PA Athletic Trainer Licensing Examination
(BOC) Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most common mechanism of an anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL) injury?
A. Direct blow to the anterior knee
B. Hyperextension with rotational stress
C. Hyperflexion of the knee
D. Repetitive running
B. Hyperextension with rotational stress
Rationale: The ACL is most commonly injured through non-contact
mechanisms involving sudden deceleration, pivoting, or rotational stress
that causes hyperextension.
2. What is the primary function of the rotator cuff muscles?
A. Flex the elbow
, B. Stabilize the glenohumeral joint
C. Extend the wrist
D. Flex the hip
B. Stabilize the glenohumeral joint
Rationale: The rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres
minor, subscapularis) stabilize the shoulder during movement.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication to using heat therapy?
A. Chronic muscle spasm
B. Acute injury with swelling
C. Joint stiffness
D. Muscle soreness
B. Acute injury with swelling
Rationale: Heat increases blood flow and metabolism, which can
exacerbate acute inflammation and swelling.
4. Which of the following is the first step in the primary survey of an
injured athlete?
A. Assess airway, breathing, circulation
B. Check for fractures
C. Immobilize the spine
D. Apply ice
,A. Assess airway, breathing, circulation
Rationale: The primary survey focuses on life-threatening conditions: ABC
(Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
5. The best method to prevent shin splints in runners is:
A. Increase running distance rapidly
B. Wear worn-out shoes
C. Gradual training progression and proper footwear
D. Running exclusively on concrete
C. Gradual training progression and proper footwear
Rationale: Shin splints are overuse injuries; proper footwear and gradual
increase in activity reduce risk.
6. A “stinger” or “burner” commonly affects which structure?
A. Brachial plexus
B. Lumbar spine
C. Anterior cruciate ligament
D. Patellar tendon
A. Brachial plexus
Rationale: A stinger is a nerve injury to the brachial plexus, often from
shoulder depression or head/neck lateral flexion.
7. Which of the following is the most sensitive test for detecting a
concussion?
A. Glasgow Coma Scale
, B. SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool)
C. MRI
D. CT scan
B. SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool)
Rationale: SCAT5 is a standardized clinical tool for sideline assessment of
concussion symptoms and cognitive function.
8. What is the RICE principle used for?
A. Nutritional guidance
B. Acute injury management
C. Cardiovascular conditioning
D. Respiratory training
B. Acute injury management
Rationale: RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and is used for
initial management of acute musculoskeletal injuries.
9. Which of the following muscles is primarily involved in plantar flexion
of the foot?
A. Tibialis anterior
B. Gastrocnemius
C. Quadriceps
D. Hamstrings
(BOC) Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most common mechanism of an anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL) injury?
A. Direct blow to the anterior knee
B. Hyperextension with rotational stress
C. Hyperflexion of the knee
D. Repetitive running
B. Hyperextension with rotational stress
Rationale: The ACL is most commonly injured through non-contact
mechanisms involving sudden deceleration, pivoting, or rotational stress
that causes hyperextension.
2. What is the primary function of the rotator cuff muscles?
A. Flex the elbow
, B. Stabilize the glenohumeral joint
C. Extend the wrist
D. Flex the hip
B. Stabilize the glenohumeral joint
Rationale: The rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres
minor, subscapularis) stabilize the shoulder during movement.
3. Which of the following is a contraindication to using heat therapy?
A. Chronic muscle spasm
B. Acute injury with swelling
C. Joint stiffness
D. Muscle soreness
B. Acute injury with swelling
Rationale: Heat increases blood flow and metabolism, which can
exacerbate acute inflammation and swelling.
4. Which of the following is the first step in the primary survey of an
injured athlete?
A. Assess airway, breathing, circulation
B. Check for fractures
C. Immobilize the spine
D. Apply ice
,A. Assess airway, breathing, circulation
Rationale: The primary survey focuses on life-threatening conditions: ABC
(Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
5. The best method to prevent shin splints in runners is:
A. Increase running distance rapidly
B. Wear worn-out shoes
C. Gradual training progression and proper footwear
D. Running exclusively on concrete
C. Gradual training progression and proper footwear
Rationale: Shin splints are overuse injuries; proper footwear and gradual
increase in activity reduce risk.
6. A “stinger” or “burner” commonly affects which structure?
A. Brachial plexus
B. Lumbar spine
C. Anterior cruciate ligament
D. Patellar tendon
A. Brachial plexus
Rationale: A stinger is a nerve injury to the brachial plexus, often from
shoulder depression or head/neck lateral flexion.
7. Which of the following is the most sensitive test for detecting a
concussion?
A. Glasgow Coma Scale
, B. SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool)
C. MRI
D. CT scan
B. SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool)
Rationale: SCAT5 is a standardized clinical tool for sideline assessment of
concussion symptoms and cognitive function.
8. What is the RICE principle used for?
A. Nutritional guidance
B. Acute injury management
C. Cardiovascular conditioning
D. Respiratory training
B. Acute injury management
Rationale: RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and is used for
initial management of acute musculoskeletal injuries.
9. Which of the following muscles is primarily involved in plantar flexion
of the foot?
A. Tibialis anterior
B. Gastrocnemius
C. Quadriceps
D. Hamstrings
