1.

A physician order an electrocardiogram (ECG) for a patient diagnosed with

congestive heart failure. The medical record indicates the patient is
currently taking digitalis. What effect would you expect digitalis to have
on the patient’s ECG?
a. Sinus tachycardia
b. Lengthened PR interval
c. Lengthened QT interval
d. Elevated ST segment
2. A physical therapist completes an examination on a five-year-old boy
diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The referral indicates that the
boy was diagnosed with the disease less than one year ago. Assuming a normal
progression, which of the following findings would be the FIRST to occur?
a. Distal muscle weakness
b. Proximal muscle weakness
c. Impaired respiratory function
d. Inability to perform activities of daily living
3. A physical therapist obtains an x-ray of 14-year-old female recently
referred to physical therapy after experiencing an increase in back pain
following activity. The patient previously participated in competitive
gymnastics, however, states that her back was unable to tolerate the
intensity of training. Based on the presented x-ray, the therapist would
expect the patient’s medical diagnosis to be:
a. Spondylitis
b. Spondylolysis
c. Spondylolisthesis
d. Spondyloptosis
4. A physical therapist treat a nine-year-old child diagnosed with cystic
fibrosis. As part of the treatment session the therapist attempts to improve
the efficiency of the patient’s breathing. The MOST appropriate technique
to encourage full expansion at the base of the lung is
a. Manual percussion over the posterior portion of the ribs with the
patient in prone
b. Manual contacts with pressure over the lateral borders of the ribs
with the patient in supine
 c. Manual vibration over the lateral portion of the ribs with the patient
in sidelying
d. Manual cues over the epigastric area with the patient in supine
5. A physician discusses a patient’s plan of care with a physical therapist.
The patient is a 29-year-old male that sustained deep partial-thickness
burns to the anterior surface of his lower extremities. The physician
discusses the possibility of discontinuing use of the topical antibiotic
silver sulfadiazine after identifying an irregularity in the patient’s
laboratory results. Which finding could be MOST related to the use of silver
sulfadiazine?
a. Leukopenia
b. Peripheral edema
c. Hypokalemia
d. Altered pH balance
6. A physical therapist performs goniometric measurements on a patient
rehabilitating from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. When
measuring rotation of the cervical spine, which of the following landmarks
would be the MOST appropriate for the axis of the goniometer?
a. Centered over the external auditory meatus
b. Centered over the center of the cranial aspect of the head
c. Centered over the C7 spinous process
d. Centered over the midline of the occiput
7. A physical therapist performs girth measurements on a patient rehabilitating
from knee surgery. The therapist takes the measurements 5 cm and 10 cm above
the superior pole of the patella with the patient in supine. The girth
measurements are recorded as 32 cm and 37 cm on the right and 34 cm and 40
cm on the left. Which of the following conclusions can be made regarding
the strength of the patient’s quadriceps>
a. The right quadriceps will be capable of producing a greater force than
the left
b. The left quadriceps will be capable of producing a greater force than
the right
c. The right and left quadriceps will be capable of producing equal force
d. Not enough information is given to form a conclusion.
8. A physical therapist instructs a patient to expire maximally after taking
a maximal inspiration. The therapist can use these instructions to measure
the patient’s:
 a. Expiratory reserve volume
b. Inspiratory reserve volume
c. Total lung capacity
d. Vital capacity
9. A physical therapist participating in a research project decides it will be
necessary to utilize a relatively large sample. By including a large number
of subjects, the researcher hopes to increase:
a. The effect size
b. The likelihood of rejecting the null hypothesis
c. The validity of the outcome measurements
d. The reliability of the outcome measurements
10. If the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) test is negative
for airway obstruction in 99% of individuals without lung disease, then the
measurement of FEV1 is:
a. Sensitive
b. Specific
c. Reliable
d. Valid
11. A physical therapist applies an automated external defibrillator (AED)
to a patient in cardiac arrest. In addition to ventricular fibrillation,
what condition is capable of being identified and treated with the AED?
a. Atrial fibrillation
b. Premature atrial contractions
c. Ventricular tachycardia
d. First degree ventricular heart block
12. A physical therapist examines a patient with low back pain of unknown
etiology. During the examination the therapist observes that the patient’s
pain level remains unchanged with positioning in flexion and extension,
however, is diminished with rest. This scenario is MOST consistent with:
a. Facet joint irritation
b. Spinal stenosis
c. Disk herniation
d. Neurogenic claudication
13. A physical therapist observes a 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 MOST resisted by buoyancy with
 the patient starting with the arm positioned at the side and the elbow in
90 degrees of flexion?
a. Elbow flexion
b. Elbow extension
c. Shoulder abduction
d. Shoulder medial rotation
14. A physician examines a 36-year0old male with shoulder pain. As part of
the examination the physician orders x-rays. Which medical condition could
be confirmed using this type of diagnostic imaging?
a. Bicipital tendonitis
b. Calcific tendonitis
c. Supraspinatus impingement
d. Subacromial bursitis
15. A physical therapist designs a research study that will examine the
effect of high galvanic electrical stimulation on edema following
arthroscopic knee surgery. The MOST appropriate method to collect data is:
a. Anthropometric measurements
b. Circumferential measurements
c. Goniometric measurements
d. Volumetric measurements
16. A 29-year-old male diagnosed with anklylosing spondylitis reports
progressive stiffening of the spine and associated pain for more than five
years. The patient’s MOST typical standing posture demonstrates:
a. Posterior thoracic rib hump
b. Flattened lumbar curve, exaggerated thoracic curve
c. Excessive lumbar curve, flattened thoracic curve
d. Lateral curvature of the spine with fixed rotation of the vertebrae
17. A physical therapist completes a developmental assessment on an
infant, which pediatric reflex would the therapist expect to be integrated
at the youngest age?
a. Plantar grasp reflex
b. Moro reflex
c. Landau reflex
d. Galant reflex
18. A physical therapist examines a patient with a limited straight leg
raise of 40 degrees due to inadequate hamstrings length. Which
 proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique would be the MOST
appropriate to increase the patient’s hamstrings length?
a. Contract-relax
b. Rhythmic initiation
c. Rhythmic stabilization
d. Rhythmic rotation
19. A physical therapist examines a patient following a transtibial
amputation. The patient resides in a retirement community and describes
herself as socially active. She is presently using a temporary prosthesis
consisting of a plastic socket, a pylon, and a solid ankle cushion heel
(SACH) foot. The patient expresses concern that the permanent prosthesis
will look awful and will be obvious to everyone. Which type of prosthesis
would be the MOST appropriate for the patient?
a. Endoskeletal shank and single-axis articulated foot-ankle assembly
b. Endoskeletal shank and solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) foot
c. Exoskeletal shank and single-axis articulated foot-ankle assembly
d. Exoskeletal shank and solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) foot
20. A physical therapist observes a patient during gait training. The
patient has normal strength and equal leg length. As the patient passes
midstance he slightly vaults and exhibits early toe off. The MOST likely
cause of this deviation is:
a. Weakness of the dorsiflexors
b. Weakness of the hip abductors
c. Limited plantar flexion
d. Limited dorsiflexion
21. A physical therapist treats a patient with Parkinson’s disease who has
been receiving levodopa therapy for two years. Which side effect would MOST
likely be present due to the chronic use of this medication
a. Bradykinesia
b. Choreoathetosis
c. Shuffling gait
d. Rigidity
22. A physical therapist concludes that the lachman test is negative in a
patient with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury. Which finding
would MOST likely contribute to a potential false negative?
a. Moderate effusion of the knee joint capsule
b. 12 millimeters of anterior translation of the tibia on the femur
 c. Protective muscle guarding of the hamstring muscles
d. Previous injury involving the anterior cruciate ligament
23. A physical therapist observes an infant exhibiting a high guard
position when in a sitting position. Which muscle would be the MOST essential
for the infant to maintain this position
a. Pectoralis major
b. Rhomboid
c. Serratus anterior
d. Lower trapezius
24. A physical therapist employed in an outpatient orthopaedic clinic
examines a patient diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The therapist has limited
experience with cerebral palsy and is concerned about his ability to provide
appropriate treatment. The MOST appropriate therapist action is:
a. Inform the patient of your area of expertise
b. Co-treat the patient with another more experienced therapist
c. Treat the patient
d. Refuse to treat the patient
25. A physical therapist compiles a table which identifies joint position
at the hip, knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal joints for each subunit of
the stance phase of gait. Which of the following is NOT accurate in
describing normal joint position at the end of terminal stance
a. 15 degrees of hip hyperextension
b. 0 degrees of knee extension
c. 0 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion
d. 10 degrees of metatarsophalangeal hyperextension
26. A physical therapist monitors a patient’s vital signs while exercising
in a phase I cardiac rehabilitation program. The patient is status post
myocardial infarction and has progressed without difficulty while involved
in the program. Which of the following vital sign recordings would exceed
the typical limits of a phase I program?
a. Heart rate elevated 18 beats per minute above resting level
b. Respiration rate of 18 breaths per minute
c. Systolic blood pressure decreased by 25 mmHg from resting level
d. Diastolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg
27. A physical therapist conducts a pre-operative training session for a
patient schedules for surgery to repair a large rotator cuff tear. The
patient is a 54-year-old male who is employed as an insurance agent. During
 the pre-operative training session the patient inquires as to the amount of
time before he is able to return to recreational activities such as tennis
and gold. The MOST appropriate timeframe is typically:
a. 6-8 weeks
b. 12-14 weeks
c. 24-28 weeks
d. 30-40 weeks
28. A physician instructs a 26-year-old male to utilize a knee derotation
brace for all athletic activities. Which condition would MOST warrant the
use of the derotation brace?
a. Medial meniscus repair
b. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
c. Anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency
d. Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
29. A physical therapist obtains a gross measurement of hamstrings length
by passively extending the lower extremity of a patient in short sitting.
The MOST common substitution to exaggerate hamstrings length is:
a. Weight shift to the contralateral side
b. Anterior rotation of the pelvis
c. Posterior rotation of the pelvis
d. Hiking of the contralateral hip
30. A physical therapist prepares to formally assess the balance of a
patient with a neurological disorder. The MOST appropriate method to assess
the vestibular component of balance would be:
a. Assess cutaneous sensation
b. Apply a perturbation to alter the body’s center of gravity
c. Examine proprioception in a weight bearing posture.
d. Quantify visual acuity and depth perception
31. A physical therapist uses metabolic equivalent (METs) as a method to
establish exercise intensity for a 36-year-old female. The patient is
recreationally active and has no relevant past medical history. Which MET
level would be MOST consistent with the patient’s anticipated maximal
aerobic capacity?
a. 3 METs
b. 6 METs
c. 10 METs
d. 15 METs
32. A physical therapist makes footwear recommendations for a patient with
foot pathology. The recommendations include a high and wide toe box, small
to no heel, medial arch support, and a contoured posterior counter. This
type of shoe prescription would be the MOST beneficial for a patient
diagnosed with:
a. Sesamoiditis
b. Hallux valgus
c. Pes cavus
d. Metatarsalgia
33. A physical therapist observes thenar atrophy when examining a patient’s
hand. In the absence of other relevant findings, this could BEST be explained
by:
a. C8 nerve root lesion
b. Paralysis of the interossei
c. Radial nerve lesion
d. Ulnar nerve lesion
34. A physical therapist inspects the skin of a child recently admitted to
the hospital after sustaining a scald burn form hot water on his torso. The
burn is moist and red with several areas of blister formation. The burn
covers an area approximately four inches by three inches and blanches with
a direct pressure. The MOST likely burn classification is:
a. Superficial
b. Superficial partial-thickness
c. Deep partial-thickness
d. Full-thickness
35. A physical therapist completes an upper quarter screening examination
on a patient with a suspected cervical spine lesion. Which objective finding
is NOT consistent with C5 involvement?
a. Muscle weakness in the supinator and wrist extensors
b. Diminished sensation in the deltoid area
c. Muscle weakness in the deltoid and biceps
d. Diminished biceps and brachioradialis reflexes
36. A physical therapist employed in a rehabilitation hospital reviews the
medical record of a 26-year-old patient recently admitted to the facility.
The medical record indicates that the patient sustained a spinal cord injury
four weeks ago in a diving accident. Which medical diagnosis would result
in the patient being MOST susceptible to autonomic dysreflexia?
 a. T4 paraplegia
b. T12 paraplegia
c. Cauda equine injury
d. Posterior cord syndrome
37. A physical therapist utilizes neuromuscular electrical stimulation by
attaching an electrode over the motor point of the peroneus longus. The
MOST appropriate location to attach the electrode is:
a. Along the lateral border of the popliteal fossa
b. On the anterolateral surface of the lower leg
c. Proximal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint
d. Immediately inferior to the lateral malleolus
38. A patient diagnosed with should pain of unknown etiology is referred
by his physician for magnetic resonance imaging. Results of the test reveal
a partial tear of the infraspinatus muscle. Which muscle group would be the
MOST seriously affected by the injury?
a. Shoulder lateral rotators
b. Shoulder medial rotators
c. Shoulder abductors
d. Shoulder adductors
39. A physical therapist receives a referral for a 48-year-old female
diagnosed with lung cancer. The patient reports smoking three packs of
cigarettes a day for the last 25 years. Assuming the patient was diagnosed
with cancer two months ago, which of the following pieces of data would
provide the therapist with the MOST valuable information when establishing
plan of care and the associated goals?
a. Premorbid lifestyle
b. Staging of cancer
c. Past medical history
d. Motivation level
40. A physical therapist treats a 54-year-old male rehabilitating from a
tibial plateau fracture. While completing a resistive exercise, the patient
indicates that lifting weights often causes him to void small amounts of
urine. The MOST appropriate therapist action is
a. Refer the patient to support group
b. Instruct the patient in pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises
c. Discontinue resistive exercises as part of the established plan of
care
 d. Educate the patient about incontinence
41. A physical therapist participates in research study that formally
measures an individual’s maximum oxygen consumption. Which individual would
be expected to have the largest maximum oxygen consumption?
a. A 23-year-old male (weight: 240 pounds; height: 72 inches)
b. A 25-year-old female (weight: 160 pounds; height: 66 inches)
c. A 23-year-old male (weight: 210 pounds; height: 69 inches)
d. A 47-year-old female (weight: 130 pounds; height: 62 inches)
42. A physical therapist evaluates a patient with a recent stroke involving
the cerebellar arteries. When evaluating the patient, the therapist would
MOST likely expect to find the presence of:
a. Dysarthria
b. Chorea
c. Hemiballismus
d. Heypertonia
43. A physical therapist consults with a teacher regarding a child with
autism who has impairments in sensory processing. Which piece of equipment
would be the MOST useful to address the child’s dyspraxia?
a. Swing
b. Weighted vest
c. Sit and spin
d. Rocking chair
44. A physical therapist prepares to examine a patient’s triceps using a
reflex hammer. The MOST appropriate position of the patient’s arm during
the testing procedure is:
a. Shoulder extension and elbow flexion
b. Shoulder flexion and elbow extension
c. Shoulder extension and elbow extension
d. Shoulder flexion and elbow flexion
45. A physical therapist prepares to apply a sterile dressing to a wound
after debridement. The therapist begins the process by drying the wound
using a towel. The therapist applies medication to the wound using gauze
pad and then applies a series of dressings that are secured using a bandage.
Which step would NOT warrant the use of sterile technique?
a. Bandage
b. Dressings
c. Medication
 d. Towel
46. A physical therapist inspects a wound over the sacrum of a 58-year-old
female. The therapist would MOST accurately classify the presented wound
as:
a. Stage I
b. Stage II
c. Stage III
d. Stage IV
47. A physical therapist observes a patient’s breathing as part of a
respiratory assessment. Which muscle of respiration is MOST active during
force expiration?
a. Diaphragm
b. External intercostals
c. Internal intercostals
d. Upper trapezius
48. A physical therapist treats a patient who sustained a right lateral
ankle sprain less than six hours ago. The therapist contemplates the use of
cold water immersion as a cryotherapeutic agent. What would be the primary
limitation of this type of intervention?
a. Decreased cell metabolism
b. Excessive vasoconstriction of blood vessels
c. The involved extremity cannot be elevated
d. Decreased nerve conduction velocity
49. A physical therapist teaches a patient positioned in supine to
posteriorly rotate her pelvis. The patient has full active and passive range
of motion in the upper extremities, but is unable to achieve full shoulder
flexion while maintaining a posterior pelvic tilt. Which of the following
could BEST explain this finding?
a. Capsular tightness
b. Latissimus dorsi tightness
c. Pectoralis minor tightness
d. Quadratus lumborum tightness
50. A physical therapist observes a burn on the dorsal surface of a
patient’s arm. The wound area is mottled red with a number of blisters. The
therapist informs the patient that healing should take place in less than
three weeks. This description is MOST indicative of a:
a. Superficial burn
 b. Superficial partial-thickness burn
c. Deep partial-thickness burn
d. Full-thickness burn
51. A physical therapist observes the gait of a child with spastic cerebral
palsy. The therapist notes that the child exhibits excessive lordosis during
ambulation. Which surgical procedure would BEST address this postural
deformity?
a. Hamstring tendon lengthening
b. Adductor longus tendon lengthening
c. Iliopsoas tendon lengthening
d. Lumbar laminectomy
52. A physical therapist completes a series of resisted movements on a
patients with a lower extremity injury. The patient denies pain initially,
but complains of increasing pain after performing a number of repetitions.
This scenario is MOST consistent with:
a. Complete rupture of a tendon
b. Intermittent claudication
c. Ligamentous laxity
d. Emotional hypersensitivity
53. A physical therapist observes that a patient’s ankle pain tends to be
exaggerated during weight bearing activities when the ankle is maximally
dorsiflexed. Which component of the gait cycle would likely exacerbate the
patient’s ankle pain?
a. Initial contact
b. Loading response
c. Terminal stance
d. Pre-swing
54. Members of a community health task force evaluate a proposal for a new
adolescent screening program. Several members of the task force raise
questions as to the validity of the screening instrument. Which measure of
validity examines the instrument’s ability to identify diseased persons by
comparing true positives?
a. Adaptability
b. Selectivity
c. Sensitivity
d. Specificity
55. A physical therapist attempts to quantify a patient’s endurance level
by administering a maximal exercise test. What is the PRIMARY limitation of
maximal exercise test?
a. Maximal exercise testing requires participants to exercise to the point
of volitional fatigue
b. Maximal exercise testing does not typically allow a steady state heart
rate at each work rate.
c. Maximal exercise testing is not useful in diagnosing coronary artery
disease
d. Maximal exercise testing requires progressive stages of increasing
work intensities without rest intervals
56. A physical therapist prepares to complete a sensory examination on a
patient rehabilitating from a lower extremity burn. Which of the following
would serve as the BEST predictor of altered sensation?
a. Presence of a skin graft
b. Depth of burn injury
c. Percentage of body surface affected
d. Extent of hypertrophic scarring
57. A physical therapist would like to minimize the likelihood of burn
when using iontophoresis. Which action would be the MOST consistent with
the therapist’s objective?
a. Increase the size of the cathode relative to the anode
b. Decrease the space between the electrodes
c. Increase the current intensity
d. Decrease the moisture of the electrodes
58. A physical therapy reviews a patient coverage form that lists the
parameters used during a recent ultrasound treatment to the right anterior
shoulder: 1.5 W/cm2, pulsed 20%, 1 MHz, 6 minutes. Assuming the objective of
the ultrasound was to increase tissue temperature, which parameter would be
the MOST critical for the therapist to alter?
a. Time
b. Duty cycle
c. Frequency
d. Intensity
59. A physical therapist attempts to assess the integrity of the
vestibulocochlear nerve by administering the Rinne Test on a patient with
a suspected upper motor neuron lesion. After striking the tine of the tuning
 fork to begin vibration, which bony prominence should the therapist utilize
to position the stem of the tuning fork?
a. Midline of the skull
b. Occipital protuberance
c. Inion
d. Mastoid process
60. A physical therapist prepares to apply a topical antibiotic to a small
portion of the upper arm of a patient with a deep partial-thickness burn.
When applying the topical antibiotic, the therapist should utilize which
form of medical asepsis?
a. Gloves
b. Sterile gloves
c. Sterile gloves, gown
d. Sterile gloves, gown, mask
61. A physical therapist examines a patient with coordination deficits
presenting with excessive involuntary and extraneous movements including
hemiballismus. This clinical presentation is MOST consistent with damage to
the:
a. Cerebellum
b. Basal ganglia
c. Frontal lobe
d. Medulla oblongata
62. A patient with Addison’s disease suffers from fatigue and extreme
weight loss. The MOST likely cause of this patient’s symptoms is:
a. Decreased production of cortisol
b. Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland
c. Decreased absorption of nutrients within the intestines
d. Hyperfunction of the adrenal gland
63. A physical therapist observes a patient complete a standing arm curl
with a dumbbell using the starting and ending positions shown in the image.
Which scenario would produce the most power?
a. A 2 pound dumbbell lifted in two seconds
b. A 2 pound dumbbell lifted in three seconds
c. A 4 pound dumbbell lifted in one seconds
d. A 4 pound dumbbell lifted in four seconds
64. A physical therapist examines a patient with a suspected injury to
the thoracodorsal nerve. Which objective finding would be consistent with
this injury?
a. Shoulder medial rotation weakness
b. Shoulder extension weakness
c. Paralysis of the rhomboids
d. Paralysis of the diaphragm
65. A physical therapist works with a patient using a flotation device
positioned vertically in the deep end of a pool. Which area of the patient’s
body would experience the GREATEST amount of hydrostatic pressure?
a. Shoulder
b. Torso
c. Hips
d. Feet
66. A physical therapist elects to begin a trial of mechanical lumbar
traction on a 165 pound male diagnosed with suspected nerve root
impingement. The MOST appropriate amount of force to initiate the session
is:
a. 15 lbs
b. 30 lbs
c. 60 lbs
d. 80 lbs
67. A physical therapist completes an examination on a patient diagnosed
with Parkinson’s disease. Results of the examination include 4/5 strength
in the lower extremities, 10 degree flexion contracture at the hips and
exaggerated forward standing posture. The patient has difficulty initiating
movement and requires manual assistance for gait on level surfaces. The
MOST appropriate activity to incorporate into a home program is:
a. Prone lying
b. Progressive relaxation exercises
c. Lower extremity resistive exercises with ankle weights
d. Postural awareness exercises in standing
68. The medical record indicates a patient has been diagnosed with chronic
respiratory alkalosis. The MOST consistent laboratory finding with this
condition is:
a. Elevated arterial blood pH, low PaCO2
b. low arterial blood pH, elevated PaCO2
 c. Elevated arterial blood pH, elevated PaCO2
d. low arterial blood pH, low PaCO2
69. A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident sustains a proximal
fibula fracture. The fracture damaged the motor component of the common
peroneal nerve. Ankle dorsiflexion and eversion are tested as 2/5. The MOST
appropriate intervention to assist the patient with activities of daily
living would be:
a. Electrical stimulation
b. Orthosis
c. Exercise program
d. Aquatic program
70. A physical therapist instructs a patients with pulmonary pathology in
energy conservation techniques. Which of the following techniques would be
the MOST effective when assisting a patient to complete a selected activity
without dyspnea?
a. Diaphragmatic breathing
b. Pacing
c. Purse-lip breathing
d. Ventilator muscle training
71. During an examination, a physical therapist notes a yellow
discoloration of the patient’s skin and sclera of the eye. This
discoloration would be LEAST likely observed with:
a. Cholecystitis
b. Ulcerative colitis
c. Pancreatitis
d. Hepatitis
72. A physical therapist consults with the teacher of a nine-year-old child
with dyspraxia. Which of the following school-based activities would be the
MOST challenging for the child?
a. Maintaining upright sitting posture in a classroom chair
b. Negotiating a crowded hallway between classrooms
c. Opening and closing a locker
d. Writing their name
73. A physical therapist works with a nine-year-old child with Down
syndrome. The therapist determines that the patient has abnormalities in
muscular tone consistent with the diagnosed condition. Which technique would
be the MOST beneficial when treating the patient’s tone abnormalities
 a. Quick stretch
b. Deep pressure
c. Prolonged icing
d. Neutral warmth
74. A physical therapist sets up a patient for mechanical traction to the
lumbar spine. The therapist’s objective is to provide soft tissue stretch
to surrounding muscle. Assuming the therapist uses a force equivalent to
25% of the patient’s body weight and the patient has tolerated treatment
without difficulty on several other occasions, the MOST appropriate duration
of treatment is:
a. 5 minutes
b. 10 minutes
c. 25 minutes
d. 40 minutes
75. A physical therapist employed in a rehabilitation hospital treats a
patient status post traumatic brain injury. During the treatment session
the physical therapist notices that the patient’s toes are discoloured below
a bivalve lower extremity cast. The cast was applied approximately five
hours ago in an attempt to reduce a plantar flexion contracture. The MOST
appropriate therapist action is to:
a. Discontinue the use of the anterior portion of the cast
b. Contact the staff nurse and request that the case is removed
c. Refer the patient to an orthotist
d. Remove the cast
76. A physical therapist treats a patient rehabilitating from a traumatic
brain injury by applying approximation to the pelvis to increase bilateral
lower extremity weight bearing. The patient exhibits significant
hypertonicity and the presence of the positive support reflex. The therapist
is MOST likely using the therapeutic ball to:
a. Avoid a mass extensor pattern in standing
b. Encourage active assistive range of motion
c. Allow the patient partial weight bearing through the ball
d. Limit range of motion at the shoulder
77. A physical therapist asks a patient who has been inconsistent with his
attendance in physical therapy, why he is having difficulty keeping
scheduled appointments. The patient responds that it is difficult to
 understand the scheduling card that lists the appointments. The therapist’s
MOST appropriate action would be to:
a. Contact the referring physician to discuss the patient’s poor
attendance in therapy
b. Make sure the patient is given a scheduling card at the conclusion of
each session
c. Write down the patient’s appointments on a piece of paper in manner
that the patient can understand
d. Discharge the patient from physical therapy
78. A physical therapist treats a patient status post right cerebrovascular
accident with resultant left hemiplegia for a colleague on vacation. A note
left by the primary therapist indicates that the patient exhibits “pusher
syndrome” when examining the patient’s sitting posture, which of the
following findings would be MOST likely?
a. Sitting with increase lean to the left along with increased weight
bearing through the left buttocks
b. Sitting with increase lean to the right along with increased weight
bearing through the right buttocks
c. Sitting with increase weight bearing through the right buttocks and
the head rotated to the right; unresponsive to stimuli on the left
d. Sitting with unequal weight bearing and the head rotated to the left;
unresponsive to stimuli on the right
79. A physical therapist working in a school system develops long-term
goals as part of an individualized. Educational Plan for a child with Down
syndrome. The MOST appropriate timeframe to attain these goals is:
a. One month
b. Four months
c. Six months
d. 1 year
80. A two-year-old with T10 spina bifida receives physical therapy for
gait training. Initially, the preferred method to teach a child how to
maintain standing is with the use of:
a. Bilateral hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses (HKAFO) and forearm crutches
b. Parapodium and the parallel bars
c. Bilateral knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO) and parallel bars
d. Bilateral ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) and parallel bars
81. A physical therapist works on weight shifting activities with a patient
sitting over the edge of a mat table with their feet positioned on the
floor. The therapist facilitates an anterior weight shift through
facilitation of the pelvis. What pattern of activity would be required for
the patient to maintain an upright posture?
a. Spinal extension resulting from concentric contraction of the spinal
extensors
b. Spinal flexion resulting from concentric contraction of the spinal
flexors
c. Spinal extension resulting from eccentric contraction of the spinal
extensors
d. Spinal flexion resulting from eccentric contraction of the spinal
flexors
82. A physical therapist observes a patient running on a treadmill at an
intensity of approximately 75% of their estimated maximum oxygen
consumption. What is the PRIMARY source for the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
produced during this activity
a. Amino acids
b. Carbohydrates
c. Fats
d. Proteins
83. A physical therapist examines several pathological reflexes on a
patient with a suspected upper motor neuron disease. Which stimulus would
be the MOST appropriate when assessing Hoffman’s reflex?
a. Tapping the nail of the middle finger
b. Stroking the inner thigh
c. Stroking the plantar aspect of the foot
d. Rapidly dorsiflexing the foot
84. A physical therapist attempts to assess the integrity of the L4 spinal
level. Which deep tendon reflex would provide the therapist with the MOST
useful information?
a. Lateral hamstrings reflex
b. Medial hamstrings reflex
c. Patellar reflex
d. Achilles reflex
85. A patient receiving physical therapy services in an outpatient clinic
explains that he has felt nauseous since having his methotrexate medication
level altered. The MOST appropriate physical therapist action is to:
a. Explain to the patient that nausea is very common when altering
medication levels
b. Ask the patient to stop taking the prescribed medication
c. Request that the patient make an appointment with the physician
d. Request that the patient contact the physician’s office
86. A physical therapist examines a patient diagnosed with cerebellar
degeneration. Which of the following clinical findings is NOT typically
associated with this condition>
a. Athetosis
b. Dysmetria
c. Nystagmus
d. Dysdiadochokinesia
87. A physical therapist examines a 36-year-old female referred to physical
therapy after experiencing back pain two weeks ago. The patient identifies
the majority of pain in the buttock and lateral thigh and denies any referred
pain down the posterior leg. Presently she rates the pain as a “3” on a 0-
10 scale, however, indicates that the pain is a “6” or a “7” during activity
or at night. This description MOST closely resembles:
a. Sacroilitis
b. Iliolumbar syndrome
c. Piriformis syndrome
d. Trochanteric bursitis
88. A physical therapist prepares to use soft tissue massage as part of
treatment plan for a patient with an adductor strain. The MOST appropriate
therapist action prior to initiating treatment is:
a. Utilize proper draping
b. Explain the treatment procedures and obtain patient consent
c. Ask another therapist to be present during the treatment session
d. Describe the benefits of soft tissue massage on muscle strains
89. A physical therapist moves a patient from sidelying to supine after
the patient was able to complete only a small portion of the available hip
abduction range of motion. Assuming the patient is able to complete full
hip abduction range of motion in the horizontal plane, the MOST appropriate
muscle grade is:
 a. Fair
b. Fair minus
c. Poor
d. Poor minus
90. A physical therapist reviews the medical record of a patient recently
admitted to the intensive care unit. A note from the patient’s physician
indicates an order for arterial blood gas analysis six times daily. Which
type of indwelling line would be used to collect the necessary samples?
a. Intravenous line
b. Arterial line
c. Central venous line
d. Pulmonary artery line
91. A physical therapist examines a patient with a suspected lesion of the
common fibular nerve. Which objective finding would be the MOST useful to
rule out the possibility of sciatic nerve lesion?
a. Inability to actively dorsiflex the foot
b. Preservation of the Achilles reflex
c. Presence of a steppage gait
d. Weakness of the quadriceps muscle
92. A 16-year-old male patient sprained his thumb in a volleyball game
five weeks ago and continues to have decrease range of motion with
carpometacarpal abduction. What joint mobilization technique would the
therapist use to increase carpometacarpal abduction?
a. Medial glide of the first metacarpal on the trapezium
b. Lateral glide of the first metacarpal on the trapezium
c. Anterior glide of the first metacarpal on the trapezium
d. Posterior glide of the first metacarpal on the trapezium
93. A physical therapist works with a 75-year-old female patient following
a bone marrow transplant. The patient’s platelet count is 25,000 cells/mm3.
Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate?
a. Log roll training and breathing exercises
b. Progressive resistive exercises and infection control
c. Bicycling and lower extremity stretching
d. Patient education on fall prevention and progressive ambulation
94. An attorney contacts you by phone and requests specific information on
a patient he claims to represent. Questions asked include the extent of the
 patient’s disability and his willingness to return to work. The MOST
appropriate response is:
a. Answer the questions asked by the attorney
b. Request the attorney provide a completed release of patient medical
information form
c. Tell the attorney not to bother you at work
d. Send the attorney a copy of the patient’s medical records
95. A patient four weeks status post anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction questions a physical therapist as to why he is still partial
weight bearing. An acceptable rationale is:
a. The patient does not have full active knee extension
b. The patient has good quadriceps strength
c. The patient has fair hamstrings strength
d. The patient has diminished superficial cutaneous sensation
96. A physical therapist palpates medially along the spine of the scapula.
Which spinous process is at the same level as the vertebral end of the
spine?
a. T2
b. T3
c. T4
d. T5
97. A physical therapist observes a patient status post transfemoral
amputation lying in supine with a pillow positioned under the residual limb.
This position results in the patient being MOST susceptible to a:
a. Knee extension contracture
b. Knee flexion contracture
c. Hip flexion contracture
d. Hip extension contracture
98. A patient rehabilitating from a CVA requires an orthosis due to
occasional dragging of the toe during swing phase. The patient presents
with weakness of the dorsiflexors and has good medial/lateral stability at
the ankle. The MOST appropriate option for the patient is:
a. Solid ankle-foot orthosis
b. Tone reducing foot orthosis
c. Posterior leaf spring orthosis
d. Custom articulating ankle-foot orthosis with anterior trim lines
99. A physical therapist assesses a patient’s heart rate by measuring the
time necessary for 30 beats. Assuming the therapist measures this value as
22 second, the patient’s heart rate should be recorded as:
a. 82 beats per minute
b. 86 beats per minute
c. 90 beats per minute
d. 95 beats per minute
100. A physical therapist completes a family training session with a patient
rehabilitating from a spinal cord injury. During the training the patient
ask a question regarding their functional ability following rehabilitation.
The MOST appropriate therapist response is to:
a. Explain that is difficult to predict since all patients progress
differently
b. Provide information on the expected prognosis based on the nature and
severity of the injury
c. Refer the patient to the director of rehabilitation
d. Refer the patient to the physiatrist
101. A physical therapist works with a patient who experiences hyperfunction
of the parathyroid glands secondary to a tumor. This condition would MOST
likely contribute to the development of:
a. Cardiac arrhythmias
b. Osteopenia
c. Muscle spasm
d. Obesity
102. A physical therapist observes that a patient with a history of
recurrent lateral ankle sprains exhibits excessive supination during gait.
Which condition would be MOST commonly associated with this type of
observation?
a. Tarsal tunnel syndrome
b. Peroneal tenosynovitis
c. Plantar fasciitis
d. Posterior tibial tenosynovitis
103. A physical therapist works with a patient that sustained a torn
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial meniscal tear. Which scenario
would result in the GREATEST likehood of a successful surgical meniscus
tear?
 a. A tear involving the inner third of the meniscus with reconstruction
of the ACL
b. A tear involving the inner third of the meniscus with conservative
management of the ACL
c. A tear involving the outer third of the meniscus with reconstruction
of the ACL
d. A tear involving the outer third of the meniscus with conservative
management of the ACL
104. A patient is referred to physical therapy following a modified radical
mastectomy for treatment of associated soft tissue restrictions and pain.
During the examination, the physical therapist becomes concerned since the
surgical site is extremely warm to touch, tender, and discoloured. Given
the patient’s recent history, the MOST likely etiology is:
a. Dermatitis
b. Cellulitis
c. Mastitis
d. Erysipelas
105. A physical therapist uses a 3.0 MHz ultrasound beam at 1.5 W/cm2 to
treat a patient diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. The majority of
ultrasound energy will be absorbed within a depth of:
a. 1-2 centimeters
b. 2-3 centimeters
c. 4-5 centimeters
d. 5-6 centimeters
106. A physical therapist assigns a manual muscle test grade of 4 to patient
A and a grade of 2 to patient B after assessing the strength of the tibialis
anterior. Which of the following is the BEST interpretation of the patients’
strength
a. Patient A and B have equal strength
b. Patient A is stronger than patient B
c. Patient A is twice as strong as patient B
d. Patient B is twice as strong as patient A
107. A physical therapist inspects a patient’s wound prior to applying a
dressing. When documenting the findings in the medical record, the therapist
classifies the exudate from the wound as serous. Based on the documentation,
the MOST likely color of the exudate is:
a. Clear
 b. Pink
c. Red
d. Yellow
108. A patient coverage from indicates selective debridement is to be
performed on a patient rehabilitating from a lower extremity burn. Based on
the coverage form, the MOST likely intervention would be:
a. Whirlpool
b. Wet-to-dry dressings
c. Enzymatic debridement
d. Wound irrigation
109. A physical therapist participates in a community-based screening
program designed to identify individuals with osteoporosis. Which group
would have the highest risk for developing osteoporosis
a. Caucasian females over the age of 60
b. African American females over the age of 60
c. Caucasian females under the age of 40
d. African American females under the age of 40
110. A physical therapist positions a patient in sidelying in preparation
for postural drainage activities. Which lung segment would be indicated
based on the patient’s position?
a. Posterior basal segment of the lower lobes
b. Anterior apical segments of the upper lobes
c. Lateral basal segment of the lower lobes
d. Anterior segment of the upper lobes
111. A physical therapist administers an upper limb tension test with radial
nerve bias to a patient positioned in supine. Which action would be the
FIRST to occur?
a. Depression of the shoulder girdle
b. Lateral rotation of the shoulder
c. Extension of the elbow
d. Flexion of the wrist
112. A physical therapist performs an upper limb tension test with median
nerve bias on the patient in supine with periodic right upper extremity
pain and paresthesias. After taking the patient through the recommended
sequence, the patient reports minimal symptoms. The MOST appropriate
sensitizer to utilize is:
a. Right lateral flexion of the cervical spine
 b. Left lateral flexion of the cervical spine
c. Right rotation of the cervical spine
d. Left rotation of the cervical spine
113. A physical therapist uses the Six-Minute Walk Test as a means of
quantifying functional status in a patient with heart disease. During the
testing the patient expresses to the physical therapist that they need to
rest. The MOST appropriate physical therapist action is to:
a. Allow the patient to rest, however, stop the elapsed time during the
rest period
b. Allow the patient to rest, however, allow the elapsed time to continue
c. Allow the patient to rest, however, discontinue the test
d. Offer encouragement to the patient in order to avoid or delay the rest
period
114. A patient with chronic pulmonary dysfunction is placed on
corticosteroid medication to reduce mucosal edema and inflammation. The
MOST common cardiovascular side effect of corticosteroids is:
a. Palpitations
b. Arrhythmias
c. Increased blood pressure
d. Tachycardia
115. A physical therapist serves as an accessibility consultant for a local
retail store. What is the MINIMUM width required for a patient using a
wheelchair to safely traverse through a doorway?
a. 24 inches
b. 30 inches
c. 32 inches
d. 36 inches
116. A physical therapist reviews the medical record of a 52-year-old male
status post myocardial infarction. The patient is currently in the coronary
care unit and is scheduled to begin cardiac rehabilitation tomorrow. Which
potential complication of a myocardial infarction is the patient MOST
susceptible to?
a. Heart failure
b. Arrhythmias
c. Thrombus formation
d. Heart structural damage
117. A physical therapist positions a patient in prone on a treatment plinth
in preparation for a hot pack. When preparing the hot pack of the low back,
the therapist should utilize:
a. 2-4 towel layers
b. 4-6 towel layers
c. 6-8 towel layers
d. 8-10 towel layers
118. A physical therapist attempts to determine if a wheelchair is the
appropriate size for a patient recently admitted to a rehabilitation
program. As part of the assessment, the therapist examines the distance
from the front edge of the seat to the popliteal fold. If the seat depth is
appropriate, how much space should exist between these two landmarks?
a. 1 inch
b. 2 inches
c. 4 inches
d. 6 inches
119. A physical therapist examines a patient with suspected vascular
compression in the shoulder region. Which special test would be LEAST
beneficial to confirm the therapist’s suspicions?
a. Adson maneuver
b. Halstead maneuver
c. Froment’s sign
d. Wright test
120. A physical therapist prepares to treat a patient with continuous
ultrasound. Which general rule BEST determines the length of treatment when
using ultrasound?
a. Two minutes for an area that is two times the size of the transducer
face
b. Five minutes for an area that is two times the size of the transducer
face
c. Five minutes is the maximum treatment time regardless of the treatment
area
d. Ten minutes is the maximum treatment time regardless of the treatment
area
121. A physical therapist reviews the medical record of a patient with known
cardiovascular pathology. The patient’s past medical history includes
 gastroesophageal reflux disease. Which activity would potentially be the
MOST problems for the patient?
a. Performing diaphragmatic breathing exercises in a semi-Fowler position
b. Initiating a progressive ambulation program on a treadmill
c. Administering percussion to the anterior basal segments of the lower
lobes
d. Assessing tactile fremitus while palpating the chest wall in sitting
122. A physical therapist works with a child with Legg-Calve-Perthes
disease. Which medical condition is MOST often associated with this
condition?
a. Avascular necrosis
b. Congenital hip dysplasia
c. Osteomyelitis
d. Septic arthritis
123. A patient with mallet finger admits to being noncompliant with the
recommended splinting regimens. The patient was instructed to wear the
prescribed splint continuously for six weeks. Which impairment would be
MOST likely based on the described scenario?
a. Inability to fully extend the distal interphalangeal joint
b. Inability to fully flex the distal interphalangeal joint
c. Inability to fully extend the proximal interphalangeal joint
d. Inability to fully flex the proximal interphalangeal joint
124. A physical therapist attempts to prevent alveolar collapse in a patient
following thoracic surgery. Which breathing technique would be the MOST
beneficial to achieve the established goal
a. Inspiratory muscle trainer
b. Mechanical percussors
c. Incentive spirometer
d. Flutter valve
125. A physical therapist reviews the surface anatomy of the hand in
preparation for a patient status post wrist arthrodesis. Which bony
structure does NOT articulate with the lunate?
a. Trapezium
b. Radius
c. Capitate
d. Scaphoid
126. A physical therapist conducts a sensory assessment on numerous areas
of a patient’s face. The cranial nerve MOST likely assessed using this type
of testing procedure is:
a. Facial nerve
b. Oculomotor nerve
c. Trigeminal nerve
d. Trochlear nerve
127. A physical therapist treats a patient in a medical intensive care unit.
The therapist notices that intravenous solution appears to be infusing into
the tissues surrounding the dorsum of the patient’s hand. The MOST
appropriate therapist action is:
a. Contact nursing
b. Reposition the intravenous line
c. Remove the intravenous line
d. Document the incident in the medical record
128. A physical therapist completes a cognitive function test on a patient
status post stroke. As part of the test, the therapist examines the patient’s
abstract ability. Which of the following tasks would be the MOST
appropriate?
a. Orientation to time, person, and place
b. Copy drawn figures of varying size and shape
c. Discuss how two objects are similar
d. Identify letters or numbers traced on the skin
129. A patient fails to attain established physical therapy goals within
the number of visits approved by the patient’s third party payer. The
patient has made progress in therapy, however, has been slowed somewhat by
an adverse reaction to medication. The MOST appropriate physical therapist
actions is:
a. Request additional visits from the referring physician
b. Request additional visits from the third party payer
c. Inform the patient that physical therapy services may not be fully
covered by the third party payer
d. Discharge the patient from physical therapy with a home exercise
program
130. A physical therapist documents in the medical record that a patient
has moved from stage 5 to stage 6 of Brunnstrom’s Stages of Recovery. This
type of transition is characterized by:
 a. Absence of associated reactions
b. Disappearance of spasticity
c. Voluntary movement begins outside of synergy patterns
d. Normal motor function
131. A 32-year-old tennis player is referred to physical therapy after being
diagnosed with median nerve entrapment. The patient’s chief complaints
include paresthesias in the hand and progressive weakness. Which muscle
would MOST likely contribute to the entrapment?
a. Abductor pollicis longus
b. Flexor digiti minimi
c. Flexor digitorum profundus
d. Pronator teres
132. A physical therapist examines a patient with a cerebrovascular disorder
due to arterial occlusion. The patient exhibits an ataxic gait, intention
tremors, and dysmetria. The MOST likely vessel affected is the:
a. Anterior inferior cerebellar artery
b. Anterior spinal artery
c. Basilar artery
d. Middle cerebral artery
133. A physical therapist assess a patient with low back pain using
Waddell’s sign to determine if the patient’s pain is nonorganic in nature.
Which of the following would be considered a positive Waddell’s sign?
a. Low back pain with a straight leg raise in both supine and sitting
positions
b. Sensory loss in a dermatomal pattern
c. Low back pain with passive shoulder and pelvis rotation occurring
simultaneously
134. A physical therapist examines the residual limb of a patient following
ambulation activities with a patellar tendon bearing prosthesis. The
therapist identifies excessive redness over the patella. The MOST likely
cause is:
a. Setting due to limb shrinkage
b. Socket not properly aligned
c. Excessive withdrawal in sitting
d. Excessive number of residual limb socks
135. A patient with increased sympathetic output is examined in physical
therapy. Which treatment technique would NOT be beneficial in decreasing
the level of sympathetic activity?
a. Connective tissue massage
b. Rotating the lower trunk in hooklying
c. Slow reversal hold of the quadriceps and hamstrings
d. Gentle manual pressure to the abdomen
136. A patient who sustained a CVA four weeks ago is beginning to show the
ability to produce movement patterns outside of limb synergies. According
to Brunnstrom, this patient is in which stage of recovery?
a. Two
b. Three
c. Four
d. Six
137. A physical therapist recognizes that a child has significant difficulty
flexing the neck while in a supine position. Failure to integrate which
reflex could explain the child’s difficulty>
a. Symmetrical tonic labyrinthine reflex
b. Moro reflex
c. Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
d. Symmetrical tonic neck reflex
138. A physical therapist attempts to assess the dynamic balance of an
elderly patient. Which screening tool would be the MOST helpful to test
balance and gait?
a. Functional Independece Measure
b. Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment
c. Fulgi-Meyer Assessment
d. Barthel Index
139. A note in a patient’s medical record indicates a specific drug is take
through enteral administration. Which of the following is an example of
enteral administration?
a. Inhalation
b. Injection
c. Topical
d. Oral
140. A physical therapist designs a home exercise program for a patient
rehabilitating from a lower extremity injury. Which step would be the MOST
appropriate to maximize patient compliance?’
a. Limit the exercise program to 10 minutes
b. Select maximum of five different exercises
c. Select exercises consistent with the patient’s rehabilitation goals
d. Avoid physically demanding exercises
141. A physical therapist completes a series of upper extremity resisted
tests on a patient with suspected cervical spine pathology. Which myotome
would BEST be assessed using the test shown in the image?
a. C4
b. C5
c. C6
d. C7
142. A five-month-old infant is able to sit in propped position. Which
objective finding would be MOST essential for the child to progress to ring
sitting?
a. Increase strength of the trunk flexors
b. Increase strength of the trunk extensors
c. Integration of the symmetrical tonic neck reflex
d. Integration of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
143. A physical therapist works with an eight-year-old child who walks with
an equinus gait pattern, which of the following interventions would be the
MOST appropriate to address the muscle shortening associated with this gait
pattern?
a. Side stepping
b. Backward stepping
c. Activities in single leg stance
d. Toe walking
144. A physical therapist reviews the medical record of a patient with a
suspected head injury. During testing using the Glasgow Coma Scale, the
patient exhibited spontaneous eye opening, was able to follow selected motor
commands and was considered to be “oriented” based on verbal response. The
MOST likely score assigned to the patient would be:
a. 6
b. 12
c. 15
 d. 18
145. A physical therapist assess end-feel while completing passive plantar
flexion range of motion. The therapist classifies the end-feel as firm.
Which of the following structures does NOT contribute to the firm end-feel?
a. Tension in the anterior joint capsule
b. Tension in the tibialis anterior
c. Tension in the anterior talofibular ligament
d. Tension in the calcaneofibular ligament
146. A physical therapist prepares to use phonophoresis as a component of
a patient’s plan of care, but is concerned about the potential of the
ultrasound to exacerbate the patient’s current inflammation. The MOST
effective method to address the therapist’s concern is:
a. Utilize ultrasound with a frequency of 1MHz
b. Limit treatment time to five minutes
c. Incorporate a pulsed 20% duty cycle
d. Select an ultrasound intensity less than 1.5 W/cm2
147. A physical therapist attempts to assess the integrity of the first
cranial nerve. Which test would provide the therapist with the desired
information?
a. The patient protrudes the tongue while an examiner check lateral
deviation
b. The patient completes a vision examination
c. The patient performs a shoulder shrug against resistance
d. The patient is asked to identify familiar odors with the eyes closed
148. A patient eight days status post anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft is examined in physical
therapy. Which of the following exercises would be the MOST appropriate
based on the patient’s post-operative status?
a. Limited range isokinetics at 30 degrees per second
b. Unilateral leg press
c. Mini-squats in standing
d. Active knee extension in short sitting
149. A 48-year-old female rehabilitating from a fractured femur asks
questions about her expected functional level following rehabilitation.
Assuming an uncomplicated recovery, the MOST accurate prediction of
functional level would be based on the patient’s:
a. Frequency of physical therapy visits
 b. Previous medical history
c. Previous functional level
d. Compliance with a home exercise
150. A physical therapist attempts to strengthen the lumbricals on a patient
with a low metatarsal arch. Which exercises would be the MOST appropriate?
a. Resisted extension of the metatarsophalangeal joint
b. Resisted flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint
c. Resisted abduction of the metatarsophalangeal joint
d. Resisted adduction of the metatarsophalangeal joint
151. A physical therapist employed in an acute care hospital observes that
a patient appears to have recently gained weight. Which medical condition
would MOST likely be associated with this type of scenario?
a. Addison’s disease
b. Crohn’s disease
c. Graves’ disease
152. A patient diagnosed with Meniere’s disease presents with vertigo. Which
sign or symptoms is inconsistent with this medical condition?
a. Hearing loss
b. Tinnitus
c. Vertigo lasting 30 minutes
d. Head tilt to one side
153. A physical therapist reads in the medical chart that a patient is
taking digitalis. The patient is MOST likely taking this medication to
treat:
a. Angina
b. Atrial fibrillation
c. Hypertension
d. Thrombus formation
154. A physical therapist reviews the medical record of a patient 24 hours
status post total hip arthroplasty. A recent entry in the medical record
indicates that the patient was placed on anticoagulant medication. Which of
the following laboratory values would be MOST affected based on the
patient’s current medication?
a. Hematocrit
b. Hemoglobin
c. Prothrombin time
d. White blood cell count
155. A physical therapist discusses the plan of care for a 61-year-old male
diagnosed with spinal stenosis with the referring physician. During the
discussion the physician shows the therapist a picture of the patient’s
spine obtained through computed tomography. What color would vertebrae
appear when using this imaging technique?
a. Black
b. Light gray
c. Dark gray
d. White
156. A physical therapist identifies a number of substances that influence
circulation. Which of the following substances is stimulated by decreased
arterial pressure and acts as vasoconstrictor?
a. Angiotensis
b. Histamine
c. Epinephrine
d. Norepinephrine
157. A physical therapist attempts to auscultate over the aortic valve.
Which of the following areas is the MOST appropriate to isolate the desired
valve?
a. Second left intercostal space at the left sternal border
b. Second right intercostal space at the right sternal border
c. Fourth left intercostal space along the lower left sternal border
d. Fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line
158. A physical therapist attempts to estimate the energy expenditure in
calories for a patient performing a selected activity for 15 minutes.
Assuming the therapist has a metabolic equivalent value for the activity,
what other variables are necessary in order to obtain an estimate of the
patient’s energy expenditure?
a. Patient’s height
b. Patient’s body weight
c. Patient’s stroke volume
d. Patient’s residual volume
159. A patient in a work hardening program completes a training program
consisting of ten different exercises requiring upper and lower extremity
strength and endurance. The patient indicates that he is frustrated since
he has been unable to increase the weight on a selected carrying activity
in over two weeks. The MOST appropriate physical therapist action is:
 a. Provide the patient with verbal encouragement
b. Attempt to substitute a different exercise for the carrying activity
c. Vary the order of the exercises
d. Decrease the number of repetitions
160. A physical therapist critically analyses the methodology used in a
published research study. Which type of sampling procedure would result in
the GREATEST degree of sampling error?
a. Simple random sample
b. Systematic sample
c. Cluster sample
d. Stratified random sample
161. A patient with known cardiac disease experiences angina while
exercising on a recumbent bicycle. The patient self-administers a
nitroglycerin tablet to control the angina. Nitroglycerin helps to control
this symptom by:
a. Decreasing heart rate
b. Inhibiting vasospasm of the coronary arteries
c. Dilating peripheral arteries and veins
d. Decreasing platelet aggregation
162. A physical therapist works with a patient who has sustained lesion to
the long thoracic nerve. What objective finding would this patient MOST
likely demonstrate?
a. Decreased sensation on the later forearm
b. Atrophy of the deltoid muscle
c. Inability to elevate the arm overhead
d. Fair strength with shoulder extension
163. A physical therapist reads in the medical record that a patient with
suspected cardiovascular disease had a positive graded exercise test. Which
place of data would have been the MOST influential when concluding that the
test was positive?
a. Angina symptoms
b. Ventricular dysrhythmias
c. ST segment changes
d. Supraventricular dysrhythmias
164. A physical therapist attempts to identify an appropriately sized
wheelchair for a patient recently referred to a rehabilitation hospital.
The physical therapist determines that the patient’s hip width in sitting
 and the measurement from the back of the buttocks to the popliteal space
are each 16 inches. Given these measurements, which of the following
wheelchair specifications would BEST fit this pattern?
a. Seat width 16 inches, seat depth 14 inches
b. Seat width 18 inches, seat depth 18 inches
c. Seat width 16 inches, seat depth 18 inches
d. Seat width 18 inches, seat depth 14 inches
165. A physical therapist employed in an acute care hospital conducts an
initial interview with a patient referred to physical therapy. During the
interview, the therapist ask the patient. If he feels dependent on coffee,
tea or soft drinks. Which clinical scenario would MOST appropriately warrant
this type of question?
a. A 27-year-old female status post arthroscopic medial meniscectomy
b. A 42-year-old male with premature ventricular contractions
c. A 37-year-old female with restrictive pulmonary disease
d. A 57-year-old male with respiratory alkalosis
166. A patient diagnosed with C5 tetraplegia receives physical therapy
services in a rehabilitation hospital. The patient has made good progress
in therapy and is scheduled for discharge in one week. During a treatment
session, the patient informs the physical therapist that one day in the
future he will walk again. The MOST appropriate therapist response is:
a. Your level of injury makes walking unrealistic
b. Future advances in spinal cord research may make your goal in reality
c. You can have a rewarding life even if confined to a wheelchair
d. Completing your exercises on a regular basis will help you walk
167. A physical therapist performs several surface palpations on a patient
diagnosed with acromioclavicular injury. Which anatomical landmark is MOST
consistent with the location of the therapist’s finger?
a. Manubrium
b. Sternoclavicular joint
c. Suprasternal notch
d. Xiphoid process
168. A physical therapist discusses the plan of care for a patient
rehabilitating from total hip arthroplasty surgery (posterolateral
approach) with the patient’s surgeon. During the discussion the surgeon
indicates that he would like the patient to continue to weak a knee
 immobilizer in order to help prevent hip dislocation. The PRIMARY rationale
for this action is:
a. The knee immobilizer serves as a constant reminder to the patient that
the hip is susceptible to injury
b. The knee immobilizer reduces hip flexion by maintaining knee extension
c. The knee immobilizer facilitates quadriceps contraction during weight
bearing activities
d. The knee immobilizer limits post-operative edema and as a result,
promotes lower extremity stability
169. A 46-year-old male rehabilitating from a radial head fracture misses
his third consecutive physical therapy treatment session. The therapist
called the patient after the second missed appointment, but did not receive
a return phone call. The MOST appropriate physical therapist action is:
a. Contact the patient’s insurance provider
b. Design a home exercise program for the patient
c. Schedule the patient with another physical therapist
d. Discharge the patient from physical therapy
170. A physical therapist treat a patient with a decubitus ulcer using
whirlpool. After treating the wound for 10 treatment sessions, the would
still shows little evidence of granulation. The MOST appropriate action is:
a. Begin aggressive debridement
b. Recommend a wound culture
c. Apply aseptic ointment to the wound
d. Discontinue whirlpool treatments
171. A physical therapist works with a paitent who is in the initial stages
of recovery after a traumatic brain injury. Based on the typical pattern of
spasticity experienced with upper motor neuron disorders, which muscle would
be MOST likely affected?
a. Flexor carpi radialis
b. Supinator
c. Triceps
d. Extensor digitorum
172. A physical therapist prepares to administer rescue breathing to a 45-
year-old male that is unresponsive. The MOST appropriate method to
administer rescue breathing is:
a. Mouth to mouth ventilation
b. Mouth to nose ventilation
 c. Mouth to mouth and nose ventilation
d. Mouth to mask ventilation
173. A physical therapist instructs a patient rehabilitating from a low
back injury in a series of five pelvic stabilization exercises. The patient
indicates he understands that exercises, however, frequently becomes
confused and is unable to perform them correctly. The MOST appropriate
therapist action is:
a. Repeat the exercise instructions
b. Reduce the number of exercises in the series
c. Select a different treatment option
d. Conclude the patient is not a candidate for physical therapy
174. A physical therapist 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 therapist
notices that the patient is wearing only a pair of hospital issued non-skid
socks on his feet. The MOST appropriate therapist action is to:
a. Ask another therapist for assistance and complete a dependent transfer
b. Have the patient complete a sliding board transfer
c. Perform the stand pivot transfer without socks
d. Perform the stand pivot transfer with the patient wearing the hospital-
issued socks
175. A physical therapist treats a patient diagnosed with chronic arterial
disease. The patient exhibits cool skin, decreased sensitivity to
temperature changes, and intermittent claudication with activity. The
primary treatment goal is to increase the patient’s ambulation distance.
The MOST appropriate ambulation parameters to facilitate achievement of the
goal are:
a. Short duration, frequent intervals
b. Short duration, infrequent intervals
c. Long duration, frequent intervals
d. Long duration, infrequent intervals
176. A patient rehabilitating from a bone marrow transplant is referred to
physical therapy for instruction in an exercise program. The physical
therapist plans to use oxygen saturation measurements to gain additional
objective data related to the patient’s exercises tolerance. Assuming the
patient’s oxygen saturation was measured as 95% at rest, which of the
following guidelines would be the MOST appropriate?
 a. Discontinue exercises when the patient oxygen saturation is below 95%
b. Discontinue exercises when the patient oxygen saturation is below 90%
c. Discontinue exercises when the patient oxygen saturation is below 85%
d. Discontinue exercises when the patient oxygen saturation is below 80%
177. A 62-year-old female is restricted from physical therapy for two days
following surgical insertion of a urinary catheter. This type of procedure
is MOST commonly performed with a:
a. Condom catheter
b. Foley catheter
c. Suprapubic catheter
d. Swan-Ganz catheter
178. A physical therapist measures body composition using skinfold
measurements prior to initiating an exercise program. When measuring the
abdominal skinfold the MOST appropriate method is:
a. Utilize a vertical fold approximately 2 cm to the right of the umbilicus
b. Utilize a horizontal fold approximately 2 cm to the right of the
umbilicus
c. Utilize a vertical fold approximately 2 cm to the left of the umbilicus
d. Utilize a horizontal fold approximately 2 cm to the left of the
umbilicus
179. A physical therapist notices that a patient with a transfemoral
amputation consistently takes a longer stem with the prosthetic limb than
the contralateral limb. The MOST likely cause of the deviation is:
a. Weak abdominal muscles
b. Hip flexion contracture
c. Weak residual limb
d. Fear and insecurity
180. A physical therapist prepares to perform manual vibration as a means
of airway clearance with a patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. When performing vibration the MOST appropriate form of
manual contact over the affected lung segment is:
a. Contact with a cupped hand
b. Contact with the entire palmar surface of the hand
c. Contact with the ulnar border of the hand
d. Contact with the distal phalanx of the middle finger
181. A patient with right hemiplegia is observed during gait training. The
patient performs side stepping towards the hemiplegic side, the physical
therapist may expect the patient to compensate for weakened abductors by:
a. Hip hiking of the unaffected side
b. Lateral trunk flexion towards the affected side
c. Lateral trunk flexion towards the unaffected side
d. Hip extension of the affected side
182. A patient reports to scheduled physical therapy session 25 minutes
late. The patient has not been seen previously in physical therapy and was
scheduled in 45 minute block of time. The patient referral indicates the
patient is 10 days status post arthroscopic medial meniscectomy. The MOST
appropriate therapist action is:
a. Begin the examination
b. Design a home exercises program
c. Consult with the patient’s physician
d. Ask the patient to reschedule
183. A physical therapist reviews a laboratory report for a 41-year-old
male diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the
following would be considered a normal haemoglobin value?
a. 10 gm/dL
b. 15 gm/dL
c. 20 gm/dL
d. 25 gm/dL
184. A patient diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord lesion presents
with muscle paralysis on the ipsilateral side of the lesion and a loss of
pain, temperature, and sensitivity on the contralateral side of the lesion.
This presentation BEST describes:
a. Posterior cord syndrome
b. Central cord syndrome
c. Anterior cord syndrome
d. Brown-Sequard’s syndrome
185. A physical therapist reviews a physician’s examination of a patient
scheduled for physical therapy. The examination identifies excessive medial
displacement of the elbow during ligamentous testing. Which ligament is
typically involved with medial instability of the elbow?
a. Annular
b. Radial collateral
 c. Ulnar collateral
d. Volar radioulnar
186. A physical therapist performs an examination on 27-year-old male
diagnosed with iliotibial band syndrome. The patient is an avid distance
runner who routinely ran between 45-60 miles per week before experiencing
pain in his knee. Standing posture reveals a varus position at the knee and
a cavus foot. When palpating the lateral portion of the lower extremity,
which area would MOST likely exhibit marked tenderness?
a. Lateral femoral condyle
b. Lateral joint line
c. Lateral tibial condyle
d. Fibular head
187. The measurements of blood pressure with an aneroid sphygmomanometer is
said to have concurrent validity if the pressures measured by the
sphygmomanometer are equal to the pressures measured at the same time by:
a. An electrocardiogram
b. A pressure transducer inserted in the artery
c. A physician using a mercury sphygmomanometer
d. A pulse oximeter
188. A physical therapist working on an oncology unit reviews the medical
chart of a male patient prior to initiating airway clearance techniques.
The patient’s cell counts are as follows: hematocrit 44%, white blood cells
8,500/mm3, and platelets 30,000ul, haemoglobin level 15 gm/dL. Which blood
test value suggests that chest percussion for airway clearance is
contraindicated?
a. Hematocrit
b. White blood cells
c. Platelets
d. Hemoglobin
189. A physical therapist treats a patient with a fractured left hip. The
patient is weight bearing as tolerated and uses a large base quad cane for
gait activities. Correct use of the quad cane would include:
a. Using the quad cane on the left with the longer legs positioned away
from the patient
b. Using the quad cane on the right with the longer legs positioned away
from the patient
 c. Using the quad cane on the left with the longer legs positioned toward
from the patient
d. Using the quad cane on the right with the longer legs positioned toward
from the patient
190. A physical therapist inspects a wound that has large quantities of
exudate which requires frequent dressing changes. If the therapist applies
a dressing that cannot handle the quantity of exudate present, the MOST
likely outcome is:
a. Maceration
b. Granulation
c. Epithelialization
d. Infection
191. A physical therapist completes an examination on 36-year-old female
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After completing the examination, the
therapist should FIRST:
a. Develop long-term goals
b. Develop short-term goals
c. Develop problem list
d. Justify the need for physical therapy services
192. An electrical equipment safety committee develops a policy to limit
electrical hazards arising from ground faults. Which action would be the
MOST appropriate to meet the committee’s objective?
a. Report all equipment defects or failures
b. Manually test each ground fault circuit interrupter on a monthly basis
c. Follow manufacturer recommendations for electrical equipment care and
service
d. Mandate an introductory inservice on all new electrical equipment
193. A 21-year-old female is examined in physical therapy after sustaining
a grade I ankle sprain two days ago in a marching band competetition. The
patient’s description of the mechanism of the injury is consistent with
inversion and plantar flexion. Which of the following ligaments would MOST
likely be affected?
a. Anterior talofibular ligament
b. Calcaneofibular ligament
c. Anterior tibiofibular ligament
d. Deltoid ligament
194. A physical therapist prepares to administer iontophoeresis over the
anterior surface of a patient’s knee. The therapist would like to keep the
current density low in order to avoid skin irritation. Which of the listed
parameters would BEST accomplish the therapist’s objective?
a. Current amplitude of 4 mA; electrode with an area of 12 cm2
b. Current amplitude of 4 mA; electrode with an area of 4 cm2
c. Current amplitude of 3 mA; electrode with an area of 6 cm2
d. Current amplitude of 3 mA; electrode with an area of 4 cm2
195. A 66-year-old female is referred to physical therapy with rheumatoid
arthritis. During the examination the physical therapist notes increased
flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joints and hyperextension at the
metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints. This deformity is
MOST representative of:
a. Boutonniere deformity
b. Mallet finger
c. Swan neck deformity
d. Ulnar drift
196. A patient rehabilitating from an upper extremity injury uses a
latissimus pull-down machine. The therapist specifically instructs the
patient to pull the bar down behind his head. This action emphasizes
strengthening of the:
a. Rhomboid and middle trapezius
b. Biceps brachii and pectoralis major
c. Teres minor and middle trapezius
d. Pectoralis major and rhomboids
197. A physical therapist adjusts the on:off time on an electrical
stimulation unit prior to beginning treatment. When using the unit for
muscle re-education the MOST appropriate on:off ratio isL
a. 5:1
b. 15:1
c. 1:5
d. 1:15
198. A physical therapist is scheduled to administer a whirlpool treatment
to a patient that is HIV positive. The therapist is concerned about her
ability to complete the treatment since she sustained a small paper cut on
her fourth digit approximately three hours ago. The MOST appropriate
therapist action is:
 a. Refuse to treat the patient and document the rationale in the medical
record
b. Treat the patient using appropriate medical asepsis
c. Ask the patient to reschedule their appointment
d. Select another appropriate treatment procedure
199. A physical therapist examines a patient referred to physical therapy
diagnosed with anterior compartment syndrome. The patient presents with an
inability to dorsiflex the foot and a mild sensory disturbance between the
first and second toes. The nerve MOST likely involved is the
a. Deep peroneal nerve
b. Medial plantar nerve
c. Tibial nerve
d. Lateral plantar nerve
200. A 35-year-old female is admitted to the hospital following a recent
illness. Laboratory test reveals a markedly high platelet count. This
finding is typical with:
a. Emphysema
b. Metabolic acidosis
c. Renal failure
d. Malignancy