Physical Therapist Examination
Assessment Tool PEAT
Comprehensive Exam Study Guide
2026/2027
Description: This comprehensive study guide provides 200 multiple-choice questions
designed to prepare physical therapist candidates for the PEAT exam. The questions
cover all major content areas including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular,
cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and other systems, as well as professional
responsibilities and research.
Keywords: PEAT, Physical Therapist, NPTE, Exam Preparation, Musculoskeletal,
Neuromuscular, Cardiopulmonary, Integumentary, Clinical Reasoning, Study Guide,
2026, 2027
1. A patient presents with a forward head posture and rounded shoulders. Which
muscle is most likely tight?
A. Rhomboids
B. Pectoralis major ✅
C. Middle trapezius
D. Serratus anterior
2. During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates excessive pronation during mid-
stance. Which structure is most likely dysfunctional?
A. Tibialis posterior ✅
B. Peroneus longus
,C. Gastrocnemius
D. Tibialis anterior
3. A patient with a C6 complete spinal cord injury wants to perform a transfer.
Which muscle group would be available for this activity?
A. Triceps
B. Latissimus dorsi
C. Wrist extensors ✅
D. Intercostals
4. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient
with acute low back pain?
A. Bed rest for 3 days
B. McKenzie extension exercises ✅
C. Lumbar traction
D. Ultrasound
5. A patient reports numbness and tingling in the ulnar distribution of the hand.
Which nerve is most likely involved?
A. Median nerve
B. Radial nerve
C. Ulnar nerve ✅
D. Musculocutaneous nerve
6. What is the normal range of motion for ankle dorsiflexion?
A. 10 degrees
B. 20 degrees ✅
C. 30 degrees
D. 40 degrees
,7. A patient with COPD is being taught pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary
purpose of this technique?
A. Increase respiratory rate
B. Prevent airway collapse ✅
C. Increase tidal volume
D. Strengthen diaphragm
8. Which of the following is a contraindication for joint mobilization?
A. Muscle tightness
B. Joint hypomobility
C. Malignancy in the area ✅
D. Pain
9. A patient had a total knee arthroplasty 2 days ago. Which exercise is most
appropriate?
A. Deep squat
B. Straight leg raise ✅
C. Leg press
D. Stair climbing
10. The Berg Balance Scale is used to assess which of the following?
A. Gait speed
B. Balance and fall risk ✅
C. Endurance
D. Functional reach
11. A patient presents with pain at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Which
condition is most likely?
, A. Medial epicondylitis
B. Lateral epicondylitis ✅
C. Cubital tunnel syndrome
D. Carpal tunnel syndrome
12. Which muscle is primarily responsible for hip flexion?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Iliopsoas ✅
C. Hamstrings
D. Piriformis
13. A patient with a below-knee amputation is being fitted for a prosthesis. Which
type of socket is most commonly used?
A. Patellar tendon bearing ✅
B. Ischial containment
C. Total surface bearing
D. Quadrilateral
14. What is the most appropriate treatment for a patient with lymphedema in the
upper extremity?
A. Heat therapy
B. Complete decongestive therapy ✅
C. Massage directly over the area
D. Elevation only
15. A patient demonstrates a Trendelenburg sign. Which muscle is weak?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Gluteus medius ✅
C. Tensor fasciae latae
D. Quadriceps
Assessment Tool PEAT
Comprehensive Exam Study Guide
2026/2027
Description: This comprehensive study guide provides 200 multiple-choice questions
designed to prepare physical therapist candidates for the PEAT exam. The questions
cover all major content areas including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular,
cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and other systems, as well as professional
responsibilities and research.
Keywords: PEAT, Physical Therapist, NPTE, Exam Preparation, Musculoskeletal,
Neuromuscular, Cardiopulmonary, Integumentary, Clinical Reasoning, Study Guide,
2026, 2027
1. A patient presents with a forward head posture and rounded shoulders. Which
muscle is most likely tight?
A. Rhomboids
B. Pectoralis major ✅
C. Middle trapezius
D. Serratus anterior
2. During gait analysis, a patient demonstrates excessive pronation during mid-
stance. Which structure is most likely dysfunctional?
A. Tibialis posterior ✅
B. Peroneus longus
,C. Gastrocnemius
D. Tibialis anterior
3. A patient with a C6 complete spinal cord injury wants to perform a transfer.
Which muscle group would be available for this activity?
A. Triceps
B. Latissimus dorsi
C. Wrist extensors ✅
D. Intercostals
4. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient
with acute low back pain?
A. Bed rest for 3 days
B. McKenzie extension exercises ✅
C. Lumbar traction
D. Ultrasound
5. A patient reports numbness and tingling in the ulnar distribution of the hand.
Which nerve is most likely involved?
A. Median nerve
B. Radial nerve
C. Ulnar nerve ✅
D. Musculocutaneous nerve
6. What is the normal range of motion for ankle dorsiflexion?
A. 10 degrees
B. 20 degrees ✅
C. 30 degrees
D. 40 degrees
,7. A patient with COPD is being taught pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary
purpose of this technique?
A. Increase respiratory rate
B. Prevent airway collapse ✅
C. Increase tidal volume
D. Strengthen diaphragm
8. Which of the following is a contraindication for joint mobilization?
A. Muscle tightness
B. Joint hypomobility
C. Malignancy in the area ✅
D. Pain
9. A patient had a total knee arthroplasty 2 days ago. Which exercise is most
appropriate?
A. Deep squat
B. Straight leg raise ✅
C. Leg press
D. Stair climbing
10. The Berg Balance Scale is used to assess which of the following?
A. Gait speed
B. Balance and fall risk ✅
C. Endurance
D. Functional reach
11. A patient presents with pain at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Which
condition is most likely?
, A. Medial epicondylitis
B. Lateral epicondylitis ✅
C. Cubital tunnel syndrome
D. Carpal tunnel syndrome
12. Which muscle is primarily responsible for hip flexion?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Iliopsoas ✅
C. Hamstrings
D. Piriformis
13. A patient with a below-knee amputation is being fitted for a prosthesis. Which
type of socket is most commonly used?
A. Patellar tendon bearing ✅
B. Ischial containment
C. Total surface bearing
D. Quadrilateral
14. What is the most appropriate treatment for a patient with lymphedema in the
upper extremity?
A. Heat therapy
B. Complete decongestive therapy ✅
C. Massage directly over the area
D. Elevation only
15. A patient demonstrates a Trendelenburg sign. Which muscle is weak?
A. Gluteus maximus
B. Gluteus medius ✅
C. Tensor fasciae latae
D. Quadriceps
