AND ANSWERS 2025
A physical therapist is guarding a patient who is using an assistive device to come down
a flight of stairs. Which of the following is the SAFEST position for the therapist to take
to avoid self-injury?
1. In front, with one foot on the step immediately below the patient
2. In front, with both feet on the step immediately below the patient
3. In back, with one foot on the same step as the patient
4. In back, with both feet on the same step as the patient - ANSWERS1
On the basis of the history and objective assessment of a patient with knee pain, a
physical therapist suspects a ligamentous lesion. Which of the following diagnostic tests
should the therapist request to confirm these findings?
1. Myelography
2. Radiography
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
4. Computed tomography (CT) scan - ANSWERS3
A patient reports cervical muscle tightness and headaches originating in the back of the
head. Which of the following nerves is MOST likely involved?
1. Trigeminal
2. Spinal accessory
3. Hypoglossal
4. Lesser occipital - ANSWERS4
A patient who had a myocardial infarction is in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Which
of the following changes should cause the physical therapist to stop the exercise
session?
1. An increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg
2. A decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg
3. An increase in the respiratory rate of 5 breaths/minute
4. A decrease in the heart rate of 15 bpm - ANSWERS4
A physical therapist is treating a patient who has Parkinson disease. The patient
expresses concern about declining health and a poor prognosis. Which of the following
is the MOST appropriate response for the therapist to make?
1. Offer resources on support groups.
2. Refer the patient to a psychiatrist.
3. Have the patient speak with another patient who has Parkinson disease.
4. Tell the patient that physical therapy will prevent disease progression. - ANSWERS1
, A physical therapist can perform a quick, nonspecific functional assessment of shoulder
abduction and lateral (external) rotation by instructing the patient to use the arm being
tested to reach:
1. across the chest and touch the contralateral shoulder.
2. overhead and touch the superior medial border of the contralateral scapula.
3. up and touch the ipsilateral shoulder.
4. behind the back and touch the inferior angle of the contralateral scapula. -
ANSWERS2
Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a graft from the patellar
ligament, which of the following early interventions will BEST facilitate healing of the
patellar ligament?
1. High-load short-arc quads
2. Prolonged immobilization with the knee fully extended
3. Deep squats
4. Active knee range of motion - ANSWERS4
A patient has an acute grade I sprain of the acromioclavicular joint. Which of the
following activities would be MOST painful for the patient to perform?
1. Reaching behind the back to tuck in a shirt
2. Reaching across the chest and scratching the opposite shoulder with the hand
3. Opening a car door
4. Using both hands to lift a 10-lb (4.5-kg) bag of groceries from the floor to a waist-high
table - ANSWERS2
A physical therapist is considering using neuromuscular electrical stimulation as an
alternative to static bracing for control of ankle position during gait in a client 3 months
post cerebrovascular accident. Which of the following criteria improves chances of
success with this treatment approach?
1. Limited spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors
2. Altered selective control of the hip/knee with volitional ankle activity
3. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes at the ankle and knee
4. Limited sensation of the lower extremity - ANSWERS1
A patient with a C7 spinal cord injury wants to perform transfers using the technique
shown in the photograph. Which of the following resisted exercises would be MOST
appropriate to accomplish this goal?
1. Scapular protraction
2. Elbow flexion
3. Shoulder internal rotation
4. Scapular elevation - ANSWERS1
In a patient with breast cancer, which of the following sites are the MOST common sites
of metastasis?
1. Central and peripheral nervous systems
2. Liver and gastrointestinal tract
3. Lungs and bony skeleton