ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Musculoskeletal System Examination, Evaluation & Intervention
*- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems Assessment & Treatment*
*- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems Physical Therapy*
*- Integumentary, Metabolic, Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary Systems*
*- Lymphatic System & System Interactions*
*- Equipment, Devices & Therapeutic Modalities*
*- Safety, Protection & Emergency Preparedness*
*- Professional Responsibilities, Ethics & Illinois Physical Therapy Act*
*- Research Methodology & Evidence-Based Practice*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level physical therapist competency for licensure. The exam
measures essential knowledge and clinical decision-making skills required for safe, effective patient care
across diverse settings. Questions assess examination techniques, differential diagnosis, prognosis
determination, and intervention selection grounded in current evidence-based practice. The multiple-choice
and scenario-based format emphasizes real-world clinical application, critical thinking, and professional
judgment. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of body system pathophysiology, therapeutic modalities,
assistive devices, infection control, patient rights, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance including
Illinois Physical Therapy Act requirements. Success requires integrating anatomical knowledge, kinesiology,
pharmacology considerations, and motor control principles to develop appropriate plans of care.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with chronic low back pain presents with increased lumbar lordosis and tight hip flexors. Which
muscle group should be prioritized in strengthening exercises?
A. Hip extensors and abdominal muscles
B. Hip flexors and erector spinae
C. Quadriceps and gastrocnemius
D. Hamstrings and gluteus maximus only
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Increased lumbar lordosis with tight hip flexors indicates lower crossed syndrome.
Strengthening hip extensors (gluteus maximus) and abdominal muscles counteracts the anterior pelvic tilt and
reduces excessive lumbar curvature.
Question 2
According to the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, which entity is responsible for licensing physical therapists in
Illinois?
A. Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
B. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
C. Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
D. Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: The IDFPR administers the Illinois Physical Therapy Act and oversees PT licensure,
enforcement, and continuing education requirements in Illinois. FSBPT administers the NPTE exam but does
not issue state licenses.
Question 3
A patient 3 days post-myocardial infarction is beginning cardiac rehabilitation. What is the MOST appropriate
initial heart rate limitation for exercise?
A. 20 beats per minute above resting heart rate
B. 30 beats per minute above resting heart rate
C. 40 beats per minute above resting heart rate
D. No heart rate limitation if patient is asymptomatic
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Early cardiac rehabilitation (Phase I, days 1-5 post-MI) requires conservative intensity limits.
Exercise should not exceed 20 bpm above resting heart rate to minimize myocardial oxygen demand and
prevent complications.
Question 4
Which wound healing phase is characterized by collagen deposition and increased tensile strength?
A. Hemostasis phase
B. Inflammatory phase
C. Proliferative phase
D. Remodeling phase
, 🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The proliferative phase (days 4-21) involves fibroblast activity, collagen deposition,
angiogenesis, and wound contraction. Tensile strength begins increasing during this phase.
Question 5
A patient with Parkinson disease demonstrates bradykinesia, resting tremor, and rigidity. Which intervention
strategy BEST addresses motor learning in this population?
A. External cueing with rhythmic auditory stimulation
B. Passive range of motion exercises only
C. High-intensity resistive training without scaling
D. Cognitive dual-task training from the first session
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: External cueing (visual, auditory, tactile) compensates for impaired internal motor program
generation in Parkinson disease. Rhythmic auditory stimulation improves gait velocity and stride length.
Question 6
What is the primary contraindication for using heat therapy?
A. Chronic muscle spasm
B. Acute inflammation (first 48-72 hours)
C. Osteoarthritis
D. Joint stiffness
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Musculoskeletal System Examination, Evaluation & Intervention
*- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems Assessment & Treatment*
*- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Systems Physical Therapy*
*- Integumentary, Metabolic, Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary Systems*
*- Lymphatic System & System Interactions*
*- Equipment, Devices & Therapeutic Modalities*
*- Safety, Protection & Emergency Preparedness*
*- Professional Responsibilities, Ethics & Illinois Physical Therapy Act*
*- Research Methodology & Evidence-Based Practice*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level physical therapist competency for licensure. The exam
measures essential knowledge and clinical decision-making skills required for safe, effective patient care
across diverse settings. Questions assess examination techniques, differential diagnosis, prognosis
determination, and intervention selection grounded in current evidence-based practice. The multiple-choice
and scenario-based format emphasizes real-world clinical application, critical thinking, and professional
judgment. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of body system pathophysiology, therapeutic modalities,
assistive devices, infection control, patient rights, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance including
Illinois Physical Therapy Act requirements. Success requires integrating anatomical knowledge, kinesiology,
pharmacology considerations, and motor control principles to develop appropriate plans of care.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with chronic low back pain presents with increased lumbar lordosis and tight hip flexors. Which
muscle group should be prioritized in strengthening exercises?
A. Hip extensors and abdominal muscles
B. Hip flexors and erector spinae
C. Quadriceps and gastrocnemius
D. Hamstrings and gluteus maximus only
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Increased lumbar lordosis with tight hip flexors indicates lower crossed syndrome.
Strengthening hip extensors (gluteus maximus) and abdominal muscles counteracts the anterior pelvic tilt and
reduces excessive lumbar curvature.
Question 2
According to the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, which entity is responsible for licensing physical therapists in
Illinois?
A. Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
B. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
C. Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
D. Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: The IDFPR administers the Illinois Physical Therapy Act and oversees PT licensure,
enforcement, and continuing education requirements in Illinois. FSBPT administers the NPTE exam but does
not issue state licenses.
Question 3
A patient 3 days post-myocardial infarction is beginning cardiac rehabilitation. What is the MOST appropriate
initial heart rate limitation for exercise?
A. 20 beats per minute above resting heart rate
B. 30 beats per minute above resting heart rate
C. 40 beats per minute above resting heart rate
D. No heart rate limitation if patient is asymptomatic
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Early cardiac rehabilitation (Phase I, days 1-5 post-MI) requires conservative intensity limits.
Exercise should not exceed 20 bpm above resting heart rate to minimize myocardial oxygen demand and
prevent complications.
Question 4
Which wound healing phase is characterized by collagen deposition and increased tensile strength?
A. Hemostasis phase
B. Inflammatory phase
C. Proliferative phase
D. Remodeling phase
, 🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The proliferative phase (days 4-21) involves fibroblast activity, collagen deposition,
angiogenesis, and wound contraction. Tensile strength begins increasing during this phase.
Question 5
A patient with Parkinson disease demonstrates bradykinesia, resting tremor, and rigidity. Which intervention
strategy BEST addresses motor learning in this population?
A. External cueing with rhythmic auditory stimulation
B. Passive range of motion exercises only
C. High-intensity resistive training without scaling
D. Cognitive dual-task training from the first session
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: External cueing (visual, auditory, tactile) compensates for impaired internal motor program
generation in Parkinson disease. Rhythmic auditory stimulation improves gait velocity and stride length.
Question 6
What is the primary contraindication for using heat therapy?
A. Chronic muscle spasm
B. Acute inflammation (first 48-72 hours)
C. Osteoarthritis
D. Joint stiffness
