NPTE EXAM (NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAM) – QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS |EXAM TESTBANK | PLUS
RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Integumentary Physical Therapy
Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
Clinical Decision-Making & Differential Diagnosis
Interventions & Therapeutic Exercise
Patient Management & Modalities
Professional Responsibilities, Ethics, & Law
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the knowledge, clinical
reasoning, and decision-making skills essential for entry-level physical therapy
practice. The questions evaluate foundational theory, applied professional
knowledge, and the ability to synthesize information from various systems to
manage patient cases effectively. A mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions challenges the candidate to apply concepts to real-world situations,
emphasizing safe, ethical, and evidence-based practice. This assessment serves as a
,critical tool for exam preparation, ensuring candidates are ready to demonstrate
competence in all core domains of physical therapy.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A physical therapist is examining a patient with low back pain that radiates
into the right lower extremity. Which of the following special tests is designed
to differentiate radicular pain from other sources of back pain by compressing
the sciatic nerve?
A. Slump Test
B. Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test
C. Femoral Nerve Stretch Test
D. Valsalva Maneuver
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Slump Test
🔴 Explanation: The Slump Test is a progressive neural tension test that places
the entire neuroaxis, including the sciatic nerve, under tension. It is more sensitive
than the SLR for detecting neural tissue sensitivity and can help differentiate
radicular pain from other causes.
2. A patient presents with a scaphoid fracture. The therapist notes that this
bone has a unique blood supply, with the proximal pole being at particular risk
for which complication?
A. Non-union
B. Avascular necrosis
,C. Compartment syndrome
D. Myositis ossificans
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Avascular necrosis
🔴 Explanation: The scaphoid bone receives its blood supply from a distal branch,
making the proximal pole vulnerable to avascular necrosis following a fracture.
This is a critical consideration for management.
3. In the context of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, which of the
following is the most appropriate primary purpose of the "examination"
process?
A. To establish a medical diagnosis.
B. To determine the patient's prognosis and plan of care.
C. To identify the presence and extent of dysfunction.
D. To bill the patient's insurance for services rendered.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. To identify the presence and extent of dysfunction.
🔴 Explanation: The primary purpose of the examination is to identify the
presence and extent of dysfunction. This information is then used to develop a
diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.
4. A patient with a complete T4 spinal cord injury is being taught how to
perform a pressure relief maneuver. Which of the following techniques is MOST
appropriate and safe for this patient?
A. Forward lean with arms crossed.
B. Push-up on the armrests of the wheelchair.
, C. Lateral weight shift to one side.
D. Tilting the wheelchair back.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Lateral weight shift to one side.
🔴 Explanation: A patient with a T4 injury has full innervation of the upper
extremities and can perform a lateral weight shift. This is a safe and effective
method for pressure relief. A push-up would require more strength and could be
difficult to sustain.
5. A therapist is performing a manual muscle test on a patient's deltoid. The
patient can complete the full range of motion against gravity but cannot resist
any additional force. What grade should be assigned?
A. 2/5 (Fair)
B. 3/5 (Good)
C. 4/5 (Good)
D. 5/5 (Normal)
🟢 Correct Answer: B. 3/5 (Good)
🔴 Explanation: According to the Oxford Scale (0-5), a grade of 3/5 (Fair)
indicates the ability to complete the full range of motion against gravity without
resistance. A grade of 4/5 is for completing the range against gravity with some
resistance.
6. A patient is two days post-operative following a total hip arthroplasty via a
posterior approach. Which of the following positions or movements should the
therapist AVOID during initial range of motion exercises?
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS |EXAM TESTBANK | PLUS
RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Integumentary Physical Therapy
Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
Clinical Decision-Making & Differential Diagnosis
Interventions & Therapeutic Exercise
Patient Management & Modalities
Professional Responsibilities, Ethics, & Law
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the knowledge, clinical
reasoning, and decision-making skills essential for entry-level physical therapy
practice. The questions evaluate foundational theory, applied professional
knowledge, and the ability to synthesize information from various systems to
manage patient cases effectively. A mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions challenges the candidate to apply concepts to real-world situations,
emphasizing safe, ethical, and evidence-based practice. This assessment serves as a
,critical tool for exam preparation, ensuring candidates are ready to demonstrate
competence in all core domains of physical therapy.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A physical therapist is examining a patient with low back pain that radiates
into the right lower extremity. Which of the following special tests is designed
to differentiate radicular pain from other sources of back pain by compressing
the sciatic nerve?
A. Slump Test
B. Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test
C. Femoral Nerve Stretch Test
D. Valsalva Maneuver
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Slump Test
🔴 Explanation: The Slump Test is a progressive neural tension test that places
the entire neuroaxis, including the sciatic nerve, under tension. It is more sensitive
than the SLR for detecting neural tissue sensitivity and can help differentiate
radicular pain from other causes.
2. A patient presents with a scaphoid fracture. The therapist notes that this
bone has a unique blood supply, with the proximal pole being at particular risk
for which complication?
A. Non-union
B. Avascular necrosis
,C. Compartment syndrome
D. Myositis ossificans
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Avascular necrosis
🔴 Explanation: The scaphoid bone receives its blood supply from a distal branch,
making the proximal pole vulnerable to avascular necrosis following a fracture.
This is a critical consideration for management.
3. In the context of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, which of the
following is the most appropriate primary purpose of the "examination"
process?
A. To establish a medical diagnosis.
B. To determine the patient's prognosis and plan of care.
C. To identify the presence and extent of dysfunction.
D. To bill the patient's insurance for services rendered.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. To identify the presence and extent of dysfunction.
🔴 Explanation: The primary purpose of the examination is to identify the
presence and extent of dysfunction. This information is then used to develop a
diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.
4. A patient with a complete T4 spinal cord injury is being taught how to
perform a pressure relief maneuver. Which of the following techniques is MOST
appropriate and safe for this patient?
A. Forward lean with arms crossed.
B. Push-up on the armrests of the wheelchair.
, C. Lateral weight shift to one side.
D. Tilting the wheelchair back.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Lateral weight shift to one side.
🔴 Explanation: A patient with a T4 injury has full innervation of the upper
extremities and can perform a lateral weight shift. This is a safe and effective
method for pressure relief. A push-up would require more strength and could be
difficult to sustain.
5. A therapist is performing a manual muscle test on a patient's deltoid. The
patient can complete the full range of motion against gravity but cannot resist
any additional force. What grade should be assigned?
A. 2/5 (Fair)
B. 3/5 (Good)
C. 4/5 (Good)
D. 5/5 (Normal)
🟢 Correct Answer: B. 3/5 (Good)
🔴 Explanation: According to the Oxford Scale (0-5), a grade of 3/5 (Fair)
indicates the ability to complete the full range of motion against gravity without
resistance. A grade of 4/5 is for completing the range against gravity with some
resistance.
6. A patient is two days post-operative following a total hip arthroplasty via a
posterior approach. Which of the following positions or movements should the
therapist AVOID during initial range of motion exercises?
