New York Physical Therapist Licensing Exam
(NPTE) Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. A patient presents with a sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, and imbalance.
Which cranial nerve is most likely involved?
Vestibulocochlear (CN VIII)
CN VIII is responsible for balance and hearing; dysfunction often presents
with vertigo and disequilibrium.
2. During manual muscle testing, a patient can move their limb against gravity
but cannot withstand any resistance. What grade should be assigned?
3/5
A grade of 3/5 indicates full ROM against gravity but no resistance.
3. Which physical therapy intervention is most appropriate for a patient with
chronic low back pain and poor trunk endurance?
Core stabilization exercises
Strengthening deep trunk muscles can improve spinal stability and reduce
pain.
4. A patient with left-sided hemiplegia demonstrates circumduction gait. What
is the primary cause?
Weak hip flexors
Weak hip flexors prevent normal knee and hip flexion during swing phase,
leading to circumduction.
5. Which type of joint mobilization is used to increase joint capsule mobility?
Grade III
, Grade III mobilizations involve large amplitude movements within resistance
to stretch the joint capsule.
6. A patient exhibits difficulty initiating movement and slow shuffling gait.
What neurological condition is most consistent with these findings?
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, and shuffling gait.
7. During a PTA session, a patient’s heart rate suddenly drops below 40 bpm,
and they become dizzy. What is the first action?
Stop the exercise and monitor vital signs
A sudden bradycardia can indicate a serious cardiac issue; immediate
cessation and monitoring are required.
8. Which reflex is assessed by tapping the patellar tendon?
Quadriceps (patellar) reflex
Tapping the patellar tendon tests L2-L4 spinal segments via the quadriceps
contraction.
9. A patient with COPD is experiencing dyspnea at rest. Which breathing
technique is most effective?
Pursed-lip breathing
Pursed-lip breathing increases expiratory pressure, reduces air trapping, and
improves ventilation.
10.Which electrotherapy modality is most appropriate for acute edema
reduction?
High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC)
HVPC is commonly used for edema reduction by promoting fluid movement
through electrical stimulation.
11.What is the most appropriate wheelchair measurement for seat depth?
Posterior buttock to posterior knee minus 2 inches
This ensures proper thigh support without pressure on the popliteal area.
12.Which sensory test is most appropriate for detecting peripheral
neuropathy?
, Monofilament testing
Monofilaments assess protective sensation, which is often lost in peripheral
neuropathy.
13.A patient presents with wrist drop. Which nerve is most likely affected?
Radial nerve
Radial nerve injury leads to inability to extend the wrist and fingers, causing
wrist drop.
14.After a total hip replacement via posterior approach, which movement
should be avoided?
Hip flexion beyond 90°
Excessive flexion risks posterior dislocation after surgery.
15.A patient demonstrates foot slap during gait. What muscle weakness is
most likely?
Tibialis anterior
Weak dorsiflexors cannot control foot lowering, leading to foot slap.
16.Which functional outcome measure is commonly used for stroke patients?
Fugl-Meyer Assessment
The Fugl-Meyer evaluates motor function, balance, sensation, and joint
function post-stroke.
17.A patient presents with plantar fasciitis. Which stretching technique is most
appropriate?
Calf and plantar fascia stretches
Stretching the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar fascia reduces tension
and pain.
18.Which vital sign change indicates orthostatic hypotension?
Drop in systolic BP ≥ 20 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 10 mmHg
This decrease upon standing suggests inadequate autonomic blood pressure
regulation.
(NPTE) Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
download Pdf
1. A patient presents with a sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, and imbalance.
Which cranial nerve is most likely involved?
Vestibulocochlear (CN VIII)
CN VIII is responsible for balance and hearing; dysfunction often presents
with vertigo and disequilibrium.
2. During manual muscle testing, a patient can move their limb against gravity
but cannot withstand any resistance. What grade should be assigned?
3/5
A grade of 3/5 indicates full ROM against gravity but no resistance.
3. Which physical therapy intervention is most appropriate for a patient with
chronic low back pain and poor trunk endurance?
Core stabilization exercises
Strengthening deep trunk muscles can improve spinal stability and reduce
pain.
4. A patient with left-sided hemiplegia demonstrates circumduction gait. What
is the primary cause?
Weak hip flexors
Weak hip flexors prevent normal knee and hip flexion during swing phase,
leading to circumduction.
5. Which type of joint mobilization is used to increase joint capsule mobility?
Grade III
, Grade III mobilizations involve large amplitude movements within resistance
to stretch the joint capsule.
6. A patient exhibits difficulty initiating movement and slow shuffling gait.
What neurological condition is most consistent with these findings?
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, and shuffling gait.
7. During a PTA session, a patient’s heart rate suddenly drops below 40 bpm,
and they become dizzy. What is the first action?
Stop the exercise and monitor vital signs
A sudden bradycardia can indicate a serious cardiac issue; immediate
cessation and monitoring are required.
8. Which reflex is assessed by tapping the patellar tendon?
Quadriceps (patellar) reflex
Tapping the patellar tendon tests L2-L4 spinal segments via the quadriceps
contraction.
9. A patient with COPD is experiencing dyspnea at rest. Which breathing
technique is most effective?
Pursed-lip breathing
Pursed-lip breathing increases expiratory pressure, reduces air trapping, and
improves ventilation.
10.Which electrotherapy modality is most appropriate for acute edema
reduction?
High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC)
HVPC is commonly used for edema reduction by promoting fluid movement
through electrical stimulation.
11.What is the most appropriate wheelchair measurement for seat depth?
Posterior buttock to posterior knee minus 2 inches
This ensures proper thigh support without pressure on the popliteal area.
12.Which sensory test is most appropriate for detecting peripheral
neuropathy?
, Monofilament testing
Monofilaments assess protective sensation, which is often lost in peripheral
neuropathy.
13.A patient presents with wrist drop. Which nerve is most likely affected?
Radial nerve
Radial nerve injury leads to inability to extend the wrist and fingers, causing
wrist drop.
14.After a total hip replacement via posterior approach, which movement
should be avoided?
Hip flexion beyond 90°
Excessive flexion risks posterior dislocation after surgery.
15.A patient demonstrates foot slap during gait. What muscle weakness is
most likely?
Tibialis anterior
Weak dorsiflexors cannot control foot lowering, leading to foot slap.
16.Which functional outcome measure is commonly used for stroke patients?
Fugl-Meyer Assessment
The Fugl-Meyer evaluates motor function, balance, sensation, and joint
function post-stroke.
17.A patient presents with plantar fasciitis. Which stretching technique is most
appropriate?
Calf and plantar fascia stretches
Stretching the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar fascia reduces tension
and pain.
18.Which vital sign change indicates orthostatic hypotension?
Drop in systolic BP ≥ 20 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 10 mmHg
This decrease upon standing suggests inadequate autonomic blood pressure
regulation.
