NPTE-PTA Comprehensive Exam 2026/2027 | 300 Practice
Questions & Answers | Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular,
Cardiopulmonary & Therapeutic
1. A patient with a complete C6 spinal cord injury is most likely to
have which preserved motor function?
A. Elbow extension
B. Wrist extension
C. Finger abduction
D. Trunk flexion
Answer: B. Wrist extension is primarily associated with the C6
level.
2. Which gait pattern is appropriate for a patient who is non-weight-
bearing on one lower extremity?
A. Two-point
B. Four-point
C. Three-point
D. Reciprocal
Answer: C. A three-point gait allows the involved limb to remain
non-weight-bearing while the assistive device and uninvolved limb
provide support.
3. Which muscle initiates shoulder abduction?
A. Supraspinatus
B. Teres major
C. Subscapularis
D. Pectoralis major
Answer: A. The supraspinatus initiates the first portion of
, shoulder abduction before the deltoid becomes the primary
mover.
4. Which breathing technique is commonly taught to patients with
COPD?
A. Breath holding
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Rapid shallow breathing
D. Valsalva maneuver
Answer: B. Pursed-lip breathing prolongs expiration and helps
reduce airway collapse and air trapping.
5. Which finding is most suspicious for DVT?
A. Bilateral ankle stiffness
B. Unilateral calf swelling and warmth
C. Bilateral muscle soreness
D. Chronic painless edema
Answer: B. New unilateral swelling, warmth, and calf pain can
indicate DVT and require medical evaluation.
6. Which ligament primarily prevents anterior translation of the
tibia?
A. PCL
B. MCL
C. ACL
D. LCL
Answer: C. The ACL is the primary restraint against anterior tibial
translation.
7. A contraction in which muscle tension develops without
appreciable joint movement is:
, A. Concentric
B. Eccentric
C. Isometric
D. Isokinetic
Answer: C. Isometric contraction produces force without
significant change in muscle length.
8. A patient with right knee pain should normally hold a cane in
which hand?
A. Right
B. Left
C. Either hand
D. Both hands
Answer: B. A cane is normally held contralateral to the involved
lower extremity to improve support and reduce joint loading.
9. Which symptom during exercise requires immediate cessation and
assessment?
A. Mild sweating
B. Slightly increased breathing
C. New chest pressure
D. Mild flushing
Answer: C. New chest pressure may indicate myocardial ischemia.
10. Which modality is primarily used for sensory pain
modulation?
A. TENS
B. NMES
C. Iontophoresis
D. Russian stimulation
, Answer: A. TENS stimulates sensory nerves and is commonly used
for pain management.
11. A common posterior total hip precaution is avoiding:
A. Ankle pumps
B. Quadriceps sets
C. Hip flexion beyond 90 degrees
D. Gentle knee flexion
Answer: C. Excessive hip flexion is commonly restricted after
posterior hip arthroplasty.
12. Which finding is characteristic of an upper motor neuron
lesion?
A. Flaccidity
B. Fasciculations
C. Spasticity
D. Severe muscle atrophy
Answer: C. UMN lesions commonly produce increased tone,
spasticity, and hyperreflexia.
13. Which test evaluates functional mobility and is commonly
used for fall-risk screening?
A. TUG
B. MMT
C. Goniometry
D. Ashworth Scale
Answer: A. The Timed Up and Go assesses standing, walking,
turning, and sitting.
14. Which intervention can help a patient with Parkinson
disease overcome freezing?
Questions & Answers | Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular,
Cardiopulmonary & Therapeutic
1. A patient with a complete C6 spinal cord injury is most likely to
have which preserved motor function?
A. Elbow extension
B. Wrist extension
C. Finger abduction
D. Trunk flexion
Answer: B. Wrist extension is primarily associated with the C6
level.
2. Which gait pattern is appropriate for a patient who is non-weight-
bearing on one lower extremity?
A. Two-point
B. Four-point
C. Three-point
D. Reciprocal
Answer: C. A three-point gait allows the involved limb to remain
non-weight-bearing while the assistive device and uninvolved limb
provide support.
3. Which muscle initiates shoulder abduction?
A. Supraspinatus
B. Teres major
C. Subscapularis
D. Pectoralis major
Answer: A. The supraspinatus initiates the first portion of
, shoulder abduction before the deltoid becomes the primary
mover.
4. Which breathing technique is commonly taught to patients with
COPD?
A. Breath holding
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Rapid shallow breathing
D. Valsalva maneuver
Answer: B. Pursed-lip breathing prolongs expiration and helps
reduce airway collapse and air trapping.
5. Which finding is most suspicious for DVT?
A. Bilateral ankle stiffness
B. Unilateral calf swelling and warmth
C. Bilateral muscle soreness
D. Chronic painless edema
Answer: B. New unilateral swelling, warmth, and calf pain can
indicate DVT and require medical evaluation.
6. Which ligament primarily prevents anterior translation of the
tibia?
A. PCL
B. MCL
C. ACL
D. LCL
Answer: C. The ACL is the primary restraint against anterior tibial
translation.
7. A contraction in which muscle tension develops without
appreciable joint movement is:
, A. Concentric
B. Eccentric
C. Isometric
D. Isokinetic
Answer: C. Isometric contraction produces force without
significant change in muscle length.
8. A patient with right knee pain should normally hold a cane in
which hand?
A. Right
B. Left
C. Either hand
D. Both hands
Answer: B. A cane is normally held contralateral to the involved
lower extremity to improve support and reduce joint loading.
9. Which symptom during exercise requires immediate cessation and
assessment?
A. Mild sweating
B. Slightly increased breathing
C. New chest pressure
D. Mild flushing
Answer: C. New chest pressure may indicate myocardial ischemia.
10. Which modality is primarily used for sensory pain
modulation?
A. TENS
B. NMES
C. Iontophoresis
D. Russian stimulation
, Answer: A. TENS stimulates sensory nerves and is commonly used
for pain management.
11. A common posterior total hip precaution is avoiding:
A. Ankle pumps
B. Quadriceps sets
C. Hip flexion beyond 90 degrees
D. Gentle knee flexion
Answer: C. Excessive hip flexion is commonly restricted after
posterior hip arthroplasty.
12. Which finding is characteristic of an upper motor neuron
lesion?
A. Flaccidity
B. Fasciculations
C. Spasticity
D. Severe muscle atrophy
Answer: C. UMN lesions commonly produce increased tone,
spasticity, and hyperreflexia.
13. Which test evaluates functional mobility and is commonly
used for fall-risk screening?
A. TUG
B. MMT
C. Goniometry
D. Ashworth Scale
Answer: A. The Timed Up and Go assesses standing, walking,
turning, and sitting.
14. Which intervention can help a patient with Parkinson
disease overcome freezing?
