This test is designed to help you assess your knowledge and readiness for the NPTE.
It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering key topics such as musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, integumentary, and other systems, as well as foundational sciences and therapeutic interventions.
Use this test to identify areas where you may need further study and to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam.
Good luck!
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National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) Practice Test
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Question 1 |
Which of the following is the primary muscle responsible for knee extension?
Biceps femoris | |
Rectus femoris | |
Vastus lateralis | |
Semitendinosus |
Question 2 |
A patient presents with weakness in dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot. Which nerve is most likely affected?
Tibial nerve | |
Common fibular nerve | |
Sciatic nerve | |
Femoral nerve |
Question 3 |
Which of the following is a sign of upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion?
Flaccid paralysis | |
Hyporeflexia | |
Positive Babinski sign | |
Muscle atrophy |
Question 4 |
What is the primary goal of Phase I cardiac rehabilitation?
Improve aerobic capacity | |
Prevent complications of immobility | |
Return to work | |
Increase strength |
Question 5 |
Which of the following is a contraindication for ultrasound therapy?
Chronic tendinitis | |
Acute inflammation | |
Muscle strain | |
Scar tissue |
Question 6 |
A patient with Parkinson’s disease is most likely to exhibit which of the following gait patterns?
Ataxic gait | |
Spastic gait | |
Festinating gait | |
Steppage gait |
Question 7 |
Which of the following is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with adhesive capsulitis?
Aggressive stretching | |
Joint mobilization | |
Rest and immobilization | |
High-intensity strengthening |
Question 8 |
What is the primary function of the rotator cuff muscles?
Shoulder abduction | |
Stabilization of the humeral head | |
Scapular retraction | |
Shoulder flexion |
Question 9 |
Which of the following tests is used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Phalen’s test | |
Thomas test | |
Ober’s test | |
Trendelenburg test |
Question 10 |
A patient with a C6 spinal cord injury would most likely have intact function of which muscle?
Deltoid | |
Triceps | |
Wrist extensors | |
Finger flexors |
Question 11 |
Which of the following is a hallmark sign of rheumatoid arthritis?
Heberden’s nodes | |
Swan neck deformity | |
Osteophyte formation | |
Joint stiffness in the morning lasting less than 30 minutes |
Question 12 |
What is the primary purpose of the McMurray test?
Assess for meniscal injury | |
Evaluate ACL integrity | |
Diagnose patellar tendinitis | |
Test for hip labral tear |
Question 13 |
Which of the following is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with a stage II pressure ulcer?
Debridement | |
Moist wound healing | |
Negative pressure wound therapy | |
Surgical closure |
Question 14 |
A patient with a lower extremity amputation is experiencing phantom limb pain. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Mirror therapy | |
High-intensity exercise | |
Electrical stimulation | |
Immobilization |
Question 15 |
Which of the following is a common complication of prolonged bed rest?
Hypertension | |
Deep vein thrombosis | |
Increased bone density | |
Improved pulmonary function |
Question 16 |
What is the primary goal of the Brunnstrom approach in stroke rehabilitation?
Prevent spasticity | |
Facilitate recovery through synergistic patterns | |
Strengthen unaffected limbs | |
Improve balance |
Question 17 |
Which of the following is a characteristic of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Ascending paralysis | |
Descending paralysis | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity |
Question 18 |
What is the primary purpose of the Berg Balance Scale?
Assess fall risk | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 19 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of thoracic outlet syndrome?
Numbness in the ulnar distribution | |
Weakness in the hip abductors | |
Pain in the lumbar region | |
Loss of ankle dorsiflexion |
Question 20 |
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
Transport oxygen | |
Remove waste products | |
Regulate blood pressure | |
Produce hormones |
Question 21 |
Which of the following is a contraindication for spinal manipulation?
Osteoporosis | |
Muscle strain | |
Joint stiffness | |
Chronic low back pain |
Question 22 |
A patient with a complete T10 spinal cord injury would most likely have intact function of which muscle?
Quadriceps | |
Hamstrings | |
Rectus abdominis | |
Diaphragm |
Question 23 |
Which of the following is a common complication of diabetes mellitus?
Peripheral neuropathy | |
Increased bone density | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Muscle hypertrophy |
Question 24 |
What is the primary purpose of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test?
Assess balance and mobility | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 25 |
Which of the following is a characteristic of myasthenia gravis?
Muscle weakness that improves with rest | |
Spasticity | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Ascending paralysis |
Question 26 |
What is the primary purpose of the FIM (Functional Independence Measure)?
Assess functional ability | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 27 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis?
Fatigue | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
All of the above |
Question 28 |
What is the primary purpose of the 6-Minute Walk Test?
Assess aerobic capacity | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 29 |
Which of the following is a common complication of a total hip replacement?
Dislocation | |
Increased bone density | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Muscle hypertrophy |
Question 30 |
What is the primary purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Assess level of consciousness | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 31 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of a herniated lumbar disc?
Radicular pain | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
Ascending paralysis |
Question 32 |
What is the primary purpose of the Tinel’s test?
Assess for nerve compression | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 33 |
Which of the following is a common complication of a stroke?
Hemiparesis | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
All of the above |
Question 34 |
What is the primary purpose of the Romberg test?
Assess balance | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 35 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of a rotator cuff tear?
Pain with overhead activities | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
Ascending paralysis |
Question 36 |
What is the primary purpose of the straight leg raise test?
Assess for lumbar radiculopathy | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 37 |
Which of the following is a common complication of a spinal cord injury?
Autonomic dysreflexia | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
All of the above |
Question 38 |
What is the primary purpose of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment?
Assess motor function after stroke | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 39 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of a meniscal tear?
Locking of the knee | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
Ascending paralysis |
Question 40 |
What is the primary purpose of the Ashworth Scale?
Assess spasticity | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 41 |
Which of the following is a common complication of a total knee replacement?
Deep vein thrombosis | |
Increased bone density | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Muscle hypertrophy |
Question 42 |
What is the primary purpose of the Barthel Index?
Assess activities of daily living | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 43 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of a labral tear in the hip?
Pain with rotational movements | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
Ascending paralysis |
Question 44 |
What is the primary purpose of the Dynamic Gait Index?
Assess gait and balance | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 45 |
Which of the following is a common complication of a stroke?
Aphasia | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
All of the above |
Question 46 |
What is the primary purpose of the Functional Reach Test?
Assess balance | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 47 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of a meniscal tear?
Pain with squatting | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
Ascending paralysis |
Question 48 |
What is the primary purpose of the 10-meter Walk Test?
Assess gait speed | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
Question 49 |
Which of the following is a common complication of a spinal cord injury?
Pressure ulcers | |
Hyperreflexia | |
Spasticity | |
All of the above |
Question 50 |
What is the primary purpose of the Modified Ashworth Scale?
Assess spasticity | |
Measure strength | |
Evaluate endurance | |
Test coordination |
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Read the full guide: How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant