Sample Questions

A PTA treats a patient with the acute stage of adhesive capsulitis. Which treatment would NOT be appropriate for this stage of healing?

Grade III P-A Mobilizations

A PTA treats a newborn recently diagnosed with moderate cerebral palsy. What is the most important intervention the PTA should provide to this patient?

Caregiver education on safe positioning and handling

A PTA is treating a patient who is on diuretics for congestive heart failure. While assisting the patient while ambulating from the recumbent stepper to the parallel bars, the patient suddenly complains of dizziness and fatigue and takes a seat in a nearby chair. What is the correct course of action the assistant should take?

Check the patient's blood pressure

A PTA treats a patient with cerebellar pathology that exhibits dysdiadochokinesia. Which finding would be LEAST characteristic of this condition when attempting rapid supination and pronation of the forearm?

Rapid onset of fatigue

A PTA treats a patient with a thermal agent that transfers heat using conduction. Which modality is consistent with this scenario?

Paraffin

A patient diagnosed with uterine cancer is referred to physical therapy for general deconditioning associated with a recent hysterectomy and the effects of radiation. During a treatment session, the patient reports that her right ankle has been noticeably more swollen than her left ankle since completing radiation. What is the MOST likely cause of the patient's observation?

Secondary Lymphedema

A PTA examines a patient diagnosed with left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings is the LEAST likely to be associated with this condition?

Dependent edema

A patient participates in a cardiac rehabilitation program. As part of the session, the PTA plans to observe and monitor the patient while walking on a treadmill. Which of the following positions is the MOST appropriate for the patient when starting the treadmill belt?

Standing with one foot on each side of the treadmill platform

A PTA treats a patient referred to physical therapy following a left ankle sprain. The assistant determines that the anterior drawer test is positive on the affected side. Which ligament is assessed with this special test?

Anterior talofibular

A PTA observes a patient in standing use predominantly lower extremity distal muscle activation to subtly shift their center of mass toward the center of their base of support. Which balance strategy would have MOST likely been utilized to accomplish this action?

Ankle strategy

A patient is directed that they are only allowed to be 25 percent weight bearing following a right knee surgery. The patient is unable to maintain their prescribed weight bearing status due to significant upper extremity weakness. During which phase of gait would the patient MOST likely break their weight bearing precautions?

Midstance

A PTA needs to determine the target heart rate range for a patient before beginning aerobic exercise training. The patient's resting heart rate is recorded as 60 beats per minute and the maximal heart rate is 180 beats per minute. Using the heart rate reserve method (Karvonen formula) and a range of 60-80 percent intensity, which of the following ranges BEST represents the patient's target heart rate when using this method?

132-156 beats per minute

A patient is referred to an outpatient orthopedic clinic with complaints of bilateral knee joint pain. During the examination, the PTA notes a rash over the patient's cheeks and nose in the shape of a butterfly as well as other rashes on the patient's arms. The patient notes that their symptoms fluctuate, going through periods of exacerbation and remission. Which medical condition is MOST likely based on the described clinical presentation?

Systemic lupus erythematosus

A PTA determines that a patient's abnormal gait pattern is characterized as ataxic. Which of the following BEST describes this gait pattern?

Wide base of support with exaggerated movements

A PTA prepares to apply a sterile dressing to a wound after debridement. The assistant begins the process by drying the wound using a towel, applies medication to the wound, using a gauze pad, and then applies a series of dressings that are secured using a bandage. The application of which of these steps would NOT warrant the use of sterile technique?

Bandage

A 60-year-old patient rehabilitating from a fractured ankle receives a walking cast from their physician and is referred to physical therapy. The patient has been cleared for partial weight bearing on their walking cast. Which type of assistive device would be the MOST appropriate for the patient?

Axillary Crutches

A PTA performs training with the family of a patient who recently had a cerebrovascular accident. The patient presents with a flexor synergy pattern. Which of the following positioning recommendations is MOST appropriate for this patient?

Elevate the involved upper extremity with the shoulder externally rotated and the elbow extended

A PTA prepares to initiate an exercise program for a patient with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Which statement is MOST accurate when designing the program?

Exercise should occur four to six times per week low intensities

A PTA works with a patient on vertical positioning using a tilt table. The patient has been on bed rest for three months secondary to a number of medical problems. Which of the following signs and symptoms would MOST likely indicate that the patient is poorly tolerating the treatment?

Tachycardia and lower extremity edema

A PTA prepares to treat a patient using ice massage. Which condition would be considered a contraindication for the proposed intervention?

Peripheral vascular disease

A patient who has cerebral palsy exhibits slow, involuntary, continuous writhing movements of the upper and lower extremities. Which of the following motor impairments is MOST representative of this type of motor disturbance?

Athetosis

A PTA works with a patient in an intensive care unit. During the session the assistant hears the low-pressure alarm of a mechanical ventilator. Which finding is MOST often associated with activation of the alarm?

Leak in the ventilator circuit

The medical record indicates a patient has been diagnosed with chronic respiratory alkalosis. Which laboratory finding is MOST consistent with this condition?

Elevated arterial blood pH, low PaCO2

A PTA performs a goniometric measurement on a patient's ankle after classifying the end-feel as firm. Which finding would MOST likely have contributed to the identified end-feel associated with ankle plantar flexion?

Tension in the anterior joint capsule

A PTA observes that a patient has a limitation in plantar flexion range of motion on the left during ambulation activities. This mobility restriction would be MOST apparent during which phase of gait?

Loading response

A PTA treats a patient with Parkinson's disease who has been receiving levodopa therapy for two years. Which of the following side effects should the assistant MOST likely expect given the long-term use of this medication?

Choreoathetosis

A PTA observes an infant manipulating objects. Which of the following skills demonstrates the MOST advanced volitional movement?

Striking two blocks together

A PTA interviews a patient recently involved in a motor vehicle accident, in which the patient sustained multiple lower extremity injuries. During the interview, the patient appears to be very depressed and withdrawn. Which of the following questions or statements would be LEAST likely to encourage active dialogue by the patient?

Do you have trouble sleeping at night?

A physically active 19-year-old patient receives pre-operation instruction prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The patient's past medical history includes a medial meniscectomy of the contralateral knee eight months ago. What is the MOST likely anticipated fucntional level of the patient following rehabilitation?

Able to return to previous functional level

A PTA treats a patient with chronic venous insufficiency in their right lower extremity. The patient has an ankle-brachial index of 0.88 in the affected lower extremity. Which of the following decisions regarding compression is the assistant MOST likely to make?

Apply short-stretch bandaging during the day time

A PTA performs a manual muscle test on a patient with suspected unilateral lower extremity weakness. Which of the following patient positions is the MOST appropriate when testing the patient's hip adduction on the unaffected side?

Sidelying

A PTA performs an examination on a patient diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. The patient reports experiencing pain in the low back and buttock region for the last three weeks. Which motions should the assistant expect to be weak and painful during muscle testing based on the patient's diagnosis?

Abduction and lateral rotation of the hip

A patient 72 hours post stroke is referred to physical therapy. As part of the patient care program, the PTA makes recommendations to the nursing staff regarding patient positioning. How often should turning occur?

Every two hours

A PTA works with a patient rehabilitating from a traumatic brain injury on a mat program. The program emphasizes various developmental positions to prepare the patient for ambulation activities. Which developmental position would be the MOST demanding?

Modified plantigrade

A PTA prepares to treat a patient post total hip arthroplasty in which a posterolateral approach was used. Which muscle experiences the GREATEST trauma with this surgical procedure

Gluteus Maximus

A PTA performs a manual muscle test on a patient's shoulder lateral rotators. Which muscle would be involved in this specific test?

Teres minor

A PTA prepares to assess the blind reflex in a patient with suspected neurological involvement. Which cranial nerve components are assessed with this reflex?

Afferent cranial nerve V; Efferent cranial nerve VII

A patient is required to wear a thumb spica splint following a traumatic fracture of the first metacarpal. Which of the following movements would the have the MOST difficulty performing while wearing this splint?

Wrist flexion

A PTA plans to administer the Dynamic Gait Index to a patient with a traumatic brain injury to assess postural control during ambulation. Which of the following activities would the patient NOT have to perform?

Ambulating backwards

A PTA working in an acute care hospital receives orders to examine a 69-year-old male status post right total hip arthroplasty using an anterolateral approach. Upon entering the room, the patient is supine with the right hip laterally rotated. What is the MOST immediate course of action?

Remind the patient that he must avoid laterally rotating the right hip

A 55-year-old female is referred to physical therapy with complaints of bilateral stiffness and pain affecting her distal extremities. The patient's symptoms reportedly worsen with inactivity and signs of synovial inflammation are observed in the affected joints. What is the patient's MOST likely diagnosis?

Rheumatoid arthritis

A PTA makes wheelchair recommendations for a patient with a C4 complete spinal cord injury. Which wheelchair feature would be the MOST desirable for this patient?

Tilt-in-space frame

A PTA treats a patient diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis using iontophoresis. The assistant uses dexamethasone with a current intensity of 3mA for 20 minutes. How often during the treatment session should the assistant check the skin?

Every four minutes

A PTA reads an entry in a patient's medical record that indicates the presence of hypovolemia. Which condition would be the MOST likely contributing factor in the development of this condition?

Vomiting

A PTA prepares to treat a patient for trigger points in their right upper trapezius muscle using a vapocoolant spray. Which of the following would be the correct procedure for positioning the patient before applying the spray?

Passively move the patient's head into left side bending

A PTA assesses the heart sounds of a patient post coronary artery bypass graft. During auscultation, what heart sound is associated with closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves?

S1

A PTA gathers a variety of equipment prior to administering a series of sensory tests. Which form of sensation would MOST likely be examined by utilizing a comb?

Stereognosis

A PTA implements an exercise program for a 43-year-old female with myasthenia gravis. The goal of the program is to improve the patient's strength and endurance to allow for improved daily function. Which of the following activities would be the LEAST appropriate to include in the program?

Plyometric jumps and hops, three sets of ten reps, one time per day

A postmenopausal patient informs a physical therapist assistant that she has recently started hormone replacement therapy. This form of medical treatment is MOST commonly used to reduce the development of which of the following conditions post menopause?

Osteoporosis

A PTA assesses a 3 year old patient diagnosed with a genetic condition which affects collagen synthesis. The patient bruises easily and has a lifelong history of pathological fractures. What is the patient's MOST likely diagnosis?

Osteogenesis imperfecta

A PTA performs a giat analysis on a patient with a lower extremity injury. The assistant begins the session by observing the patient at free speed walking. What is the normal degree of toe-out at this speed?

7 degrees

A PTA completes a cranial nerve assessment on a patient with a suspected neurological injury by using a tongue depressor. Which cranial nerves are MOST commonly assessed with this type of equipment?

IX, X

When performing range of motion exercises with a patient who sustained a head injury, a PTA determines that the patient lacks full elbow extension and classifies the end-feel as hard. The presence of which of the following findings is the MOST likely cause?

Heterotopic ossification

A PTA observes a patient's breathing pattern prior to initiating an exercise session. The assistant concludes the rate and rhythm are within normal limits. What is this type of breathing BEST termed as?

Eupnea

A PTA determines that a patient has no sensation below the L2 dermatome after completing a sensory examination. The patient was admitted through the emergency room 14 days ago secondary to a motor vehicle accident. What is the MOST likely rationale for the patient's current condition?

The patient has a complete transection of the spinal cord

A PTA notices that a patient being treated following an arthroscopic knee procedure has a stage I ulcer on the left forearm. The patient reports mild pain and the skin appears to be completely intact. What is the MOST predictable clinical presentation based on the stage of the ulcer?

Nonblanchable erythema

A PTA performs airway clearance techniques on a 17-year-old male diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. After administering percussion and vibration to the posterior lower lobes, the patient begins to cough. In the process, the patient expectorates sputum tinged with bright red blood into a cup. What is the MOST appropriate assistant action?

Discontinue airway clearance techniques and contact the patient's physician

A PTA observes the gait of a patient with weakness in their lower extremities following a lengthy impatient hospitalization. Which gait description would be MOST likely?

Decreased step length bilaterally

A PTA observes a patient's alignment in standing from a side view and concludes that the line of gravity falls in front of the patella. Which condition would MOST likely be associated with the described finding?

Genu recurvatum

A patient with a neurological disorder expresses that they are no longer able to differentiate between the tastes of many foods on the front portion of their tongue. Which cranial nerve would potentially contribute to this reported finding?

Cranial nerve VII

A PTA treats a patient status post CVA. The patient has severe difficulty in verbal expression and mild difficulty in understanding complex syntax. Which of the following terms is MOST consistent with this type of communication disorder?

Broca's aphasia

A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is referred to physical therapy. The physical therapist assistant observes bilateral thumb deformities characterized by metacarpophalangeal joint flexion with interphalangeal hyperextension. Which deformity is MOST consistent with the described presentation?

Boutonniere

A PTA hypothesizes that a patient utilizes the paraspinals and hamstrings as part of a balance strategy to address a sudden, moderate disturbance in the patient's center of mass. What type of balance strategy is MOST likely to associated with the described reaction?

Hip strategy in response to backward sway

A PTA reviews the medical record of a patient recently admitted to physical therapy after being diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. The patient describes an insidious onset of pain and stiffness approximately three months ago. Which patient profile would be MOST likely based on the medical diagnosis?

A 48-year-dol female with diabetes

A PTA attempts to gather information on the integrity of a cranial nerve by assessing the patient's field of vision. This technique would be MOST useful when assessing which cranial nerve?

II

A PTA prepares to complete a manual muscle test of the opponens pollicis. Where should the assistant apply pressure for providing resistance when completing this muscle test?

Volar surface of the distal end of the first metacarpal

A 63-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with stage III ulcer over her right lateral malleolus. The physician orders whirlpool daily with debridement and wet to wet dressing. The assistant prepares the sterile field prior to the patient's arrival for the whirlpool but is unexpectedly required to assist another patient in the physical therapy gym. What should the assistant do upon returning to the whirlpool area?

Discard the current sterile field and establish a new sterile field

A PTA initiates gait training with a patient who is two days status post total knee arthroplasty. During the acitivity, the assistant observes that the patient is experiencing foot drop on her surgical limb. Damage to which of the following nerves is MOST likely associated with this finding?

Peroneal

A PTA employed in a rehabilitation hospital prepares to perform a stand pivot transfer with a 42-year-old male rehabilitating from a motor vehicle accident. Prior to initiating the transfer, the assistant notices that the patient is wearing only a pair of hospital issued non-skid socks on his feet. What is the MOST appropriate assistant action?

Perform the stand pivor transfer with the patient wearing the hospital-issued socks

During a treatment session, a PTA asks a patient to perform finger-to-nose testing as well as sliding the heel back and forth on the opposite shin. What classification of testing is MOST consistent with the described tests?

Non-equilibrium coordination tests

A PTA washes their hands thoroughly after treating a patient with a suspected infection. What statement regarding hand washing is NOT accurate?

Wash all hand and wrist jewelry

A PTA measures a patient's shoulder medial rotation as 0-70 degrees and classifies the end-feel as firm. Which portion of the joint capsule is primarily responsible for the firm end-feel?

Posterior

A PTA attempts to assess the motor component of the axillary nerve by conducting a manual muscle test. Which of the following muscles would be the MOST appropriate to utilize?

Teres minor

A PTA attempts to identify several strategies to improve the left neglect of the patient rehabilitating from a stroke. Which of the following would be the LEAST useful to accomplish the assistant's objective?

Have the patient's husband sit on her right side while she is eating dinner

A PTA examines the mobility of a patient's left scapula as part of a range of motion assessment. Which of the patient position should be MOST appropriate for the assistant to conduct the assessment?

Right sidelying

A PTA works on paced breathing with a patient who has a restrictive lung disease. Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to be contributing to the patient's dysfunction?

Asthma

A PTA contemplates using several different forms of practice to enhance learning during a rehabilitation session for a patient with mild traumatic brain injury. Which type of practice would possess the HIGHEST risk of potential injury for this patient?

Masses practice

A PTA observes a patient's breathing as part of a respiratory assessment. Which muscle of respiration is MOST active during forced expiration?

Internal intercostals

A patient is admitted to a tertiary care facility after sustaining full and partial thickness burns over 50% of his body. Which physiologic characteristics associated with the burns would be the MOST acutely life-threatening?

Hypovolemia

A PTA prepares an Inservice on body mechanics during patient care activities for a new group of certified nursing assistants at the hospital. What would be MOST appropriate teaching method for the Inservice?

Demonstration-practice

A PTA reviews the medical record of a patient admitted to a hospital with a restrictive lung disorder. What is the patient's MOST likely diagnosis?

Sarcoidosis

A PTA prepares to administer superficial moist heat to help improve a patient's mobility prior to a treatment session. Which scenario would require the assistant to add extra towel layers to prevent a burn from occurring?

Hot pack over the rhomboids with the patient in hooklying

A patient using a wheelchair arranges for a local contractor to build a ramp that will allow entry into the patient's house. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), what is the MAXIMUM recommended grade for the ramp?

8.3%

A PTA reviews the results of blood glucose testing for a patient with diabetes mellitus. Which value would be MOST representative of the anticipated normal blood glucose value prior to eating a meal?

90 mg/dL

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?

Stress

A 46-year-old construction worker is referred to physical therapy with a chief complaint of right shoulder pain. Upon examination, the patient exhibits a significant range of motion restriction in lateral rotation with less severe restrictions in abduction and medial rotation. What would be the MOST probable rationale for the patient's clinical presentation?

Capsular restriction of the glenohumeral joint

A PTA reads in a patient's medical record that the ankle brachial index (ABI) was measured as 0.36. When measured the year prior, the patient had an ABI of 0.51. Which new symptom would MOST likely have developed over the past year for this patient?

Claudication pain at rest

A PTA working in a neonatal intensive care unit examines a one-week-old infant born with L4 myelomeningocele which was surgically repaired at birth. What would be the PRIMARY goal of immediate surgical intervention?

Prevent infection

A PTA observing a patient's gait identifies toe-outing during stance. This finding would MOST likely be associated with tightness of which of the following muscle groups?

Hip lateral rotators

A patient attempts to turn a wheelchair on a landing area connecting two separate sections of a ramp. What are the minimum dimensions of the landing area according to the Americans with Disabilities Act?

five feet by five feet

A PTA treats an infant diagnosed with Erb's palsy. Which of the following BEST describes the likely position of the affected distal upper extremity?

Forearm pronation, wrist flexion

A PTA assesses a patient diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament sprain. If the assistant wants to quantitatively measure the anteroposterior translation at the knee, which of the following instruments would provide the MOST accurate measurement?

Arthrometer

A PTA tests a small area of skin for hypersensitivity prior to using a cold immersion bath. The patient begins to demonstrate evidence of cold intolerance within 60 seconds after cold application. Which of the following responses should the assistant take?

Discontinue cold application and document the findings

A PTA directs a PTA to measure the seat depth for a patient as part of the assessment for the appropriate fit of the wheelchair. How many inches should the assistant subtract from the standard measurement taken for wheelchair depth?

2

A PTA prepares to measure a patient's passive elbow flexion ROM. Which of the following steps would be the FIRST to occur when performing the goniometric assessment?

Palpate bony anatomical landmarks

An athlete is forced to contemplate knee surgery after spraining the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing soccer. Which scenario provides the MOST direct support for an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

Functional instability

A PTA gathers a variety of equipment prior to administering a series of sensory tests. Which form of sensation would be examined by utilizing a tuning fork?

Vibration

A PTA treats a patient who reports lateral elbow pain that the assistant suspects is due to epicondylitis. Which of the following patient profiles would be MOST expected based on the diagnosis?

A 42-year-old patient with unilateral symptoms

A PTA applies a hold-relax technique to a patient in prone in order to increase knee extension ROM. Where should the assistant's hands be placed when administering this type of intervention?

Stabilize the distal femur and apply resistance to the posterior surface of the distal tibia

An individual with an injury to which structure would have the MOST difficulty performing the exercise depicted in the image?

Radial nerve