NPTE PT EXAM |ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS|BRAND NEW 2026-2027
UPDATE|GRADED A+
Question 1
In splinting or immobilization, the functional position of the hand includes wrist extension,
phalangeal:
1.flexion, and abduction of the thumb (1st digit).
2.extension, and abduction of the thumb (1st digit).
3.extension, and adduction of the thumb (1st digit).
4.flexion, and adduction of the thumb (1st digit).
CORRECT ANSWER
1.flexion, and abduction of the thumb (1st digit).
Rationale: The functional position of the wrist and hand describes the position from
which the optimal function is most likely to occur. This position is described as: (1) slight
wrist extension, (2) slight ulnar deviation, (3) fingers flexed at the MCP, PIP, and DIP
joints, and (4) thumb (1st digit) slightly abducted.
Question 2
A patient with a recent onset of rheumatoid arthritis is MOST likely to report which of the
following symptoms?
1.Heat intolerance
2.Malaise and fatigue
3.Tension headaches
4.Nausea and diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER
2. Malaise and fatigue
1
, Rationale:
Malaise and fatigue are common symptoms during the beginning stages of rheumatoid
arthritis.
Question 3
A patient has difficulty palpating the carotid pulse during exercise. The patient should be
instructed in alternate methods of self-monitoring, because repeated palpation is likely to
result in:
1.an increase in the heart rate.
2.a decrease in the heart rate.
3.an irregular heart rhythm.
4.an increase in blood pressure.
CORRECT ANSWER
2.a decrease in the heart rate.
Rationale:
2. Manual pressure on the carotid sinus can cause a reflexive drop in heart rate, blood
pressure, or both.
Question 4
A physical therapist is conducting a reflex text as shown in the photographs. The arrow
indicates the path of the applied stimulus. The results of the test are MOST likely to
indicate: *Image shows stimulus from heel to big toe (plantar side)
1.a peripheral nerve injury.
2.a lesion of the anterior horn cells.
2
,3.a normal response.
4.an injury to the spinal cord.
CORRECT ANSWER
4.an injury to the spinal cord.
Rationale:
- The therapist is testing for a positive Babinski sign. When the Babinski sign is positive,
the toes flare at the end of the test. The presence of a positive Babinski sign indicates an
upper motor neuron lesion such as a spinal cord injury
Question 5
A patient demonstrates a right thoracolumbar scoliosis in standing position but no
scoliosis in sitting position. Which of the following dysfunctions is MOST likely the cause of
the patient's scoliosis?
1.Lumbar facet dysfunction
2.Unilaterally weak gluteus medius
3.Short iliopsoas muscle
4.Leg-length discrepancy
CORRECT ANSWER
4.Leg-length discrepancy
Rationale: sitting vs standing. lol
- Leg length discrepancy is correct because when the patient is sitting, the leg length does
not affect the spinal posture; however, a leg length discrepancy could affect posture in
standing position.
3
, Question 6
A physical therapist is providing intervention to a patient with lower extremity peripheral
neuropathy who is confined to bed. When providing education to the patient and
caregivers, which of the following suggestions should the therapist emphasize?
1.Position foam cushions under the calves.
2.Visually inspect the skin every other day.
3.Place a soft pillow under the heels.
4.Change the patient's position every 4 hours.
CORRECT ANSWER
1.Position foam cushions under the calves.
Rationale: 1. Cutaneous areas lacking sensation are at the highest risk for skin
breakdown from trauma or pressure. Heels should be elevated off the supporting
surfaces.
Question 7
Which of the following methods is MOST appropriate for handling a 1-year-old child who
has cerebral palsy and who exhibits strong extensor tone in the trunk and extremities?
1.Carrying the child in sitting position
2.Carrying the child over one's shoulder
3.Keeping contact with the back of the child's head
4.Picking the child up under the upper extremities
CORRECT ANSWER
1.Carrying the child in sitting position
Rationale:
4
VERIFIED ANSWERS|BRAND NEW 2026-2027
UPDATE|GRADED A+
Question 1
In splinting or immobilization, the functional position of the hand includes wrist extension,
phalangeal:
1.flexion, and abduction of the thumb (1st digit).
2.extension, and abduction of the thumb (1st digit).
3.extension, and adduction of the thumb (1st digit).
4.flexion, and adduction of the thumb (1st digit).
CORRECT ANSWER
1.flexion, and abduction of the thumb (1st digit).
Rationale: The functional position of the wrist and hand describes the position from
which the optimal function is most likely to occur. This position is described as: (1) slight
wrist extension, (2) slight ulnar deviation, (3) fingers flexed at the MCP, PIP, and DIP
joints, and (4) thumb (1st digit) slightly abducted.
Question 2
A patient with a recent onset of rheumatoid arthritis is MOST likely to report which of the
following symptoms?
1.Heat intolerance
2.Malaise and fatigue
3.Tension headaches
4.Nausea and diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER
2. Malaise and fatigue
1
, Rationale:
Malaise and fatigue are common symptoms during the beginning stages of rheumatoid
arthritis.
Question 3
A patient has difficulty palpating the carotid pulse during exercise. The patient should be
instructed in alternate methods of self-monitoring, because repeated palpation is likely to
result in:
1.an increase in the heart rate.
2.a decrease in the heart rate.
3.an irregular heart rhythm.
4.an increase in blood pressure.
CORRECT ANSWER
2.a decrease in the heart rate.
Rationale:
2. Manual pressure on the carotid sinus can cause a reflexive drop in heart rate, blood
pressure, or both.
Question 4
A physical therapist is conducting a reflex text as shown in the photographs. The arrow
indicates the path of the applied stimulus. The results of the test are MOST likely to
indicate: *Image shows stimulus from heel to big toe (plantar side)
1.a peripheral nerve injury.
2.a lesion of the anterior horn cells.
2
,3.a normal response.
4.an injury to the spinal cord.
CORRECT ANSWER
4.an injury to the spinal cord.
Rationale:
- The therapist is testing for a positive Babinski sign. When the Babinski sign is positive,
the toes flare at the end of the test. The presence of a positive Babinski sign indicates an
upper motor neuron lesion such as a spinal cord injury
Question 5
A patient demonstrates a right thoracolumbar scoliosis in standing position but no
scoliosis in sitting position. Which of the following dysfunctions is MOST likely the cause of
the patient's scoliosis?
1.Lumbar facet dysfunction
2.Unilaterally weak gluteus medius
3.Short iliopsoas muscle
4.Leg-length discrepancy
CORRECT ANSWER
4.Leg-length discrepancy
Rationale: sitting vs standing. lol
- Leg length discrepancy is correct because when the patient is sitting, the leg length does
not affect the spinal posture; however, a leg length discrepancy could affect posture in
standing position.
3
, Question 6
A physical therapist is providing intervention to a patient with lower extremity peripheral
neuropathy who is confined to bed. When providing education to the patient and
caregivers, which of the following suggestions should the therapist emphasize?
1.Position foam cushions under the calves.
2.Visually inspect the skin every other day.
3.Place a soft pillow under the heels.
4.Change the patient's position every 4 hours.
CORRECT ANSWER
1.Position foam cushions under the calves.
Rationale: 1. Cutaneous areas lacking sensation are at the highest risk for skin
breakdown from trauma or pressure. Heels should be elevated off the supporting
surfaces.
Question 7
Which of the following methods is MOST appropriate for handling a 1-year-old child who
has cerebral palsy and who exhibits strong extensor tone in the trunk and extremities?
1.Carrying the child in sitting position
2.Carrying the child over one's shoulder
3.Keeping contact with the back of the child's head
4.Picking the child up under the upper extremities
CORRECT ANSWER
1.Carrying the child in sitting position
Rationale:
4
