Missouri Physical Therapist Assistant
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. A PTA is treating a patient with acute inflammation after a sprain.
Which modality is most appropriate in the first 48 hours?
A. Moist heat pack
B. Ice pack
C. Ultrasound at high intensity
D. Deep friction massage
Answer: B
Rationale: Cryotherapy reduces swelling, pain, and metabolic
demand during the acute inflammatory phase.
2. Which gait pattern is commonly seen with right-sided weakness?
A. Ataxic gait
B. Trendelenburg gait
, C. Hemiplegic gait
D. Scissor gait
Answer: C
Rationale: Hemiplegic gait involves circumduction of the affected
limb due to unilateral weakness.
3. What is the primary purpose of a goniometer?
A. Measure muscle strength
B. Measure joint range of motion
C. Assess pain levels
D. Evaluate endurance
Answer: B
Rationale: A goniometer is used to measure joint angles and range of
motion.
4. A patient reports dizziness during positional changes. Which condition
is most likely?
A. COPD
B. BPPV
C. Arthritis
D. Sciatica
Answer: B
Rationale: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo causes dizziness with
head position changes.
,5. Which muscle is primarily responsible for knee extension?
A. Hamstrings
B. Quadriceps femoris
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Tibialis anterior
Answer: B
Rationale: The quadriceps group extends the knee joint.
6. What is the correct positioning for a patient receiving postural
drainage for the upper lobes?
A. Trendelenburg position
B. Upright sitting
C. Prone flat
D. Side-lying with head down
Answer: B
Rationale: Upper lobe drainage is best performed in upright
positions.
7. Which condition is a contraindication for heat therapy?
A. Muscle spasm
B. Acute inflammation
C. Chronic stiffness
D. Joint contracture
Answer: B
, Rationale: Heat increases blood flow and can worsen acute
inflammation.
8. What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 8–10 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 20–30 breaths/min
D. 30–40 breaths/min
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal resting adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per
minute.
9. Which assistive device is most appropriate for a patient needing
maximum stability?
A. Cane
B. Crutches
C. Walker
D. Quad cane
Answer: C
Rationale: A walker provides the greatest base of support.
10. Which sign indicates hypoxia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cyanosis
C. Hypertension
D. Warm skin
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A PTA is treating a patient with acute inflammation after a sprain.
Which modality is most appropriate in the first 48 hours?
A. Moist heat pack
B. Ice pack
C. Ultrasound at high intensity
D. Deep friction massage
Answer: B
Rationale: Cryotherapy reduces swelling, pain, and metabolic
demand during the acute inflammatory phase.
2. Which gait pattern is commonly seen with right-sided weakness?
A. Ataxic gait
B. Trendelenburg gait
, C. Hemiplegic gait
D. Scissor gait
Answer: C
Rationale: Hemiplegic gait involves circumduction of the affected
limb due to unilateral weakness.
3. What is the primary purpose of a goniometer?
A. Measure muscle strength
B. Measure joint range of motion
C. Assess pain levels
D. Evaluate endurance
Answer: B
Rationale: A goniometer is used to measure joint angles and range of
motion.
4. A patient reports dizziness during positional changes. Which condition
is most likely?
A. COPD
B. BPPV
C. Arthritis
D. Sciatica
Answer: B
Rationale: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo causes dizziness with
head position changes.
,5. Which muscle is primarily responsible for knee extension?
A. Hamstrings
B. Quadriceps femoris
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Tibialis anterior
Answer: B
Rationale: The quadriceps group extends the knee joint.
6. What is the correct positioning for a patient receiving postural
drainage for the upper lobes?
A. Trendelenburg position
B. Upright sitting
C. Prone flat
D. Side-lying with head down
Answer: B
Rationale: Upper lobe drainage is best performed in upright
positions.
7. Which condition is a contraindication for heat therapy?
A. Muscle spasm
B. Acute inflammation
C. Chronic stiffness
D. Joint contracture
Answer: B
, Rationale: Heat increases blood flow and can worsen acute
inflammation.
8. What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 8–10 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 20–30 breaths/min
D. 30–40 breaths/min
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal resting adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per
minute.
9. Which assistive device is most appropriate for a patient needing
maximum stability?
A. Cane
B. Crutches
C. Walker
D. Quad cane
Answer: C
Rationale: A walker provides the greatest base of support.
10. Which sign indicates hypoxia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cyanosis
C. Hypertension
D. Warm skin
