NPTE FSBPT Exam Prep with
Complete Solutions
A 60-year-old patient is in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation 2 weeks post myocardial
infarction. After the patient exercises for 15 minutes on a stationary bicycle, vital signs
are remeasured. The results are shown in the table. Which of the following changes is
MOST appropriate?
1.Increase the duration of the exercise.
2.Decrease the intensity of the exercise.
3.Switch to bilateral upper extremity aerobic exercise.
4.Add static upper extremity weight-bearing to bicycling. - ANSWER-2.Decrease the
intensity of the exercise.
BP at rest 130/80, HR 90
BP after 15 min exer, 140/100 HR 130
The abnormal exercise heart rate rise of greater than 30 bpm and abnormal rise in
diastolic blood pressure, warrant decreasing exercise intensity
A 7-year-old child has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Which of the following
interventions is MOST appropriate for the physical therapist assistant to implement
without consulting the physical therapist?
1.Change the focus of mobility training from gait to wheelchair propulsion.
2.Switch to a different neuromuscular technique to stretch the hamstrings.
3.Add a hot pack treatment prior to passive range of motion activities.
4.Discontinue strengthening exercises due to increasing weakness. - ANSWER-
2.Switch to a different neuromuscular technique to stretch the hamstrings.
A patient arrives to physical therapy with contusions to the eye, thorax, and forearm.
The patient is frequently late to appointments and the patient's caregiver frequently
cancels appointments. Which of the following actions is MOST appropriate for the
physical therapist assistant?
1.Ask what the patient could have done to diffuse the situation, and discuss options
available.
2.Ask if someone has been hurting the patient, and report the findings according to the
particular laws of the state.
3.Ask if someone has been hurting the patient, but do not document reports in the
patient's medical record in order to maintain confidentiality.
4.Ask if the patient fell down, and discuss findings with the family members involved
with the patient's care. - ANSWER-2.Ask if someone has been hurting the patient, and
report the findings according to the particular laws of the state.
,A patient comes to the clinic over an hour late. The physical therapist assistant's
schedule is full, but the patient requests that Worker's Compensation be billed, since
missing a session could result in a loss of benefits. The assistant should:
1.document the missed appointment time and issue no charge for the missed session.
2.ask the patient if there are questions about exercises and charge for the session.
3.charge for talking with the patient and for the missed session.
4.have the physical therapy aide supervise the patient's treatment, then charge for the
session. - ANSWER-1.document the missed appointment time and issue no charge for
the missed session.
A patient correctly demonstrated home exercises to strengthen quadriceps and hip
flexors. This data should be included in which section of the documentation?
1.Subjective
2.Objective
3.Assessment
4.Plan - ANSWER-2.Objective
1. The subjective section includes information provided by the patient.
2. The objective section provides objectively measurable information and observations.
If the patient can demonstrate exercises properly, this is an observation and should be
documented in this section.
3. The assessment section is used to provide the examiner's interpretation of the
patient's condition.
4. The plan section includes the proposed plan of care and the intended interventions.
A patient had a total knee arthroplasty. A decrease in which of the following is an
abnormal response to the use of a continuous passive motion device?
1.Pain
2.Joint stiffness
3.Edema
4.Joint proprioception - ANSWER-4.Joint proprioception
4. Continuous passive motion does not result in a decrease in proprioception. It
provides stimulation to the tendons and ligaments.
A patient has akinesia. Which of the following gait dysfunctions is MOST likely to be
present?
1.Decreased step length
2.Increased base of support
3.Difficulty attempting to stop
4.Sudden cessation of movement - ANSWER-4.Sudden cessation of movement
sudden cessation: unexpected stop or freezing.
1. Patients who have Parkinson disease demonstrate festinating gait, which includes a
decreased step length, but this is not a manifestation of akinesia.
,2. Patients who have Parkinson disease demonstrate a narrow base of support, but this
is not a manifestation of akinesia.
3. Patients who have Parkinson disease demonstrate festination, which includes
difficulty attempting to stop when walking. The stride becomes smaller, but more rapid,
instead of stopping, the individual increases speed, but this is not a manifestation of
akinesia.
4. Akinesia is a disorder of movement initiation that occurs in patients who have
Parkinson disease and manifests as a paucity of natural and automatic movements.
Gait akinesia is the sudden cessation of movement in the middle of an action sequence,
as if the foot is stuck to the floor.
A patient has been experiencing postural hypotension when moving from supine to
sitting position. To reduce the risk of hypotension, which of the following actions should
be implemented prior to treatment?
1.Elevate the head of the bed.
2.Place the bed in the Trendelenburg position.
3.Remove the patient's compression stockings.
4.Encourage the patient to limit consumption of salt. - ANSWER-1.Elevate the head of
the bed.
Elevating the head of the bed assists in venous return and decreases the risk of
hypotension
A patient has difficulty maintaining quiet standing balance and demonstrates a loss of
balance during small perturbations in a forward direction. Which of the following
muscles should be strengthened?
1.Quadriceps
2.Tibialis anterior
3.Abdominals
4.Gastrocnemius - ANSWER-4.Gastrocnemius
For small perturbations in an anterior direction, muscle activation begins in the
gastrocnemius, followed by the hamstrings, and finally by the paraspinal muscles.
Therefore, the gastrocnemius should be strengthened.
A patient has limited elbow extension. Which of the following options BEST describes
the active inhibition technique that is appropriate for the patient?
1.With the elbow extended, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow
flexion.
2.With the elbow extended, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow
extension.
3.With the elbow flexed, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow flexion.
4.With the elbow flexed, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow
extension. - ANSWER-2.With the elbow extended, contract-relax the tight muscle and
stretch into elbow extension.
, A patient has lymphedema in one upper extremity. Which order of exercises is MOST
appropriate to promote lymphatic flow?
1.Finger flexion, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, scapular retraction
2.Finger flexion, elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, scapular retraction
3.Scapular retraction, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, finger flexion
4.Scapular retraction, elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, finger flexion - ANSWER-
3.Scapular retraction, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, finger flexion
The order of muscle contraction for a patient who has lymphedema should be proximal
to distal to enhance lymphatic flow.
An exercise program for individuals who have lymphedema must follow basic guidelines
for exercise. Trunk muscles are exercised first, followed by limb girdle muscles, working
proximally to distally on the limb.
A patient has lymphedema that feels hard with palpation and involves progressive,
fibrotic changes in subcutaneous tissues. Which of the following terms BEST describes
the patient's condition?
1.Weeping edema
2.Pitting edema
3.Brawny edema
4.Dependent edema - ANSWER-3.Brawny edema
1. Weeping edema represents the most severe and enduring form of lymphedema.
Fluids leak from cuts or sores in the skin.
2. Rather than feeling hard, pitting edema will yield to pressure from the fingertips,
causing an indention of the skin that persists for several seconds after pressure is
removed.
3. Brawny edema feels hard with palpation and reflects a more severe form of swelling
with progressive, fibrotic changes in subcutaneous tissues.
4. The term dependent edema is used to refer to edema that results from being in a
dependent position.
A patient has sustained damage to the left primary motor cortex. Which of the following
intervention strategies is MOST likely to be used for the patient?
1.Activities to reduce tremor in the right lower extremity
2.Activities to facilitate coordination of rapid alternating movements of the left upper
extremity
3.Gait training to promote right lower extremity mobility
4.Facilitation of weight-bearing through the left upper extremity - ANSWER-3.Gait
training to promote right lower extremity mobility
1. Tremors are associated with cerebellar and basal ganglia lesions, not primary motor
cortex lesions (pp. 193-195).
2. Rapid alternating movements would facilitate coordination issues that are noted with
cerebellar injury. The cerebellum is not injured in this scenario. (p. 194)
Complete Solutions
A 60-year-old patient is in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation 2 weeks post myocardial
infarction. After the patient exercises for 15 minutes on a stationary bicycle, vital signs
are remeasured. The results are shown in the table. Which of the following changes is
MOST appropriate?
1.Increase the duration of the exercise.
2.Decrease the intensity of the exercise.
3.Switch to bilateral upper extremity aerobic exercise.
4.Add static upper extremity weight-bearing to bicycling. - ANSWER-2.Decrease the
intensity of the exercise.
BP at rest 130/80, HR 90
BP after 15 min exer, 140/100 HR 130
The abnormal exercise heart rate rise of greater than 30 bpm and abnormal rise in
diastolic blood pressure, warrant decreasing exercise intensity
A 7-year-old child has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Which of the following
interventions is MOST appropriate for the physical therapist assistant to implement
without consulting the physical therapist?
1.Change the focus of mobility training from gait to wheelchair propulsion.
2.Switch to a different neuromuscular technique to stretch the hamstrings.
3.Add a hot pack treatment prior to passive range of motion activities.
4.Discontinue strengthening exercises due to increasing weakness. - ANSWER-
2.Switch to a different neuromuscular technique to stretch the hamstrings.
A patient arrives to physical therapy with contusions to the eye, thorax, and forearm.
The patient is frequently late to appointments and the patient's caregiver frequently
cancels appointments. Which of the following actions is MOST appropriate for the
physical therapist assistant?
1.Ask what the patient could have done to diffuse the situation, and discuss options
available.
2.Ask if someone has been hurting the patient, and report the findings according to the
particular laws of the state.
3.Ask if someone has been hurting the patient, but do not document reports in the
patient's medical record in order to maintain confidentiality.
4.Ask if the patient fell down, and discuss findings with the family members involved
with the patient's care. - ANSWER-2.Ask if someone has been hurting the patient, and
report the findings according to the particular laws of the state.
,A patient comes to the clinic over an hour late. The physical therapist assistant's
schedule is full, but the patient requests that Worker's Compensation be billed, since
missing a session could result in a loss of benefits. The assistant should:
1.document the missed appointment time and issue no charge for the missed session.
2.ask the patient if there are questions about exercises and charge for the session.
3.charge for talking with the patient and for the missed session.
4.have the physical therapy aide supervise the patient's treatment, then charge for the
session. - ANSWER-1.document the missed appointment time and issue no charge for
the missed session.
A patient correctly demonstrated home exercises to strengthen quadriceps and hip
flexors. This data should be included in which section of the documentation?
1.Subjective
2.Objective
3.Assessment
4.Plan - ANSWER-2.Objective
1. The subjective section includes information provided by the patient.
2. The objective section provides objectively measurable information and observations.
If the patient can demonstrate exercises properly, this is an observation and should be
documented in this section.
3. The assessment section is used to provide the examiner's interpretation of the
patient's condition.
4. The plan section includes the proposed plan of care and the intended interventions.
A patient had a total knee arthroplasty. A decrease in which of the following is an
abnormal response to the use of a continuous passive motion device?
1.Pain
2.Joint stiffness
3.Edema
4.Joint proprioception - ANSWER-4.Joint proprioception
4. Continuous passive motion does not result in a decrease in proprioception. It
provides stimulation to the tendons and ligaments.
A patient has akinesia. Which of the following gait dysfunctions is MOST likely to be
present?
1.Decreased step length
2.Increased base of support
3.Difficulty attempting to stop
4.Sudden cessation of movement - ANSWER-4.Sudden cessation of movement
sudden cessation: unexpected stop or freezing.
1. Patients who have Parkinson disease demonstrate festinating gait, which includes a
decreased step length, but this is not a manifestation of akinesia.
,2. Patients who have Parkinson disease demonstrate a narrow base of support, but this
is not a manifestation of akinesia.
3. Patients who have Parkinson disease demonstrate festination, which includes
difficulty attempting to stop when walking. The stride becomes smaller, but more rapid,
instead of stopping, the individual increases speed, but this is not a manifestation of
akinesia.
4. Akinesia is a disorder of movement initiation that occurs in patients who have
Parkinson disease and manifests as a paucity of natural and automatic movements.
Gait akinesia is the sudden cessation of movement in the middle of an action sequence,
as if the foot is stuck to the floor.
A patient has been experiencing postural hypotension when moving from supine to
sitting position. To reduce the risk of hypotension, which of the following actions should
be implemented prior to treatment?
1.Elevate the head of the bed.
2.Place the bed in the Trendelenburg position.
3.Remove the patient's compression stockings.
4.Encourage the patient to limit consumption of salt. - ANSWER-1.Elevate the head of
the bed.
Elevating the head of the bed assists in venous return and decreases the risk of
hypotension
A patient has difficulty maintaining quiet standing balance and demonstrates a loss of
balance during small perturbations in a forward direction. Which of the following
muscles should be strengthened?
1.Quadriceps
2.Tibialis anterior
3.Abdominals
4.Gastrocnemius - ANSWER-4.Gastrocnemius
For small perturbations in an anterior direction, muscle activation begins in the
gastrocnemius, followed by the hamstrings, and finally by the paraspinal muscles.
Therefore, the gastrocnemius should be strengthened.
A patient has limited elbow extension. Which of the following options BEST describes
the active inhibition technique that is appropriate for the patient?
1.With the elbow extended, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow
flexion.
2.With the elbow extended, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow
extension.
3.With the elbow flexed, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow flexion.
4.With the elbow flexed, contract-relax the tight muscle and stretch into elbow
extension. - ANSWER-2.With the elbow extended, contract-relax the tight muscle and
stretch into elbow extension.
, A patient has lymphedema in one upper extremity. Which order of exercises is MOST
appropriate to promote lymphatic flow?
1.Finger flexion, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, scapular retraction
2.Finger flexion, elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, scapular retraction
3.Scapular retraction, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, finger flexion
4.Scapular retraction, elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, finger flexion - ANSWER-
3.Scapular retraction, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, finger flexion
The order of muscle contraction for a patient who has lymphedema should be proximal
to distal to enhance lymphatic flow.
An exercise program for individuals who have lymphedema must follow basic guidelines
for exercise. Trunk muscles are exercised first, followed by limb girdle muscles, working
proximally to distally on the limb.
A patient has lymphedema that feels hard with palpation and involves progressive,
fibrotic changes in subcutaneous tissues. Which of the following terms BEST describes
the patient's condition?
1.Weeping edema
2.Pitting edema
3.Brawny edema
4.Dependent edema - ANSWER-3.Brawny edema
1. Weeping edema represents the most severe and enduring form of lymphedema.
Fluids leak from cuts or sores in the skin.
2. Rather than feeling hard, pitting edema will yield to pressure from the fingertips,
causing an indention of the skin that persists for several seconds after pressure is
removed.
3. Brawny edema feels hard with palpation and reflects a more severe form of swelling
with progressive, fibrotic changes in subcutaneous tissues.
4. The term dependent edema is used to refer to edema that results from being in a
dependent position.
A patient has sustained damage to the left primary motor cortex. Which of the following
intervention strategies is MOST likely to be used for the patient?
1.Activities to reduce tremor in the right lower extremity
2.Activities to facilitate coordination of rapid alternating movements of the left upper
extremity
3.Gait training to promote right lower extremity mobility
4.Facilitation of weight-bearing through the left upper extremity - ANSWER-3.Gait
training to promote right lower extremity mobility
1. Tremors are associated with cerebellar and basal ganglia lesions, not primary motor
cortex lesions (pp. 193-195).
2. Rapid alternating movements would facilitate coordination issues that are noted with
cerebellar injury. The cerebellum is not injured in this scenario. (p. 194)
