NPTE PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
A patient with a tracheostomy tube has been hospitalized for 2 days. During PT the
patient suddenly exhibits dyspnea, cyanosis of lips and cramping of R calf muscle. What
should the therapist suspect based off the sx?
a. heart failure
b. DVT
c. respiratory distress
d. pulmonary embolism - Answer-C. Respiratory Distress
dyspnea, SOB or cramping in calf mms are common signs of respiratory distress.
Mucus plugging, tube displacement, disruption or disconnection of O2 can cause
respiratory distress
A 48 y/o female lawyer presents to an OP clinic with hx of LBP. The PT measures her B
arch index at 0.30. Which of the following orthotic interventions is MOST appropriate for
this pt?
a. heel lift
b. post under 5th metatarsal head
c. longitudinal arch support
d. transverse arch support - Answer-c. longitudinal arch support
an arch index of > 0.3 indicates low arch or pes planus. longitudinal arch support will be
most appropriate and supplemented with foot intrinsic exercises
According to the roll and slide mechanism, during right forearm supination at the
proximal radioulnar joint, the radial head will:
A. Roll and slide posteriorly
B. Roll anteriorly and slide posteriorly
C. Roll and slide anteriorly
D. Roll posteriorly and slide anteriorly - Answer-D. Roll posteriorly and slide anteriorly
radial head slides opposite the direction of bone motion
A 23 y/o healthy male plans to start working out as his NY resolution. The sympathetic
nervous system would contribute to which of the following responses to ACUTE
exercise?
a. increased peristalsis
b. increased HR
,c. increased rate of breathing
d. skeletal muscle contraction - Answer-c. increased rate of breathing
during an exercise, increased RR is due to stimulation of beta 2 receptors- SNS that
causes bronchodilation. Initial increase in HR is due to withdrawal of PNS not the
stimulation of SNS
Which of the following sympathetic CV changes occurs in a pt with long standing Type 1
DM
a. HR becomes fixed
b. higher resting HR
c. lower resting HR
d. exercise increases HR - Answer-a. HR becomes fixed
long term complications - HR is unresponsive to exercise, stress or sleep
A PT was observing the gait of a pt with a R transtibial prosthesis The PT suspects that
the pt has an excessively firm heel wedge What compensation is the pt MOST likely to
exhibit?
a. excessive knee flexion in early stance
b. premature knee flexion in late stance
c. insufficient knee flexion in early stance
d. excessive knee flexion in late stance - Answer-a. excessive knee flexion in early
stance
excessive knee flexion in early stance results from firm heel in a transtibial prosthesis.
Premature knee flexion late stance occurs if DF stop is too soft. Insufficient knee flexion
in early stance is due to soft heel cushion
During the initial exam, a PT determines a pt has 3/5 strength in R subscapularis. Which
of the following activities would be MOST difficult for the pt to perform?
a. performing a push up with B UE
b. elevation of R scapula
c. extension of GH joint
d. flexion of humerus overhead - Answer-d. flexion of humerus overhead
subscapularis is an important RTC mms, stabilizing the humeral head in the glenoid
cavity;thus preventing superior translation of the humerus. It's an important mms in
overhead sports. Tear of subscapularis can weaken its hold over long head of biceps
causing difficulty in oveerhead activity.
A patient came to a clinic with diagnosis of ESRD. The PT is most concerned about
prescribing a program for general conditioning. During treatment, the PT notices that the
,pt is developing skin pallor, fatigue, and dyspnea. The PT monitors their vitals, and will
expect which value to be MOST affected based on the pt's diagnosis?
a. Increased BP
b. Normal BP
c. Hyperglycemia
d. Hypoglycemia - Answer-a. Increased BP
In ESRD, the kidney is unable to function and a multitude of complications appear w/
accompanying s&sx. Proteinuria is the hallmark of stage 4; the kidneys are no longer
able to excreet toxins, so there is a progressive increase in BUN and creatinine levels.
Most people in stage 4 are hypertensive because of an increased production of renin.
HTN accelerates the progression to stage 5 (ESRD) when the kidneys have failed to
fxn.
A 25 y/o pt had a traumatic fall off his bike 1 week ago. Since the injury, the pt has not
been able to elevate his scapula. Based on the information given, what is the MOST
likely physical therapy diagnosis?
a. anterior dislocation of shoulder joint
b. posterior dislocation of shoulder joint
c. inferior dislocation of SC joint
d. Superior dislocation of SC joint - Answer-d. Superior dislocation of SC joint
At the SC joint promixal articulating surface of the clavicle is convex superiorly/inferiorly
and concave anteriorly/posteriorly. During elevation, clavicle slides inferiorly and during
depression it slides superiorly. Hence, the superior dislocation of SC joint will cause
inability to elevate the scapula
A 70 y/o male pt presents to an OP clinic with sensory loss of the R face and arm. This
pt is taking medications for HTN, DM type 2, and hydrocortisone for a rash on his leg.
The pt initially seems confused but otherwise has intact speech. The therapist would
MOST likely suspect a lesion in which vessel?
a. L MCA superior division
b. L MCA inferior division
c. R MCA superior division
d. R MCA inferior division - Answer-b. L MCA inferior division
infarct in MCA inferior division causes contralateral homonymous hemianopsia, fluent
aphasia (wernicke's area). Superior division MCA infarct is responsible for Broca's
A PT is demonstrating the task of dribbling a basketball to a patient. The PT instructs
the pt to dribble the ball in their dominant hand and then encourages them to switch to
their L hand. In what phase of motor learning is the pt MOST LIKELY in?
, a. Cognitive
b. Associative
c. Autonomous
d. Proliferative - Answer-a. Cognitive
Bilateral transfer is performed in cognitive stage where the pt practices the desired
movement pattern using the less affected extremity first and then the affected extremity
enhances formation or recall of the necessary motor program, which can then be
applied to the opposite, involved extremity
A 13 y/o girl has been diagnosed with structural idiopathic scoliosis. The PT notices a L
thoracic and R lumbar curvature of her spine. Which postural deviation would be MOST
expected in this pt?
a. Thoracic vertebral bodies rotated to the R
b. Elevated R shoulder
c. Spinous processes of thoracic spine rotated to the L
d. Posteriorly protruding L scapula - Answer-d. Posteriorly protruding L scapula
In L thoracic scoliosis, rotation of thoracic vertebra is towards the scoliotic side(left),
spinous process deviate towards the concave side(right), right shoulder is low, left
shoulder is high and left(scoliotic side) scapula is protruded
A piano player presents to a PT clinic with complaints of trigger finger. While assessing
the pt, the PT finds out tha the pt has tender spots throughout his body. The pt also
describes that some days he feels totally fine, while other days he is in great amounts of
pain. What would be the MOST likely diagnosis?
a. fibromyalgia
b. myofascial pain syndrome
c. conversion disorder
d. depression - Answer-a. fibromyalgia
fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain that covers half the
body plus the axial skeleton, and has lasted for more than 3 months (11 of 18 tender
points at specific sites throughout the body). In myofascial pain syndrome, pain is over
trigger points due to muscle overuse or repeated injury and it does not disappear.
Conversion disorder is loss or alteration of functioning due to psychosocial conflict.
Depression is altered moof of sadness, dejection, and melancholy.
A 28 y/o male presents to an OP clinic c/o hip problems. The PT notices a drop of the L
hip during R midstance. The MOST appropriate tx for this impairment would be
a. standing hip ABD of the L leg
b. standing hip ABD of the R leg
c. Standing extension of L leg
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
A patient with a tracheostomy tube has been hospitalized for 2 days. During PT the
patient suddenly exhibits dyspnea, cyanosis of lips and cramping of R calf muscle. What
should the therapist suspect based off the sx?
a. heart failure
b. DVT
c. respiratory distress
d. pulmonary embolism - Answer-C. Respiratory Distress
dyspnea, SOB or cramping in calf mms are common signs of respiratory distress.
Mucus plugging, tube displacement, disruption or disconnection of O2 can cause
respiratory distress
A 48 y/o female lawyer presents to an OP clinic with hx of LBP. The PT measures her B
arch index at 0.30. Which of the following orthotic interventions is MOST appropriate for
this pt?
a. heel lift
b. post under 5th metatarsal head
c. longitudinal arch support
d. transverse arch support - Answer-c. longitudinal arch support
an arch index of > 0.3 indicates low arch or pes planus. longitudinal arch support will be
most appropriate and supplemented with foot intrinsic exercises
According to the roll and slide mechanism, during right forearm supination at the
proximal radioulnar joint, the radial head will:
A. Roll and slide posteriorly
B. Roll anteriorly and slide posteriorly
C. Roll and slide anteriorly
D. Roll posteriorly and slide anteriorly - Answer-D. Roll posteriorly and slide anteriorly
radial head slides opposite the direction of bone motion
A 23 y/o healthy male plans to start working out as his NY resolution. The sympathetic
nervous system would contribute to which of the following responses to ACUTE
exercise?
a. increased peristalsis
b. increased HR
,c. increased rate of breathing
d. skeletal muscle contraction - Answer-c. increased rate of breathing
during an exercise, increased RR is due to stimulation of beta 2 receptors- SNS that
causes bronchodilation. Initial increase in HR is due to withdrawal of PNS not the
stimulation of SNS
Which of the following sympathetic CV changes occurs in a pt with long standing Type 1
DM
a. HR becomes fixed
b. higher resting HR
c. lower resting HR
d. exercise increases HR - Answer-a. HR becomes fixed
long term complications - HR is unresponsive to exercise, stress or sleep
A PT was observing the gait of a pt with a R transtibial prosthesis The PT suspects that
the pt has an excessively firm heel wedge What compensation is the pt MOST likely to
exhibit?
a. excessive knee flexion in early stance
b. premature knee flexion in late stance
c. insufficient knee flexion in early stance
d. excessive knee flexion in late stance - Answer-a. excessive knee flexion in early
stance
excessive knee flexion in early stance results from firm heel in a transtibial prosthesis.
Premature knee flexion late stance occurs if DF stop is too soft. Insufficient knee flexion
in early stance is due to soft heel cushion
During the initial exam, a PT determines a pt has 3/5 strength in R subscapularis. Which
of the following activities would be MOST difficult for the pt to perform?
a. performing a push up with B UE
b. elevation of R scapula
c. extension of GH joint
d. flexion of humerus overhead - Answer-d. flexion of humerus overhead
subscapularis is an important RTC mms, stabilizing the humeral head in the glenoid
cavity;thus preventing superior translation of the humerus. It's an important mms in
overhead sports. Tear of subscapularis can weaken its hold over long head of biceps
causing difficulty in oveerhead activity.
A patient came to a clinic with diagnosis of ESRD. The PT is most concerned about
prescribing a program for general conditioning. During treatment, the PT notices that the
,pt is developing skin pallor, fatigue, and dyspnea. The PT monitors their vitals, and will
expect which value to be MOST affected based on the pt's diagnosis?
a. Increased BP
b. Normal BP
c. Hyperglycemia
d. Hypoglycemia - Answer-a. Increased BP
In ESRD, the kidney is unable to function and a multitude of complications appear w/
accompanying s&sx. Proteinuria is the hallmark of stage 4; the kidneys are no longer
able to excreet toxins, so there is a progressive increase in BUN and creatinine levels.
Most people in stage 4 are hypertensive because of an increased production of renin.
HTN accelerates the progression to stage 5 (ESRD) when the kidneys have failed to
fxn.
A 25 y/o pt had a traumatic fall off his bike 1 week ago. Since the injury, the pt has not
been able to elevate his scapula. Based on the information given, what is the MOST
likely physical therapy diagnosis?
a. anterior dislocation of shoulder joint
b. posterior dislocation of shoulder joint
c. inferior dislocation of SC joint
d. Superior dislocation of SC joint - Answer-d. Superior dislocation of SC joint
At the SC joint promixal articulating surface of the clavicle is convex superiorly/inferiorly
and concave anteriorly/posteriorly. During elevation, clavicle slides inferiorly and during
depression it slides superiorly. Hence, the superior dislocation of SC joint will cause
inability to elevate the scapula
A 70 y/o male pt presents to an OP clinic with sensory loss of the R face and arm. This
pt is taking medications for HTN, DM type 2, and hydrocortisone for a rash on his leg.
The pt initially seems confused but otherwise has intact speech. The therapist would
MOST likely suspect a lesion in which vessel?
a. L MCA superior division
b. L MCA inferior division
c. R MCA superior division
d. R MCA inferior division - Answer-b. L MCA inferior division
infarct in MCA inferior division causes contralateral homonymous hemianopsia, fluent
aphasia (wernicke's area). Superior division MCA infarct is responsible for Broca's
A PT is demonstrating the task of dribbling a basketball to a patient. The PT instructs
the pt to dribble the ball in their dominant hand and then encourages them to switch to
their L hand. In what phase of motor learning is the pt MOST LIKELY in?
, a. Cognitive
b. Associative
c. Autonomous
d. Proliferative - Answer-a. Cognitive
Bilateral transfer is performed in cognitive stage where the pt practices the desired
movement pattern using the less affected extremity first and then the affected extremity
enhances formation or recall of the necessary motor program, which can then be
applied to the opposite, involved extremity
A 13 y/o girl has been diagnosed with structural idiopathic scoliosis. The PT notices a L
thoracic and R lumbar curvature of her spine. Which postural deviation would be MOST
expected in this pt?
a. Thoracic vertebral bodies rotated to the R
b. Elevated R shoulder
c. Spinous processes of thoracic spine rotated to the L
d. Posteriorly protruding L scapula - Answer-d. Posteriorly protruding L scapula
In L thoracic scoliosis, rotation of thoracic vertebra is towards the scoliotic side(left),
spinous process deviate towards the concave side(right), right shoulder is low, left
shoulder is high and left(scoliotic side) scapula is protruded
A piano player presents to a PT clinic with complaints of trigger finger. While assessing
the pt, the PT finds out tha the pt has tender spots throughout his body. The pt also
describes that some days he feels totally fine, while other days he is in great amounts of
pain. What would be the MOST likely diagnosis?
a. fibromyalgia
b. myofascial pain syndrome
c. conversion disorder
d. depression - Answer-a. fibromyalgia
fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain that covers half the
body plus the axial skeleton, and has lasted for more than 3 months (11 of 18 tender
points at specific sites throughout the body). In myofascial pain syndrome, pain is over
trigger points due to muscle overuse or repeated injury and it does not disappear.
Conversion disorder is loss or alteration of functioning due to psychosocial conflict.
Depression is altered moof of sadness, dejection, and melancholy.
A 28 y/o male presents to an OP clinic c/o hip problems. The PT notices a drop of the L
hip during R midstance. The MOST appropriate tx for this impairment would be
a. standing hip ABD of the L leg
b. standing hip ABD of the R leg
c. Standing extension of L leg
