"AMCA PhysiCAl TherAPy Aide CerTifiCATion
CoMPleTe sTudy Guide 2026 – CoMPrehensive PT
Aide exAM PreP, rehAbiliTATion TherAPy
fundAMenTAls, PATienT MobiliTy TeChniques,
TherAPeuTiC exerCises, CliniCAl sAfeTy
ProCedures, AnAToMy And PhysioloGy bAsiCs,
PhysiCAl TherAPy equiPMenT use, PrACTiCe
quesTions And Answers, And sTeP-by-sTeP
leArninG resourCe for PhysiCAl TherAPy
AssisTAnT And heAlThCAre sTudenTs"
Question 1: Which prefix means "around" in medical terminology?
A. endo-
B. peri-
C. hypo-
D. antero-
CORRECT ANSWER: B. peri-
RATIONALE: The prefix "peri-" means around or surrounding, as seen in terms like pericardium
(around the heart) or perineum (around the genital area). "Endo-" means inside, "hypo-" means
below or deficient, and "antero-" refers to before or front.
Question 2: What does the suffix "-itis" indicate in medical terminology?
A. Surgical removal
B. Pain
C. Inflammation
D. Study of
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Inflammation
RATIONALE: The suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation, as in arthritis (inflammation of joints) or
tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon). "-Ectomy" indicates surgical removal, "-algia" refers to
pain, and "-ology" means study of.
Question 3: In medical documentation, what does the abbreviation "ROM" stand for?
A. Rate of metabolism
B. Range of motion
,C. Resting oxygen measurement
D. Radiographic observation method
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Range of motion
RATIONALE: ROM stands for range of motion, which refers to the full movement potential of a
joint. This is a critical measurement in physical therapy to assess patient progress and functional
ability.
Question 4: Which abbreviation represents "diagnosis" in medical charting?
A. Tx
B. Dx
C. Rx
D. Sx
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dx
RATIONALE: "Dx" is the standard medical abbreviation for diagnosis. "Tx" stands for treatment,
"Rx" for prescription, and "Sx" for symptoms.
Question 5: The term "myocardial infarction" refers to which medical condition?
A. Stroke
B. Heart attack
C. Lung collapse
D. Kidney failure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heart attack
RATIONALE: Myocardial infarction is the medical term for a heart attack, which occurs when
blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage. This is essential
knowledge for physical therapy aides working with cardiac rehabilitation patients.
Question 6: Which body system includes the brain and spinal cord?
A. Peripheral nervous system
B. Central nervous system
C. Autonomic nervous system
D. Somatic nervous system
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Central nervous system
,RATIONALE: The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, which
process and coordinate sensory data and motor commands. The peripheral nervous system
includes nerves outside the CNS.
Question 7: What is the largest artery in the human body?
A. Pulmonary artery
B. Carotid artery
C. Aorta
D. Femoral artery
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Aorta
RATIONALE: The aorta is the largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the
heart and distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation. Knowledge of major vessels
is important for understanding circulation during patient care.
Question 8: Which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the foot at the ankle?
A. Deltoid
B. Quadriceps
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Biceps brachii
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Gastrocnemius
RATIONALE: The gastrocnemius, located in the calf, is a primary plantar flexor of the foot. The
deltoid is a shoulder muscle, the quadriceps extends the knee, and the biceps brachii flexes the
elbow.
Question 9: Sesamoid bones are best described as:
A. Long bones found in the arms and legs
B. Flat bones that protect organs
C. Small, rounded bones embedded in tendons near joints
D. Irregular bones of the vertebral column
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Small, rounded bones embedded in tendons near joints
RATIONALE: Sesamoid bones, such as the patella (kneecap), develop within tendons and help
reduce friction and modify pressure near joints. This anatomical knowledge aids in
understanding joint mechanics during therapy.
Question 10: The process of bone formation is called:
, A. Osteoclasia
B. Osteogenesis
C. Osteoporosis
D. Osteomalacia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Osteogenesis
RATIONALE: Osteogenesis refers to the formation and development of bone tissue.
Understanding bone physiology is essential when working with patients recovering from
fractures or orthopedic surgeries.
Question 11: Which layer of skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dermis
RATIONALE: The dermis is the middle layer of skin containing connective tissue, blood vessels,
nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The epidermis is the outermost protective layer, and the
hypodermis is subcutaneous fat tissue.
Question 12: What is the primary function of the kidneys?
A. Produce insulin
B. Filter waste and regulate fluid balance
C. Store bile
D. Transport oxygen
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Filter waste and regulate fluid balance
RATIONALE: The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products, regulate electrolyte balance,
and maintain fluid homeostasis. This knowledge is relevant when caring for patients with renal
conditions affecting mobility or endurance.
Question 13: Which body system is primarily responsible for gas exchange?
A. Circulatory system
B. Respiratory system
C. Digestive system
D. Endocrine system
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Respiratory system
CoMPleTe sTudy Guide 2026 – CoMPrehensive PT
Aide exAM PreP, rehAbiliTATion TherAPy
fundAMenTAls, PATienT MobiliTy TeChniques,
TherAPeuTiC exerCises, CliniCAl sAfeTy
ProCedures, AnAToMy And PhysioloGy bAsiCs,
PhysiCAl TherAPy equiPMenT use, PrACTiCe
quesTions And Answers, And sTeP-by-sTeP
leArninG resourCe for PhysiCAl TherAPy
AssisTAnT And heAlThCAre sTudenTs"
Question 1: Which prefix means "around" in medical terminology?
A. endo-
B. peri-
C. hypo-
D. antero-
CORRECT ANSWER: B. peri-
RATIONALE: The prefix "peri-" means around or surrounding, as seen in terms like pericardium
(around the heart) or perineum (around the genital area). "Endo-" means inside, "hypo-" means
below or deficient, and "antero-" refers to before or front.
Question 2: What does the suffix "-itis" indicate in medical terminology?
A. Surgical removal
B. Pain
C. Inflammation
D. Study of
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Inflammation
RATIONALE: The suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation, as in arthritis (inflammation of joints) or
tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon). "-Ectomy" indicates surgical removal, "-algia" refers to
pain, and "-ology" means study of.
Question 3: In medical documentation, what does the abbreviation "ROM" stand for?
A. Rate of metabolism
B. Range of motion
,C. Resting oxygen measurement
D. Radiographic observation method
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Range of motion
RATIONALE: ROM stands for range of motion, which refers to the full movement potential of a
joint. This is a critical measurement in physical therapy to assess patient progress and functional
ability.
Question 4: Which abbreviation represents "diagnosis" in medical charting?
A. Tx
B. Dx
C. Rx
D. Sx
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dx
RATIONALE: "Dx" is the standard medical abbreviation for diagnosis. "Tx" stands for treatment,
"Rx" for prescription, and "Sx" for symptoms.
Question 5: The term "myocardial infarction" refers to which medical condition?
A. Stroke
B. Heart attack
C. Lung collapse
D. Kidney failure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heart attack
RATIONALE: Myocardial infarction is the medical term for a heart attack, which occurs when
blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage. This is essential
knowledge for physical therapy aides working with cardiac rehabilitation patients.
Question 6: Which body system includes the brain and spinal cord?
A. Peripheral nervous system
B. Central nervous system
C. Autonomic nervous system
D. Somatic nervous system
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Central nervous system
,RATIONALE: The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, which
process and coordinate sensory data and motor commands. The peripheral nervous system
includes nerves outside the CNS.
Question 7: What is the largest artery in the human body?
A. Pulmonary artery
B. Carotid artery
C. Aorta
D. Femoral artery
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Aorta
RATIONALE: The aorta is the largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the
heart and distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation. Knowledge of major vessels
is important for understanding circulation during patient care.
Question 8: Which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the foot at the ankle?
A. Deltoid
B. Quadriceps
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Biceps brachii
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Gastrocnemius
RATIONALE: The gastrocnemius, located in the calf, is a primary plantar flexor of the foot. The
deltoid is a shoulder muscle, the quadriceps extends the knee, and the biceps brachii flexes the
elbow.
Question 9: Sesamoid bones are best described as:
A. Long bones found in the arms and legs
B. Flat bones that protect organs
C. Small, rounded bones embedded in tendons near joints
D. Irregular bones of the vertebral column
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Small, rounded bones embedded in tendons near joints
RATIONALE: Sesamoid bones, such as the patella (kneecap), develop within tendons and help
reduce friction and modify pressure near joints. This anatomical knowledge aids in
understanding joint mechanics during therapy.
Question 10: The process of bone formation is called:
, A. Osteoclasia
B. Osteogenesis
C. Osteoporosis
D. Osteomalacia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Osteogenesis
RATIONALE: Osteogenesis refers to the formation and development of bone tissue.
Understanding bone physiology is essential when working with patients recovering from
fractures or orthopedic surgeries.
Question 11: Which layer of skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dermis
RATIONALE: The dermis is the middle layer of skin containing connective tissue, blood vessels,
nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The epidermis is the outermost protective layer, and the
hypodermis is subcutaneous fat tissue.
Question 12: What is the primary function of the kidneys?
A. Produce insulin
B. Filter waste and regulate fluid balance
C. Store bile
D. Transport oxygen
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Filter waste and regulate fluid balance
RATIONALE: The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products, regulate electrolyte balance,
and maintain fluid homeostasis. This knowledge is relevant when caring for patients with renal
conditions affecting mobility or endurance.
Question 13: Which body system is primarily responsible for gas exchange?
A. Circulatory system
B. Respiratory system
C. Digestive system
D. Endocrine system
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Respiratory system
