Physical Therapist Assistant Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary role of a
physical therapist assistant (PTA)?
A. Diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions
B. Performing surgery
C. Implementing treatment plans developed by a physical
therapist
D. Prescribing medication
The PTA is trained to implement and carry out treatment plans
designed by the physical therapist, not to diagnose or prescribe
medications.
2. When a PTA documents patient progress, the most important
factor is:
A. Using detailed medical terminology
B. Accuracy and completeness of objective and subjective data
C. Writing lengthy narratives
D. Including personal opinions
,Accurate and complete documentation ensures continuity of care,
allows evaluation of outcomes, and meets legal requirements.
3. A patient demonstrates difficulty with stair negotiation due to
lower extremity weakness. Which intervention is most
appropriate for the PTA to implement?
A. Ultrasound therapy
B. Strengthening exercises for lower extremities
C. Bed rest
D. Heat packs
Strengthening exercises target the underlying weakness, improving
functional mobility such as stair negotiation.
4. Which of the following is a contraindication for electrical
stimulation therapy?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Pacemaker presence
C. Edema
D. Limited range of motion
A pacemaker can be affected by electrical currents, making electrical
stimulation unsafe.
5. A patient with COPD experiences shortness of breath during
exercise. The PTA should:
, A. Encourage continuation until fatigue
B. Modify the intensity and monitor oxygen saturation
C. Discontinue therapy permanently
D. Increase exercise duration
PTAs must adjust exercise intensity to ensure patient safety and
monitor vital signs for pulmonary conditions.
6. Which of the following gait patterns is appropriate for a patient
with partial weight-bearing on one leg using crutches?
A. Four-point gait
B. Three-point gait
C. Two-point gait
D. Swing-to gait
Three-point gait allows the patient to bear weight on the uninvolved
leg while keeping the involved leg off the ground.
7. Which of the following best defines proprioception?
A. Pain perception
B. Muscle strength
C. Awareness of body position in space
D. Reflex response
Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense joint position and
movement, critical for balance and coordination.
, 8. During a treatment session, a patient reports chest pain and
dizziness. The PTA should:
A. Continue therapy and monitor
B. Stop treatment and seek immediate medical attention
C. Ask the patient to rest and resume therapy later
D. Document and continue exercises
Chest pain and dizziness may indicate a serious cardiac event.
Immediate action and referral are necessary.
9. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate method for
teaching a patient a home exercise program?
A. Provide written instructions only
B. Demonstrate exercises, observe patient performance, and
provide feedback
C. Ask the patient to watch online videos
D. Send patient home with verbal instructions
Demonstration with feedback ensures correct technique, reduces risk
of injury, and enhances compliance.
10. A PTA is assisting a patient with hemiplegia post-stroke. The
patient requires moderate assistance to transfer from bed to
wheelchair. What level of assistance is this considered?
A. Independent
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary role of a
physical therapist assistant (PTA)?
A. Diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions
B. Performing surgery
C. Implementing treatment plans developed by a physical
therapist
D. Prescribing medication
The PTA is trained to implement and carry out treatment plans
designed by the physical therapist, not to diagnose or prescribe
medications.
2. When a PTA documents patient progress, the most important
factor is:
A. Using detailed medical terminology
B. Accuracy and completeness of objective and subjective data
C. Writing lengthy narratives
D. Including personal opinions
,Accurate and complete documentation ensures continuity of care,
allows evaluation of outcomes, and meets legal requirements.
3. A patient demonstrates difficulty with stair negotiation due to
lower extremity weakness. Which intervention is most
appropriate for the PTA to implement?
A. Ultrasound therapy
B. Strengthening exercises for lower extremities
C. Bed rest
D. Heat packs
Strengthening exercises target the underlying weakness, improving
functional mobility such as stair negotiation.
4. Which of the following is a contraindication for electrical
stimulation therapy?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Pacemaker presence
C. Edema
D. Limited range of motion
A pacemaker can be affected by electrical currents, making electrical
stimulation unsafe.
5. A patient with COPD experiences shortness of breath during
exercise. The PTA should:
, A. Encourage continuation until fatigue
B. Modify the intensity and monitor oxygen saturation
C. Discontinue therapy permanently
D. Increase exercise duration
PTAs must adjust exercise intensity to ensure patient safety and
monitor vital signs for pulmonary conditions.
6. Which of the following gait patterns is appropriate for a patient
with partial weight-bearing on one leg using crutches?
A. Four-point gait
B. Three-point gait
C. Two-point gait
D. Swing-to gait
Three-point gait allows the patient to bear weight on the uninvolved
leg while keeping the involved leg off the ground.
7. Which of the following best defines proprioception?
A. Pain perception
B. Muscle strength
C. Awareness of body position in space
D. Reflex response
Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense joint position and
movement, critical for balance and coordination.
, 8. During a treatment session, a patient reports chest pain and
dizziness. The PTA should:
A. Continue therapy and monitor
B. Stop treatment and seek immediate medical attention
C. Ask the patient to rest and resume therapy later
D. Document and continue exercises
Chest pain and dizziness may indicate a serious cardiac event.
Immediate action and referral are necessary.
9. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate method for
teaching a patient a home exercise program?
A. Provide written instructions only
B. Demonstrate exercises, observe patient performance, and
provide feedback
C. Ask the patient to watch online videos
D. Send patient home with verbal instructions
Demonstration with feedback ensures correct technique, reduces risk
of injury, and enhances compliance.
10. A PTA is assisting a patient with hemiplegia post-stroke. The
patient requires moderate assistance to transfer from bed to
wheelchair. What level of assistance is this considered?
A. Independent
