ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
*- Musculoskeletal System*
*- Neuromuscular System*
*- Cardiopulmonary System*
*- Other Body Systems*
*- Ethics and Professional Standards*
*- Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act*
*- Evidence-Based Practice and Research*
*- Patient Management and Clinical Decision-Making*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level physical therapy competence for licensure in Illinois.
The exam tests critical knowledge across multiple body systems, clinical reasoning, and professional
standards required for safe patient care. Questions include multiple-choice items and scenario-basedclinical
situations that emphasize real-world application of physical therapy principles. Candidates must
demonstrate ability to assess patients, develop treatment plans, recognize contraindications, and make
appropriate referrals. The assessment mirrors the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) content
structure used for Illinois licensure, with emphasis on practical decision-making in diverse clinical settings.
Success requires mastery of foundational theory, applied clinical knowledge, regulatory compliance, and
ethical professional practice.
SECTION ONE: Questions 1–100
,Question 1
A patient presents with shoulder pain and weakness after a fall. Active abduction is limited to 60 degrees, but
passive abduction reaches 120 degrees. Which condition is most likely?
A. Glenohumeral joint dislocation
B. Supraspinatus tendon tear
C. Rotator cuff impingement
D. Axillary nerve injury
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: A supraspinatus tendon tear causes significant weakness in active abduction with preserved
passive motion. The supraspinatus initiates abduction (0-15 degrees) and works with the deltoid for further
abduction. Dislocation would limit both active and passive motion, impingement typically preserves strength,
and axillary nerve injury affects deltoid function with different presentation.
Question 2
Which Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act provision prohibits dry needling for newly licensed therapists?
A. New therapists cannot perform dry needling for one year from initial licensure
B. Dry needling requires separate certification regardless of licensure date
C. New therapists must complete 20 hours of dry needling CE before practicing
D. Dry needling is prohibited entirely in Illinois
🟢 Correct answer: A
,🔴 RATIONALE: Illinois specifically mandates that a newly-licensed physical therapist shall not practice dry
needling for at least one year from the date of initial licensure. This is a state-specific regulation that differs
from other states. Options B, C, and D present incorrect requirements not found in the Illinois Practice Act.
Question 3
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with plantar foot ulcers. Which assessment is MOST critical for
preventing further ulceration?
A. Range of motion testing
B. Sensory examination for pressure points
C. Cardiac stress testing
D. Respiratory function evaluation
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Sensory examination for pressure points is critical in diabetic patients with foot ulcers
because peripheral neuropathy reduces protective sensation, leading to unrecognized pressure and tissue
damage. Early detection of sensory deficits guides preventive interventions like proper footwear and regular
foot care. ROM, cardiac, and respiratory assessments are less directly related to ulcer prevention.
Question 4
During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates excessive anterior pelvic tilt during the stance phase. Which muscle
group is MOST likely weak?
, A. Hip flexors
B. Hip extensors
C. Quadriceps
D. Ankle dorsiflexors
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Weak hip extensors (particularly gluteus maximus) fail to control anterior pelvic tilt during
stance phase. The hip extensors normally stabilize the pelvis and prevent excessive forward rotation. Strong hip
flexors would actually contribute to anterior tilt, quadriceps weakness affects knee stability, and ankle
dorsiflexor weakness causes foot drop.
Question 5
A patient receives physical therapy services without having signed an informed consent form. The therapist
discovers this during the third session. What is the appropriate ethical action?
A. Continue treatment and obtain consent at the next visit
B. Immediately stop treatment and obtain informed consent before continuing
C. Obtain verbal consent and document it
D. Ask the patient to sign consent retroactively
🟢 Correct answer: B
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
*- Musculoskeletal System*
*- Neuromuscular System*
*- Cardiopulmonary System*
*- Other Body Systems*
*- Ethics and Professional Standards*
*- Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act*
*- Evidence-Based Practice and Research*
*- Patient Management and Clinical Decision-Making*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates entry-level physical therapy competence for licensure in Illinois.
The exam tests critical knowledge across multiple body systems, clinical reasoning, and professional
standards required for safe patient care. Questions include multiple-choice items and scenario-basedclinical
situations that emphasize real-world application of physical therapy principles. Candidates must
demonstrate ability to assess patients, develop treatment plans, recognize contraindications, and make
appropriate referrals. The assessment mirrors the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) content
structure used for Illinois licensure, with emphasis on practical decision-making in diverse clinical settings.
Success requires mastery of foundational theory, applied clinical knowledge, regulatory compliance, and
ethical professional practice.
SECTION ONE: Questions 1–100
,Question 1
A patient presents with shoulder pain and weakness after a fall. Active abduction is limited to 60 degrees, but
passive abduction reaches 120 degrees. Which condition is most likely?
A. Glenohumeral joint dislocation
B. Supraspinatus tendon tear
C. Rotator cuff impingement
D. Axillary nerve injury
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: A supraspinatus tendon tear causes significant weakness in active abduction with preserved
passive motion. The supraspinatus initiates abduction (0-15 degrees) and works with the deltoid for further
abduction. Dislocation would limit both active and passive motion, impingement typically preserves strength,
and axillary nerve injury affects deltoid function with different presentation.
Question 2
Which Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act provision prohibits dry needling for newly licensed therapists?
A. New therapists cannot perform dry needling for one year from initial licensure
B. Dry needling requires separate certification regardless of licensure date
C. New therapists must complete 20 hours of dry needling CE before practicing
D. Dry needling is prohibited entirely in Illinois
🟢 Correct answer: A
,🔴 RATIONALE: Illinois specifically mandates that a newly-licensed physical therapist shall not practice dry
needling for at least one year from the date of initial licensure. This is a state-specific regulation that differs
from other states. Options B, C, and D present incorrect requirements not found in the Illinois Practice Act.
Question 3
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with plantar foot ulcers. Which assessment is MOST critical for
preventing further ulceration?
A. Range of motion testing
B. Sensory examination for pressure points
C. Cardiac stress testing
D. Respiratory function evaluation
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Sensory examination for pressure points is critical in diabetic patients with foot ulcers
because peripheral neuropathy reduces protective sensation, leading to unrecognized pressure and tissue
damage. Early detection of sensory deficits guides preventive interventions like proper footwear and regular
foot care. ROM, cardiac, and respiratory assessments are less directly related to ulcer prevention.
Question 4
During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates excessive anterior pelvic tilt during the stance phase. Which muscle
group is MOST likely weak?
, A. Hip flexors
B. Hip extensors
C. Quadriceps
D. Ankle dorsiflexors
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Weak hip extensors (particularly gluteus maximus) fail to control anterior pelvic tilt during
stance phase. The hip extensors normally stabilize the pelvis and prevent excessive forward rotation. Strong hip
flexors would actually contribute to anterior tilt, quadriceps weakness affects knee stability, and ankle
dorsiflexor weakness causes foot drop.
Question 5
A patient receives physical therapy services without having signed an informed consent form. The therapist
discovers this during the third session. What is the appropriate ethical action?
A. Continue treatment and obtain consent at the next visit
B. Immediately stop treatment and obtain informed consent before continuing
C. Obtain verbal consent and document it
D. Ask the patient to sign consent retroactively
🟢 Correct answer: B
