PTA Board Exam questions with 100- correct answers 2025(passed).
A physical therapist assistant instructs a patient with a Foley catheter in
ambulation activities. During ambulation, the therapist should position the
collection bag:
1. above the level of the patient's bladder
2. below the level of the patient's bladder
3. above the level of the patient's heart
4. Below the level of the patient's heart CORRECT ANSWERS2. Below the level of the
patients bladder
A physical therapist assistant monitors a patient's pulse after ambulation
activities. The therapist notes that at times the rhythm of the pulse is irregular.
When assessing the patient's pulse rate, the therapist should measure the pulse
for:
1. 10 seconds
2. 15 seconds
3. 30 seconds
4. 60 seconds CORRECT ANSWERS4. 60 seconds
A physical therapist assistant completes an isokinetic test on an 18 year old male
rehabilitating from a medial meniscectomy. The therapist notes that the patient
generates 140 ft/lbs of force using the uninvolved quadriceps at 60 degrees per
second. Assuming a normal ratio of hamstring to quadriceps strength, which of the
following would be an acceptable hamstrings value at 60 degrees per second?
1. 64 ft/lbs
2. 84 ft/lbs
3. 114 ft/lbs
4. 116 ft/lbs CORRECT ANSWERS2. 84 ft/lbs
,A physical therapist assistant examines a patient's subtalar range of motion. When
goniometrically assessing subtalar range of motion, the moving arm of the
goniometer should be positioned over the:
1. posterior midline of the calcaneus
2. anterior aspect of the ankle midway between the malleoli
3. over the posterior aspect of the ankle between the malleoli
4. anterior midline of the second metatarsal CORRECT ANSWERS1. Posterior midline of
the calcaneus
A physical therapist assistant employed in a home health setting treats a patient
with a mild traumatic brain injury. During the treatment session, the patient's
combative behavior results in the physical therapist assistant growing increasingly
concerned about her own safety. The MOSTappropriate therapist action is:
1. attempt to calm the patient by changing the focus of the intervention activities
2. request that the patient's spouse observe the treatment session
3. request another therapist observe the session
4. discontinue the treatment session CORRECT ANSWERS4. discontinue treatment
session
A physical therapist assistant treats a five-year-old child rehabilitating from
injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. During the session the child's
mother mentions that her daughter often complains of sharp pain in her right leg.
The MOST appropriate method to gain additional information on the child's pain is:
1. ask the child to quantify her pain using a visual analogue pain scale
2. ask the child to describe the pain she is experiencing
3. ask the child to rate her pain on a subjective pain scale from 0-10
4. ask the mother to describe the exact location and severity of her daughter's
pain CORRECT ANSWERS2. Ask the child to describe the pain she is experiencing.
A patient performing ambulation activities suddenly begins to demonstrate signs of
weakness including shaking of the legs and impaired balance. When asked about her
status, the patient reports she cannot continue walking. The MOST appropriate
physical therapist assistant action is:
1. call for assistance
2. provide verbal encouragement
3. walk the patient to a chair
4. slowly lower the patient to the floor CORRECT ANSWERS4. Slowly lower the patient
to the floor
A physical therapist assistant performs a special test on a 45-year-old male
diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome by asking the patient to maximally flex his
wrists and hold the position by pushing the wrists together for 60 seconds. Which
finding would be MOST indicative of a positive test?
1. pain in an area innervated by the ulnar nerve
2. pain in an area innervated by the median nerve
3. tingling into the thumb, index finger, middle, and lateral half of the ring
finger
4. tingling into the palmar aspect of the hand CORRECT ANSWERS3. Tingling into the
thumb, index finger, middle, and lateral half of the ring finger.
A physical therapist assistant works on balance reeducation activities with a
patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. Which of the
following activities would be the MOST challenging for this patient?
1. activities in single-leg stance
2. reaching in and out of the base of support in standing
3. standing on foam with eyes closed
4. lateral weight shifting CORRECT ANSWERS3. Standing on foam with eyes closed
A physical therapist assistant works with a patient three days status post total
,hip arthroplasty. When inspecting the patient's hip the physical therapist
assistant notes that it is extremely warm to the touch and is red when compared to
the surrounding skin. The incision appears to be healing, however there is a
moderate amount of drainage and several edges appear to be raised and discolored.
The MOST appropriate action is:
1. disregard the findings based on the patient's postoperative status
2. ask the patient if he recently had a fever
3. reassess the patient at the next scheduled session
4. consult with the referring physician CORRECT ANSWERS4. Consult with the
referring physician
A physical therapist assistant utilizes a cycle ergometer with a patient
rehabilitating from a minor stroke. The established physical therapy goal relates
to improving the patient's strength. The patient has progressed to 30 minutes,
three times a week at a workload equivalent to 30% of their maximum oxygen
consumption. The MOST appropriate modification is:
1. increase the intensity of the exercise
2. increase the frequency of the exercise
3. increase the duration of the exercise
4. discontinue the exercise CORRECT ANSWERS1. Increase the intensity of the
exercise
A physical therapist assistant reviews a patient's medical record that contains the
results of testing using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The medical diagnosis MOST likely
to utilize this instrument is:
1. trigeminal neuralgia
2. cerebrovascular accident
3. traumatic brain injury
4. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis CORRECT ANSWERS3. TBI
A patient in an acute care hospital awaiting a heart transplant uses a left
ventricular assistive device. During a treatment session, the patient suddenly
fails to exhibit a pulse and appears to be in distress. The MOST appropriate
immediate action is to:
1. administer chest compressions
2. call a code
3. attempt to assess the condition of the left ventricular assistive device
4. reassess the patient's vital signs CORRECT ANSWERS2. Call a code
A 24-year-old male rehabilitating from a T2 spinal cord injury complains of a
pounding headache and blurred vision while completing an exercise program in supine
on a mat table. The patient is sweating profusely and has a pulse rate of 50 beats
per minute. The MOST immediate physical therapist assistant response is:
1. maintain the patient in a supine position and monitor blood pressure
2. place the patient in an upright position and check the catheter
3. document the subjective and objective information in the medical record
4. contact the nursing staff to discuss the patient's condition CORRECT ANSWERS2.
Place the patient in an upright position and check the catheter.
A physical therapist assistant instructs a patient with a transfemoral amputation
in active stretching techniques. Which of the following motions would be
MOSTimportant to emphasize in the stretching program?
1. hip flexion and abduction
2. hip extension and abduction
3. hip flexion and adduction
4. hip extension and adduction CORRECT ANSWERS4. Hip extension and adduction
A physical therapist assistant assesses the end-feel associated with forearm
supination. Which of the following is the MOST plausible rationale for a firm end-
, feel with this motion?
1. contact between the olecranon process and the olecranon fossa
2. tension in the biceps brachii
3. tension in the palmar radioulnar ligament
4. contact between the ulna and the radius CORRECT ANSWERS3. Tension in the palmar
radioulnar ligament
A patient who collapsed in the physical therapy gym fails to exhibit a pulse. Upon
viewing the patient's mouth it becomes obvious the patient has dentures. The
physical therapist assistant is hesitant to remove the dentures since they seem
secure, however does not want them to interfere with rescue breathing. The MOST
appropriate action is to:
1. leave the dentures in place
2. loosen the dentures
3. remove the dentures
4. remove the dentures and utilize a mask to limit direct pressure on the patient's
mouth CORRECT ANSWERS1. Leave the dentures in place
A physical therapist assistant initiates ultrasound using water immersion to the
distal calf of a patient rehabilitating from a motor vehicle accident. The physical
therapist assistant had previously administered ultrasound using direct contact, 1
MHz frequency at 1.2 W/cm2 for five minutes. In order to maintain the same amount
of tissue heating as originally used with the direct contact technique, the
physical therapist assistant should:
1. utilize the same treatment procedures
2. increase the intensity and decrease the time
3. increase the intensity and increase the time
4. change the frequency to 3 MHz and increase the time CORRECT ANSWERS3. Increase
the intensity and increase the time
A physical therapist assistant conducts a home health visit in a small two room
efficiency. The physical therapist assistant is presently treating a patient status
post transtibial amputation for a small wound on the anterior surface of the
residual limb. After completing the treatment session, the physical therapist
assistant would like to wash her hands. Which of the following actions would be the
MOST inappropriate?
1. wash hands thoroughly in the kitchen sink
2. utilize liquid soap instead of bar soap
3. use paper towels to turn faucets on and off
4. wash hands with soap and rinse under flowing water CORRECT ANSWERS1. Wash hands
thoroughly in the kitchen sink.
A patient with metastatic lymphoma who has been given less than three months to
live has been extremely depressed in recent treatment sessions. Which advice would
be the MOST useful for a physical therapist assistant when interacting with the
patient?
1. establish trust
2. accept the patient's anger
3. listen, be patient
4. encourage the patient to ask questions CORRECT ANSWERS3. Listen, be patient
A physical therapist assistant works with a patient diagnosed with a vestibular
disorder on various balance activities. When assessing balance the physical
therapist assistant should expect the vestibular system to be MOST responsive to
changes in:
1. center of gravity
2. head position
3. visual field
4. tactile feedback CORRECT ANSWERS2. Head position
A physical therapist assistant instructs a patient with a Foley catheter in
ambulation activities. During ambulation, the therapist should position the
collection bag:
1. above the level of the patient's bladder
2. below the level of the patient's bladder
3. above the level of the patient's heart
4. Below the level of the patient's heart CORRECT ANSWERS2. Below the level of the
patients bladder
A physical therapist assistant monitors a patient's pulse after ambulation
activities. The therapist notes that at times the rhythm of the pulse is irregular.
When assessing the patient's pulse rate, the therapist should measure the pulse
for:
1. 10 seconds
2. 15 seconds
3. 30 seconds
4. 60 seconds CORRECT ANSWERS4. 60 seconds
A physical therapist assistant completes an isokinetic test on an 18 year old male
rehabilitating from a medial meniscectomy. The therapist notes that the patient
generates 140 ft/lbs of force using the uninvolved quadriceps at 60 degrees per
second. Assuming a normal ratio of hamstring to quadriceps strength, which of the
following would be an acceptable hamstrings value at 60 degrees per second?
1. 64 ft/lbs
2. 84 ft/lbs
3. 114 ft/lbs
4. 116 ft/lbs CORRECT ANSWERS2. 84 ft/lbs
,A physical therapist assistant examines a patient's subtalar range of motion. When
goniometrically assessing subtalar range of motion, the moving arm of the
goniometer should be positioned over the:
1. posterior midline of the calcaneus
2. anterior aspect of the ankle midway between the malleoli
3. over the posterior aspect of the ankle between the malleoli
4. anterior midline of the second metatarsal CORRECT ANSWERS1. Posterior midline of
the calcaneus
A physical therapist assistant employed in a home health setting treats a patient
with a mild traumatic brain injury. During the treatment session, the patient's
combative behavior results in the physical therapist assistant growing increasingly
concerned about her own safety. The MOSTappropriate therapist action is:
1. attempt to calm the patient by changing the focus of the intervention activities
2. request that the patient's spouse observe the treatment session
3. request another therapist observe the session
4. discontinue the treatment session CORRECT ANSWERS4. discontinue treatment
session
A physical therapist assistant treats a five-year-old child rehabilitating from
injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. During the session the child's
mother mentions that her daughter often complains of sharp pain in her right leg.
The MOST appropriate method to gain additional information on the child's pain is:
1. ask the child to quantify her pain using a visual analogue pain scale
2. ask the child to describe the pain she is experiencing
3. ask the child to rate her pain on a subjective pain scale from 0-10
4. ask the mother to describe the exact location and severity of her daughter's
pain CORRECT ANSWERS2. Ask the child to describe the pain she is experiencing.
A patient performing ambulation activities suddenly begins to demonstrate signs of
weakness including shaking of the legs and impaired balance. When asked about her
status, the patient reports she cannot continue walking. The MOST appropriate
physical therapist assistant action is:
1. call for assistance
2. provide verbal encouragement
3. walk the patient to a chair
4. slowly lower the patient to the floor CORRECT ANSWERS4. Slowly lower the patient
to the floor
A physical therapist assistant performs a special test on a 45-year-old male
diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome by asking the patient to maximally flex his
wrists and hold the position by pushing the wrists together for 60 seconds. Which
finding would be MOST indicative of a positive test?
1. pain in an area innervated by the ulnar nerve
2. pain in an area innervated by the median nerve
3. tingling into the thumb, index finger, middle, and lateral half of the ring
finger
4. tingling into the palmar aspect of the hand CORRECT ANSWERS3. Tingling into the
thumb, index finger, middle, and lateral half of the ring finger.
A physical therapist assistant works on balance reeducation activities with a
patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. Which of the
following activities would be the MOST challenging for this patient?
1. activities in single-leg stance
2. reaching in and out of the base of support in standing
3. standing on foam with eyes closed
4. lateral weight shifting CORRECT ANSWERS3. Standing on foam with eyes closed
A physical therapist assistant works with a patient three days status post total
,hip arthroplasty. When inspecting the patient's hip the physical therapist
assistant notes that it is extremely warm to the touch and is red when compared to
the surrounding skin. The incision appears to be healing, however there is a
moderate amount of drainage and several edges appear to be raised and discolored.
The MOST appropriate action is:
1. disregard the findings based on the patient's postoperative status
2. ask the patient if he recently had a fever
3. reassess the patient at the next scheduled session
4. consult with the referring physician CORRECT ANSWERS4. Consult with the
referring physician
A physical therapist assistant utilizes a cycle ergometer with a patient
rehabilitating from a minor stroke. The established physical therapy goal relates
to improving the patient's strength. The patient has progressed to 30 minutes,
three times a week at a workload equivalent to 30% of their maximum oxygen
consumption. The MOST appropriate modification is:
1. increase the intensity of the exercise
2. increase the frequency of the exercise
3. increase the duration of the exercise
4. discontinue the exercise CORRECT ANSWERS1. Increase the intensity of the
exercise
A physical therapist assistant reviews a patient's medical record that contains the
results of testing using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The medical diagnosis MOST likely
to utilize this instrument is:
1. trigeminal neuralgia
2. cerebrovascular accident
3. traumatic brain injury
4. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis CORRECT ANSWERS3. TBI
A patient in an acute care hospital awaiting a heart transplant uses a left
ventricular assistive device. During a treatment session, the patient suddenly
fails to exhibit a pulse and appears to be in distress. The MOST appropriate
immediate action is to:
1. administer chest compressions
2. call a code
3. attempt to assess the condition of the left ventricular assistive device
4. reassess the patient's vital signs CORRECT ANSWERS2. Call a code
A 24-year-old male rehabilitating from a T2 spinal cord injury complains of a
pounding headache and blurred vision while completing an exercise program in supine
on a mat table. The patient is sweating profusely and has a pulse rate of 50 beats
per minute. The MOST immediate physical therapist assistant response is:
1. maintain the patient in a supine position and monitor blood pressure
2. place the patient in an upright position and check the catheter
3. document the subjective and objective information in the medical record
4. contact the nursing staff to discuss the patient's condition CORRECT ANSWERS2.
Place the patient in an upright position and check the catheter.
A physical therapist assistant instructs a patient with a transfemoral amputation
in active stretching techniques. Which of the following motions would be
MOSTimportant to emphasize in the stretching program?
1. hip flexion and abduction
2. hip extension and abduction
3. hip flexion and adduction
4. hip extension and adduction CORRECT ANSWERS4. Hip extension and adduction
A physical therapist assistant assesses the end-feel associated with forearm
supination. Which of the following is the MOST plausible rationale for a firm end-
, feel with this motion?
1. contact between the olecranon process and the olecranon fossa
2. tension in the biceps brachii
3. tension in the palmar radioulnar ligament
4. contact between the ulna and the radius CORRECT ANSWERS3. Tension in the palmar
radioulnar ligament
A patient who collapsed in the physical therapy gym fails to exhibit a pulse. Upon
viewing the patient's mouth it becomes obvious the patient has dentures. The
physical therapist assistant is hesitant to remove the dentures since they seem
secure, however does not want them to interfere with rescue breathing. The MOST
appropriate action is to:
1. leave the dentures in place
2. loosen the dentures
3. remove the dentures
4. remove the dentures and utilize a mask to limit direct pressure on the patient's
mouth CORRECT ANSWERS1. Leave the dentures in place
A physical therapist assistant initiates ultrasound using water immersion to the
distal calf of a patient rehabilitating from a motor vehicle accident. The physical
therapist assistant had previously administered ultrasound using direct contact, 1
MHz frequency at 1.2 W/cm2 for five minutes. In order to maintain the same amount
of tissue heating as originally used with the direct contact technique, the
physical therapist assistant should:
1. utilize the same treatment procedures
2. increase the intensity and decrease the time
3. increase the intensity and increase the time
4. change the frequency to 3 MHz and increase the time CORRECT ANSWERS3. Increase
the intensity and increase the time
A physical therapist assistant conducts a home health visit in a small two room
efficiency. The physical therapist assistant is presently treating a patient status
post transtibial amputation for a small wound on the anterior surface of the
residual limb. After completing the treatment session, the physical therapist
assistant would like to wash her hands. Which of the following actions would be the
MOST inappropriate?
1. wash hands thoroughly in the kitchen sink
2. utilize liquid soap instead of bar soap
3. use paper towels to turn faucets on and off
4. wash hands with soap and rinse under flowing water CORRECT ANSWERS1. Wash hands
thoroughly in the kitchen sink.
A patient with metastatic lymphoma who has been given less than three months to
live has been extremely depressed in recent treatment sessions. Which advice would
be the MOST useful for a physical therapist assistant when interacting with the
patient?
1. establish trust
2. accept the patient's anger
3. listen, be patient
4. encourage the patient to ask questions CORRECT ANSWERS3. Listen, be patient
A physical therapist assistant works with a patient diagnosed with a vestibular
disorder on various balance activities. When assessing balance the physical
therapist assistant should expect the vestibular system to be MOST responsive to
changes in:
1. center of gravity
2. head position
3. visual field
4. tactile feedback CORRECT ANSWERS2. Head position
