ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT EXAM PRACTICE TEST 100 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE|
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,*
*
Core Domains
*
- Musculoskeletal System and Orthopedic Rehabilitation
*- Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems Rehabilitation*
*- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems*
*- Integumentary System and Wound Management*
*- Data Collection and Evaluation Procedures*
*- Therapeutic Interventions and Modalities*
*- Equipment, Devices, and Technologies*
*- Safety, Protection, and Professional Responsibilities*
*- Ethics and Legal Compliance in Physical Therapy*
*- Professional Standards and Communication*
*
Introduction
*
This practice assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the Illinois Physical Therapist Assistant Exam,
which evaluates entry-level competency for licensure. The exam assesses critical knowledge and skills
essential for safe, effective physical therapy practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Questions are presented in multiple-choice and scenario-based formats that emphasize real-world
application, clinical judgment, and decision-making in diverse patient care settings. Candidates will
encounter content covering foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory and legal
compliance, ethics, and professional standards. This assessment mirrors the structure and difficulty of the
actual NPTE-PTA examination used in Illinois, providing comprehensive preparation for clinical practice.
,*
*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A physical therapist assistant is working with a patient who has recently undergone total knee arthroplasty. The
patient demonstrates limited range of motion and reports pain at 7/10 during therapeutic exercise. Which
intervention should the PTA prioritize?
A. Continue the exercise program at the same intensity to promote adaptation
B. Stop the exercise and recommend pain management consultation to the physical therapist
C. Reduce the exercise intensity and monitor pain response before proceeding
D. Increase resistance to build strength despite the pain
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Reducing exercise intensity when pain is 7/10 is the appropriate intervention. PTAs must
modify treatments based on patient response, and continuing at the same intensity or increasing resistance
could worsen the condition. Stopping entirely may be unnecessary if modification allows safe progression.
Question 2
Which of the following best describes the scope of practice for a physical therapist assistant in Illinois?
, A. PTAs can perform initial evaluations and establish the plan of care independently
B. PTAs work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and cannot initiate the plan of care
C. PTAs have the same authority as physical therapists regarding patient assessment
D. PTAs can modify the plan of care without physical therapist approval
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: In Illinois, PTAs must work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs
cannot perform initial evaluations or establish/change the plan of care independently. This is defined by the
Illinois Physical Therapy Act.
Question 3
A patient with Parkinson's disease is receiving gait training. Which characteristic would the PTA most likely
observe during assessment?
A. Wide-based gait with increased arm swing
B. Shuffling gait with reduced arm swing and festination
C. Rapid, jerky movements with ataxia
D. Equed stance with normal gait velocity
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Parkinson's disease presents with a shuffling gait, reduced arm swing, bradykinesia, and
festination (involuntary acceleration of gait). These are hallmark signs that PTAs must recognize for safe
intervention planning.
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE|
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,*
*
Core Domains
*
- Musculoskeletal System and Orthopedic Rehabilitation
*- Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems Rehabilitation*
*- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems*
*- Integumentary System and Wound Management*
*- Data Collection and Evaluation Procedures*
*- Therapeutic Interventions and Modalities*
*- Equipment, Devices, and Technologies*
*- Safety, Protection, and Professional Responsibilities*
*- Ethics and Legal Compliance in Physical Therapy*
*- Professional Standards and Communication*
*
Introduction
*
This practice assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the Illinois Physical Therapist Assistant Exam,
which evaluates entry-level competency for licensure. The exam assesses critical knowledge and skills
essential for safe, effective physical therapy practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Questions are presented in multiple-choice and scenario-based formats that emphasize real-world
application, clinical judgment, and decision-making in diverse patient care settings. Candidates will
encounter content covering foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory and legal
compliance, ethics, and professional standards. This assessment mirrors the structure and difficulty of the
actual NPTE-PTA examination used in Illinois, providing comprehensive preparation for clinical practice.
,*
*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A physical therapist assistant is working with a patient who has recently undergone total knee arthroplasty. The
patient demonstrates limited range of motion and reports pain at 7/10 during therapeutic exercise. Which
intervention should the PTA prioritize?
A. Continue the exercise program at the same intensity to promote adaptation
B. Stop the exercise and recommend pain management consultation to the physical therapist
C. Reduce the exercise intensity and monitor pain response before proceeding
D. Increase resistance to build strength despite the pain
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Reducing exercise intensity when pain is 7/10 is the appropriate intervention. PTAs must
modify treatments based on patient response, and continuing at the same intensity or increasing resistance
could worsen the condition. Stopping entirely may be unnecessary if modification allows safe progression.
Question 2
Which of the following best describes the scope of practice for a physical therapist assistant in Illinois?
, A. PTAs can perform initial evaluations and establish the plan of care independently
B. PTAs work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and cannot initiate the plan of care
C. PTAs have the same authority as physical therapists regarding patient assessment
D. PTAs can modify the plan of care without physical therapist approval
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: In Illinois, PTAs must work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs
cannot perform initial evaluations or establish/change the plan of care independently. This is defined by the
Illinois Physical Therapy Act.
Question 3
A patient with Parkinson's disease is receiving gait training. Which characteristic would the PTA most likely
observe during assessment?
A. Wide-based gait with increased arm swing
B. Shuffling gait with reduced arm swing and festination
C. Rapid, jerky movements with ataxia
D. Equed stance with normal gait velocity
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Parkinson's disease presents with a shuffling gait, reduced arm swing, bradykinesia, and
festination (involuntary acceleration of gait). These are hallmark signs that PTAs must recognize for safe
intervention planning.
