MSK PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
A patient with active tuberculosis is referred for physical therapy. Which of the following
is an appropriate precaution?
a. The patient must wear a tight-fitting mask while being treated in his/her room
b. The PTA must wash hands only upon leaving the patient's room
c. The PTA must wear a tight-fitting mask, gown and gloves while treating the patient
d. The patient must be in a private, negative-pressurized room - Answer-d. The patient
must be in a private, negative-pressurized room
When working with a patient who is obese, what equipment would a PTA use to assist
in transferring the patient from sit to stand?
a. Sliding board
b. Gait belt
c. Standing pole
d. Bariatric wheelchair - Answer-c. Standing pole
2 therapists are asked to perform a test on the same group of patients by using the
Functional Independence Measure. The results of both sets of measurements reveal
differences in therapist's scores but NOT in the repeat measurements. This is indicative
of a problem in:
a. Concurrent validity
b. Intrarater reliability
c. Interrater reliability
d. Construct validity - Answer-c. Interrater reliability
An older adult patient has been confined to bed for a period of 2 months and now
demonstrates limited ROM in both lower extremities. Range in hip flexion is 5 - 115
degrees and knee flexion is 10 - 120 degrees. The PT has indicated that flexibility
activities should be implemented to improve the ROM in preparation of standing
activities. Which represents the MOST appropriate intervention to improve flexibility and
ready this patient for standing?
a. Manual passive stretching, 10 reps each joint 2 x a day
b. Tilt table standing, 20 mins daily
c. Mechanical stretching using traction and 5 lb weights, 2 hours, twice a day
,d. Hold-relax techniques followed by passive ROM, 10 reps, 2 x a day - Answer-c.
Mechanical stretching using traction and 5 lb weights, 2 hours, twice a day
A PTA has recently attended a professional conference on myofascial release. The PTA
has been asked to share this information with colleagues during an in-service. Which
represents the assistant's BEST INITIAL activity?
a. Ask colleagues to select a suitable time and place for the in-service
b. Provide a comprehensive packet of handouts in advance of the in-service
c. Organize a PowerPoint presentation and prepare a handout
d. Survey colleagues about their current level of knowledge by using a brief
questionnaire - Answer-d. Survey colleagues about their current level of knowledge by
using a brief questionnaire
A patient had a myocardial infraction 4 weeks ago. Which BEST represents restrictions
that should be followed for resistive training using weights to improve muscular strength
and endurance?
a. Ensure exercise intensities are kept below 85% maximal voluntary contraction
b. Exercise tolerance is greater than 5 METs with no anginal symptoms or ST segment
depression
c. Initiate program at 4 - 6 weeks as long as judicious monitoring of HR is used
d. Wait until post-acute phase III cardiac rehab - Answer-b. Exercise tolerance is greater
than 5 METs with no anginal symptoms or ST segment depression
A patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the T6 level is being discharged home
after 2 months of rehab. In preparation for discharge, the rehab team visits the home
and finds 3 standard-height steps going into the home. What length ramp will need to be
constructed for wheelchair access into this home?
a. 60 in
b. 192 in
c. 120 in
d. 252 in - Answer-d. 252 in
A patient is transferred to a burn clinic with partial-thickness burns over 30% of the
body. What type of healing will this type of wound be characterized by?
a. Blisters and minimal edema with spontaneous healing
b. Depressed skin area that heals with grafting and scarring
c. Moderate edema with spontaneous healing and minimal grafting
d. Marked edema with slow healing and extensive hypertrophic scarring - Answer-d.
Marked edema with slow healing and extensive hypertrophic scarring
, A 12 y/o presents with 4/10 pain and limited knee ROM (5-95 degrees) following
surgical repair of the MCL and ACL. Which modality should be used with caution in this
case?
a. Premodulated interferential current
b. Continuous short-wave diathermy
c. High-rate transcutaneous E stim
d. Low-dose US - Answer-d. Low-dose US
An elderly and frail resident of an extended-care facility presents with hot, red and
edematous skin over the shins of both lower extremities. The patient also has a mild
fever. What condition are these signs and symptoms of?
a. Dermatitis
b. Cellulitis
c. Herpes simplex infection
d. Scleroderma - Answer-b. Cellulitis
A PTA is responsible to oversee department equipment safety. Which task is beyond
the scope of the assistant's responsibilities?
a. Training all staff to do "simple" repairs on all electrical equipment if a breakdown
should occur
b. Supervising new staff and students in the use of all newly purchased equipment
c. Documenting all preventive maintenance and keeping this information on file
d. Conducting educational sessions for staff regarding the indications and
contraindications for all equipment - Answer-a. Training all staff to do "simple" repairs
on all electrical equipment if a breakdown should occur
A PTA has weeping dermatitis on the back of the hand and is scheduled to treat a
patient with HIV for mgmt of a wound. Which represents the BEST course of action for
the PTA?
a. Double glove and treat as scheduled
b. Use sterile precautions with mask and gloves
c. Continue with treatment as scheduled but wash hands thoroughly before and after
d. Refrain from patient care but arrange for treatment by another practitioner - Answer-
d. Refrain from patient care but arrange for treatment by another practitioner
A patient with a complete T10 paraplegia is receiving initial ambulation training. The
patient has received bilateral KAFO and is being trained with axillary crutches. A
reciprocal gait pattern is problematic for the patient. Which of the following represents
the BEST INITIAL gait pattern to teach the patient?
a. 4 point
b. Swing-to
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
A patient with active tuberculosis is referred for physical therapy. Which of the following
is an appropriate precaution?
a. The patient must wear a tight-fitting mask while being treated in his/her room
b. The PTA must wash hands only upon leaving the patient's room
c. The PTA must wear a tight-fitting mask, gown and gloves while treating the patient
d. The patient must be in a private, negative-pressurized room - Answer-d. The patient
must be in a private, negative-pressurized room
When working with a patient who is obese, what equipment would a PTA use to assist
in transferring the patient from sit to stand?
a. Sliding board
b. Gait belt
c. Standing pole
d. Bariatric wheelchair - Answer-c. Standing pole
2 therapists are asked to perform a test on the same group of patients by using the
Functional Independence Measure. The results of both sets of measurements reveal
differences in therapist's scores but NOT in the repeat measurements. This is indicative
of a problem in:
a. Concurrent validity
b. Intrarater reliability
c. Interrater reliability
d. Construct validity - Answer-c. Interrater reliability
An older adult patient has been confined to bed for a period of 2 months and now
demonstrates limited ROM in both lower extremities. Range in hip flexion is 5 - 115
degrees and knee flexion is 10 - 120 degrees. The PT has indicated that flexibility
activities should be implemented to improve the ROM in preparation of standing
activities. Which represents the MOST appropriate intervention to improve flexibility and
ready this patient for standing?
a. Manual passive stretching, 10 reps each joint 2 x a day
b. Tilt table standing, 20 mins daily
c. Mechanical stretching using traction and 5 lb weights, 2 hours, twice a day
,d. Hold-relax techniques followed by passive ROM, 10 reps, 2 x a day - Answer-c.
Mechanical stretching using traction and 5 lb weights, 2 hours, twice a day
A PTA has recently attended a professional conference on myofascial release. The PTA
has been asked to share this information with colleagues during an in-service. Which
represents the assistant's BEST INITIAL activity?
a. Ask colleagues to select a suitable time and place for the in-service
b. Provide a comprehensive packet of handouts in advance of the in-service
c. Organize a PowerPoint presentation and prepare a handout
d. Survey colleagues about their current level of knowledge by using a brief
questionnaire - Answer-d. Survey colleagues about their current level of knowledge by
using a brief questionnaire
A patient had a myocardial infraction 4 weeks ago. Which BEST represents restrictions
that should be followed for resistive training using weights to improve muscular strength
and endurance?
a. Ensure exercise intensities are kept below 85% maximal voluntary contraction
b. Exercise tolerance is greater than 5 METs with no anginal symptoms or ST segment
depression
c. Initiate program at 4 - 6 weeks as long as judicious monitoring of HR is used
d. Wait until post-acute phase III cardiac rehab - Answer-b. Exercise tolerance is greater
than 5 METs with no anginal symptoms or ST segment depression
A patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the T6 level is being discharged home
after 2 months of rehab. In preparation for discharge, the rehab team visits the home
and finds 3 standard-height steps going into the home. What length ramp will need to be
constructed for wheelchair access into this home?
a. 60 in
b. 192 in
c. 120 in
d. 252 in - Answer-d. 252 in
A patient is transferred to a burn clinic with partial-thickness burns over 30% of the
body. What type of healing will this type of wound be characterized by?
a. Blisters and minimal edema with spontaneous healing
b. Depressed skin area that heals with grafting and scarring
c. Moderate edema with spontaneous healing and minimal grafting
d. Marked edema with slow healing and extensive hypertrophic scarring - Answer-d.
Marked edema with slow healing and extensive hypertrophic scarring
, A 12 y/o presents with 4/10 pain and limited knee ROM (5-95 degrees) following
surgical repair of the MCL and ACL. Which modality should be used with caution in this
case?
a. Premodulated interferential current
b. Continuous short-wave diathermy
c. High-rate transcutaneous E stim
d. Low-dose US - Answer-d. Low-dose US
An elderly and frail resident of an extended-care facility presents with hot, red and
edematous skin over the shins of both lower extremities. The patient also has a mild
fever. What condition are these signs and symptoms of?
a. Dermatitis
b. Cellulitis
c. Herpes simplex infection
d. Scleroderma - Answer-b. Cellulitis
A PTA is responsible to oversee department equipment safety. Which task is beyond
the scope of the assistant's responsibilities?
a. Training all staff to do "simple" repairs on all electrical equipment if a breakdown
should occur
b. Supervising new staff and students in the use of all newly purchased equipment
c. Documenting all preventive maintenance and keeping this information on file
d. Conducting educational sessions for staff regarding the indications and
contraindications for all equipment - Answer-a. Training all staff to do "simple" repairs
on all electrical equipment if a breakdown should occur
A PTA has weeping dermatitis on the back of the hand and is scheduled to treat a
patient with HIV for mgmt of a wound. Which represents the BEST course of action for
the PTA?
a. Double glove and treat as scheduled
b. Use sterile precautions with mask and gloves
c. Continue with treatment as scheduled but wash hands thoroughly before and after
d. Refrain from patient care but arrange for treatment by another practitioner - Answer-
d. Refrain from patient care but arrange for treatment by another practitioner
A patient with a complete T10 paraplegia is receiving initial ambulation training. The
patient has received bilateral KAFO and is being trained with axillary crutches. A
reciprocal gait pattern is problematic for the patient. Which of the following represents
the BEST INITIAL gait pattern to teach the patient?
a. 4 point
b. Swing-to
