🔴 Rationale: Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median
nerve, which innervates the abductor pollicis brevis. Weakness in thumb
abduction is a hallmark motor finding. Tinel's sign at the elbow and decreased
sensation in the little finger suggest ulnar nerve involvement, and pain with
resisted wrist extension suggests lateral epicondylitis.
7. When performing a manual muscle test of the hip flexors, the patient is
positioned in sitting with the hip flexed to 90 degrees. This position primarily
isolates the:
