Colorado Physical Therapy NPTE
Practice Exam Questions with Verified
Answers & Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient post-total knee arthroplasty is most at risk for which
complication in the early postoperative phase?
A. Osteoporosis
B. Deep vein thrombosis
C. Scoliosis
D. Rotator cuff tear
Answer: B
Rationale: Post-surgical immobility increases venous stasis,
making deep vein thrombosis the most common early
complication after total knee arthroplasty.
2. Which muscle is the primary hip flexor?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Rectus femoris
C. Iliopsoas
D. Hamstrings
Answer: C
Rationale: The iliopsoas is the strongest and primary hip flexor
muscle group.
,3. A positive Lachman test indicates injury to which structure?
A. ACL
B. PCL
C. MCL
D. LCL
Answer: A
Rationale: The Lachman test is the most sensitive test for
anterior cruciate ligament integrity.
4. Which modality is most appropriate for acute inflammation within
48 hours of injury?
A. Ultrasound
B. Heat pack
C. Cryotherapy
D. Paraffin bath
Answer: C
Rationale: Cryotherapy reduces swelling, pain, and metabolic
demand in acute injury.
5. What is the normal resting heart rate range in adults?
A. 10–30 bpm
B. 40–60 bpm
C. 60–100 bpm
D. 100–140 bpm
Answer: C
Rationale: A normal adult resting heart rate is typically 60–100
beats per minute.
6. Foot drop is commonly associated with injury to which nerve?
A. Tibial nerve
, B. Femoral nerve
C. Sciatic nerve (common fibular branch)
D. Obturator nerve
Answer: C
Rationale: The common fibular division of the sciatic nerve
controls dorsiflexion via anterior compartment muscles.
7. Which condition is characterized by a shuffling gait and rigidity?
A. Multiple sclerosis
B. Parkinson disease
C. Cerebral palsy
D. Stroke
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson disease typically presents with
bradykinesia, rigidity, and shuffling gait.
8. Which intervention is best for improving balance in an elderly
patient?
A. Bed rest
B. Static stretching only
C. Tai chi exercises
D. Immobilization
Answer: C
Rationale: Tai chi improves balance, proprioception, and reduces
fall risk in older adults.
9. A patient with COPD should be taught which breathing technique?
A. Valsalva maneuver
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Apneustic breathing
Practice Exam Questions with Verified
Answers & Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient post-total knee arthroplasty is most at risk for which
complication in the early postoperative phase?
A. Osteoporosis
B. Deep vein thrombosis
C. Scoliosis
D. Rotator cuff tear
Answer: B
Rationale: Post-surgical immobility increases venous stasis,
making deep vein thrombosis the most common early
complication after total knee arthroplasty.
2. Which muscle is the primary hip flexor?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Rectus femoris
C. Iliopsoas
D. Hamstrings
Answer: C
Rationale: The iliopsoas is the strongest and primary hip flexor
muscle group.
,3. A positive Lachman test indicates injury to which structure?
A. ACL
B. PCL
C. MCL
D. LCL
Answer: A
Rationale: The Lachman test is the most sensitive test for
anterior cruciate ligament integrity.
4. Which modality is most appropriate for acute inflammation within
48 hours of injury?
A. Ultrasound
B. Heat pack
C. Cryotherapy
D. Paraffin bath
Answer: C
Rationale: Cryotherapy reduces swelling, pain, and metabolic
demand in acute injury.
5. What is the normal resting heart rate range in adults?
A. 10–30 bpm
B. 40–60 bpm
C. 60–100 bpm
D. 100–140 bpm
Answer: C
Rationale: A normal adult resting heart rate is typically 60–100
beats per minute.
6. Foot drop is commonly associated with injury to which nerve?
A. Tibial nerve
, B. Femoral nerve
C. Sciatic nerve (common fibular branch)
D. Obturator nerve
Answer: C
Rationale: The common fibular division of the sciatic nerve
controls dorsiflexion via anterior compartment muscles.
7. Which condition is characterized by a shuffling gait and rigidity?
A. Multiple sclerosis
B. Parkinson disease
C. Cerebral palsy
D. Stroke
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson disease typically presents with
bradykinesia, rigidity, and shuffling gait.
8. Which intervention is best for improving balance in an elderly
patient?
A. Bed rest
B. Static stretching only
C. Tai chi exercises
D. Immobilization
Answer: C
Rationale: Tai chi improves balance, proprioception, and reduces
fall risk in older adults.
9. A patient with COPD should be taught which breathing technique?
A. Valsalva maneuver
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Apneustic breathing
