scorebuilders musculoskeletal practice board questions

a physical therapist assistant works with a patient with rotator cuff tendonitis. during the session, the assistant positions the patient's arm in medial rotation with the dorsum of the patient's hand resting on their mid-lumbar region. the assistant then instructs the patient to attempt to lift the hand off their back. which muscle would be most responsible for the described movement?

- infraspinatus

- subscapularis

- supraspinatus

- teres minor

subscapularis

a physical therapist assistant completes a sensory assessment of the hand. the assistant notes that the patient is unable to detect a stimulus given to the dorsal surface of the most proximal phalanx of the thumb. which nerve would most likely be associated with this impairment?

- median nerve

- musculocutaneous nerve

- radial nerve

- ulnar nerve

radial nerve

a physical therapist assistant performs a special test on a patient diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome by asking the patient to maximally flex their wrists and hold the position by pushing their wrists together for 60 seconds. which finding would be most indicative of a positive test?

- pain in an area innervated by the ulnar nerve

- pain in an area innervated by the median nerve

- tingling into the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of the ring finger

- tingling into the palmar aspect of the hand

tingling into the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of the ring finger

a physical therapist assistant works on balance re-education activities with a patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. which of the following activities would be the most challenging for this patient?

- activities in single leg stance

- reaching in and out of the base of support in standing

- standing on foam with eyes closed

- lateral weight shifting

standing on foam with eyes closed

A physical therapist assistant works with a patient 3 days status post total hip arthroplasty. when inspecting the patient's hip, the assistant notes that it is extremely warm to the touch and is red when compared to the surrounding skin. the incision appears to be healing, however, there is a moderate amount of drainage and several edges appear to be raised and discolored. which of the following actions by the assistant would be the most appropriate?

- disregard the findings based on the patient's postoperative status

- ask the patient if they recently had a fever

- consult with the referring physician

- reassess the patient at the next scheduled session

consult with the referring physician

a physical therapist assistant instructs a patient with a transfemoral amputation in active stretching techniques. which of the following motions would be the most appropriate to emphasize in the stretching program?

- hip flexion and abduction

- hip extension and abduction

- hip flexion and adduction

- hip extension and adduction

hip extension and adduction

a physical therapist assistant assesses the end-feel associated with forearm supination. which of the following is the most plausible rationale for a firm end-feel with this motion?

- contact between the olecranon process and the olecranon fossa

- tension in the palmar radioulnar ligament

- tension in the biceps brachii

- contact between the ulna and the radius

tension in the palmar radioulnar ligament

a physical therapist assistant implements an exercise program for a patient that is 27 weeks pregnant. which positions would be the most desirable for exercise activities based on the patient's current status?

- quadruped and sitting

- supine and hooklying

- sitting and trendelenburg

- trendelenburg and quadruped

quadruped and sitting

a physical therapist assistant works with a patient diagnosed with a vestibular disorder on various balance activities. which variable would most influence the vestibular system when assessing balance?

- center of gravity

- head position

- visual field

- tactile feedback

head position

a physical therapist assistant monitors a patient performing a wall stretch where the patient stands in a staggered stance and uses their arms to do a push-up on the wall. which muscle would be emphasized by instructing the patient to perform the stretch with the rear knee in slight flexion?

- medial head of the gastrocnemius

- lateral head of the gastrocnemius

- soleus

- plantaris

soleus

a physical therapist assistant works with a patient rehabilitating from a medial meniscectomy. while observing the patient complete a leg press exercise, the assistant feels the patient is struggling more than usual and is concerned that the patient may alter their technique in an attempt to successfully complete the activity. which of the following actions by the assistant would be the most appropriate?

- attempt to contact the supervising physical therapist to discuss the situation

- decrease the weight used on the leg press exercise

- decrease the number of sets for the leg press exercise

- discontinue the exercise session

decrease the weight used on the leg press exercise

a physical therapist assistant attempts to differentiate closed kinetic chain exercise from open chain exercise. which of the following exercises is most representative of a closed chain upper extremity activity?

- completing an arm curl using a 5-pound weight

- performing an upper extremity D1 flexion pattern

- lifting a 10-pound weight from the ground to a platform at waist level

- using the upper extremity during crutch walking

using the upper extremity during crutch walking

a patient has difficulty walking with variations in speed and completing an alternating finger-to-nose test. which of the following items is most consistent with the described impairments?

- asthenia

- bradykinesia

- dysmetria

- dysdiadochokinesia

dysdiadochokinesia

a physical therapist assistant reviews the results of an examination on a patient with a knee injury. which of the following examples would most likely produce an end feel classified as empty?

- passive knee flexion limited by pain

- active knee extension limited by pain

- passive knee flexion limited by joint effusion

- active knee flexion limited by joint effusion

passive knee flexion limited by pain

a physical therapist assistant completes a screening on a patient. results of the screening revealed diminished sensation on the palmar aspect of the thumb and index finger. motor weakness is evident in forearm pronation and wrist flexion. which nerve is most likely involved?

- ulnar nerve

- median nerve

- radial nerve

- musculocutaneous nerve

median nerve

a patient with unilateral lower extremity weakness is referred to physical therapy. when testing the right hip abductors with the patient positioned in the left sidelying, the patient is able to maintain the test position. further testing reveals the patient is unable to maintain the test position even when slight pressure is added. what is the most appropriate muscle grade?

- fair minus

- fair

- fair plus

- good minus

fair

a physical therapist assistant providing patient coverage for a colleague on vacation reviews the examination of a patient who has post-polio syndrome. which of the following complications would be most likely given the patient's diagnosis?

- bronchiectasis

- lower extremity spasticity

- osteoporosis

- heat intolerance

osteoporosis

a physical therapist assistant treats an infant diagnosed with torticollis with marked lateral flexion of the neck to the right. as part of the infant's plan of care, the assistant performs passive stretching activities to improve the patient's range of motion. which of the following stretches would be the most appropriate?

- lateral flexion to the right and rotation to the right

- lateral flexion to the right and rotation to the left

- lateral flexion to the left and rotation to the left

- lateral flexion to the left and rotation to the right

lateral flexion to the left and rotation to the right

a 56-year-old patient with osteoarthritis is referred to physical therapy for strengthening exercises. physical examination reveals moderate inflammation and swelling in the left knee with evidence of quadriceps atrophy. the patient indicates the knee is often painful, particularly after periods of prolonged standing. which form of exercise is most appropriate to initiate strength training?

- isometric muscle setting exercise

- active knee extension using elastic tubing

- progressive resistive exercise using ankle weights

- limited range isokinetic exercise

isometric muscle setting exercise

a physical therapist assistant positions a patient diagnosed with lateral spinal stenosis in supine on a traction table. the patient is a 45-year-old male who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds. assuming low friction from the traction table, what is the minimum amount of force necessary for mechanical separation of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine?

- 55 pounds

- 110 pounds

- 165 pounds

- 200 pounds

110 pounds

a patient positioned in prone on a treatment mat complains of pain in the low back. in order to alleviate the pain, the physical therapist assistant attempts to reduce the patient's lumbar lordosis. which type of positioning would be most appropriate to accomplish the assistance objective?

- place a pillow under the patient's upper or middle chest

- place a pillow under the patient's lower abdomen

- place a pillow lengthwise from the patient's pelvis to the thorax

- place a small bolster under the patient's anterior ankles

place a pillow under the patient's lower abdomen

a physical therapist assistant classifies a patient's posture as lordotic after completing a postural assessment. which muscle group would likely be shortened based on the results of the postural assessment?

- intercostals

- hip flexors

- scapular retractors

- abdominals

hip flexors

a physical therapist assistant treats a patient diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis. during the session, the assistant identifies weakness in several scapular stabilizers. which muscle plays an active role in upward rotation of the scapula?

- serratus anterior

- rhomboid major

- rhomboid minor

- pectoralis minor

serratus anterior

a patient diagnosed with right bicipital tendonitis performs upper extremity resistance exercises using a piece of elastic tubing. what muscle is emphasized when laterally rotating the involved extremity against resistance?

- teres minor

- pectoralis major

- teres major

- subscapularis

teres minor

a 16-year-old female athlete is referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of osgood-schlatter syndrome. which anatomical variation in females contributes to the development of this condition?

- decreased Q angle

- increased femoral anteversion

- genu varum

- decreased pronation

increased femoral anteversion

a physical therapist assistant works with a patient ambulating with a right transtibial prosthesis. The assistant notes that the socket is positioned with an excessive anterior tilt. Which deviation would most likely occur with this type of malalignment?

- right lateral trunk lean

- insufficient knee flexion

- circumduction

- excessive knee flexion

excessive knee flexion

a physical therapist assistant treats a patient status post transfemoral amputation with a hip flexion contracture. as part of the treatment regimen, the assistant performs passive stretching exercises to the involved hip. which form of passive stretching would be the most appropriate?

- moderate tension over a prolonged period of time

- moderate tension over a brief period of time

- maximal tension over a brief period of time

- maximal tension over a prolonged period of time

moderate tension over a prolonged period of time

a physical therapist assistant assesses the gait of a patient with peripheral neuropathy. the assistant observes that the patient's right foot has a tendency to slap the ground during the loading response. weakness in which of the following muscles would most likely be associated with this clinical finding?

- iliopsoas

- tibialis anterior

- tibialis posterior

- gastrocnemius

tibialis anterior

a patient with patellar tracking dysfunction is examined in physical therapy. physical examination reveals diminished vastus medialis obliquus activity. which intervention would be the most appropriate to selectively train the vastest medialis obliquus?

- quadriceps setting exercises and biofeedback

- short-arc terminal extension with manual resistance

- straight leg raises with leg weights

- multiple angle isometric exercises

quadriceps setting exercises and biofeedback

a physical therapist assistant treats an infant diagnosed with myelomeningocele. a component of the established treatment plan includes stretching of contracted muscles around the foot due to talipes equinovarus deformity. which description is most consistent with this type of foot deformity?

- ankle dorsiflexion, hindfoot varus, forefoot adduction

- ankle dorsiflexion, hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction

- ankle plantar flexion, hindfoot varus, forefoot adduction

- ankle plantar flexion, hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction

ankle plantar flexion, hindfoot varus, forefoot adduction

a physical therapist assistant assesses glenohumeral joint play on a patient diagnosed with an acromioclavicular sprain. while assessing joint play in the resting position, the assistant identifies bone-to-bone contact. which of the following actions by the assistant would be the most appropriate response?

- assess joint play in another position

- quantify the available range of motion

- integrate mobilization techniques into the plan of care

- discuss the findings with the supervising physical therapist

discuss the findings with the supervising physical therapist

a water polo player reports diffuse pain in their shoulder that begins 10-15 minutes after the onset of activity. assessment reveals subjective reports of pain at 90 degrees of passive and active abduction. medial and lateral rotation range of motion is within normal limits. resistive isometrics are strong and painful for flexion and abduction. which medical condition is most likely associated with the described clinical presentation?

- adhesive capsulitis

- rotator cuff tear

- impingement syndrome

- upper trapezius strain

impingement syndrome

a physical therapist assistant uses mechanical spinal traction to temporarily increase the size of the intervertebral foramen on a patient diagnosed with foraminal stenosis. which of the following spinal physicians would best accomplish the assistance objective?

- neutral and extension

- neutral and flexion

- extension and flexion

- hyperextension and hyperflexion

neutral and flexion

a physical therapist assistant works on transfer activities with a patient diagnosed with a complete C5 spinal cord injury. which of the following muscles would the patient be able to utilize during the training session?

- brachioradialis

- pronator teres

- extensor carpi radialis brevis

- latissimus dorsi

brachioradialis

a physical therapist assistant observes a physical therapist perform mobilizations on a patient rehabilitating from a radial head fracture. the large amplitude movement is directed perpendicular to the concave joint surface and is designed to increase periarticular extensibility. which mobilization grade is most consistent with the presented description?

- grade 1

- grade 2

- grade 3

- grade 4

grade 3

a physical therapist assistant participates in a scoliosis screening program at a local school. the assistant completes the screening by having the participants complete the forward bend test. which age range would be the most appropriate to target for this screening?

- 4-7 years

- 8-10 years

- 11-14 years

- 15-18 years

11-14 years

a physical therapist assistant positions a patient in supine with their legs extended in preparation for manual stretching of the iliopsoas. which method is the most appropriate to stabilize the pelvis when stretching the right iliopsoas?

- flex the right hip and knee to the patient's chest to prevent an anterior tilt of the pelvis during stretching

- flex the left hip and knee to the patient's chest to prevent an anterior tilt of the pelvis during stretching

- flex the right hip and knee to the patient's chest to prevent a posterior tilt of the pelvis during stretching

- flex the left hip and knee to the patient's chest to prevent a posterior tilt of the pelvis during stretching

flex the left hip and knee to the patient's chest to prevent an anterior tilt of the pelvis during stretching

a physical therapist assistant completes a manual muscle test on a patient who sustained a laceration to the anterior surface of the forearm. when performing the test on the flexor pollicis brevis, where should the assistant direct the force?

- along the volar aspect of the proximal phalanx of the thumb

- along the volar aspect of the distal phalanx of the thumb

- along the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx of the thumb

- along the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx of the thumb

along the volar aspect of the proximal phalanx of the thumb

a physical therapist assistant recommends that a patient diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis use a forearm strap while performing activities that exacerbate symptoms. what is the primary purpose of this type of device?

- Increase recruitment of damaged muscle fibers during activity

- apply pressure to reduce the perception of pain during activity

- limit the amount of muscle force generated during activity

- transfer forces to less affected areas of the musculature during activity

transfer forces to less affected areas of the musculature during activity

a physical therapist assistant treats a patient with idiopathic scoliosis. the medical record indicates the presence of a mild left thoracic, right lumbar curve. which active movement would be most beneficial when attempting to identify the presence of a posterior rib hump?

- left side bending

- right side bending

- forward flexion

- extension

forward flexion

a physical therapist assistant performs a cervical screening on a patient diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. assuming normal cervical spine biomechanics, which spinal segments are responsible for the majority of rotation in the cervical spine?

- C1-C2

- C3-C4

- C4-C5

- C6-C7

C1-C2

a physical therapist assistant employed in an acute care hospital works with a patient on bed mobility activities. the assistant would like to incorporate a strengthening activity for the hip extensors that will improve the patient's ability to independently preposition in bed, however, the patient does not have adequate strength to perform bridging. which exercise activity would be the most appropriate?

- anterior pelvic tilts

- heel slides

- straight leg raises

- isometric gluteal sets

isometric gluteal sets

a physical therapist assistant reviews the medical record of a patient rehabilitating from a total knee arthroplasty. one of the entries in the medical record indicates the presence of a 15-degree extension lag at the knee. which of the following goniometric readings would be most consistent with this condition?

- 15-100 degrees active range of motion; 0-100 degrees passive range of motion

- 15-100 degrees passive range of motion; 0-100 degrees active range of motion

- 15-120 degrees passive range of motion; 15-135 degrees active range of motion

- 15-135 degrees active range of motion; 15-135 degrees passive range of motion

15-100 degrees active range of motion; 0-100 degrees passive range of motion

a physical therapist assistant prepares to measure glenohumeral abduction range of motion on a patient positioned in supine using a goniometer. which of the following steps should be the first to occur?

- make a clinical estimate of range of motion

- stabilize the proximal joint segment

- align the goniometer

- assess the end-feel

stabilize the proximal joint segment

a physical therapist assistant completes a biomechanical analysis of a patient's gait. if the assistant classifies stages of the gait cycle using standard terminology, which of the following terms would be utilized?

- initial contact

- pre-swing

- toe off

- terminal swing

toe off

a patient with a suspected herniated nucleus pulposus presents with a lateral shift. the physical therapist assistant corrects the lateral shift and instructs the patient in passive extension exercises. according to the mckenzie approach, which of the following statements would be the most encouraging?

- i feel pain radiating down my opposite leg

- i feel increased pain in my back and diminished pain in my leg

- i feel decreased pain in my back and increased pain in my leg

- i feel pain only in my leg

i feel increased pain in my back and diminished pain in my leg

a patient is instructed in extension activities in an attempt to reduce a moderate disk protrusion in the lumbar spine. which of the following activities would be the most appropriate to initiate the exercise program?

- have the patient perform a prone press-up

- have the patient position themselves in prone on elbows

- have the patient lie in prone on a firm surface

- have the patient perform extension exercises in standing

have the patient lie in prone on a firm surface

a physical therapist assistant performs a muscle test of the shoulder medial rotators using a handheld dynamometer. which position would be the most appropriate location for the dynamometer?

- over the anterior aspect of the distal humerus just proximal to the elbow

- over the posterior aspect of the distal humerus just proximal to the elbow

- over the anterior aspect of the distal forearm just proximal to the wrist

- over the posterior aspect of the distal forearm just proximal to the wrist

over the anterior aspect of the distal forearm just proximal to the wrist

a physical therapist assistant performs resisted isometrics as part of a lower quarter screening assessment. after testing the ankle dorsiflexors, the assistant reports the findings as strong and painful. what is the most plausible interpretation of the test results?

- complete rupture of the musculotendinous unit

- minor lesion of the musculotendinous unit

- inhibition by pain

- neurological lesion

minor lesion of the musculotendinous unit

a physical therapist assistant places a tuning fork over the medial surface of the tibia approximately 10 centimeters above the medial malleolus. which medical condition would most likely be identified using the described testing procedure?

- anterior compartment syndrome

- osteochondroma

- stress fracture

- tarsal tunnel syndrome

stress fracture

a patient diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis is referred to physical therapy. the patient reports their current pain as a 4 on a numeric rating scale ranging from 0-10. what is the most appropriate goal when addressing the patient's pain?

- prevent pain

- control pain

- manage pain

- alleviate pain

manage pain

a patient diagnosed with left patellofemoral pain is referred to physical therapy. the patient reports the onset of pain in the left knee when they run for more than 2 miles. physical examination of the left knee reveals mild edema along the medial joint line, diminished patella medial glide, and mild vastus medialis atrophy. which of the following treatment options would be the most appropriate?

- medial patella glides and squats to 90 degrees knee flexion with hip adduction

- open chain knee extension in short setting

- squats to 30 degrees knee flexion and medial patella glides

- phonophoresis and retro-walking on a treadmill

squats to 30 degrees knee flexion and medial patella glides

a physical therapist assistant completing an entry in a medical record notices that a patient exercising independently in the gym is significantly deviating from the standard technique when using a piece of progressive resistive equipment. assuming the assistant observing the patient is not the therapist of record, which of the following actions by the assistant would be the most appropriate immediate response?

- continue to observe the patient, but do not intervene

- instruct the patient to stop the exercise and attempt to locate the patient's therapist

- instruct the patient how to perform the exercise correctly

- select an alternate progressive resistive exercise for the patient

instruct the patient to stop the exercise and attempt to locate the patient's therapist

a patient rehabilitating from knee surgery attempts to complete a straight leg raise after receiving formal instructions from the physical therapist assistant. which of the following would serve as the most appropriate method of feedback?

- you performed the exercise adequately, but it could have been better

- with more practice, I am confident your technique will improve

- attempt to complete the exercise with your knee as straight as possible

- try to think about how you would have performed the exercise prior to your injury

attempt to complete the exercise with your knee as straight as possible

a patient is diagnosed with a grade 2 sprain of the anterior talofibular ligament. the patient states that they jumped to rebound a basketball and immediately fell to the floor upon landing on the ankle. what motions of the foot and ankle were most likely associated with the ligamentous injury?

- plantar flexion and inversion

- dorsiflexion and inversion

- plantar flexion and eversion

- dorsiflexion and eversion

plantar flexion and inversion

a physical therapist assistant treats a patient diagnosed with a meniscal lesion. which meniscal injury would be the most likely to heal without surgical intervention?

- a tear involving the inner third of the lateral meniscus

- a tear involving the middle third of the lateral meniscus

- a tear involving the inner third of the medial meniscus

- a tear involving the outer third of the medial meniscus

a tear involving the outer third of the medial meniscus

a patient two days status post transfemoral amputation demonstrates decreased strength and generalized deconditioning. which of the following positions should be utilized when instructing the patient to wrap their residual limb?

- side lying

- standing

- supine

- prone

supine

a physical therapist assistant works with a patient on a bridging progression in order to improve the patient's core stability. the patient is able to perform single-leg bridging in supine with both arms extended and faced down on the ground. which description would be the next position to attain using a therapeutic ball?

- place a therapeutic ball under the patient's lower legs and require the patient to maintain a bridging position with the legs extended

- place the patient's feet in contact with the therapeutic ball with the knees bent and require the patient to maintain a bridging position

- place a therapeutic ball under the patient's upper back and require the patient to maintain a bridging position with 1 foot in contact with the ground

- place a therapeutic ball under the patient's upper back and require the patient to maintain a bridging position with both feet in contact with the ground

place a therapeutic ball under the patient's lower legs and require the patient to maintain a bridging position with the legs extended

a patient sustained a right patella fracture in a motor vehicle accident and the knee is maintained in extension using a straight leg knee immobilizer. which of the following gait deviations would most likely be caused by the use of this type of immobilizer?

- vaulting on the right

- antalgic gait

- increased plantar flexion on the right

- trendelenburg gait

vaulting on the right

a physical therapist assistant attempts to educate a patient by using their hands to demonstrate facet movement in the cervical spine. the assistant indicates that the upper facets move bilaterally up and forward on the lower facets. this type of movement is characteristic of which of the following cervical motions?

- flexion

- extension

- side bending

- rotation

flexion

the patient reports recurrent ankle pain. the physical therapist directs a physical therapist assistant to perform ultrasound over the peroneus longest and brevis tendons. which of the following locations is the most appropriate for the location of ultrasound?

- inferior to the sustentaculum tali

- over the sinus tarsi region

- posterior to the lateral malleolus

- anterior to the lateral malleolus

posterior to the lateral malleolus

a physical therapist assistant prepares to measure medial rotation of a patient's shoulder with a goniometer. which of the following structures should the assistant use to align the fulcrum?

- on the lateral midline of the humerus using the lateral epicondyle as a reference

- perpendicular to the floor

- along the mid-axillary line of the thorax

- over the olecranon process

over the olecranon process

a physical therapist assistant reviews the medical record of a patient with an arthritic condition. which piece of information would be the most useful to assist in the definitive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?

- pain profile

- joint symptoms

- blood tests

- age of onset

blood tests

a physical therapist assistant instructs a patient in soft tissue mobilization using a foam roller approximately 2 centimeters above the knee joint line over the lateral femoral condyle on the lateral aspect of the leg. which of the following conditions would most likely benefit from this therapeutic technique?

- iliolumbar syndrome

- iliotibial band syndrome

- piriformis syndrome

- trochanteric bursitis

iliotibial band syndrome

a physical therapist assistant reads a recent injury in a patient's medical record that indicates aspiration was performed in the elbow region. this procedure is most commonly associated with which of the following conditions?

- dorsal ganglion cyst

- lateral epicondylitis

- medial epicondylitis

- olecranon bursitis

olecranon bursitis

a patient is referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of left shoulder impingement. during the session, the physical therapist assistant begins to suspect a systemic cause for the patient's pain. which of the following symptoms would best support this hypothesis?

- pain has been present for years

- pain is alleviated with the use of cryotherapy

- pain is aggravated by cervical rotation

- pain remains unrelieved with rest

pain remains unrelieved with rest

a physical therapist assistant instructs a patient in a self-stretching activity using the FABER test position. this test position should be most useful to stretch which of the following muscle groups of the hip?

- abductors

- flexors

- external rotators

- internal rotators

internal rotators

a physical therapist assistant is performing gait training on a patient who has a transtibial amputation. after 15 minutes of training, the patellar tendon-bearing prosthesis is removed for skin inspection. redness is noted on multiple areas of the residual limb. which area of redness should be the greatest concern to the assistant?

- patellar tendon

- fibular shaft

- gastrocnemius muscle

- distal anterior tibia

distal anterior tibia

a patient sustained a non-displaced fracture of the proximal humerus. which of the following clinical findings would provide the best support for the patient being cleared to perform active-assisted exercise?

- hematoma formation

- diminished pain

- callus formation

- remodeling

callus formation

a physical therapist assistant instructs a patient positioned in the supine position to bring the left leg toward the chest and maintain the position. assuming the assistant observes the response from the patient of the right knee slightly bending into flexion while trying to hold the position on the left leg, what muscle would most likely have insufficient length?

- Iliopsoas

- quadratus lumborum

- rectus femoris

- sartorious

rectus femoris

a physical therapist assistant treats a patient diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. during the treatment session, the assistant attempts to strengthen the muscles that support the medial longitudinal arch. which of the following muscles would be most important to emphasize in the strengthening program?

- gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris

- fibularis/peroneus longus and brevis

- tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus

- tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus

tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus

A physical therapist assistant notices two prominent tendons visible on the posterior surface of the left knee while a patient completes a leg curl exercise. the medial and lateral tendons are most likely associated with which of the following muscles?

- semimembranosus and semitendinosus

- semitendinosus and biceps femoris

- popliteus and semitendinosus

- semimembranosus and biceps femoris

semitendinosus and biceps femoris

a physical therapist assistant performs an upper extremity manual muscle test on a patient. assuming the patient has the ability to move the upper extremities against gravity, which of the following muscles should the assistant test with the patient in a prone position?

- pronator teres

- pectoralis major

- biceps brachii

- middle trapezius

middle trapezius

a physical therapist assistant performs a gross range of motion screening and determines the patient has excessive medial rotation and limited lateral rotation of the hip. which alignment of the hip would be the most consistent with the identified findings?

- 10 degrees of anteversion

- 18 degrees of anteversion

- 5 degrees of retroversion

- 8 degrees of retroversion

18 degrees of anteversion

a physical therapist assistant documents gait training performed during the treatment session. which descriptive term is only associated with the swing phase of the gait cycle?

- heel strike

- deceleration

- loading response

- midstance

deceleration

a physical therapist assistant initiates an exercise program for a patient who has a lower extremity injury. which of the following parameters is the single most important factor in an exercise program designed to increase muscular strength?

- recovery time between exercise sets

- number of repetitions per set

- duration of the exercise session

- intensity of the exercise

intensity of the exercise

a patient who has shoulder pain of unknown etiology is referred by their physician for magnetic resonance imaging. results of the test reveal partial tear of the infraspinatus muscle. which muscle group would be the most affected by this finding?

- shoulder lateral rotators

- shoulder medial rotators

- shoulder abductors

- shoulder adductors

shoulder lateral rotators

a physical therapist assistant assesses the strength of selected lower extremity muscles on a patient post knee injury. the patient is in a short sitting position off the edge of the mat with the therapist applying pressure medially to the knee and laterally to the ankle. The test described would be most effective to examine the strength of which of the following muscles of the hip?

- abductors

- adductors

- medial rotators

- lateral rotators

lateral rotators

a physical therapist assistant works with the patient post total knee arthroplasty who presents with increased knee flexion during the stance phase of gait. which of the following interventions would best address this gait deviation?

- isometric quadriceps setting exercises in supine with the leg positioned in extension and the heel on a towel roll

- isometric quadriceps setting exercises in supine with a pillow under the knee

- active knee flexion exercises in sitting

- isometric gluteal setting exercises performed in supine

isometric quadriceps setting exercises in supine with the leg positioned in extension and the heel on a towel roll

a patient with a compensated rearfoot varus deformity prepares to utilize a set of rigid orthoses. which recommendation would be the most appropriate when wearing the orthoses the first day?

- no break-in period is necessary

- wear the orthoses for 1-2 hours

- wear the orthoses for 2-4 hours

- wear the orthoses for 6-8 hours

wear the orthoses for 1-2 hours

a physical therapist assistant observes a patient complete a standing arm/biceps curl with a dumbbell. which of the following scenarios would produce the most power?

- lifting a 2-pound dumbbell on 2 seconds

- lifting 2-pound dumbbell in 3 seconds

- lifting a 4-pound dumbbell in 1 second

- lifting a 4-pound dumbbell in 4 seconds

lifting a 4-pound dumbbell in 1 second

a physical therapist assistant notes that a newborn has extremely limited dorsiflexion. which positional foot deformity would be the most likely with this range of motion limitation?

- calcaneovalgus

- metatarsus adductors

- syndactyly

- talipes equinovarus

talipes equinovarus

a patient 8 days post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograph is treated in physical therapy. which of the following exercises would be the most appropriate based on the patient's post-operative status?

- limited range isokinetics at 30 degrees per second

- unilateral leg press

- mini-squats in standing

- active knee extension in short sitting

mini-squats in standing

a physical therapist assistant prepares to treat a patient who has impingement syndrome with iontophoresis. the assistant applies iontophoresis directly over the insertion of the supraspinatus muscle. what bony landmark should the assistant use to best find a point of reference to locate this tendon?

- lesser tubercle of the humerus

- greater tubercle of the humerus

- supraspinous fossa of the scapula

- deltoid tuberosity of the humerus

greater tubercle of the humerus

a physical therapist assistant determines that a patient has 0-135 degrees of passive knee flexion and 0-120 degrees of active knee flexion. which of the following tests would be the most appropriate to help determine the reason for the difference in the range of motion values?

- passive joint motion testing

- special tests isolating flexibility

- manual muscle testing

- diagnostic imaging

manual muscle testing

a physical therapist assistant positions a patient in prone to measure passive knee flexion. which of the following rationales is the most likely cause of limited range of motion in this position?

- active insufficiency of the knee extensors

- active insufficiency of the knee flexors

- passive insufficiency of the knee extensors

- passive insufficiency of the knee flexors

passive insufficiency of the knee extensors

a patient uses patient-controlled analgesia with a lockout interval following an inpatient surgical procedure. which medication would be the most consistent with this delivery model?

- atorvastatin (lipitor)

- baclofen (lioresal)

- meperidine (demerol)

- methotrexate (trexall)

meperidine (demerol)

a patient 2 weeks post transtibial amputation is instructed by their physician to remain at rest for 2 days after contracting bronchitis. which of the following positions is the most appropriate for the patient while in bed?

- supine with a pillow under the patient's knees

- supine with a pillow under the patient's thighs and knees

- supine with the legs extended

- side lying in the fetal position

supine with the legs extended

a patient exhibits a compensatory contralateral step-to gait pattern and persistent left knee pain. which of the following conditions would most likely result in this type of long-term compensatory gait pattern?

- degenerative joint disease

- anterior cruciate ligament sprain

- osgood-schlatter disease

- patellofemoral syndrome

degenerative joint disease

a physical therapist assistant observes the patient standing in a pool immersed in water to the level of the neck performing a number of upper extremity exercises. which active movement would be the most resisted by buoyancy with the patient starting with the upper extremity positioned at the side and the elbow in 90 degrees of flexion?

- elbow flexion

- elbow extension

- shoulder abduction

- shoulder medial rotation

elbow extension

a physical therapist assistant instructs a patient to perform a standing stretch in which the patient raises one of their arms above their head and uses their other arm to push it more to the contralateral side in relation to the one that is raised. which of the following structures is on the most stretch with this technique?

- horizontal abductors

- inferior capsule

- pectoralis major

- pectoralis minor

inferior capsule

a physical therapist assistant presents an inservice to the rehabilitation staff that compares traditional gait terminology with rancho los amigos terminology. which pair of descriptive terms describes the same general point in the gait cycle?

- midstance to heel off and initial swing

- heel strike and initial contact

- foot flat to midstance and loading response

- toe off and mid swing

heel strike and initial contact

a physical therapist assistant assesses the posture of a patient from a lateral view using a plumb line. which of the following medical conditions would be the least likely to result in the external auditory meatus being anterior to the plumb line?

- ankylosing spondylitis

- graves' disease

- osteoporosis

- parkinson's disease

graves' disease

a physical therapist assistant works with a patient who has patellofemoral syndrome. the physical therapist directs the assistant to measure the patient's Q angle. which 3 bony landmarks should the assistant use to measure the Q angle?

- anterior superior iliac spine, superior border of the patella, tibial tubercle

- anterior superior iliac spine, midpoint of the patella, tibial tubercle

- anterior superior iliac spine, inferior border of the patella, midpoint of the patella tendon

- greater trochanter, midpoint of the patella, tibial tubercle

anterior superior iliac spine, midpoint of the patella, tibial tubercle

a patient post total hip arthroplasty via the posterolateral approach has been instructed to wear knee immobilizer due to the surgeon's concern that the patient is a high risk for hip dislocation. which of the following rationales for the use of a knee immobilizer is the most plausible to address the surgeon's concern?

- it serves as a constant reminder to the patient that the hip is susceptible to injury

- it reduces hip flexion by maintaining knee extension

- it facilitates quadriceps contraction during weight bearing activities

- it limits postoperative edema and promotes lower extremity stability

it reduces hip flexion by maintaining knee extension

a patient has patellar femoral pain syndrome which has been aggravated by some of the exercises prescribed by their personal trainer. which of the following exercises would be the most likely to exacerbate the patient's patellofemoral pain?

- terminal knee extension in standing

- mini squats from 0-30 degrees of knee flexion

- resisted long arc quads from 0-45 degrees of knee flexion

- quadriceps setting in terminal knee extension in supine

resisted long arc quads from 0-45 degrees of knee flexion

a 13-year-old girl sustained a grade 3 anterior cruciate ligament sprain while playing soccer and is concerned about the future impact of the injury on her athletic career. as she considers the possibility of having anterior cruciate reconstruction, which of the following factors would have the greatest influence on her candidacy for surgery?

- anthropometric measurements

- hamstrings/quadriceps strength ratio

- skeletal maturity

- somatotype

skeletal maturity

an athlete sustained a grade 3 lateral ankle sprain while playing basketball and plans to return to full participation in athletic activities. which component of the rehabilitation process is most important to address the concern of the chronic functional instability?

- Use of ice and compression to rapidly reduce the inflammation and swelling

- high voltage pulsed current to promote tissue healing

- single leg support proprioception exercises with dynamic strengthening

- isometric stabilization exercises and isokinetic ankle strengthening exercises

single leg support proprioception exercises with dynamic strengthening

a physical therapist assistant treats a patient who has limited shoulder range of motion that the physical therapist determined is due to pain and not a specific tissue restriction. which graded oscillation techniques would be the most appropriate to treat this patient?

- grades 1 and 2

- grades 2 and 3

- grades 3 and 4

- grades 4 and 5

grades 1 and 2

a patient positioned in standing with the arm by the side and elbow flexed at 90 degrees complete shoulder medial and lateral rotation exercises using a piece of elastic tubing. what plane of the body is utilized with this activity?

- coronal

- frontal

- sagittal

- transverse

transverse