CALIFORNIA PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSING
EXAM (PT BOARD / NPTE-STYLE). EXAM ,
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary goal of physical therapy for a
patient post-stroke?
A. Cure the neurological damage
B. Maximize functional independence
C. Prevent all future strokes
D. Eliminate spasticity entirely
B
Physical therapy aims to maximize functional independence and quality
of life, rather than cure neurological damage.
2. The most appropriate initial intervention for a patient with acute
low back pain without red flags is:
A. Immediate MRI
B. Bed rest for one week
C. Education and activity modification
D. Epidural steroid injection
C
Evidence supports early movement, education, and activity modification
rather than prolonged bed rest or immediate invasive procedures.
3. Which cranial nerve is responsible for tongue movement?
A. CN V
,B. CN VII
C. CN IX
D. CN XII
D
The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls tongue movement.
4. A patient demonstrates foot drop after a peroneal nerve injury.
Which gait pattern is most likely observed?
A. Trendelenburg gait
B. Steppage gait
C. Antalgic gait
D. Ataxic gait
B
Steppage gait is characterized by high stepping to avoid dragging the
toes due to dorsiflexor weakness.
5. Which outcome measure is most appropriate for evaluating
functional mobility in elderly patients?
A. Berg Balance Scale
B. McGill Pain Questionnaire
C. Fugl-Meyer Assessment
D. Ashworth Scale
A
The Berg Balance Scale assesses balance and functional mobility in older
adults.
6. What is the normal range of motion for shoulder abduction?
A. 90°
B. 120°
C. 150°
D. 180°
, D
Normal shoulder abduction is approximately 180°.
7. In a patient with COPD, which breathing technique is most
appropriate to reduce dyspnea?
A. Apneustic breathing
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Segmental breathing
D. Cheyne-Stokes breathing
B
Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain airway pressure and improves
ventilation in COPD.
8. Which test is used to assess for meniscal injury in the knee?
A. Lachman test
B. McMurray test
C. Anterior drawer test
D. Thompson test
B
The McMurray test is specific for meniscal tears.
9. Which type of exercise is most beneficial for early-stage
osteoarthritis?
A. High-intensity weightlifting
B. Low-impact aerobic and strengthening exercises
C. Plyometric training
D. Long-duration running
B
Low-impact aerobic and strengthening exercises reduce joint load while
improving function.
10. The primary purpose of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
(PNF) stretching is:
EXAM (PT BOARD / NPTE-STYLE). EXAM ,
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary goal of physical therapy for a
patient post-stroke?
A. Cure the neurological damage
B. Maximize functional independence
C. Prevent all future strokes
D. Eliminate spasticity entirely
B
Physical therapy aims to maximize functional independence and quality
of life, rather than cure neurological damage.
2. The most appropriate initial intervention for a patient with acute
low back pain without red flags is:
A. Immediate MRI
B. Bed rest for one week
C. Education and activity modification
D. Epidural steroid injection
C
Evidence supports early movement, education, and activity modification
rather than prolonged bed rest or immediate invasive procedures.
3. Which cranial nerve is responsible for tongue movement?
A. CN V
,B. CN VII
C. CN IX
D. CN XII
D
The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls tongue movement.
4. A patient demonstrates foot drop after a peroneal nerve injury.
Which gait pattern is most likely observed?
A. Trendelenburg gait
B. Steppage gait
C. Antalgic gait
D. Ataxic gait
B
Steppage gait is characterized by high stepping to avoid dragging the
toes due to dorsiflexor weakness.
5. Which outcome measure is most appropriate for evaluating
functional mobility in elderly patients?
A. Berg Balance Scale
B. McGill Pain Questionnaire
C. Fugl-Meyer Assessment
D. Ashworth Scale
A
The Berg Balance Scale assesses balance and functional mobility in older
adults.
6. What is the normal range of motion for shoulder abduction?
A. 90°
B. 120°
C. 150°
D. 180°
, D
Normal shoulder abduction is approximately 180°.
7. In a patient with COPD, which breathing technique is most
appropriate to reduce dyspnea?
A. Apneustic breathing
B. Pursed-lip breathing
C. Segmental breathing
D. Cheyne-Stokes breathing
B
Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain airway pressure and improves
ventilation in COPD.
8. Which test is used to assess for meniscal injury in the knee?
A. Lachman test
B. McMurray test
C. Anterior drawer test
D. Thompson test
B
The McMurray test is specific for meniscal tears.
9. Which type of exercise is most beneficial for early-stage
osteoarthritis?
A. High-intensity weightlifting
B. Low-impact aerobic and strengthening exercises
C. Plyometric training
D. Long-duration running
B
Low-impact aerobic and strengthening exercises reduce joint load while
improving function.
10. The primary purpose of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
(PNF) stretching is:
