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AMCA Physical Therapy Aide Exam Prep 2025–2026 |
75 Real Questions & Verified Answers (Updated Study
Guide)
1. Which body system is primarily responsible for removing metabolic wastes and
regulating fluid and electrolyte balance?
A. Respiratory
B. Nervous
C. Urinary (renal)
D. Endocrine
Rationale: The urinary (renal) system — kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra — filters
blood to remove metabolic wastes (urine), conserves or excretes water and solutes, and
helps regulate acid–base balance and electrolytes. Respiratory removes CO₂; endocrine
secretes hormones; nervous provides control and communication.
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2. A patient is instructed to lie prone for a therapy procedure. “Prone” means the
patient is:
A. Lying on their back
B. Lying on their stomach
C. Sitting upright
D. Lying on their side
Rationale: Prone = lying face down (on the stomach). Supine = lying on the back.
Knowing directional/positioning terms is essential for correct patient prep and
documentation.
3. While taking a resting vital sign set on an adult, the aide records: HR 88 bpm, RR 18
breaths/min, BP 142/86 mmHg. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Tell the patient their vitals are normal and proceed.
B. Ignore the BP since HR and RR are normal.
C. Notify the supervising clinician or physical therapist about the elevated blood
pressure.
D. Recheck vitals in 2 hours only.
Rationale: A BP of 142/86 is above the usual normal range (<120/80) and should be
reported to the supervising clinician for assessment and direction. Vital signs should be
accurate, documented, and acted upon when abnormal. (Patient care/administrative
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responsibilities.)
4. The primary purpose of SOAP charting is to:
A. Ensure entries are opinion-based and persuasive.
B. Replace medical records with narrative notes only.
C. Provide a standardized, objective format for documenting Subjective,
Objective, Assessment, and Plan.
D. Serve as an informal communication tool only.
Rationale: SOAP notes help clinicians record subjective patient comments, objective
data (e.g., ROM, vitals), assessment (clinical impression), and plan (treatment steps).
Documentation must be factual, timely, and professional.
5. A patient on “NWB” (non–weight bearing) status needs instructions for crutch gait.
Which crutch gait is most appropriate?
A. Four-point gait
B. Two-point gait
C. Three-point gait
D. Swing-to gait with both legs bearing weight
Rationale: In NWB, the uninvolved leg must not bear weight. A three-point gait (both
crutches and the NWB limb advance, then the involved limb is off the floor) or a three-
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point modified swing is commonly used. Two- and four-point gaits are for partial or
full weight-bearing with alternating support. Supervising PT will prescribe exact gait
pattern.
6. Which of the following is a breach of patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
A. Discussing patient care with the supervising PT during a shift.
B. Storing a locked paper chart in a chart room.
C. Posting a photo of a patient receiving treatment on social media without
consent.
D. Asking a patient for signed consent to release records.
Rationale: Posting identifiable patient photos without authorization violates
privacy/HIPAA and is unprofessional. Discussion among the care team for treatment is
permitted; secure storage and proper consent are required for record release.
7. During donning of PPE for a contact isolation patient, which sequence is correct?
A. Gloves → Gown → Mask → Goggles
B. Gown → Mask → Goggles/face shield → Gloves
C. Mask → Gloves → Goggles → Gown
D. Goggles → Gloves → Mask → Gown
Rationale: Standard donning order: gown, mask/respirator, goggles/face shield, then
gloves. This minimizes contamination risk and follows infection-control guidelines.
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AMCA Physical Therapy Aide Exam Prep 2025–2026 |
75 Real Questions & Verified Answers (Updated Study
Guide)
1. Which body system is primarily responsible for removing metabolic wastes and
regulating fluid and electrolyte balance?
A. Respiratory
B. Nervous
C. Urinary (renal)
D. Endocrine
Rationale: The urinary (renal) system — kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra — filters
blood to remove metabolic wastes (urine), conserves or excretes water and solutes, and
helps regulate acid–base balance and electrolytes. Respiratory removes CO₂; endocrine
secretes hormones; nervous provides control and communication.
1/
,2 | Page
2. A patient is instructed to lie prone for a therapy procedure. “Prone” means the
patient is:
A. Lying on their back
B. Lying on their stomach
C. Sitting upright
D. Lying on their side
Rationale: Prone = lying face down (on the stomach). Supine = lying on the back.
Knowing directional/positioning terms is essential for correct patient prep and
documentation.
3. While taking a resting vital sign set on an adult, the aide records: HR 88 bpm, RR 18
breaths/min, BP 142/86 mmHg. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Tell the patient their vitals are normal and proceed.
B. Ignore the BP since HR and RR are normal.
C. Notify the supervising clinician or physical therapist about the elevated blood
pressure.
D. Recheck vitals in 2 hours only.
Rationale: A BP of 142/86 is above the usual normal range (<120/80) and should be
reported to the supervising clinician for assessment and direction. Vital signs should be
accurate, documented, and acted upon when abnormal. (Patient care/administrative
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responsibilities.)
4. The primary purpose of SOAP charting is to:
A. Ensure entries are opinion-based and persuasive.
B. Replace medical records with narrative notes only.
C. Provide a standardized, objective format for documenting Subjective,
Objective, Assessment, and Plan.
D. Serve as an informal communication tool only.
Rationale: SOAP notes help clinicians record subjective patient comments, objective
data (e.g., ROM, vitals), assessment (clinical impression), and plan (treatment steps).
Documentation must be factual, timely, and professional.
5. A patient on “NWB” (non–weight bearing) status needs instructions for crutch gait.
Which crutch gait is most appropriate?
A. Four-point gait
B. Two-point gait
C. Three-point gait
D. Swing-to gait with both legs bearing weight
Rationale: In NWB, the uninvolved leg must not bear weight. A three-point gait (both
crutches and the NWB limb advance, then the involved limb is off the floor) or a three-
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point modified swing is commonly used. Two- and four-point gaits are for partial or
full weight-bearing with alternating support. Supervising PT will prescribe exact gait
pattern.
6. Which of the following is a breach of patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
A. Discussing patient care with the supervising PT during a shift.
B. Storing a locked paper chart in a chart room.
C. Posting a photo of a patient receiving treatment on social media without
consent.
D. Asking a patient for signed consent to release records.
Rationale: Posting identifiable patient photos without authorization violates
privacy/HIPAA and is unprofessional. Discussion among the care team for treatment is
permitted; secure storage and proper consent are required for record release.
7. During donning of PPE for a contact isolation patient, which sequence is correct?
A. Gloves → Gown → Mask → Goggles
B. Gown → Mask → Goggles/face shield → Gloves
C. Mask → Gloves → Goggles → Gown
D. Goggles → Gloves → Mask → Gown
Rationale: Standard donning order: gown, mask/respirator, goggles/face shield, then
gloves. This minimizes contamination risk and follows infection-control guidelines.
4/
