TheoryFree NPTE-PTA Physio Asst Prep Practice Test
Take a free NPTE-PTA Physio Asst Prep practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
NPTE-PTA Physio Asst Prep Questions
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Q1Which nail condition is commonly associated with chronic hypoxia and chronic lung disease?
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✓ Correct answer: Clubbing
Answer: Clubbing Clubbing often presents as a bulbous enlargement of the ends of one or more fingers or toes. The exact cause is not well understood, but it is associated with chronic hypoxia and chronic lung disease. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration that indicates a lack of oxygen, often seen in lips, oral mucosa, tongue, or nails. Leukonychia refers to white spots or lines under the nails, commonly caused by trauma. Koilonychia (spoon nails) is a condition where the nails are abnormally thin and concave (spoon-shaped), often resulting from iron deficiency anemia.
Q2What nail change can be observed in a patient with chronic hypoxia or long-term respiratory disease?
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✓ Correct answer: Clubbing
Answer: Clubbing Clubbing of the nails is a common finding in individuals with chronic hypoxia or long-term respiratory diseases. It results from increased blood flow and is an attempt by the body to supply more oxygen to the tissues. Yellowing of the nails typically indicates fungal infection or certain systemic illnesses. Beau's lines are horizontal indentations on the nail and may indicate temporary cessation of nail growth due to severe illness, malnutrition, or chemotherapy.
Q3What is an expected physiological effect of continuous passive motion (CPM) after a total knee arthroplasty?
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✓ Correct answer: Prevention of joint stiffness
Answer: Prevention of joint stiffness Continuous passive motion (CPM) involves the use of a device to move a joint slowly and continuously through a controlled range of motion. This intervention is beneficial after a total knee arthroplasty by preventing joint stiffness and improving circulation. The remaining options are common effects of other physical therapy interventions. Soft tissue stretching, joint mobilization, and muscle relaxation can be achieved through manual therapy techniques but are not the primary goals of CPM.
Q4Which member of the health care team is MOST LIKELY responsible for ensuring that patient care plans are effectively communicated to all team members?
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✓ Correct answer: Primary care physician
Answer: Primary care physician The primary care physician oversees the patient's overall care, ensuring that care plans are communicated effectively with the entire healthcare team, including specialists, therapy providers, and nursing staff. The staff nurse provides direct patient care but is not primarily responsible for communicating the overall care plan to the team. The occupational therapist focuses on helping patients perform daily activities and does not manage communication for the entire team. The physical therapy assistant works under the supervision of a physical therapist and implements specific interventions but does not manage the overall communication of care plans.
Q5A patient presents with chronic shoulder pain and a physical therapist suspects a rotator cuff tear. The patient's MRI is scheduled for the following week. Until the diagnosis is confirmed or negated, which exercise should be avoided?
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✓ Correct answer: Overhead shoulder press
Answer: Overhead shoulder press A rotator cuff tear involves the muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder joint. Overhead movements, such as an overhead shoulder press, could exacerbate the injury. These should be avoided to prevent further damage. Instead, exercises should focus on safe strengthening and stabilization. Scapular retraction, external rotation with a resistance band, and isometric shoulder stabilization are appropriate as they aid in maintaining shoulder stability without excessive strain on the rotator cuff.
Q6Which condition is commonly seen in cyclists due to irritation caused by prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve?
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✓ Correct answer: Handlebar palsy
Answer: Handlebar palsy Handlebar palsy, also known as ulnar neuropathy, occurs due to prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve caused by gripping the handlebars in cyclists. This condition leads to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the little finger and part of the ring finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve and results in numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain. Trigger finger occurs when a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then straightens with a snap.
Q7What signifies a positive result in the McMurray test?
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✓ Correct answer: Pain or a clicking sound along the meniscus
Answer: Pain or a clicking sound along the meniscus. The McMurray test is used to detect tears in the meniscus of the knee joint. A positive result is indicated by pain or a clicking sound when the knee is rotated and extended. Swelling and warmth are more indicative of an inflammatory condition. Increased laxity in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is determined through different tests, such as the Lachman test. Decreased range of motion can result from various knee issues and is not specific to McMurray's test.
Q8A physical therapist assistant is treating a patient with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to be an appropriate physical therapy intervention?
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✓ Correct answer: High-velocity thrust manipulation to the lateral elbow
Answer: High-velocity thrust manipulation to the lateral elbow High-velocity thrust manipulation to the lateral elbow is typically contraindicated for patients with lateral epicondylitis due to the risk of exacerbating symptoms. Effective physical therapy interventions include eccentric strengthening of the wrist extensors, ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation, and stretching exercises for the wrist extensors.
Q9Physical therapist assistants often work in rehabilitation settings. Which of the following tasks is within a physical therapist assistant's scope of practice in a rehab center?
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✓ Correct answer: Supervise a physical therapy aide
Answer: Supervise a physical therapy aide A physical therapist assistant is permitted to supervise a physical therapy aide in accordance with the plan of care. They are also allowed to adjust treatment procedures and document the patient's progress. However, physical therapist assistants are not authorized to perform initial patient evaluations, modify the plan of care, or write the patient's discharge plan or summary.
Q10A PTA is working with a patient to improve their ability to bring a glass of water to their mouth. The PTA decides to incorporate PNF diagonals into the treatment to enhance the patient's shoulder ROM. Which PNF pattern should the PTA utilize?
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✓ Correct answer: D1F
Answer: D1F D1F (diagonal 1 flexion) for the upper extremity involves flexion-adduction-external rotation of the shoulder. This motion is elicited by the command to "close your hand, turn, and pull your arm up across your face," which mimics bringing a glass of water to the mouth. D2F (diagonal 2 flexion) for the upper extremity involves flexion-abduction-external rotation of the shoulder. D1E (diagonal 1 extension) for the upper extremity involves extension-abduction-internal rotation of the shoulder. D2E (diagonal 2 extension) for the upper extremity involves extension-adduction-internal rotation of the shoulder.
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