1.

The patient is positioned in supine with the hips flexed to 90 degrees and
the knees extended. As the patient slowly lowers her extended legs toward
the horizontal, there is an increase in lordosis of the low back. This
finding is indicative of weakness of the:
a. Hip flexors
b. Back extensors
c. Hip extensors
d. Abdominals
2. In a clinical trial, patient height is measured in centimeters and weight
is measured in kilograms. What inference can the physical therapist make
about the scale of measurement for height and weight?
a. Height and weight are measurements on the ratio scale
b. Height and weight are measurements on the ordinal scale
c. Height and weight are measurements on the nominal scale
d. Height and weight are measurements on the interval scale
3. A physical therapist attempts to select an appropriate intervention to treat
a patient with a 10 degree limitation in knee extension. Which of the
following mobilization techniques would be indicated?
a. Lateral glide of the patella
b. Caudal glide of the patella
c. Posterior glide of the tibia
d. Anterior glide of the tibia
4. A patient with a right radial head fracture is examined in physical therapy.
The patient’s involved elbow range of motion begins at 15 degrees of flexion
and ends at 90 degrees of flexion. The physical therapist should record the
patient’s elbow range of motion as:
a. 0-15-90
b. 15-0-90
c. 15-90
d. 0-90
5. A physical therapist attempts to improve a patient’s lower extremity
strength. Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique would
be the MOST appropriate to achieve the therapist’s goal?
a. Contract-relax
b. Repeated contractions
c. Rhythmic stabilization
d. Hold relax
6. When performing range of motion exercises with a patient that sustained a
head injury, a physical therapist notes that the patient lacks full elbow
extension and classifies the end-feel as hard. The MOST likely cause is:
a. Heterotopic ossification
b. Spasticity of the biceps
c. Anterior capsular tightness
d. Triceps weakness
7. A physical therapist conducts a patient history for a female patient
diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Given the capsular
pattern of the shoulder, which functional limitation would the patient MOST
likely have difficult with?
a. Reaching across her body
b. Reaching into her back hip pocket
c. Performing a push-up
d. Combing her hair
8. A patient recently diagnosed with end-stage renal disease begins
hemodialysis treatment at an outpatient dialysis center. Which frequency
and duration of dialysis is MOST typical?
a. One time a week for five hours
b. Two times a week for three hours
c. Three times a week for four hours
d. Five times a week for two hours
9. A physical therapist develops a problem list after examining a patient with
transtibial amputation. Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate
entry in the patient problem list?
a. Donning and doffing prosthesis requires verbal cues
b. Donning and doffing prosthesis requires verbal cues and minimal assist
of one
c. Dependence with donning and doffing prosthesis
d. Independent donning and doffing prosthesis in one week
10. A physical therapist works with a patient with a moderate disk
protrusion on an extension progression. Which position would have
immediately preceded the pictured position?
a. Prone press-up
b. Prone lying with a pillow under the waist
c. Standing extension
d. Prone lying
11. A physical therapist works with a patient status post stroke on a mat
program. The therapist assists the patient in lateral weight shifting
activities while positioned in prone on elbows. Which therapeutic exercise
technique would allow the patient to improve dynamic stability with this
activity?
a. Alternating isometrics
b. Approximation
c. Rhythmic initiation
d. Timing for emphasis
12. A 35-year old male diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis is referred
to physical therapy for instruction in a home exercises program. Which
general treatment objective would be the MOST beneficial for the patient?
a. Strengthening of the rectus abdominis
b. Strengthening of the internal and external obliques
c. Strengthening of the quadratus lumborum
d. Strengthening of the back extensors
13. A physical therapist identifies a limitation in movement after
performing a straight leg raise test on a patient in supine. The therapist
then passively flexes the patient’s knee on the test leg, but is unable to
gain any additional hip flexion range of motion. The MOST likely diagnosis
is:
a. Gluteal bursitis
b. Hamstrings strain
c. Sciatic nerve pathology
d. Trochanteric bursitis
14. A physical therapist treats a patient status post CVA. The therapist
plans activities that focus on hand-eye coordination recognition of position
in space, and general spatial relationships. The patient’s deficits are
likely:
a. Visual-perceptual deficits due to right hemisphere damage
b. Behavioural and intellectual deficits due to right hemisphere damage
c. Speech and language deficits due to left hemisphere damage
d. Temporal ordering deficits due to left hemisphere damage
15. A physical therapist observes that a patient has difficulty controlling
the affected lower extremity during the loading response. This phase is
characterized by:
a. Increased quadriceps activity and increased hamstrings activity
 b. Increased quadriceps activity and decreased hamstrings activity
c. Decreased quadriceps activity and increased hamstring activity
d. Decreased quadriceps activity and decreased hamstring activity
16. A patient has weakness of the quadriceps secondary to a femoral nerve
injury. When examining the patient’s gait from heel strike to foot flat,
the physical therapist would MOST like observe the patient compensate for
their injury by:
a. Using excessive dorsiflexion
b. Leaning the trunk forward
c. Using excessive knee flexion
d. Vaulting on the contralateral limb
17. A physical therapist prepares to conduct a manual muscle test of the
hip flexors. Assuming a grade of poor, the MOST appropriate testing position
is
a. Prone
b. Sidelying
c. Supine
d. Standing
18. A physical therapist administers the Functional Reach Test to a patient
rehabilitating from a neurological disorder. Which bony landmark would be
the MOST appropriate to utilize when formally measuring the distance the
patient reached during each trial?
a. Distal tip of the third digit
b. Third metacarpal
c. Radial styloid process
d. Ulnar styloid process
19. A 22-year-old male rehabilitation from a motor vehicle accident is
referred to physical therapy for gait training. The patient sustained
multiple injuries including a fractured tibia and a traction injury to the
brachial plexus. The patient is partial weight bearing and has good upper
extremity strength. The MOST appropriate assistive device is:
a. Axillary crutches
b. Lofstrand crutches
c. Walker with platform attachment
d. Cane
20. A patient informs a physical therapist how frustrated she feels after
being examined by her physician. The patient explains that she becomes so
 nervous, she cannot ask any questions during scheduled office visits. The
therapist’s MOST appropriate response is to:
a. Offer to go with the patient to her next scheduled physician visit
b. Offer to call the physician and ask any relevant questions
c. Suggest that the patient write down questions for the physician and
bring them with her to the next scheduled visit
d. Tell the patient it is a very normal response to be nervous in the
presence of a physician
21. A physical therapy observes an electrocardiogram of a patient on beta-
blockers. Which of the following electrocardiogram changes could be
facilitated by beta-blockers?
a. Sinus bradycardia
b. Sinus tachycardia
c. Premature ventricular contraction
d. ST segment sagging
22. An athletes is forced to contemplate knee surgery after spraining the
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing soccer. Which situation would
provide the MOST direct support for an anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction?
a. Grade III ACL sprain with a grade I posterior ligament (PCL) sprain
b. Grade III ACL sprain with a lateral meniscus tear
c. Grade II ACL sprain with a medial meniscus tear
d. Functional instability
23. A physical therapist employed in a long-term care setting attempts to
identify a screening tool that examines a patient’s ability to perform a
variety of activities of daily living independently. The therapist would
like to readminister the tool to assess patient progress. The MOST
appropriate screening tool is the:
a. Barthel Index
b. Berg Balance Scale
c. Functional Reach Test
d. Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment
24. A physical therapist completes a balance assessment on a patient
recently admitted to a skilled nursing facility. The therapist concludes
that the patient is able to maintain their balance without support in
standing, however, cannot maintain balance during weight shifting or with
 any form of external perturbation. The MOST appropriate balance grade would
be:
a. Normal
b. Good
c. Fair
d. Poor
25. A physical therapist completes a respiratory assessment on a patient
with T2 paraplegia. As a component of the assessment the therapist measures
the amount of chest excursion during inspiration. The MOST appropriate
patient position to conduct the measurement is:
a. Sitting
b. Supine
c. Prone
d. Sidelying
26. A physical therapist working in an outpatient physical therapy clinic
guards a patient descending a step with axillary crutches. Based on the
photograph, the MOST like patient scenario is:
a. Partial weight bearing secondary to a left lateral ankle sprain
b. Partial weight bearing secondary to a right lateral ankle sprain
c. Toe touch weight bearing secondary to a left lateral ankle sprain
d. Toe touch weight bearing secondary to a right lateral ankle sprain
27. A physical therapist works with a 71-year-old female patient who is
status post reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. What is the MOST likely
reason the patient had this surgical procedure as opposed to a total shoulder
arthroplasty?
a. Fracture of the humerus
b. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis
c. Significant deltoid weakness
d. Irreparable supraspinatus tear
28. A physical therapist assesses a patient’s sensation of light touch in
lower extremities. The therapist documents that the patient has impaired
sensation of the entire right leg, yet normal sensation of the left leg.
Which injury is MOST likely present?
a. Compression of a lower extremity peripheral nerve
b. Compression of a lumbar nerve root
c. Spinal cord transection
d. Left hemisphere stroke
29. An athlete is referred to physical therapy after being diagnosed with
apophysitis of the ischial tuberosity. Which mechanism of injury is MOST
consistent with this condition?
a. A soccer player kicking a soccer ball
b. A runner competing in the hurdles
c. A tennis player rapidly changing direction
d. A sprinter coming out of the starting blocks
30. A physical therapist prepares a patient recovering from a total hip
arthroplasty using a posterolateral surgical approach for discharge from
the hospital. The patient is a 65-year-old and resides alone. Assuming an
uncomplicated recovery, which of the following pieces of adaptive equipment
would NOT be necessary for home use?
a. Long handled shoehorn
b. Raised toilet set
c. Sliding board
d. Tub bench
31. A physical therapist examines several superficial reflexes on a patient
diagnosed with an upper motor neuron lesion. When assessing the cremasteric
reflex the MOST appropriate stimulus is:
a. Stroke the skin beneath the costal margins and above the inguinal
ligament
b. Stroke the skin of the superior and medial thigh
c. Prick the skin of the perianal region
d. Prick the skin of the glans penis
32. A patient is unable to take in an adequate supply of nutrients by mouth
due to the side effects of radiation therapy. As a result, the patient’s
physician orders the implementation of tube feeding. What type of tube is
MOST commonly used for short term feeding?
a. Endobronchial
b. Nasogastric
c. Endotracheal
d. Tracheostomy
33. A physical therapist employed in an acute care hospital prepares to
work on standing balance with a patient rehabilitation from abdominal
surgery. The patient has been on extended bed rest following the surgical
procedure and has only been out of bed a few times with the assistance of
 the nursing staff. The MOST important objective measure to assess after
assisting the patient from supine to sitting is:
a. Systolic blood pressure
b. Diastolic blood pressure
c. Perceive exertion
d. Oxygen saturation rate
34. A physical therapist inspects a burn obtained as a result of
iontophoresis. The therapist describes the burn as an acidic reaction. If
the therapist is correct, the pH of the skin would MOST likely be:
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
d. 8
35. A physical therapist attempts to palpate the lunate by moving his
finger immediately distal to Lister’s tubercle. Which wrist motion will
allow the therapist to facilitate palpation of the lunate?
a. Extension
b. Flexion
c. Radial deviation
d. Ulnar deviation
36. A physician indicates that a patient rehabilitating from a
cerebrovascular accident has significant perceptual deficits. Which
anatomical region would MOST likely be affected by the stroke?
a. Primary motor cortex
b. Somatosensory cortex
c. Basal ganglia
d. Cerebellum
37. While examining a patient diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis, a
physical therapist notes that the foot and ankle appear to be pronated.
Which motions combine to create pronation in a non-weight-bearing foot?
a. Abduction, dorsiflexion, eversion
b. Adduction, dorsiflexion, inversion
c. Abduction, plantar flexion, eversion
d. Adduction, plantar flexion, inversion
38. A physical therapist review the results of a pulmonary function test
for a 58 year old male patient recently admitted to the hospital. The
therapist notes that the patient’s total lung capacity is significantly
 increased when compared to establish norms. Which medical condition would
MOST likely produce this type of result?
a. Chronic bronchitis
b. Emphysema
c. Spinal cord injury
d. Pulmonary fibrosis
39. A patient rehabilitating from an upper extremity injury affecting the
left shoulder performs a resistive exercise as shown. Which muscle would be
primarily emphasized when performing the pictured exercise?
a. Pectoralis major
b. Supraspinatus
c. Teres major
d. Teres minor
40. A physical therapist instructs a patient to squeeze a piece of paper
between the index and middle fingers while the therapist attempts to pull
it away. This type of testing would be the MOST appropriate to assess the:
a. C6 myotome
b. C7 myotome
c. C8 myotome
d. T1 myotome
41. A physical therapist assesses an infant by performing a pull-to-sit
maneuver. During the maneuver the therapist notes that the infant has
learned to lead with their head as soon as the stimulus of being pulled to
sitting occurs. Which muscle group would be LEAST instrumental in performing
the described activity?
a. Abdominals
b. Cervical flexors
c. Hip flexors
d. Scapular stabilizers
42. A physical therapist treats a female patient with multiple sclerosis
for impaired balance and coordination. The patient reports that since being
diagnosed four years ago, her symptoms have gradually gotten worse without
any plateau or lessening in severity. Which terminology would MOST
accurately describe the patient’s disease course?
a. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
b. Primary-progressive multiple sclerosis
c. Secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis
 d. Progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis
43. A patient diagnosed with piriformis syndrome is referred to physical
therapy for one visit for instruction in a home exercises program. After
examining the patient, the physical therapist feels the patient’s
rehabilitation potential is excellent, but is concerned that one visit will
not be sufficient to meet the patient’s needs. The MOST appropriate action
is to:
a. Schedule the patient for treatment sessions as warranted by the results
of the examination
b. Explain to the patient that recent health care reforms have drastically
reduced the frequency of physical therapy visits covered by third party
payers
c. Explain to the patient that she can continue with physical therapy
beyond the initial session, but will be liable for all expenses not
covered by her insurance
d. Contact the referring physician and request approval for additional
physical therapy visits
44. A physical therapist observing a patient complete a leg curl exercise
notices two prominent tendons visible on the posterior surface of the
patient’s left knee. The visible medial and lateral tendons are MOST likely
associated with the:
a. Semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles
b. Semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles
c. Popliteus and semitendinosus muscles
d. Semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscle
45. The patient diagnosed with Gullain-Barre syndrome works on weight
shifting activities while standing in the parallel bars. The PRIMARY
objective of this activity is to improve:
a. Mobility
b. Stability
c. Controlled mobility
d. Skill
46. A physical therapist asks a physical therapist assistant to complete
a lower extremity isokinetic test on a patient. The physical therapist
assistant is willing to complete the test, however, indicates it has been
quite some time since they have set up the isokinetic device. The MOST
appropriate physical therapist action is:
 a. Provide verbal cueing for the physical therapist assistant prior to
beginning the set up
b. Instruct the physical therapist assistant to refer to the owner’s
manual
c. Observe the physical therapist assistant complete the set up
d. Ask another physical therapist assistant to complete the set up
47. A physical therapist administers ultrasound over a patient’s anterior
thigh. After one minute of treatment, the patient reports feeling a slight
burning sensation under the soundhead. The therapist’s MOST appropriate
action is to:
a. Explain to the patient that what she feels is not out of the ordinary
when using ultrasound
b. Temporarily discontinue treatment and examine the amount of coupling
agent utilized
c. Discontinue treatment and contact physician
d. Continue with treatment utilizing the current parameters
48. A physical therapist uses a manual wheelchair during a training session
with a patient with C5 quadriplegia. Which wheelchair would be the MOST
appropriate based on the patient’s level of injury?
a. Manual wheelchair with sip and puff controls
b. Manual wheelchair with handrim projections
c. Manual wheelchair with friction surface handrims
d. Manual wheelchair with standard handrims
49. A patient with a transtibial amputation is observed ambulating with
excessive knee flexion from heel strike through midstance on the prosthetic
side. A possible cause for this deviation is:
a. The foot is set in neutral
b. The socket is set posterior in relation to the foot
c. The prosthesis is too short
d. The socket is aligned in excessive flexion
50. A physical therapist monitors a patient’s vital signs while completing
20 minutes of jogging at 5mph on a treadmill. As the session approaches its
conclusion, the therapist incorporates a cool down period. The anticipated
response during the post exercise period is:
a. A progressive increase in systolic blood pressure
b. A progressive decrease in systolic blood pressure
c. A progressive increase in diastolic blood pressure
 d. A progressive increase in rate pressure product
51. A patient status post stroke ambulates with a large base quad cane.
The patient presents with left neglect and diminished proprioception. The
MOST appropriate method to ensure patient safety is:
a. Provide continuous verbal cues
b. Utilized visual cues and demonstration
c. Offer manual assistance on the left side
d. Offer manual assistance on the right side
52. A physical therapist employed in a rehabilitation hospital creates a
professional development plan as part of his annual performance appraisal.
Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate plan to facilitate the
therapist’s development in his present practice setting?
a. Attend continuing education courses approved by the Federation of State
Boards of Physical Therapy
b. Attend continuing education courses featuring nationally recognized
experts
c. Attend a minimum of two continuing education courses annually
d. Attend continuing education courses related to primary patient care
responsibilities
53. A physical therapist works on balance reactions with a patient who has
Charcot’s foot. The development of this medical condition is MOST likely
related to:
a. Altered sensation
b. Muscular weakness
c. Ulcer formation
d. Pes cavus
54. A patient being treated for general deconditioning explains to her
physical therapist that she was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Which of
the following signs or symptoms would be patient LEAST likely demonstrate?
a. Elevated triglyceride levels
b. Abnormal blood pH
c. Insulin resistance
d. Elevated blood pressure
55. A physical therapist employed in a skilled nursing facility works on
balance re-education activities to improve a patient’s independence with
functional activities in the kitchen. Which of the following tests would
 provide the therapist with the MOST useful information on the patient’s
ability to safely perform meal preparation?
a. Multi-Directional Reach Test
b. Timed Get Up and Go Test
c. Rhomberg Test
d. Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment
56. A Physical therapist observes a three-year-old child with Down syndrome
in her preschool classroom. The therapist notices that the child assume “W”
sitting position during circle time activities. What is the MOST likely
rationale for the child assuming this sitting position?
a. Hypotonicity
b. Hypertonicity
c. Decreased core strength
d. Fatigue
57. A physical therapist determines that a 67-year-old female is at an
increased fall risk after being prescribed a new medication that tends to
promote postural hypotension. The medication MOST consistent with the
described scenario is:
a. ACE inhibitors agents
b. Antiepilectic agents
c. Anticoagulant agents
d. Antispasticity agents
58. A patient treated in an acute care hospital one day ago is not able to
attend a scheduled physical therapy session due to suspected critical limb
ischemia. Which symptom is MOST commonly associated with this condition?
a. Severe pain in the legs and feet at rest
b. Increased temperature in the lower leg and foot
c. Bounding lower extremity peripheral pulses
d. Flaking skin on the legs with browning discoloration
59. A physical therapist prepares to apply a hot pack to the low back of
a patient diagnosed with degenerative disk disease. When examining the
patient the therapist identifies several blisters on the patient’s right
side. The patient indicates they were caused by heat form a hot pack applied
during the previous treatment session. The patient indicates he was hesitant
to tell the therapist that the heat was too intense. The MOST appropriate
therapist action is to:
a. Complete an incident report
 b. Contact the referring physician
c. Modify the documentation from the previous treatment session
d. Avoid documenting the event since it occurred during the previous
treatment session
60. A physical therapist attempts to calculate the target heart range for
a 40-year-old female with no significant past medical history. 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% intensity, the patient’s target heart rate
range should be recorded as:
a. 96-120 beats per minute
b. 132-156 beats per minute
c. 144-174 beats per minute
d. 164-185 beats per minute
61. A 47-year-old patient with a diagnosis of CVA with left hemiplegia is
referred for orthotic examination. Significant results of manual muscle
testing include: hip flexion 3+/5, hip extension 3/5, knee flexion 3+/5,
knee extension 3+/5, ankle dorsiflexion 2/5, ankle inversion and eversion
1/5. Sensation is intact and no abnormal tone is noted. The MOST appropriate
orthosis for this patient is a:
a. Knee-ankle-foot orthosis woth a locked knee
b. Plastic articulating ankle-foot orthosis
c. Metal upright ankle-foot orthosis locked in neutral
d. Prefabricated posterior leaf spring orthosis
62. A patient with T10 paraplegia is discharged from a rehabilitation
hospital following 12 weeks of intense rehabilitation. Which of the
following pieces of equipment would be the MOST essential to assist the
patient with functional mobility?
a. Ambulation with Lofstrand crutches
b. Ambulation with Lofstrand crutches and ankle-foot orthoses
c. Ambulation with Lofstrand crutches and knee-ankle foot orthoses
d. Wheelchair
63. A physical therapist instructs a patient’s spouse to remove and reapply
bandage. Which of the following instructional methods would be the MOST
appropriate to ensure the task is performed appropriately?
a. Have the patient instruct the spouse how to remove and reapply the
bandage
 b. Provide written instruction on how to remove and reapply the bandage
c. Instruct the spouse to remove and reapply the bandage and observe her
performance
d. Instruct the spouse to contact the physical therapy department if she
has specific questions on how to remove or reapply the bandage
64. A physical therapist instructs a patient in an upper extremity
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern by telling the patient to
begin by grasping an imaginary sword positioned in a scabbard on their left
hip using their right hand. This type of command would be MOST appropriate
to initiate:
a. D1 extension
b. D1 flexion
c. D2 extension
d. D2 flexion
65. After observing a patient during an exercise session, a physical
therapist concludes that the patient commonly uses the Valsalva maneuver.
Which activity would have GREATEST probability of producing the Valsalva
maneuver?
a. Lifting a 40 lb package from the floor to a counter at waist level
b. Walking at 4 mph on a treadmill
c. Stationary cycling at 80 revolutions per minute
d. Using an upper extremity ergonometer at 40 revolutions per minute
66. A physical therapist receives a referral to instruct a patient in
pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises. Which of the following
explanation would be the MOST effective to assist the patient to perform a
pelvic floor contraction?
a. Tighten your muscles like you were trying to expel a large amount of
urine in a very short amount of time
b. Pull your muscles upward and inward as if attempting to stop the flow
of urine
c. Tighten your abdominal muscles and anteriorly rotate your pelvis
d. Gently push out as if you had to pass gas
67. According to proponents of evidence-based medicine, the BEST source of
information upon which to make clinical decisions about therapy for an
individual patient is a:
a. Cohort study
b. Randomized controlled trial
 c. Systematic review
d. Case report
68. A patient exercising in the physical therapy gym informs the physical
therapist that he is experiencing chest pain. After resting for 20 minutes
the patient’s condition in unchanged, however, he insists it is something
that he can work through. The MOST appropriate therapist action is:
a. Allow the patient to resume exercise and continue to monitor the
patient’s condition
b. Reduce the intensity of the exercise and continue to monitor the
patient’s condition
c. Discontinue the treatment session and encourage the patient to make an
appointment with his physician
d. Discontinue the treatment session and call an ambulance
69. A physical therapist attempts to determine the number of known risk
factors for coronary artery disease prior to initiating an aerobic exercise
program for a 41-year-old male. Which piece of objective data would serve
as the MOST relevant risk factor
a. Blood pressure = 136/87 mm HG
b. Waist-hip ratio = 1.15
c. Low-density lipoproteins = 96 mg/dl
d. Body mass index = 23.9 kg/m2
70. A physical therapist treats a patient with several injuries impacting
the upper extremity including mallet finger. The therapist notes that the
affected finger is immobilized using a static splint. Which position of
finger would be MOST essential when splinting?
a. 5 degrees of flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint
b. 5 degrees of flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint
c. 5 degrees of hyperextension at the distal interphalangeal joint
d. 5 degrees of hyperextension at the proximal interphalangeal joint
71. A physical therapist treats a patient with a peroneal tendon
subluxation. To observe the subluxation, the therapist positions the patient
in a prone position with the knee flexed to 90 degrees. Which action would
be the MOST appropriate to reproduce the subluxation
a. Active ankle plantar flexion and inversion
b. Active ankle dorsiflexion and eversion
c. Passive ankle plantar flexion and inversion
d. Passive ankle dorsiflexion and eversion
72. A physical therapist transports a patient in a wheelchair to the
parallel bars in preparation for ambulation activities. The patient is
status post abdominal surgery and has not ambulated in over two weeks. The
MOST appropriate action to facilitate ambulation is:
a. Assist the patient to standing
b. Monitor the patient’s vital signs
c. Demonstrate ambulation in the parallel bars
d. Secure an additional staff member to offer assistance
73. A physical therapist attempts to classify the amount of assistance a
patient requires to complete a sit to stand transfer. After completing the
transfer, the therapist estimates that he was required to exert
approximately 20% of the physical work in order to ensure the transfer was
completed safety. The MOST appropriate classification of the level of
assistance would be:
a. Independent
b. Supervision
c. Minimal assistance
d. Moderate assistance
74. A patient explain to her therapist that she was instructed to bear up
to five pounds of weight on her involve extremity.
a. Non-weight bearing
b. Toe touch weight bearing
c. Partial weight bearing
d. Weight bearing as tolerated
75. A physical therapist completes an upper extremity manual muscle test
on a patient diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis. Assuming the patient
has the ability to move the upper extremities against gravity, which of the
following muscles would NOT be tested with the patient in a supine position?
a. Pronator teres
b. Pectoralis major
c. Biceps brachii
d. Middle trapezius
76. A physical therapist determines that the patient rehabilitation from
ankle surgery has consistent difficulty with functional activities that
emphasize the frontal plane. Which of the following would be the MOST
difficult for the patient?
a. Anterior lunge
 b. Six-inch lateral step down
c. Six-inch posterior step down
d. Eight-inch posterior step down
77. A patient rehabilitation from a radial head fracture is examined in
physical therapy. During the examination, the physical therapist notes that
the patient appears to have an elbow flexion contracture. Which of the
following would NOT serve an appropriate active exercise technique to
increase range of motion?
a. Contract-relax
b. Hold-relax
c. Maintained pressure
d. Rhythmic stabilization
78. A patient with a lengthy medical history of cardiac pathology is
referred to a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program. During the first
session the physical therapist prepares to measure the patient’s blood
pressure by inflating the cuff 20 mmHg above the patient’s estimated
systolic value. Which of the following values describes the MOST appropriate
rate to release the pressure when obtaining the blood pressure measurement?
a. 2-3 mmHg per second
b. 3-5 mmHg per second
c. 5-7 mmHg per second
d. 8-10 mmHg per second
79. A physically active 19-year-old male receives pre-operative
instruction prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The
patient’s past medical history includes a medial meniscectomy of the
contralateral knee eight months ago. The MOST likely functional level of
the patient following rehabilitation is:
a. Able to participate in light recreational activities
b. Able to participate in all recreational activities
c. Able to return to recreational activities and competitive athletic
activities with a derotation brace
d. Able to return to previous functional level
80. A patient involve in a motor vehicle accident sustains an injury to
the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Which muscle would NOT be affected
by the injury?
a. Infraspinatus
b. Supraspinatus
 c. Latissimus dorsi
d. Teres major
81. A physical therapist prepares a patient for a graded exercises test
using an arm cycle ergonometer instead of a treadmill due to a lower
extremity injury. Which objective finding is MOST accurate when using the
arm cycle ergometer instead of the treadmill?
a. The results of the testing will be more heavily influenced by patient
motivation
b. The obtained maximum oxygen consumption will be significantly lower
c. The work level associated with the point of volitional fatigue will be
greater
d. The incremental work levels will be progressively shortened during
testing
82. A physical therapist assesses the vital signs of a patient with a blood
disorder. The therapist records the patient’s blood pressure as 150/86 mmHg.
Which condition is MOST likely the cause of the abnormal blood pressure
measurement?
a. Anemia
b. Thrombocytosis
c. Leukopenia
d. Polycythemia
83. A physical therapist prepares to assess the blink reflex in a patient
with suspected neurological involvement. Which cranial nerve components are
assessed with this reflex?
a. Afferent cranial nerve V; efferent cranial nerve VII
b. Afferent cranial nerve VII; efferent cranial nerve V
c. Afferent cranial nerve IX; efferent cranial nerve X
d. Afferent cranial nerve X; efferent cranial nerve IX
84. A physical therapist designs a training program for a patient without
cardiovascular pathology. The therapist calculates the patient’s age-
predicted maximal heart rate as 175 beats per minute. Which of the following
would be an acceptable target heart rate for the patient during
cardiovascular exercise?
a. 93 beats per minute
b. 135 beats per minute
c. 169 beats per minute
d. 195 beats per minute
85. A patient with complete C5 tetraplegia works on a forward raise for
pressure relief. The patient utilizes loops that are attached to the back
of the wheelchair to assist with the forward raise. Which muscles need to
be particularly strong in order for the patient to be successful with the
forward raise
a. Brachioradialis, brachialis
b. Rhomboids, levator scapulae
c. Biceps, deltoids
d. Triceps, flexor digitorum profundus
86. A patient sustained a fracture of the acetabulum that was treated with
open reduction and internal fixation. The injury occurred in a motor vehicle
accident approximately seven weeks ago. Which objective measure would be
the MOST influential variable when determining the patient’s weight bearing
status?
a. Visual analogue pain scale rating
b. Radiographic confirmation of bone healing
c. Lower extremity manual muscle testing
d. Balance and coordination assessment
87. A patient two weeks status post transtibial amputation is instructed
by his physician to remain at rest for two days after contracting bronchitis.
The MOST appropriate position for the patient in bed is:
a. Supine with pillow under the patient’s knees
b. Supine with pillow under the patient’s thigh and knees
c. Supine with the legs extended
d. Sidelying in the fetal position
88. A patient with T10 paraplegia is working with a therapist on how to
react in the event of a backward fall. The patient is instructed to place
one hand behind the head and the other across their lap as seen in the
image. This directive will protect the head and
a. Allow the patient to remain within the chair upon landing
b. Allow the patient to hold onto one armrest to stabilize the wheelchair
c. Prevent the lower extremities from hitting the patient’s face
d. Allow the patient to secure the brake to slow the fall
89. A physical therapist makes a conscious effort to demonstrate particular
kinds of behaviour that are significant and attainable for an eight-year-
old patient. This type of behaviour therapy is termed:
a. Flooding
 b. Operant conditioning
c. Role playing
d. Modelling
90. A patient rehabilitating from knee surgery exhibits significant
weakness in the involved extremity. During the most recent therapy session
the patient was able to complete an independent straight leg raise as shown.
What muscle is emphasized in the exercise?
a. Vastus medialis
b. Restus femoris
c. Vastus lateralis
d. Sartorius
91. A physical therapist reviews a laboratory report for a patient recently
admitted to the hospital. The patient sustained burns over 25 percent of
her body in a fire. Assuming the patient exhibits hypovolemia, which of the
following laboratory values would be the MOST significantly affected?
a. Haematocrit
b. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
c. Oxygen saturation rate
d. Prothrombin time
92. A physical therapist performs autolytic debridement in an attempt to
remove nonviable tissue from a stage IV pressure ulcer. Autolytic
debridement removes necrotic tissue by using:
a. A sharp instrument
b. An externally applied force
c. The body’s own mechanisms
d. A commercially prepared enzyme
93. A physical therapist treats a 36 year old male status post knee surgery.
The therapist performs goniometric measurements to quantify the extent of
the patient’s extension lag. Which of the following would NOT provide a
plausible rationale for the extension lag?
a. Muscle weakness
b. Bony obstruction
c. Inhibition by pain
d. Patient apprehension
94. A physical therapist completes a developmental assessment on an infant.
Which position would typically be the LAST to occur assuming normal
development?
 a. Modified plantigrade
b. Quadruped
c. Ring sitting
d. Bridging
95. A patient four weeks following anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft informs her therapist that
she is going on vacation for a week in a tropical location. Which advice
would be the MOST beneficial for the patient to protect her scar from the
sun?
a. Keep the scar covered when outside in the sun
b. Apply sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF directly to the scar
c. Apply sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF directly to the scar
d. Apply sunscreen with a minimum of 50 SPF directly to the scar
96. A physical therapist is asked to provide a presentation on the dangers
of anabolic steroid use to a group of adolescent male athletes. Which risk
factor associated with steroids would be unique to the target audience?
a. Deepened voice
b. Growth cessation
c. Liver damage
d. Testicular atrophy
97. A patient successfully completes ten anterior lunges. The physical
therapist would like to modify the activity to maximally challenge the
patient in the sagittal plane. Which of the following modifications would
be the MOST appropriate?
a. Anterior lunge with concurrent bilateral elbow flexion to 45 degrees
with five pound weights
b. Anterior lunge with concurrent bilateral shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
with five pound weights
c. Anterior lunge with concurrent unilateral shoulder flexion to 90
degrees with five pound weights
d. Anterior lunge with concurrent bilateral shoulder abduction to 45
degrees with five pound weights
98. A physical therapist reviews the medical record of a 46 year-old female
diagnosed with myestenia gravis. A recent physician entry indicates that
the patient is currently taking immunosuppressive medication. Which
laboratory test should be the MOST frequently monitored based on the
patient’s medication?
 a. Haematocrit
b. Haemoglobin
c. Platelet count
d. White blood cell count
99. A physical therapist observes a patient’s postural strategies following
a series of perturbations. Which strategy is BEST illustrated in the image
a. Ankle strategy
b. Hip strategy
c. Suspensory strategy
d. Stepping strategy
100. A physician provides a group of physical therapists with an overview
of diagnostic imaging techniques commonly used in clinical practice. Which
imaging technique would NOT be considered invasive
a. Arthrography
b. Myelography
c. Discography
d. Computed tomography
101. The physical therapist examines a patient with a dorsal scapular nerve
injury, which muscles would you expect to be MOST affected by this condition?
a. Serratus anterior, pectoralis minor
b. Levator scapula, rhomboids
c. Latissimus dorsi, teres major
d. Supraspinatus, infraspinatus
102. A 13-year-old female diagnosed with cerebral palsy is referred to
physical therapy. The patient exhibits slow, involuntary, continuous
writhing movements of the upper and lower extremities. This type of motor
disturbance is MOST representative of:
a. Spasticity
b. Ataxia
c. Hypotonia
d. Athetosis
103. A physical therapist instructs a patient diagnosed with restricted
shoulder mobility in a self-mobilization exercise. The therapist instructs
the patient to attempt to lean in between their fixed arms (i.e., direct
their upper thorax toward the mat surface). The primary objective of this
activity is to improve:
a. Glenohumeral abduction
 b. Glenohumeral external rotation
c. Glenohumeral internal rotation
d. Glenohumeral flexion
104. A physical therapist instructs a patient to make a fist. The patient
can make a fist, but is unable to flex the distal phalanx of the ring
finger. This clinical finding can BEST be explained by:
a. A ruptured flexor carpi radialis tendon
b. A ruptured flexor digitorum superficialis tendon
c. A ruptured flexor digitorum profundus tendon
d. A ruptured extensor communis tendon
105. A physical therapist implements an aquatic program for a patient
rehabilitating from a lower extremity injury. The program requires the
patient to run in place using a flotation device while tethered to the side
of the pool using an elastic cord. Which action would be the MOST appropriate
to increase resistance?
a. Increase the water temperature
b. Increase the speed of movement
c. Increase the depth of the water
d. Remove the flotation device
106. The most important contribution case reports make to evidence-based
practice in physical therapy is:
a. A case report demonstrates a causal relationship between treatment and
outcome in a single patient.
b. A case report provides information that can be used to generate
inductive hypotheses for future studies
c. A case report provides data on the natural history of disease states
d. A case report uses triangulation to test a hypothesis with more than
one source of data
107. A patient’s pulmonary function tests reveal that the patient has a
forced vital capacity (FVC) of 4.0 liters and a forced expiratory volume in
1 second (FEV1)of 3.5 liters. These results would be MOST anticipated with
a diagnosis of:
a. Cystic fibrosis
b. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
c. Chronic bronchitis
d. Emphysema
108. A physical therapist treats a patient with a wound impacting the
epidermis of the skin. Which structure would be MOST affected based on the
described wound
a. Arrector pili muscles
b. Meissner’s corpuscles
c. Melanocytes
d. Sebaceous glands
109. A physical therapist discusses pain management for a patient following
total hip arthroplasty with the patient’s nurse. Which objective finding
would make the use of patient controlled analgesia MOST unrealistic?
a. Altered cognitive status
b. Elevated respiratory rate
c. Advance age
d. History of substance abuse
110. A physical therapist treats an infant diagnosed with torticollis with
marked lateral flexion of the neck to the right. As part of the infant’s
plan of care the therapist performs passive stretching activities to improve
the patient’s range of motion. The MOST appropriate stretch for the patient
is:
a. Lateral flexion to the right and rotation to the right
b. Lateral flexion to the left and rotation to the left
c. Lateral flexion to the right and rotation to the left
d. Lateral flexion to the left and rotation to the right
111. A physical therapist instructs a patient to close her eyes and hold
out her hand. The therapist places a series of different weights in the
patient’s hand one at a time. The patient is then asked to identify the
comparative weight of the objects. This method of sensory testing is used
to examine:
a. Baragnosis
b. Graphesthesia
c. Recognition of texture
d. Stereognosis
112. A physical therapist prepares to administer ultrasound to a patient
with lateral epicondylitis. When applying ultrasound the amount of heat
absorbed is LEAST dependent upon:
a. The intensity
b. The duration of exposure
 c. The choice of the coupling agent
d. The size of the area sonated
113. A physical therapist employed in a rehabilitation hospital utilizes
the service of a physical therapy aide. Which variable BEST determines the
extent to which physical therapy aides are involved in patient care
activities?
a. The number of years of experience
b. The scope of formal training
c. The discretion of the physical therapist
d. The quantity of continuing education courses
114. A physical therapist prepares to treat a patient with cystic fibrosis
using postural drainage. The MOST appropriate patient position when treating
the superior segments of the lower lobe is:
a. Sitting, leaning back at a 30-40 degree angle
b. Head down on left side, ¼ turn backward
c. Supine with two pillows under the knees
d. Prone with two pillows under the hips
115. A patient rehabilitating from a knee injury completes an isokinetic
examination. The patient produces 88 ft/lbs of torque with the hamstrings
at 120 degrees per second. Assuming normal quadriceps/hamstrings ratio,
which of the following MOST accurately reflects the predicted quadriceps
value?
a. 67 ft/lbs
b. 109 ft/lbs
c. 136 ft/lbs
d. 183 ft/lbs
116. A physical therapist elects to use mechanical lumbar traction for a
patient rehabilitating from a back injury. The therapeutic goals of the
session include decreasing the patient’s muscle spasm. The MOST appropriate
force based on the stated objective would be:
a. 10% of body weight
b. 15% of body weight
c. 25% of body weight
d. 50% of body weight
117. A physical therapist reviews a physician referral form that includes
only the patient’s name and the referring physician’s signature. During the
examination the patient indicates that she had knee surgery two weeks ago,
 however, is unable to provide more specific information. The therapist
attempts to call the physician’s office, but is unable to reach anyone. The
MOST appropriate therapist action is:
a. Initiate treatment based on the results of the examination
b. Initiate treatment based on an established protocol following knee
surgery
c. Initiate treatment, however, avoid resistive exercise and high-level
functional activities
d. Delay treatment until orders are received from the referring physician
118. A physical therapist employed in an acute care hospital reviews the
results of recent laboratory testing for one of his patient. A note in the
medical record indicates that the patient was dehydrated at the time the
blood sample was taken. Which finding would be MOST likely based on the
patient’s hydration status?
a. Increased coagulation time
b. Decreased haematocrit level
c. Increased blood urea nitrogen level
d. Decreased haemoglobin level
119. A patient four days status post transtibial amputation is transported
to physical therapy for a scheduled treatment session. Assuming an
uncomplicated recovery, the MOST appropriate patient transfer to utilize
from a wheelchair to a mat table is
a. Two-person lift
b. Hydraulic lift
c. Stand pivot
d. Sliding board
120. A patient reports experiencing pain with active shoulder range of
motion testing. The therapist hypothesizes that the pain may be associated
with anterior glenohumeral instability. Which portion of the shoulder range
of motion would the therapist expect the pain be the MOST pronounced
a. 70-80 degrees of lateral rotation
b. 80-90 cfr5 degrees of lateral rotation
c. 60-70 degrees of medial rotation
d. 70-80 degrees of medial rotation
121. A physical therapist examines the abdomen of a patient with suspected
referred should pain from the viscera. Which component should be assessed
first?
 a. Superficial palpation
b. Deep palpation
c. Percussion
d. Auscultation
122. A patient with neurological disorder expresses that she is no longer
able to differentiate between the tastes of many foods on the front portion
of her tongue. Which cranial nerve would potentially contribute to this
reported finding?
a. Cranial nerve I
b. Cranial nerve VII
c. Cranial nerve IX
d. Cranial nerve XII
123. A physical therapist position in supine prior to performing a manual
muscle test of the supinator. To isolate the supinator and minimize the
action of the biceps, the therapist should position the patient’s elbow in:
a. 30 degrees of elbow flexion
b. 60 degrees of elbow flexion
c. 90 degrees of elbow flexion
d. Terminal elbow flexion
124. A patient rehabilitating from cardiac surgery is monitored using an
arterial line. The PRIMARY purpose of an arterial line is to:
a. Measure right atrial pressure
b. Measure heart rate and oxygen saturation
c. Measure pulmonary artery pressure
d. Measure blood pressure
125. A patient in the intensive care unit rehabilitating from a serious
infection is connected to a series of lines and tubes. Which lower extremity
intravenous infusion site would be the MOST appropriate to administer an
intravenous line?
a. Median cubital vein
b. Basilica vein
c. Cephalic vein
d. Saphenous vein
126. A physical therapist administers a neural tension test to a patient
being treated in physical therapy with low back pain. Assuming the current
testing procedure has been unable to reproduce the patient’s symptoms, the
MOST appropriate modification is to:
 a. Apply passive overpressure to cervical flexion
b. Apply passive overpressure of left ankle dorsiflexion
c. Passively extend the right knee
d. Ask the patient to actively extend the right knee
127. A physical therapist examines the foot of a 17-year-old female referred
to physical therapy with lower leg pain. After placing the foot in subtalar
neutral, the therapist determines that the medial boarder of the foot along
the first metatarsal is higher than the lateral border of the foot along
the fifth metatarsal. This position would MOST appropriately be documented
as:
a. Forefoot varus
b. Forefoot valgus
c. Rearfoot varus
d. Rearfoot valgus
128. A physical therapist reviews the medical record of a patient recently
admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. The patient sustained a
traumatic head injury in a motor vehicle accident five weeks ago. The
medical record indicates that the patient is often disoriented and can
frequently become agitated with little provocation. The MOST appropriate
location for the therapist to make initial contact with the patient is:
a. In the patient’s room
b. In the physical therapy gym
c. In a private treatment room
d. In the physical therapy waiting room
129. A patient with limited elbow and forearm range of motion is referred
to physical therapy. When mobilizing the humeroradial articulation, the
treatment plane is considered to be:
a. In the concave radial head, parallel to the long axis of the radius
b. In the concave radial head, perpendicular to the long axis of the
radius
c. In the convex radial head, parallel to the long axis of the radius
d. In the convex radial head, perpendicular to the long axis of the radius
130. A physical therapist conducts an inservice on exercise guidelines for
a group of senior citizens. As part of the inservice the therapist discusses
the benefits of improving cardiovascular status through a low intensity
activity such as a walking program. What frequency of exercise would be the
MOST desirable to achieve the stated objective?
 a. Twice per day
b. One time per week
c. Three times per week
d. Five times per week
131. A physical therapist employed in an acute care hospital reviews the
medical record of a patient diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The
therapist would like to implement a formal exercise program, but is
concerned about the patient’s exercise tolerance. Which condition is MOST
responsible for the patient’s limited exercise tolerance?
a. Diminished lung volumes
b. Arterial oxygen saturation
c. Insufficient stroke volume during ventricular systole
d. Excessive rise in blood pressure
132. A physical therapist measures a patient for a wheelchair. When
measuring back height, which method is MOST accurate?
a. Measure from seat of the chair to the base of the axilla and subtract
two inches
b. Measure from seat of the chair to the base of the axilla and subtract
four inches
c. Measure from seat of the chair to the acromion process and subtract
two inches
d. Measure from seat of the chair to the acromion process and subtract
four inches
133. A physical therapist plans to perform a sensory examination on a
patient with a suspected neurological lesion. Which sensation should the
therapist assess FIRST
a. Vibration
b. Two-point discrimination
c. Temperature
d. Kinesthesia
134. A patient has recently been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.
Which comorbidity is MOST likely to have caused this condition?
a. Chronic hypotension
b. Diabetes
c. Peripheral arterial disease
d. Congestive heart failure
135. A physical therapist is concerned that a 77-year-old female diazepam
for anxiety may be a significant fall risk. Which side effect of the
medication is MOST responsible for this increased risk?
a. Ataxia
b. Haemorrhage
c. Sedation
d. Postural hypotension
136. A patient diagnosed with infrapatellar tendonitis completes a series
of functional activities. After completing the activities the physical
therapist instructs the patient to use ice massage over the anterior surface
of the knee. The MOST appropriate treatment time is:
a. 3-5 minutes
b. 5-10 minutes
c. 10-15 minutes
d. 15-20 minutes
137. A physical therapist works with a six-year old boy with hip pathology.
Which conditions would be MOST likely based on the child’s age?
a. Apophysitis
b. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
c. Rheumatoid arthritis
d. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
138. A physical therapist instructs a patient positioned in supine to bring
her left leg toward her chest and maintain the position. Assuming the
therapist observes the reaction shown in the picture, what muscle would
MOST likely have insufficient length?
a. Iliopsoas
b. Quadratus lumborum
c. Rectus femoris
d. Sartorius
139. A physical therapist attempts to examine the extent of ataxia in a
patient’s upper extremities. The preferred method to examine and document
ataxia is through a:
a. Manual muscle test
b. Sensory test for light touch
c. Function assessment of rolling in bed
d. Finger to nose test
140. A physical therapist monitors the blood pressure response to exercise
of a 52 year old male on a stationary bicycle. The therapist notes a
relatively linear increase in systolic blood pressure with increasing
exercise intensity. The change in the patient’s systolic blood pressure
with exercise is BEST explained by:
a. Increased cardiac output
b. Decreased peripheral resistance
c. Increased oxygen saturation
d. Decreased myocardial oxygen consumption
141. A 64 year old female patient is admitted to the hospital with a stage
III decubitus ulcer over her right ischial tuberosity. The patient’s past
medical history includes severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The
MOST appropriate position for the patient is:
a. Supine with pillows under the knees
b. Prone with pillows under the knees
c. Left sidelying with pillows between the knees
d. Right sidelying with pillows between the knees
142. A patient in an acute care hospital has a catheter inserted into the
internal jugular vein. The catheter travels through the superior vena cava
and into the right atrium. The device permits removal of blood samples,
administration of medication, and monitoring of central venous pressure.
The device is BEST termed:
a. Arterial line
b. Central venous pressure catheter
c. Hickman catheter
d. Swan-Ganz catheter
143. A patient informs her physical therapist that she noticed a small lump
on her right breast while dressing. The patient was referred to physical
therapy with lateral epicondylitis and has no significant past medical
history. The MOST appropriate therapist action is:
a. Inspect the lump
b. Instruct the patient to make an immediate appointment with her
physician
c. Inform the patient she may have cancer
d. Document the patient’s comment in the medical record
144. A physical therapist consults with an orthotist regarding the need for
an ankle-foot orthosis for a patient status post CVA. The patient has
 difficulty moving from sitting to standing when wearing a prefabricated
plastic ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The therapist indicates the patient has
poor strength at the ankle, intact sensation and does not have any edema or
tonal influence. The MOST appropriate type of AFO for patient would
incorporate:
a. An articulation at the ankle joint
b. Tone reducing features
c. Metal uprights
d. Dorsiflexion assist
145. A physical therapist recommends a wheelchair for a patient
rehabilitating from CVA with the goal of independent mobility. The left
upper and lower extremities are flaccid and present with edema. There is
normal strength on the right, however, the patient’s trunk is hypotonic.
The patient is cognitively intact. The MOST appropriate wheelichair for the
patient is:
a. Solid seat, solid back, elevating legrests, and anti-tippers
b. Solid seat, solid back, arm board, and elevating legrests
c. Light weight, solid seat, solid back, arm board, and elevating legrests
d. Light weight, solid seat, solid back, arm board, and standard footrests
146. A physical therapist participates in a formal gait analysis using
three-dimensional analysis software for an 11-year-old child with cerebral
palsy. Which piece of objective data would LEAST likely be obtained through
this process>
a. Decreased swing phase
b. Decreased walking velocity
c. Decreased quadriceps strength
d. Decrease knee extension range of motion
147. A patient’s medical chart indicates that a patient has a lesion in the
posterior portion of the spinal cord. Which of the following impairments
would MOST likely be observed?
a. Inability to determine joint position
b. Inability to distinguish between hot and cold
c. Inability to distinguish between sharp and dull
d. Inability to feel light touch
148. A physical therapist hypothesizes that a patient’s clinical
presentation may be associated with cubital tunnel syndrome. Which finding
 would be MOST useful when distinguishing this condition from other common
conditions affecting the elbow?
a. Visible edema in the posterior elbow
b. Medial-sided elbow pain
c. Paresthesia in the fourth and fifth fingers
d. Increased pain with weight bearing on the elbow
149. A patient is scheduled to undergo a transtibial amputation secondary
to gangrene of his left foot. In addition, the patient is one month status
post right total knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis. Given the
patient’s past and current medical history, the physical therapist can
expect which of the following tasks to be the MOST difficult for the patient
following his amputation
a. Rolling from supine to sidelying
b. Moving from supine to sitting
c. Moving from sitting to standing
d. Ambulation in the parallel bar
150. A physical therapist examines a 26-year-old female whose subjective
complaints include morning stiffness of her hands and visible swelling. The
patient indicates that the stiffness seems to diminish with activity. This
description BEST describes:
a. Carpal tunnel syndrome
b. Osteoporosis
c. Rheumatoid arthritis
d. Osteoarthritis
151. A physical therapist instructs a patient diagnosed with C6 tetraplegia
in functional activities. Which of the following activities would be LEAST
appropriate?
a. Independent raises for skin protection
b. Manual wheelchair propulsion
c. Assisted to independent transfers with a sliding board
d. Independent self-range of motion of the lower extremities
152. A physical therapist attempts to confirm the fit of a wheelchair for
a patient recently admitted to a skilled nursing facility. After completing
the assessment, the therapist determines the wheelchair has excessive seat
width. Which adverse effect results from excessive seat width?
a. Difficulty changing position within the wheelchair
b. Insufficient trunk support
 c. Difficulty propelling the wheelchair
d. Increased pressure to the distal posterior thighs
153. An eleven-month-old child with cerebral palsy attempts to maintain a
quadruped position. Which reflex would interfere with this activity if it
was NOT integrated?
a. Gallant reflex
b. Symmetrical tonic neck reflex
c. Plantar grasp reflex
d. Positive support reflex
154. A physical therapist attempts to schedule a patient for an additional
therapy session after completing the examination. The physician referral
indicates the patient is to be seen two times a week. The therapist suggests
several possible times to the patient, but the patient insists she can only
come in on Wednesday at 4:30. The therapist would like to accommodate the
patient, but already has two patients scheduled at that time. The MOST
appropriate action is to.
a. Schedule the patient on Wednesday at 4:30
b. Attempt to move one of the patients scheduled on Wednesday at 4:30 to
a different time
c. Schedule the patient with another physical therapist on Wednesday at
4:30
d. Inform the referring physician the patient will only be seen once this
week in therapy
155. While reading the methods section of a research report, a physical
therapist notes the investigators used a repeated measures design. This
form of experimental design:
a. Controls for differences between subjects
b. Keeps the subjects “blind” to the identify of the treatment group
c. Ensures that subjects with similar characteristics are assigned to
different treatment groups
d. Selects a homogenous group of subjects
156. A physical therapist reviews the parameters of several pain modulation
theories using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). When
comparing sensory stimulation to motor stimulation, sensory stimulation
requires:
a. Greater phase duration
b. Greater frequency
 c. Stronger amplitude
d. Shorter treatment time
157. A patient reports should pain during active shoulder range of motion
testing. The pain is most pronounced when the shoulder is in 170-180 degrees
of abduction. Which condition would be MOST commonly associated with this
finding?
a. Anterior glenohumeral instability
b. Posterior glenohumeral instability
c. Acromioclavicular arthritis
d. Bicipital tendonitis
158. A 52 year old male being treated for low back pain indicates that he
recently was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Which symptom is
MOST commonly associated with this condition?
a. Epigastric pain
b. Painful urination
c. Painful ejaculation
d. Urge to urinate frequently
159. A physical therapist completes a chart review for an 85 year old female
who was admitted to the hospital with T4 and T5 compression fractures. Which
diagnosis would the therapist MOST likely expect to identify in this
patient’s past medical history?
a. Rheumatoid arthritis
b. Osteoarthritis
c. Osteoporosis
d. Osteogenesis imperfecta
160. A patient who has been on bed rest for three weeks has developed a
plantar flexion contracture. Which phase of the gait cycle would be MOST
problematic for the patient based on the described impairment?
a. Heel strike to foot flat
b. Foot flat to midstance
c. Midstance to heel off
d. Heel off to toe off
161. A physical therapist administers iontophoresis to a patient with lower
extremity ulceration in an attempt to promote tissue healing, which ion
would BEST meet the stated objective?
a. Acetate
b. Magnesium
 c. Lidocaine
d. Zinc
162. A physical therapist performs segmental breathing exercises with a
patient following atelectasis. Which manual contact would be the MOST
appropriate to emphasize lingual expansion?
a. Place the hand on the left side of the chest below the axilla
b. Place the hand below the clavicle on the anterior chest wall
c. Place the hand over the posterior aspect of the lower ribs
d. Place the hand on the right side of the chest below the axilla
163. A physical therapist administers a submaximal exercise test to a
patient in a cardiac rehabilitation program. The protocol requires the
patient to ride a cycle ergometer for a predetermined amount of time using
progressive workloads. In order to predict the patient’s maximum oxygen
uptake it is necessary to determine the relationship between:
a. Heart rate and rate of perceived exertion
b. Heart rate and workload
c. Blood pressure and rate of perceived exertion
d. Blood pressure and workload
164. A physical therapist employed in a large medical center reviews the
chart of a 63 year old male referred to physical therapy for pulmonary
rehabilitation. The chart indicates the patient has smoked one to two packs
of cigarettes a day since the age of 25. The admitting physician documented
that the patient’s thorax was enlarged with flaring of the costal margins
and widening of the costochondral angle. Which pulmonary disease does the
chart MOST accurately describe?
a. Asthma
b. Bronchiectasis
c. Chronic bronchitis
d. Emphysema
165. A physical therapist reviews the result of pulmonary function testing
on a 44-year-old female diagnosed with emphysema. Assuming the patient’s
testing was classified as unremarkable, which of the following lung volumes
would MOST likely approximate 10% of the patient’s total lung capacity?
a. Tidal volume
b. Inspiratory reserve volume
c. Residual volume
d. Functional residual capacity
166. A physical therapist measures a patient’s shoulder complex medial
rotation with the patient positioned in supine, the glenohumeral joint in
90 degrees of abduction, and the elbow in 90 degrees of flexion. The
therapist records the 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?
a. Anterior joint capsule
b. Posterior joint capsule
c. Inferior joint capsule
d. Superior joint capsule
167. A physical therapist positions a patient in prone to measure passive
knee flexion. Range of motion may be limited in this position due to:
a. Active insufficiency of the knee extensors
b. Active insufficiency of the knee flexors
c. Passive insufficiency of the knee extensors
d. Passive insufficiency of the knee flexors
168. A physical therapist incorporates electrical stimulation as part of
the plan of care for a patient rehabilitating from a lower extremity inkury.
Which of the following recommendations would be LEAST effective to minimize
electrode resistance?
a. Keep the sponge interface well moistened
b. Use small electrodes
c. Maintain even, firm contact with the skin
d. Remove hair from the skin
169. A pregnant patient indicates that her physician ordered genetic
testing. Which condition would be LEAST likely to be identified through the
testing process?
a. Cystic fibrosis
b. Meningitis
c. Phenylketonuria
d. Tay-Sachs disease
170. A physical therapist notes that a newborn has extremely limited
dorsiflexion. Which positional foot deformity would be MOST likely based on
the range of motion limitation?
a. Calcaneovalgus
b. Metatarsus adductus
c. Syndactyly
 d. Talipes equinovarus
171. A physical therapist observes the gait of a patient following a lateral
ankle sprain. The patient walks without crutches, but it is evident that
walking is extremely painful. Which description is MOST accurate when
describing the unaffected extremity during walking?
a. Shorter swing phase and shorter step length
b. Shorter swing phase and longer step length
c. Longer swing phase and shorter step length
d. Longer swing phase and longer step length
172. A physical therapist attempts to examine the relationship between
scores on a function independence measure and another measurement whose
validity is known. This type of example BEST describes:
a. Face validity
b. Predictive validity
c. Concurrent validity
d. Content validity
173. A physical therapist develops a chart detailing expected functional
outcomes for a variety of spinal cord injuries. Which is the highest spinal
cord injury level at which independent transfers with a sliding board would
be feasible?
a. C4
b. C6
c. T1
d. T3
174. A patient rehabilitating from a spinal cord injury has significant
lower extremity spasticity which often results in the patient’s feet
becoming dislodged from the wheelchair footrests. The MOST appropriate
modification to address this problem is:
a. Hydraulic reclining unit
b. Elevating legrests
c. Heel loops and/or toe loops
d. Detachable swing-away legrests
175. A physical therapist utilizes a manual assisted cough techniques on a
patient with a mid-thoracic spinal cord injury. When completing this
technique with the patient in supine, the MOST appropriate location for the
therapist’s hand placement is:
a. Manubrium
 b. Epigastric area
c. Xiphoid process
d. Umbilical region
176. A 28-year-old male referred to physical therapy by his primary
physician complains of recurrent ankle pain. As part of the treatment
program, the therapist uses ultrasound over the peroneus longus and brevis
tendons. The MOST appropriate location for ultrasound application is:
a. Inferior to the sustentaculum tali
b. Over the sinus tarsi
c. Posterior to the lateral malleolus
d. Anterior to the lateral malleolus
177. A physical therapist treats a 32-year-old female rehabilitating from
a closed head injury presently functioning at Rancho Los Amigos level IV.
The therapist treats the patient in her home for 60 minute session, three
times per week. Recently the therapist has noticed that the patient becomes
increasingly combative as the session progresses and believes the
deterioration in behaviour is linked to the patient becoming fatigued. The
MOST appropriate treatment modification is:
a. Reduce the treatment sessions to 30 minutes, three times per week
b. Reduce the frequency of the treatment sessions to two times per week
c. Increase the rest periods during existing treatment sessions
d. Increase the treatment sessions to 90 minutes, two times per week
178. A physical therapist position a patient in supine in preparation for
goniometric measurements. When measuring medial rotation of the shoulder,
the therapist should position the fulcrum:
a. On the lateral midline of the humerus using the lateral epicondyle as
a reference
b. Perpendicular to the floor
c. Along the midaxillary line of the thorax
d. Over the olecranon process
179. A physical therapist examines a patient diagnosed with left-sided
failure. Which finding is NOT typically associated
a. Pulmonary edema
b. Persistent cough
c. Dependent edema
d. Muscular weakness
180. A physical therapist monitors a patient with a single lead
electrocardiogram. After carefully examining the obtained data, the
therapist classifies the rhythm as sinus bradycardia. Which description is
MOST indicative of this condition?
a. R-R interval is irregular with a rate between 100 and 200 beats per
minute
b. R-R interval is irregular with a rate between 40 and 100 beats per
minute
c. R-R interval is regular with a rate greater than 100 beats per minute
d. R-R interval is regular with a rate less than 60 beats per minute
181. A physical therapist working in cardiac rehabilitation progresses a
patient involved in a phase II program through an established exercises
protocol. The patient weighs 70kg and has progressed without difficulty
through the rehabilitation program. The protocol indicates the patient
should be performing activities requiring 3-4 metabolic equivalents (METs).
An example of an appropriate activity would be:
a. Level walking at 1 mph
b. Jogging at 5 mph
c. Cycling at 10 mph
d. Walking on a treadmill at 3 mph
182. An entry in the medical record indicates that electromyography revealed
denervation of the flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus, and
pronator quadratus muscle. This finding would MOST likely be associated
with:
a. Anterior compartment syndrome
b. Anterior interosseous syndrome
c. Cubital tunnel syndrome
d. Erb’s palsy
183. A physical therapist treats a patient with CVA that presents with
speech and language deficits. The therapist incorporates phonetics into the
plan of care. This intervention would be MOST essential for a patient
diagnosed with:
a. Broca’s aphasia
b. Dysarthria
c. Verbal aphasia
d. Dysphagia
184. A physical therapist determines that a patient has 0-135 degrees of
passive knee flexion and 0-120 degrees of active knee flexion. The MOST
appropriate form of testing to help clarify the difference in the range of
motion value is.
a. Passive joint motion testing
b. Special test isolating flexibility
c. Manual muscle tests
d. Diagnostic imaging
185. A physical therapy department embarks on a quality improvement program.
Results from a random sample of patient charts reveal that 40% of the charts
do not include a discharge summary. A logical next step to the quality
improvement program would be:
a. Dismiss the findings because discharge summaries are not directly
related to the quality of patient care
b. Discipline the staff member who did not complete the discharge
summaries and continue to monitor the situation
c. Dismiss the findings because a random sample does not provide accurate
information
d. Notify the staff that discharge summaries are to be completed on all
patients and continue to monitor the situation
186. A physical therapist employed in a rehabilitation hospital examines a
patient that exhibits several signs and symptoms of anemia. Which question
would be the MOST useful to gather additional information related to anemia?
a. Does it hurt to take a deep breath?
b. Do you experience heart palpitations or shortness of breath at rest or
with mild exertion?
c. Do you frequently experience dizziness, headaches or blurred vision?
d. Are you susceptible to bruising?
187. A physical therapist performs postural drainage to the anterior basal
segments of the lower lobes. During the treatment session the patient
suddenly complains of dizziness and mild dyspnea. The MOST appropriate
therapist action is to:
a. Reassure the patient that the response is normal
b. Assess the patient’s vital signs
c. Elevate the patient’s head
d. Call for assistance
188. A patient is asked to complete a pain questionnaire. The patient
selects words such as cramping, dull and aching to describe the pain. What
related structure is MOST consistent with the pain description?
a. Nerve root
b. Muscle
c. Bone
d. Vascular
189. A physical therapist completes a study which examines the effect of
goniometer size on the reliability of passive shoulder joint measurements.
The therapist concludes that goniometric measurements of passive shoulder
range of motion can be highly reliable when taken by a single therapist,
regardless of the size of the goniometer. This study demonstrates the use
of
a. Interrater reliability
b. Intrarater reliability
c. Internal validity
d. External validity
190. A physical therapist employed in an acute care hospital examines a
patient rehabilitating from surgery. The patient has diabetes, however, has
no other significant past medical history. Which of the following situations
would MOST warrant immediate medical attention?
a. Signs of confusion and lethargy
b. Systolic blood pressure increase of 20 mmHg during exercise
c. Lack of significant clinical findings following the examination
d. Discovery of significant past medical history unknown to the physician
191. A patient with a peripheral nerve injury is examined in physical
therapy, the patient’s primary symptoms result from an injury to the
superficial peroneal nerve. The MOST likely area of sensory alteration is:
a. Sole of the foot
b. Plantar surface of the toes
c. Lateral aspect of the leg and dorsum of the foot
d. Triangular area between the first and second toes
192. A physical therapist reviews a physician examination which indicates
diminished sensation in the L3 dermatome. The MOST appropriate location to
confirm the physician’s findings is:
a. Dorsum of the foot
b. Anterior thigh
 c. Groin
d. Lateral calf
193. A physical therapist prepares to perform volumetric measurements as a
means of quantifying edema. Which patient would appear to be the MOST
appropriate candidate for this type of objective measure?
a. A 39-year-old female with a Colle’s fracture
b. A 27-year-old male with bicipital tendonitis
c. A 48 -year-old male with a rotator cuff tear
d. A 57-year-old male with pulmonary edema
194. A three-year-old child throws frequent temper tantrums, usually
contrived to gain attention. The physical therapist recognizing the child’s
objective, refuses to acknowledge the action. This type of behaviour therapy
is BEST termed:
a. Aversive conditioning
b. Extinction
c. Operant conditioning
d. Rational emotive therapy
195. A physical therapist reads in the medical record that the foot
progression angle of a four-year-old child was recorded as -10 degrees
(minus 10 degrees). Which range of motion measurement at the hip would MOST
likely be associated with the obtained foot progression angle?
a. 75 degrees of hip medial rotation and 25 degrees of hip lateral rotation
b. 35 degrees of hip medial rotation and 70 degrees of hip lateral rotation
c. 30 degrees of hip medial rotation and 20 degrees of hip lateral rotation
d. 45 degrees of hip medial rotation and 45 degrees of hip lateral rotation
196. A physical therapist performs a chart review of a new patient and finds
the patient is positive for the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. The physical
therapist would anticipate that the patient presents with:
a. Meningitis
b. Pneumonia
c. Gastric ulcer disease
d. Tetanus
197. A physical therapist examines a patient who complains of abdominal
pain. The patient’s symptoms include left lower quadrant abdominal pain,
loss of appetite, and nausea. The clinical presentation is MOST consistent
with:
a. Diverticulitis
 b. Appendicitis
c. Peptic ulcer
d. Pancreatitis
198. A 61-year-old male referred to physical therapy complains of an
excessive cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath. The patient
indicates that he has been bothered by some combination of these symptoms
for over 10 years. The patient’s present condition is MOST indicative of:
a. Idiopathic hypoventilation
b. Chronic hypoxemia
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Chronic bronchitis
199. A patient two days status post arthrotomy of the knee completes a
quadriceps setting exercise while lying supine on a mat table. During the
exercise the patient begins to experience severe pain. The MOST appropriate
physical therapist action is:
a. Have the patient perform the exercise in sidelying
b. Have the patient flex the knee prior to initiating the exercise
c. Place a pillow under the ankle
d. Discontinue the exercise
200. A physical therapist enters a private treatment area and observes a
patient collapsed on the floor. The patient appears to be moving slightly,
however, seems to be in need of medical assistance, the MOST immediate
therapist action is:
a. Check for unresponsiveness
b. Monitor airway, breathing, and circulation
c. Position the patient
d. Phone emergency medical services