NPTE PRACTICE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS
CORRECT Latest Update 2025-2026 Exam 75
Questions with 100% Verified Correct Answers
Guaranteed A+
A 19-year-old male rehabilitating from a tibia fracture sustained in a motor vehicle
accident is referred to physical therapy. The patient demonstrates loss of active
dorsiflexion and a high stepping gait in which he raises his foot higher than necessary
and suddenly brings it down producing a "slapping" sound. What is the MOST likely
rationale for the patnt's current condition?
1.Severing of the common peroneal nerve
2.Anterior compartment syndrome
3.Hip flexor weakness
4.Calcaneal spurring - CORRECT ANSWER: Severing of the common peroneal nerve
To effectively analyze gait, physical therapists should possess an understanding of the
normal gait cycle, muscle action, and common gait deviations.
1.Severing the peroneal nerve would cause foot slap and dragging of the toe during
gait, which would result in a compensatory high-stepping gait pattern.
A 23-year-old male sustains serious burns to over 30% of his body in a house fire. The
burns range from superficial partial-thickness to full-thickness and encompass the
majority of the patient's lower extremities. What is the MOST appropriate therapeutic
position for the patient?
1.Supine with the knees extended and the toes pointing toward the ceiling
2.Prone with a pillow placed on the dorsum of the feet and ankles
3.Sidelying with the hips and knees slightly flexed using pillows between the legs
4.Hooklying with a pillow placed between the knees - CORRECT ANSWER: Supine with
the knees extended and the toes pointing toward the ceiling
,The primary goal of positioning for patients with severe burns is to prevent contractures
due to hypertrophic scarring and immobility. As a general rule, joints should be
positioned with consideration of future function and in the direction opposite the
anticipated direction of contracture.
1.Positioning the patient in supine with the knees extended and the toes pointing toward
the ceiling maintains the hips, knees, and ankles in an optimal position and therefore
reduces the likelihood of lower extremity contracture.
A 28-year-old female with low back pain is referred to physical therapy. The patient
indicates that her pain started the previous weekend after painting a ceiling and
currently is localized on the left side of her low back. The patient states the pain is better
when sitting in a "slouched" posture and is worse during periods of prolonged standing.
An examination reveals a positive quadrant test and positive Kemp's test on the left.
Based on the presented information, which structures are MOST likely involved?
1.Right thoracic facets
2.Left thoracic facets
3.Left lumbar facets
4.Right lumbar facets - CORRECT ANSWER: Left lumbar facets
The facet joints are likely to be stressed in positions of spinal extension, especially
when combined with a rotation and/or lateral flexion component (e.g., position used
when painting overhead). Flexion (i.e., slouched posture) will relieve the pain since
pressure is taken off of the facet joints. The quadrant test and Kemp's test are tests
which are used to indicate pathology of the facet joints.
During the quadrant test or Kemp's test, the patient extends and laterally flexes or
rotates to the side of pain. This causes maximal narrowing of the intervertebral foramen
and stress on the facet joint. Since the patient had a positive test when moving to the
left, the left lumbar facet joints are likely the source of the pain.
,A 30-year-old female is seen in physical therapy secondary to benign paroxysmal
positional vertigo. Which of the following physical therapy treatments would MOST
benefit this patient?
1.Dix-Hallpike maneuver
2.Canalith repositioning maneuvers
3.Singular neurectomy
4.Gaze stability exercises - CORRECT ANSWER: Canalith repositioning maneuvers
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an intense and intermittent vertigo that
occurs in relation to rapid movement of the head in a particular direction. The condition
is believed to be a mechanical disorder of the labyrinths. Canaliths develop and float
into the semicircular canals causing the brain to interpret their presence as an intense
rotation of the head.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers are a highly effective treatment for BPPV and are
designed to dislodge the provoking canaliths. This treatment technique attempts to
move the canalith debris out of the affected semicircular canal and back to the otolith.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers begin in the Dix-Hallpike position to provoke vertigo.
Repeated head rolling utilizes gravity to assist with movement of the debris. Treatment
continues until no further nystagmus is noted.
A 36-year-old female who gave birth to three children over the span of nine years is
referred to physical therapy during her fourth pregnancy. The patient presents with
complaints of involuntary urine leakage when she coughs or sneezes and when she
participates in an aerobics class. Which type of incontinence is MOST consistent with
the described presentation?
1.Urge
2.Overflow
3.Functional
4.Stress - CORRECT ANSWER: Stress
, Urinary incontinence is defined as an involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. Muscle
weakness, neurological disorders, and limited functional abilities are most commonly
reported as causative factors.
Stress incontinence is characterized by the inability to hold urine during activities that
increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing or exercising. Stress
incontinence is typically the result of weak or poorly coordinated pelvic floor
musculature.
A 62-year-old female with a transtibial amputation is examined in physical therapy. The
patient has been using a roll-on silicone liner inside of her prosthesis. What is a
potential disadvantage of this type of liner?
1.Increased shear force on the residual limb
2.Reduced padding over bony prominences
3.Potential trauma to the suture line
4.Heat buildup, especially in warmer climates - CORRECT ANSWER: Heat buildup,
especially in warmer climates
The silicone liner does not breathe as well as the fabric shrinker and therefore heat
build up can be problematic. The silicone liner allows for a roll-on design that is usually
less traumatic to the suture line and more effective in controlling edema.
Silicone liners do not breathe as well as a fabric shrinker and as a result tend to
produce a buildup of heat, especially in warmer climates.
A 65-year-old female was referred to physical therapy for mobilization of her left wrist.
The patient sustained a Colles' fracture eight weeks ago and although the fracture is
well healed the patient continues to experience significant wrist stiffness. What
technique would be the MOST appropriate to help improve extension at the radiocarpal
joint?
1.Glide the lunate and capitate anteriorly in relation to the radius
2.Glide the triquetrum and lunate anteriorly in relation to the head of the ulna
CORRECT Latest Update 2025-2026 Exam 75
Questions with 100% Verified Correct Answers
Guaranteed A+
A 19-year-old male rehabilitating from a tibia fracture sustained in a motor vehicle
accident is referred to physical therapy. The patient demonstrates loss of active
dorsiflexion and a high stepping gait in which he raises his foot higher than necessary
and suddenly brings it down producing a "slapping" sound. What is the MOST likely
rationale for the patnt's current condition?
1.Severing of the common peroneal nerve
2.Anterior compartment syndrome
3.Hip flexor weakness
4.Calcaneal spurring - CORRECT ANSWER: Severing of the common peroneal nerve
To effectively analyze gait, physical therapists should possess an understanding of the
normal gait cycle, muscle action, and common gait deviations.
1.Severing the peroneal nerve would cause foot slap and dragging of the toe during
gait, which would result in a compensatory high-stepping gait pattern.
A 23-year-old male sustains serious burns to over 30% of his body in a house fire. The
burns range from superficial partial-thickness to full-thickness and encompass the
majority of the patient's lower extremities. What is the MOST appropriate therapeutic
position for the patient?
1.Supine with the knees extended and the toes pointing toward the ceiling
2.Prone with a pillow placed on the dorsum of the feet and ankles
3.Sidelying with the hips and knees slightly flexed using pillows between the legs
4.Hooklying with a pillow placed between the knees - CORRECT ANSWER: Supine with
the knees extended and the toes pointing toward the ceiling
,The primary goal of positioning for patients with severe burns is to prevent contractures
due to hypertrophic scarring and immobility. As a general rule, joints should be
positioned with consideration of future function and in the direction opposite the
anticipated direction of contracture.
1.Positioning the patient in supine with the knees extended and the toes pointing toward
the ceiling maintains the hips, knees, and ankles in an optimal position and therefore
reduces the likelihood of lower extremity contracture.
A 28-year-old female with low back pain is referred to physical therapy. The patient
indicates that her pain started the previous weekend after painting a ceiling and
currently is localized on the left side of her low back. The patient states the pain is better
when sitting in a "slouched" posture and is worse during periods of prolonged standing.
An examination reveals a positive quadrant test and positive Kemp's test on the left.
Based on the presented information, which structures are MOST likely involved?
1.Right thoracic facets
2.Left thoracic facets
3.Left lumbar facets
4.Right lumbar facets - CORRECT ANSWER: Left lumbar facets
The facet joints are likely to be stressed in positions of spinal extension, especially
when combined with a rotation and/or lateral flexion component (e.g., position used
when painting overhead). Flexion (i.e., slouched posture) will relieve the pain since
pressure is taken off of the facet joints. The quadrant test and Kemp's test are tests
which are used to indicate pathology of the facet joints.
During the quadrant test or Kemp's test, the patient extends and laterally flexes or
rotates to the side of pain. This causes maximal narrowing of the intervertebral foramen
and stress on the facet joint. Since the patient had a positive test when moving to the
left, the left lumbar facet joints are likely the source of the pain.
,A 30-year-old female is seen in physical therapy secondary to benign paroxysmal
positional vertigo. Which of the following physical therapy treatments would MOST
benefit this patient?
1.Dix-Hallpike maneuver
2.Canalith repositioning maneuvers
3.Singular neurectomy
4.Gaze stability exercises - CORRECT ANSWER: Canalith repositioning maneuvers
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an intense and intermittent vertigo that
occurs in relation to rapid movement of the head in a particular direction. The condition
is believed to be a mechanical disorder of the labyrinths. Canaliths develop and float
into the semicircular canals causing the brain to interpret their presence as an intense
rotation of the head.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers are a highly effective treatment for BPPV and are
designed to dislodge the provoking canaliths. This treatment technique attempts to
move the canalith debris out of the affected semicircular canal and back to the otolith.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers begin in the Dix-Hallpike position to provoke vertigo.
Repeated head rolling utilizes gravity to assist with movement of the debris. Treatment
continues until no further nystagmus is noted.
A 36-year-old female who gave birth to three children over the span of nine years is
referred to physical therapy during her fourth pregnancy. The patient presents with
complaints of involuntary urine leakage when she coughs or sneezes and when she
participates in an aerobics class. Which type of incontinence is MOST consistent with
the described presentation?
1.Urge
2.Overflow
3.Functional
4.Stress - CORRECT ANSWER: Stress
, Urinary incontinence is defined as an involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. Muscle
weakness, neurological disorders, and limited functional abilities are most commonly
reported as causative factors.
Stress incontinence is characterized by the inability to hold urine during activities that
increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing or exercising. Stress
incontinence is typically the result of weak or poorly coordinated pelvic floor
musculature.
A 62-year-old female with a transtibial amputation is examined in physical therapy. The
patient has been using a roll-on silicone liner inside of her prosthesis. What is a
potential disadvantage of this type of liner?
1.Increased shear force on the residual limb
2.Reduced padding over bony prominences
3.Potential trauma to the suture line
4.Heat buildup, especially in warmer climates - CORRECT ANSWER: Heat buildup,
especially in warmer climates
The silicone liner does not breathe as well as the fabric shrinker and therefore heat
build up can be problematic. The silicone liner allows for a roll-on design that is usually
less traumatic to the suture line and more effective in controlling edema.
Silicone liners do not breathe as well as a fabric shrinker and as a result tend to
produce a buildup of heat, especially in warmer climates.
A 65-year-old female was referred to physical therapy for mobilization of her left wrist.
The patient sustained a Colles' fracture eight weeks ago and although the fracture is
well healed the patient continues to experience significant wrist stiffness. What
technique would be the MOST appropriate to help improve extension at the radiocarpal
joint?
1.Glide the lunate and capitate anteriorly in relation to the radius
2.Glide the triquetrum and lunate anteriorly in relation to the head of the ulna
