NPTE-PTA REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS.
To avoid substitution during range of motion assessment for forearm pronation and
supination, the patient should be seated with the: -
\elbow stabilized at 90° of flexion, and the shoulder in neutral adduction.
Which of the following is the SAFEST way to measure exercise intensity with a patient
taking a beta-blocker? -
\Asking about the patient's perceived level of exertion
A patient has a full-thickness burn to the antecubital region. Which of the following
positions is BEST for splinting the extremity? -
\Elbow extension and supination
Compression of the S1 nerve root is MOST likely to result in weakness of which
muscle? -
\Fibularis (peroneus) longus
Which of the following statements is true regarding disposal of contaminated waste in a
health care facility? -
\Federal safety guidelines describe standard methods for disposal of contaminated
waste according to amount and type of fluids involved.
Which of the following is an effective method to increase the amount of weight-bearing
on the lower extremities when exercising in water? -
\Decrease the depth of water.
A patient sustained a displaced fracture to the right lateral epicondyle resulting in wrist
drop. A physical therapist assistant should suspect injury to which structure? -
\Radial nerve
Tapping or vibration of the skin over the posterior calf is MOST likely to have which of
the following effects? -
\Facilitating plantar flexion
A patient with a posterolateral lumbar disc herniation walks with the trunk in slight
flexion and rotation. Which of the following positioning strategies for the patient at work
would MOST reduce the chance of additional pressure on the injury? -
\Stand with a normal erect posture as much as possible.
During auscultation over the chest of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, crackles were noted in bilateral upper lobes, posterior segments. In which
position should the patient be placed for postural drainage? -
, \Seated leaning forward over a folded pillow at a 30° angle
A physical therapist assistant observes a patient ambulating with a left transfemoral
prosthesis and identifies a lateral heel whip. This gait deviation would MOST likely occur
during: -
\pre- swing through initial swing
A patient rocks back and forth repeatedly before being able to transition from sitting
position to standing position. Which of the following muscles is MOST likely to be weak?
-
\Quadriceps
A patient with asthma begins to exhibit wheezing and becomes very anxious. Which of
the following inflammatory reactions would MOST likely be occurring in the patient? -
\Bronchoconstriction and increased airway resistance
In reviewing the physical therapist's evaluation, the PTA notes his pt tested positive for
McMurray's test. What does this test indicate? -
\Meniscal tear
Slow, sustained application of which of the following manual techniques is MOST likely
to decrease muscle spasm and reduce pain? -
\Joint traction
To correctly fit a single-point cane, the handpiece should be level with which of the
following structures? -
\Greater trochanter
A pt rehabilitating from cardiac surgery is monitored using an arterial line. The
PRIMARY purpose of an arterial line is to: -
\measure blood pressure
A physical therapist assistant moves a patient's left upper extremity into different
positions and asks the patient to demonstrate the same position with the right upper
extremity with the eyes closed. The assistant is assessing the patient's: -
\proprioception.
A pta prepares to complete a manual muscle test on the opponens pollicis. When
completing the muscle test the therapist should offer resistance by applying pressure to
the: -
\first metacarpal
A patient with a T6 spinal cord level (ASIA Impairment Scale A) will have the MOST
difficulty performing which of the following functions? -
\Coughing and expelling secretions
ANSWERS.
To avoid substitution during range of motion assessment for forearm pronation and
supination, the patient should be seated with the: -
\elbow stabilized at 90° of flexion, and the shoulder in neutral adduction.
Which of the following is the SAFEST way to measure exercise intensity with a patient
taking a beta-blocker? -
\Asking about the patient's perceived level of exertion
A patient has a full-thickness burn to the antecubital region. Which of the following
positions is BEST for splinting the extremity? -
\Elbow extension and supination
Compression of the S1 nerve root is MOST likely to result in weakness of which
muscle? -
\Fibularis (peroneus) longus
Which of the following statements is true regarding disposal of contaminated waste in a
health care facility? -
\Federal safety guidelines describe standard methods for disposal of contaminated
waste according to amount and type of fluids involved.
Which of the following is an effective method to increase the amount of weight-bearing
on the lower extremities when exercising in water? -
\Decrease the depth of water.
A patient sustained a displaced fracture to the right lateral epicondyle resulting in wrist
drop. A physical therapist assistant should suspect injury to which structure? -
\Radial nerve
Tapping or vibration of the skin over the posterior calf is MOST likely to have which of
the following effects? -
\Facilitating plantar flexion
A patient with a posterolateral lumbar disc herniation walks with the trunk in slight
flexion and rotation. Which of the following positioning strategies for the patient at work
would MOST reduce the chance of additional pressure on the injury? -
\Stand with a normal erect posture as much as possible.
During auscultation over the chest of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, crackles were noted in bilateral upper lobes, posterior segments. In which
position should the patient be placed for postural drainage? -
, \Seated leaning forward over a folded pillow at a 30° angle
A physical therapist assistant observes a patient ambulating with a left transfemoral
prosthesis and identifies a lateral heel whip. This gait deviation would MOST likely occur
during: -
\pre- swing through initial swing
A patient rocks back and forth repeatedly before being able to transition from sitting
position to standing position. Which of the following muscles is MOST likely to be weak?
-
\Quadriceps
A patient with asthma begins to exhibit wheezing and becomes very anxious. Which of
the following inflammatory reactions would MOST likely be occurring in the patient? -
\Bronchoconstriction and increased airway resistance
In reviewing the physical therapist's evaluation, the PTA notes his pt tested positive for
McMurray's test. What does this test indicate? -
\Meniscal tear
Slow, sustained application of which of the following manual techniques is MOST likely
to decrease muscle spasm and reduce pain? -
\Joint traction
To correctly fit a single-point cane, the handpiece should be level with which of the
following structures? -
\Greater trochanter
A pt rehabilitating from cardiac surgery is monitored using an arterial line. The
PRIMARY purpose of an arterial line is to: -
\measure blood pressure
A physical therapist assistant moves a patient's left upper extremity into different
positions and asks the patient to demonstrate the same position with the right upper
extremity with the eyes closed. The assistant is assessing the patient's: -
\proprioception.
A pta prepares to complete a manual muscle test on the opponens pollicis. When
completing the muscle test the therapist should offer resistance by applying pressure to
the: -
\first metacarpal
A patient with a T6 spinal cord level (ASIA Impairment Scale A) will have the MOST
difficulty performing which of the following functions? -
\Coughing and expelling secretions
