PTA Board Exam UPDATED ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Ataxic - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern characterized by staggering and
unsteadiness.
There is usually a wide base of support and movements are exaggerated.
Double Step - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern which alternate steps are of a
different length or at a different rate.
Equine - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern characterized by high steps; usually
involves excessive activity of the gastrocnemius.
Festinating - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern where a patient walks on toes as
though pushed.
It starts slowly, increases, and may continue until the patient grasps an object in order to stop.
Spastic - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern with stiff movement, toes seeming to
catch and drag, legs held together, and hip and knee joints slightly flex.
Steppage - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern in which the feet and toes are lifted
through hip and knee flexion to excessive heights; usually secondary to dorsiflexor weakness.
The foot will SLAP at initial contact with the ground secondary to the decreased control.
Tabetic - CORRECT ANSWER A high stepping ataxic gait pattern in which the feet
slap the ground.
Vaulting - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern where the swing leg advances by
compensating through the combination of elevation of the pelvis and plantar flexion of the
stance leg.
, Contusion - CORRECT ANSWER A sudden blow to a part of the body that can result
in mild to severe damage to superficial and deep structures.
Treatment includes AROM, ice and compression
Sprain - CORRECT ANSWER An acute injury involving a ligament.
Strain - CORRECT ANSWER An injury involving the musculotendinous unit that
involves a muscle, tendon, or their attachments to bone.
Reciprocating Gait Orthosis - CORRECT ANSWER A derivative of the HKAFO and
incorporate a cable system to assist with advancement of the L.E. during gait.
Patient shifts weight onto a selected L.E., the cable system advances the opposite L.E.
Primarily used for patients with paraplegia.
Parapodiums - CORRECT ANSWER A standing frame designed to allow a patient to
sit when necessary.
A prefabricated frame and ambulation is achieved by shifting weight and rocking the base
across the floor.
Primarily used by pediatric population.
Corset - CORRECT ANSWER Constructed of fabric and may have metal uprights
within the material to provide abdominal compression and support.
Utilized to provide pressure and relieve pain associated with mild and low back pathologies.
Milwaukee Orthosis - CORRECT ANSWER Designed to promote realignment of the
spine due to scoliotic curvature.
Custom made and extends from the pelvis to the upper chest.
Corrective padding is applied to the areas of severity curve.
Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO) - CORRECT ANSWER Utilized to PREVENT
all trunk motions and is commonly used as a means of post-surgical stabilization.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Ataxic - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern characterized by staggering and
unsteadiness.
There is usually a wide base of support and movements are exaggerated.
Double Step - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern which alternate steps are of a
different length or at a different rate.
Equine - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern characterized by high steps; usually
involves excessive activity of the gastrocnemius.
Festinating - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern where a patient walks on toes as
though pushed.
It starts slowly, increases, and may continue until the patient grasps an object in order to stop.
Spastic - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern with stiff movement, toes seeming to
catch and drag, legs held together, and hip and knee joints slightly flex.
Steppage - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern in which the feet and toes are lifted
through hip and knee flexion to excessive heights; usually secondary to dorsiflexor weakness.
The foot will SLAP at initial contact with the ground secondary to the decreased control.
Tabetic - CORRECT ANSWER A high stepping ataxic gait pattern in which the feet
slap the ground.
Vaulting - CORRECT ANSWER A gait pattern where the swing leg advances by
compensating through the combination of elevation of the pelvis and plantar flexion of the
stance leg.
, Contusion - CORRECT ANSWER A sudden blow to a part of the body that can result
in mild to severe damage to superficial and deep structures.
Treatment includes AROM, ice and compression
Sprain - CORRECT ANSWER An acute injury involving a ligament.
Strain - CORRECT ANSWER An injury involving the musculotendinous unit that
involves a muscle, tendon, or their attachments to bone.
Reciprocating Gait Orthosis - CORRECT ANSWER A derivative of the HKAFO and
incorporate a cable system to assist with advancement of the L.E. during gait.
Patient shifts weight onto a selected L.E., the cable system advances the opposite L.E.
Primarily used for patients with paraplegia.
Parapodiums - CORRECT ANSWER A standing frame designed to allow a patient to
sit when necessary.
A prefabricated frame and ambulation is achieved by shifting weight and rocking the base
across the floor.
Primarily used by pediatric population.
Corset - CORRECT ANSWER Constructed of fabric and may have metal uprights
within the material to provide abdominal compression and support.
Utilized to provide pressure and relieve pain associated with mild and low back pathologies.
Milwaukee Orthosis - CORRECT ANSWER Designed to promote realignment of the
spine due to scoliotic curvature.
Custom made and extends from the pelvis to the upper chest.
Corrective padding is applied to the areas of severity curve.
Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO) - CORRECT ANSWER Utilized to PREVENT
all trunk motions and is commonly used as a means of post-surgical stabilization.
