NPTE 3 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
B144. A physical therapist and colleague are examining a patient who complains of
numbness over the lateral aspect of the shoulder. The therapist is convinced that the
patient has a C5 radiculopathy, while the colleaguebelieves the patient has an axillary
nerve lesion. The results of upper extremity reflex testing are equivocal.Weakness in
which muscle would support the therapist's hypothesis of a C5 nerve root problem?
1. Teres minor.
2. Biceps brachii.
3. Middle deltoid.
4. Triceps brachii. - Answer- 2. Biceps brachii.
B145. Which measure of aerobic capacity is supported as a reliable and valid functional
capacity measure with reported minimal detectable change scores in patients with heart
failure?
1. 6-Minute Walk Test.
2. Bruce protocol treadmill test.
3. Canadian Aerobic Fitness Step test.
4. Lower extremity ergometer test. - Answer- 1. 6-Minute Walk Test.
B146. A 67-year-old patient with neck pain is seen by a physical therapist. After
examining the patient, the therapist consults with the referring provider and
recommends that x-rays should be ordered to rule out a cervical spine fracture. Which
of the following examination findings prompted the therapist to recommend x-rays?
1. Involvement in a simple rear-end motor vehicle collision in a parking lot.
2. A fall from a 4-foot step ladder.
3. Paresthesias in the right upper extremity.
4. Active neck rotation of 45° to both the left and the right. - Answer- 2. A fall from a 4-
foot step ladder.
B147. A child with spastic cerebral palsy is having difficulty releasing food from the hand
to the mouth. Once the child has brought the food to the mouth, what should the
caregiver be taught to do in order to assist the child?
1. Slowly stroke the finger extensors in a proximal-to-distal direction.
2. Apply a quick stretch to the finger flexors.
3. Slowly stroke the finger flexors in a distal-to-proximal direction.
,4. Passively extend the fingers. - Answer- 1. Slowly stroke the finger extensors in a
proximal-to-distal direction.
B148. During the examination of the cervical spine of a client for C5 radiculopathy, small
groupings of nevi are noted near the superior angle of the left scapula. What is the
NEXT action the therapist should take?
1. Perform a vertebral artery examination.
2. Photograph the area in order to provide baseline documentation for the patient's
record.
3. Ask the patient about any history of moles and examine them closely.
4. Contact the physician immediately. - Answer- 3. Ask the patient about any history of
moles and examine them closely.
B149. A physical therapist examines a patient who sustained a deep laceration to the
palm of their dominant hand. The wound is near the web space of the hand and the
therapist suspects that the patient lacerated the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. The
therapist performs a strength test of the hand intrinsic muscles. Which muscle is
innervated by the deep ulnar nerve?
1. Adductor pollicis.
2. Abductor pollicis brevis.
3. Opponens pollicis.
4. 1st and 2nd lumbricales. - Answer- 1. Adductor pollicis.
B150. A patient presents with a two-month history of progressively worsening shoulder
pain and stiffness without any known injury or trauma to the shoulder. The patient is
currently unable to move the upper extremityabove the level of shoulder while
performing ADLs. After completing the physical examination, the physical therapist
concludes that the patient has adhesive capsulitis. What is the BEST choice of physical
therapy interventions for the disorder?
1. Short wave diathermy.
2. Joint mobilization.
3. Stretching exercises.
4. Ultrasound. - Answer- 3. Stretching exercises.
B151. An elderly patient with congestive heart failure is referred to physical therapy for
an examination of functional mobility skills and safety in the home environment. The
family reports that the patient is demonstrating increasing forgetfulness and some
memory deficits. During the examination, what would the therapist typically expect to
find?
1. Impairments in short-term memory.
2. Periods of fluctuating confusion.
3. Periods of agitation and wandering, especially in the late afternoon.
,4. Significant impairments in long-term memory. - Answer- 1. Impairments in short-term
memory.
B152. A therapist is examining a patient with vestibular dysfunction. The patient is
asked to assume a long sitting position with the head turned to the left side. The
therapist then quickly moves the patient backward so that the head is extended over the
end of the table approximately 30° below horizontal. This maneuver causes severe
dizziness and vertigo. A repeat test with the head turned to the right produces no
symptoms. What is the BEST way to document these results?
1. Positive left Hallpike-Dix test.
2. Positive sharpened Romberg's test.
3. Positive right positional test.
4. Negative positional test. - Answer- 1. Positive left Hallpike-Dix test.
B153. A therapist is instructing a patient with a stroke in gait training. The therapist
determines that learning is going well because the patient's errors are decreasing and
overall endurance is improving. What is the BEST strategy to promote continued motor
learning at this point in the patient's rehabilitation?
1. Have the patient practice walking in varying environments.
2. Intervene early whenever errors appear before bad habits become firmly entrenched.
3. Provide continuous feedback after every walking trial.
4. Have the patient continue to practice in the parallel bars until all errors are
extinguished. - Answer- 1. Have the patient practice walking in varying environments.
B154. A 4-year-old child with newly diagnosed cystic fibrosis is being seen by a PT in
the home. Which intervention should be considered for this patient?
1. Teach the child use of the acapella device in postural drainage positions to be
performed once or twice a day.
2. Teach the child autogenic drainage for secretion removal to be performed once or
twice daily.
3. Teach the parents secretion removal techniques to all segments of all lobes of both
lungs once or twice a day.
4. Teach the child active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) to be done once or twice
a day to clear retained secretions. - Answer- 3. Teach the parents secretion removal
techniques to all segments of all lobes of both lungs once or twice a day.
B155. A middle-aged woman is referred to a women's clinic with problems of stress
incontinence. She reports loss of control that began with coughing or laughing but now
reports problems even when she exercises (aerobics 3 times/wk). What is the BEST
intervention for this patient?
1. Kegel's exercises several times a day.
2. Behavioral modification techniques to reward proper voiding on schedule.
, 3. Biofeedback 1 hour/wk to achieve appropriate sphincter control.
4. Functional electrical stimulation 3 times/wk. - Answer- 1. Kegel's exercises several
times a day.
B156. An elderly patient suffered a cerebral thrombosis 4 days ago and presents with
the following symptoms: decreased pain and temperature sensation of the ipsilateral
face, nystagmus, vertigo, nausea, dysphagia,ipsilateral Horner's syndrome, and
contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation of the body. What is the MOST
likely location of the thrombosis?
1. Anterior cerebral artery.
2. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
3. Internal carotid artery.
4. Posterior cerebral artery. - Answer- 2. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
B157. A patient with a 2-inch stage II decubitus ulcer over the left lateral malleolus is
referred for physical therapy. The therapist notes a greenish, pungent exudate at the
wound site. The therapist decides to use electrical stimulation. What is the BEST
treatment choice?
1. Hi-volt pulsed monophasic current with the anode over a silver dressing placed in the
wound.
2. Hi-volt pulsed monophasic current with the cathode placed proximal to wound.
3. Pulsed biphasic current passes through the silver dressing in the wound.
4. Electrical stimulation is contraindicated in infected wounds. - Answer- 1. Hi-volt
pulsed monophasic current with the anode over a silver dressing placed in the wound.
B158. A patient arrives for outpatient cardiac rehab 10 weeks after a coronary artery
bypass graft. The postoperative course was complicated by atrial fibrillation, which has
been controlled with medications prescribed by a cardiologist. The patient's resting vital
signs are HR = 90 in atrial fibrillation, BP = 116/74, RR = 14, and SpO2 = 99% on room
air. Is a symptom-limited exercise test appropriate for this patient at this time?
1. Yes, the patient is managed by a cardiologist and has no symptoms now.
2. Yes, the heart rate is well controlled and the cardiologist is aware of the arrhythmia.
3. No, the patient is tachycardic at rest and has an arrhythmia.
4. No, a patient in atrial fibrillation should not complete an exercise test. - Answer- 2.
Yes, the heart rate is well controlled and the cardiologist is aware of the arrhythmia.
B159. A patient presents with a complete T10 paraplegia. An extensive neurological
workup has failed to reveal a specific cause for the paraplegia. The physician has
determined a diagnosis of functional neurologic disorder. What is the therapist's BEST
choice of intervention?
1. Initiate ROM and strength training after the patient receives psychological counseling.
2. Initiate functional training consistent with the level of injury.
100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
B144. A physical therapist and colleague are examining a patient who complains of
numbness over the lateral aspect of the shoulder. The therapist is convinced that the
patient has a C5 radiculopathy, while the colleaguebelieves the patient has an axillary
nerve lesion. The results of upper extremity reflex testing are equivocal.Weakness in
which muscle would support the therapist's hypothesis of a C5 nerve root problem?
1. Teres minor.
2. Biceps brachii.
3. Middle deltoid.
4. Triceps brachii. - Answer- 2. Biceps brachii.
B145. Which measure of aerobic capacity is supported as a reliable and valid functional
capacity measure with reported minimal detectable change scores in patients with heart
failure?
1. 6-Minute Walk Test.
2. Bruce protocol treadmill test.
3. Canadian Aerobic Fitness Step test.
4. Lower extremity ergometer test. - Answer- 1. 6-Minute Walk Test.
B146. A 67-year-old patient with neck pain is seen by a physical therapist. After
examining the patient, the therapist consults with the referring provider and
recommends that x-rays should be ordered to rule out a cervical spine fracture. Which
of the following examination findings prompted the therapist to recommend x-rays?
1. Involvement in a simple rear-end motor vehicle collision in a parking lot.
2. A fall from a 4-foot step ladder.
3. Paresthesias in the right upper extremity.
4. Active neck rotation of 45° to both the left and the right. - Answer- 2. A fall from a 4-
foot step ladder.
B147. A child with spastic cerebral palsy is having difficulty releasing food from the hand
to the mouth. Once the child has brought the food to the mouth, what should the
caregiver be taught to do in order to assist the child?
1. Slowly stroke the finger extensors in a proximal-to-distal direction.
2. Apply a quick stretch to the finger flexors.
3. Slowly stroke the finger flexors in a distal-to-proximal direction.
,4. Passively extend the fingers. - Answer- 1. Slowly stroke the finger extensors in a
proximal-to-distal direction.
B148. During the examination of the cervical spine of a client for C5 radiculopathy, small
groupings of nevi are noted near the superior angle of the left scapula. What is the
NEXT action the therapist should take?
1. Perform a vertebral artery examination.
2. Photograph the area in order to provide baseline documentation for the patient's
record.
3. Ask the patient about any history of moles and examine them closely.
4. Contact the physician immediately. - Answer- 3. Ask the patient about any history of
moles and examine them closely.
B149. A physical therapist examines a patient who sustained a deep laceration to the
palm of their dominant hand. The wound is near the web space of the hand and the
therapist suspects that the patient lacerated the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. The
therapist performs a strength test of the hand intrinsic muscles. Which muscle is
innervated by the deep ulnar nerve?
1. Adductor pollicis.
2. Abductor pollicis brevis.
3. Opponens pollicis.
4. 1st and 2nd lumbricales. - Answer- 1. Adductor pollicis.
B150. A patient presents with a two-month history of progressively worsening shoulder
pain and stiffness without any known injury or trauma to the shoulder. The patient is
currently unable to move the upper extremityabove the level of shoulder while
performing ADLs. After completing the physical examination, the physical therapist
concludes that the patient has adhesive capsulitis. What is the BEST choice of physical
therapy interventions for the disorder?
1. Short wave diathermy.
2. Joint mobilization.
3. Stretching exercises.
4. Ultrasound. - Answer- 3. Stretching exercises.
B151. An elderly patient with congestive heart failure is referred to physical therapy for
an examination of functional mobility skills and safety in the home environment. The
family reports that the patient is demonstrating increasing forgetfulness and some
memory deficits. During the examination, what would the therapist typically expect to
find?
1. Impairments in short-term memory.
2. Periods of fluctuating confusion.
3. Periods of agitation and wandering, especially in the late afternoon.
,4. Significant impairments in long-term memory. - Answer- 1. Impairments in short-term
memory.
B152. A therapist is examining a patient with vestibular dysfunction. The patient is
asked to assume a long sitting position with the head turned to the left side. The
therapist then quickly moves the patient backward so that the head is extended over the
end of the table approximately 30° below horizontal. This maneuver causes severe
dizziness and vertigo. A repeat test with the head turned to the right produces no
symptoms. What is the BEST way to document these results?
1. Positive left Hallpike-Dix test.
2. Positive sharpened Romberg's test.
3. Positive right positional test.
4. Negative positional test. - Answer- 1. Positive left Hallpike-Dix test.
B153. A therapist is instructing a patient with a stroke in gait training. The therapist
determines that learning is going well because the patient's errors are decreasing and
overall endurance is improving. What is the BEST strategy to promote continued motor
learning at this point in the patient's rehabilitation?
1. Have the patient practice walking in varying environments.
2. Intervene early whenever errors appear before bad habits become firmly entrenched.
3. Provide continuous feedback after every walking trial.
4. Have the patient continue to practice in the parallel bars until all errors are
extinguished. - Answer- 1. Have the patient practice walking in varying environments.
B154. A 4-year-old child with newly diagnosed cystic fibrosis is being seen by a PT in
the home. Which intervention should be considered for this patient?
1. Teach the child use of the acapella device in postural drainage positions to be
performed once or twice a day.
2. Teach the child autogenic drainage for secretion removal to be performed once or
twice daily.
3. Teach the parents secretion removal techniques to all segments of all lobes of both
lungs once or twice a day.
4. Teach the child active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) to be done once or twice
a day to clear retained secretions. - Answer- 3. Teach the parents secretion removal
techniques to all segments of all lobes of both lungs once or twice a day.
B155. A middle-aged woman is referred to a women's clinic with problems of stress
incontinence. She reports loss of control that began with coughing or laughing but now
reports problems even when she exercises (aerobics 3 times/wk). What is the BEST
intervention for this patient?
1. Kegel's exercises several times a day.
2. Behavioral modification techniques to reward proper voiding on schedule.
, 3. Biofeedback 1 hour/wk to achieve appropriate sphincter control.
4. Functional electrical stimulation 3 times/wk. - Answer- 1. Kegel's exercises several
times a day.
B156. An elderly patient suffered a cerebral thrombosis 4 days ago and presents with
the following symptoms: decreased pain and temperature sensation of the ipsilateral
face, nystagmus, vertigo, nausea, dysphagia,ipsilateral Horner's syndrome, and
contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation of the body. What is the MOST
likely location of the thrombosis?
1. Anterior cerebral artery.
2. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
3. Internal carotid artery.
4. Posterior cerebral artery. - Answer- 2. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
B157. A patient with a 2-inch stage II decubitus ulcer over the left lateral malleolus is
referred for physical therapy. The therapist notes a greenish, pungent exudate at the
wound site. The therapist decides to use electrical stimulation. What is the BEST
treatment choice?
1. Hi-volt pulsed monophasic current with the anode over a silver dressing placed in the
wound.
2. Hi-volt pulsed monophasic current with the cathode placed proximal to wound.
3. Pulsed biphasic current passes through the silver dressing in the wound.
4. Electrical stimulation is contraindicated in infected wounds. - Answer- 1. Hi-volt
pulsed monophasic current with the anode over a silver dressing placed in the wound.
B158. A patient arrives for outpatient cardiac rehab 10 weeks after a coronary artery
bypass graft. The postoperative course was complicated by atrial fibrillation, which has
been controlled with medications prescribed by a cardiologist. The patient's resting vital
signs are HR = 90 in atrial fibrillation, BP = 116/74, RR = 14, and SpO2 = 99% on room
air. Is a symptom-limited exercise test appropriate for this patient at this time?
1. Yes, the patient is managed by a cardiologist and has no symptoms now.
2. Yes, the heart rate is well controlled and the cardiologist is aware of the arrhythmia.
3. No, the patient is tachycardic at rest and has an arrhythmia.
4. No, a patient in atrial fibrillation should not complete an exercise test. - Answer- 2.
Yes, the heart rate is well controlled and the cardiologist is aware of the arrhythmia.
B159. A patient presents with a complete T10 paraplegia. An extensive neurological
workup has failed to reveal a specific cause for the paraplegia. The physician has
determined a diagnosis of functional neurologic disorder. What is the therapist's BEST
choice of intervention?
1. Initiate ROM and strength training after the patient receives psychological counseling.
2. Initiate functional training consistent with the level of injury.
