California Physical Therapist Licensing
Examination (NPTE) Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025 Q&A | Instant
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1. A patient presents with right shoulder pain and limited range of motion.
The physical therapist suspects a rotator cuff tear. Which of the following
tests is most appropriate to confirm this diagnosis?
A. Hawkins-Kennedy test
B. Speed’s test
C. Drop arm test
D. Neer impingement test
The drop arm test assesses for supraspinatus tear or rotator cuff
pathology. A positive result indicates a tear.
2. During gait analysis, a physical therapist observes foot drop on the right
side. Which nerve is most likely affected?
A. Tibial nerve
B. Femoral nerve
C. Common peroneal nerve
D. Obturator nerve
,The common peroneal nerve innervates muscles responsible for
dorsiflexion. Damage causes foot drop.
3. A 50-year-old male with Parkinson’s disease demonstrates festinating
gait and bradykinesia. What is the best initial PT intervention?
A. Balance training using a BOSU ball
B. High-speed treadmill training
C. Rhythmic auditory stimulation for gait
D. Aquatic strengthening exercises
Rhythmic auditory cues improve stride length and cadence in Parkinson’s
patients.
4. Which outcome measure is most appropriate to evaluate fall risk in
older adults?
A. 6-minute walk test
B. Berg Balance Scale
C. Fugl-Meyer Assessment
D. Oswestry Disability Index
The Berg Balance Scale assesses static and dynamic balance and is
predictive of fall risk.
5. A patient post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is most at risk for which
postoperative complication?
A. Hip dislocation
B. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
C. Shoulder impingement
D. Bursitis
DVT is a common and serious complication after TKA due to immobility.
6. What is the primary action of the gluteus medius during gait?
A. Hip abduction and pelvis stabilization
B. Hip flexion
C. Knee extension
, D. Trunk rotation
The gluteus medius stabilizes the pelvis during single limb support.
7. What stage of wound healing is characterized by angiogenesis and
fibroblast activity?
A. Inflammatory
B. Proliferative
C. Remodeling
D. Degenerative
The proliferative phase includes tissue regeneration and new blood vessel
formation.
8. A patient with left CVA shows neglect of the right side. Which area of
the brain is likely affected?
A. Right parietal lobe
B. Left parietal lobe
C. Left frontal lobe
D. Right temporal lobe
A left CVA affects the right body; neglect suggests parietal lobe
involvement.
9. Which is the correct cranial nerve tested with the pupillary light reflex?
A. CN IV and VI
B. CN II and III
C. CN V and VII
D. CN I and II
CN II detects light; CN III controls pupillary constriction.
10. Which muscle is responsible for scapular upward rotation?
A. Rhomboids
B. Pectoralis minor
C. Serratus anterior
D. Levator scapulae
Examination (NPTE) Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A patient presents with right shoulder pain and limited range of motion.
The physical therapist suspects a rotator cuff tear. Which of the following
tests is most appropriate to confirm this diagnosis?
A. Hawkins-Kennedy test
B. Speed’s test
C. Drop arm test
D. Neer impingement test
The drop arm test assesses for supraspinatus tear or rotator cuff
pathology. A positive result indicates a tear.
2. During gait analysis, a physical therapist observes foot drop on the right
side. Which nerve is most likely affected?
A. Tibial nerve
B. Femoral nerve
C. Common peroneal nerve
D. Obturator nerve
,The common peroneal nerve innervates muscles responsible for
dorsiflexion. Damage causes foot drop.
3. A 50-year-old male with Parkinson’s disease demonstrates festinating
gait and bradykinesia. What is the best initial PT intervention?
A. Balance training using a BOSU ball
B. High-speed treadmill training
C. Rhythmic auditory stimulation for gait
D. Aquatic strengthening exercises
Rhythmic auditory cues improve stride length and cadence in Parkinson’s
patients.
4. Which outcome measure is most appropriate to evaluate fall risk in
older adults?
A. 6-minute walk test
B. Berg Balance Scale
C. Fugl-Meyer Assessment
D. Oswestry Disability Index
The Berg Balance Scale assesses static and dynamic balance and is
predictive of fall risk.
5. A patient post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is most at risk for which
postoperative complication?
A. Hip dislocation
B. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
C. Shoulder impingement
D. Bursitis
DVT is a common and serious complication after TKA due to immobility.
6. What is the primary action of the gluteus medius during gait?
A. Hip abduction and pelvis stabilization
B. Hip flexion
C. Knee extension
, D. Trunk rotation
The gluteus medius stabilizes the pelvis during single limb support.
7. What stage of wound healing is characterized by angiogenesis and
fibroblast activity?
A. Inflammatory
B. Proliferative
C. Remodeling
D. Degenerative
The proliferative phase includes tissue regeneration and new blood vessel
formation.
8. A patient with left CVA shows neglect of the right side. Which area of
the brain is likely affected?
A. Right parietal lobe
B. Left parietal lobe
C. Left frontal lobe
D. Right temporal lobe
A left CVA affects the right body; neglect suggests parietal lobe
involvement.
9. Which is the correct cranial nerve tested with the pupillary light reflex?
A. CN IV and VI
B. CN II and III
C. CN V and VII
D. CN I and II
CN II detects light; CN III controls pupillary constriction.
10. Which muscle is responsible for scapular upward rotation?
A. Rhomboids
B. Pectoralis minor
C. Serratus anterior
D. Levator scapulae
