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AMCA PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE PREP GUIDE NEWEST 2025-2026
ACTUAL EXAM 75+ QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1.
A physical therapy aide is preparing a hot pack for a client. Which action is
correct?
A. Apply the hot pack directly to the client’s skin
B. Use the hot pack for at least 40 minutes continuously
C. Wrap the hot pack in a towel before application
D. Place the hot pack under the client’s body weight
Rationale: Hot packs should always be wrapped in a towel to prevent burns.
Direct skin contact or prolonged use increases risk of injury. Heat should be
applied for 15–20 minutes only.
2.
Which task is appropriate for a physical therapy aide?
A. Developing a client’s treatment plan
B. Performing a new gait training technique
C. Assisting a client with equipment setup
D. Modifying therapeutic exercises independently
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Rationale: Aides can assist with equipment setup, clean treatment areas, and
help clients safely. Only licensed physical therapists or PT assistants perform and
modify treatment plans.
3.
A client becomes dizzy while walking with a walker. What should the aide do first?
A. Call for the physical therapist immediately
B. Instruct the client to continue walking
C. Assist the client to sit down safely
D. Remove the walker and hold the client upright
Rationale: The aide’s priority is client safety. Assisting the client to sit down
prevents falls. Then the aide should notify the therapist.
4.
Which piece of equipment is used to measure joint angles?
A. Stethoscope
B. Goniometer
C. Dynamometer
D. Sphygmomanometer
Rationale: A goniometer measures range of motion in joints. A dynamometer
measures grip strength, while a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure.
5.
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A physical therapy aide is cleaning equipment after use. Which infection control
practice is correct?
A. Use the same towel for all equipment
B. Only clean equipment at the end of the day
C. Disinfect equipment after each client
D. Rinse equipment with plain water only
Rationale: Equipment must be disinfected after each client to prevent cross-
contamination. Using one towel or only rinsing is inadequate.
6.
When assisting a client from a wheelchair to a mat, where should the aide stand?
A. Directly behind the wheelchair
B. In front of the client, using a gait belt
C. On the side opposite the transfer
D. At a distance, observing the client’s technique
Rationale: During transfers, the aide should stand in front of the client with a
gait belt for safety and stability.
7.
Which vital sign should be monitored before and after exercise in cardiac rehab
clients?
A. Temperature
B. Pain scale
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C. Heart rate
D. Weight
Rationale: In cardiac rehab, heart rate and blood pressure are closely monitored
before, during, and after exercise to ensure safety.
8.
A client has a right arm cast. What is the most appropriate way to assist with
clothing?
A. Dress the strong arm first
B. Use only slip-on shirts
C. Dress the weak arm first
D. Avoid helping unless asked
Rationale: When dressing, always dress the affected/weak limb first and
undress it last to reduce strain and discomfort.
9.
Which of the following is considered proper body mechanics for lifting?
A. Bend at the waist
B. Bend at the knees and keep back straight
C. Hold the object away from the body
D. Twist the torso while lifting
Rationale: Proper body mechanics require bending at the knees, keeping the
back straight, and holding the object close. Twisting increases risk of injury.
AMCA PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE PREP GUIDE NEWEST 2025-2026
ACTUAL EXAM 75+ QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1.
A physical therapy aide is preparing a hot pack for a client. Which action is
correct?
A. Apply the hot pack directly to the client’s skin
B. Use the hot pack for at least 40 minutes continuously
C. Wrap the hot pack in a towel before application
D. Place the hot pack under the client’s body weight
Rationale: Hot packs should always be wrapped in a towel to prevent burns.
Direct skin contact or prolonged use increases risk of injury. Heat should be
applied for 15–20 minutes only.
2.
Which task is appropriate for a physical therapy aide?
A. Developing a client’s treatment plan
B. Performing a new gait training technique
C. Assisting a client with equipment setup
D. Modifying therapeutic exercises independently
,2 | Page
Rationale: Aides can assist with equipment setup, clean treatment areas, and
help clients safely. Only licensed physical therapists or PT assistants perform and
modify treatment plans.
3.
A client becomes dizzy while walking with a walker. What should the aide do first?
A. Call for the physical therapist immediately
B. Instruct the client to continue walking
C. Assist the client to sit down safely
D. Remove the walker and hold the client upright
Rationale: The aide’s priority is client safety. Assisting the client to sit down
prevents falls. Then the aide should notify the therapist.
4.
Which piece of equipment is used to measure joint angles?
A. Stethoscope
B. Goniometer
C. Dynamometer
D. Sphygmomanometer
Rationale: A goniometer measures range of motion in joints. A dynamometer
measures grip strength, while a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure.
5.
,3 | Page
A physical therapy aide is cleaning equipment after use. Which infection control
practice is correct?
A. Use the same towel for all equipment
B. Only clean equipment at the end of the day
C. Disinfect equipment after each client
D. Rinse equipment with plain water only
Rationale: Equipment must be disinfected after each client to prevent cross-
contamination. Using one towel or only rinsing is inadequate.
6.
When assisting a client from a wheelchair to a mat, where should the aide stand?
A. Directly behind the wheelchair
B. In front of the client, using a gait belt
C. On the side opposite the transfer
D. At a distance, observing the client’s technique
Rationale: During transfers, the aide should stand in front of the client with a
gait belt for safety and stability.
7.
Which vital sign should be monitored before and after exercise in cardiac rehab
clients?
A. Temperature
B. Pain scale
, 4 | Page
C. Heart rate
D. Weight
Rationale: In cardiac rehab, heart rate and blood pressure are closely monitored
before, during, and after exercise to ensure safety.
8.
A client has a right arm cast. What is the most appropriate way to assist with
clothing?
A. Dress the strong arm first
B. Use only slip-on shirts
C. Dress the weak arm first
D. Avoid helping unless asked
Rationale: When dressing, always dress the affected/weak limb first and
undress it last to reduce strain and discomfort.
9.
Which of the following is considered proper body mechanics for lifting?
A. Bend at the waist
B. Bend at the knees and keep back straight
C. Hold the object away from the body
D. Twist the torso while lifting
Rationale: Proper body mechanics require bending at the knees, keeping the
back straight, and holding the object close. Twisting increases risk of injury.
