Question 1
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following best describes the etiology of hyperabduction syndrome
of the retropectoralis minor space?
- An elongated transverse process from the 7th cervical vertebrae narrows the interval
between the middle and anterior scalene muscles
- Compression of the subclavian artery & brachial plexus in the interscalene angle due
to hypertrophy, tightness, or abnormal insertion of the middle & anterior scalene
muscles and/or elevation of the 1st rib
- Narrowed space between the clavicle & first rib, potentially due to clavicular
abnormalities or elevated first rib
- Compression of neurovascular structures as they pass under the coracoid process
and pectoralis minor muscles with the arm in hyperabduction
- None of the above describe hyperabduction syndrome of the retropectoralis minor
space
Question 2
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following best describes the sensory distribution of cervical nerve
root 7 / C7 dermatome?
Upper trapezius / clavicular area
Lateral upper arm
Ulnar side of hand
Middle finger
None of the above represent the C7 dermatome
Question 3
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following muscles is most likely to be involved in a lateral
epicondylalgia diagnosis?
Brachioradialis
Extensor carpi radialis longus
Extensor carpi radialis brevis
Flexor carpi radialis
None of the above muscles are likely to be involved in a lateral epicondylalgia
diagnosis
Question 4
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following best describes the L5 dermatome?
Lateral lower leg
Medial lower leg
Lateral border of foot
Medial leg around the knee
None of the above describe the L5 dermatome
Question 5
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following is most likely to be seen if your patient has limited
superior translation/glide of the patella?
Reduced knee extension range of motion
Improved knee flexion range of motion
Reduced knee flexion strength
Improved knee flexion strength
None of the above are associated iwth a hypomobile superior glide of the patella
Question 6
2 / 2 pts
A PTA is treating a patient who demonstrates diminished sensation in the medial
forearm, diminished strength in the interossei muscles, but no diminished reflexes.
Which of the following nerve roots do you suspect is impaired?
C4
C5
C6
C7
Given the list of symptoms, you would not suspect any of the above nerve roots to be
compromised
** i think it is T1
Question 7
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following best describes spinal stenosis?
Anterior slippage of one vertebral body on an adjacent body
Protrusion beyond the annulus fibrosis beyond its normal perimeter
Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal, nerve root canals, and/or intervertebral foramina
that may encroach on the nerve roots of the lumbar spine
Loss of function of the lumbar plexus due to posterior disc herniation, associated with
sudden loss of bowel & bladder control and saddle anesthesia
None of the above accurately describe spinal stenosis
Question 8
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following best describes the knee’s arthrokinematics during the descent of
a squat?
The tibia translates / slides anteriorly relative to the femur
The tibia translates / slides posteriorly relative to the femur
The femur translates / slides anteriorly relative to the tibia
The femur translates / slides posteriorly relative to the tibia
None of the above describe the knee’s arthrokinematics motion during the descent of a
squat
Question 9
2 / 2 pts
Which myotome is most likely affected by an L2-L3 disc herniation?
Hip flexion
Knee extension
Ankle dorsiflexion
Big toe extension
None of the above myotomes are likely to be affected
Question 10
2 / 2 pts
How are scoliosis curves named?
Using the patient’s dominant hand as a reference point
Using the patient’s non-dominant hand as a reference point
By the direction of the concavity
By the direction of the convexity
None of the above describe how scoliotic curves are named
Question 11
2 / 2 pts
Which of the following is true of a flat low-back posture?
It is the best posture for a healthy spine.
It is typically associated with tight hip flexor muscles.
It should be the goal of all back rehabilitation programs.
It reduces the shock-absorbing function of the spinal curves.
Question 12
2 / 2 pts
Following recovery of a posterolateral disc protrusion, your patient will be returning to a
job that requires prolonged forward bending and stooping. Your instructions to the
patient must include:
Interruption of the flexed postures at frequent intervals by standing upright and
bending backward.
Advice to quit that job and find one that is sedentary.
No advice—forward bending helps maintain mobility in the spine.
Preparing for the forward bending by posterior tilting of the pelvis before bending and
stooping.
Question 13
2 / 2 pts
Of the following, which is the MOST effective way to improve muscle endurance?
Have a patient train on an isokinetic dynamometer at fast speeds only
Have the patient train using dynamic exercise against submaximal loads over
progressively longer time periods
Have the patient exercise against maximal resistance for a limited number of
repetitions
Have the patient train by using isometric exercises against maximal resistance
Incorrect
Question 14
0 / 2 pts
Your patient injured her ulnar nerve falling up some steps and catching herself on the
medial side of her hand 2 days ago. She currently has constant tingling and decreased
sensation to pressure and touch in the little finger and ulnar half of the ring finger. Your
intervention during the first week of treatment will be all of the following except:
Protect the nerve by immobilizing the wrist in a splint.
Teach active ROM to wrist and fingers.
Emphasize the importance of resistive exercises to prevent muscle atrophy.
Inform the patient about ways to protect the hand from further injury.
Question 15
2 / 2 pts
If a patient, who is in a prone position with a cuff weight around his ankle, flexes his
knee from a full extended (0 degrees) position to a fully flexed (150 degrees) position,
what type(s) of contraction will occur in which muscle group(s)?
The knee flexors contract concentrically through the full ROM.
The knee flexors contract eccentrically from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, and the knee
extensors contract concentrically from 90 degrees to 150 degrees of flexion.
The knee flexors contract eccentrically throughout the full ROM.
The knee flexors contract concentrically from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, and the knee
extensors contract eccentrically from 90 degrees to 150 degrees of flexion.
Incorrect
Question 16
0 / 2 pts
Your patient experiences a tingling sensation in the upper extremity while in the
following position: shoulder girdle depression; slight abduction of the shoulder; elbow
extension; medial rotation of the arm; pronation of the forearm, wrist, and finger; thumb
flexion; and ulnar deviation of the wrist. Which peripheral nerve is being placed on a
stretch?
Median
Radial
Ulnar
Musculocutaneous
Question 17
2 / 2 pts
Disc lesions are more common in the 30 year to 45 year age span because:
The annulus begins degenerating, loses tensile strength, and begins to tear with
excessive forces.
The nucleus pulposus changes in chemical composition during this time and is
capable of imbibing greater than normal amounts of water, causing greater than normal
pressure against pain-sensitive structures.
The facets are wearing out and the entire joint complex is placed under greater stress.
This is not the most common age span for disk lesions
Incorrect
Question 18
0 / 2 pts
Individuals with symptoms from an intervertebral disk lesion and individuals with
osteoporosis should not do:
The drawing-in maneuver.
Anterior and posterior pelvic tilt motions.
Dynamic trunk flexion exercises.
Stabilization exercises in the supine position.
Incorrect
Question 19
0 / 2 pts
A patient had surgery and 8 weeks of rehabilitation for carpal tunnel syndrome. You
notice that the patient’s thenar eminence is almost the same size as that of the
uninvolved hand. This change is due to which of the following adaptive changes?
Increased recruitment of motor units
Hyperplasia of muscle fibers (Total amount of muscle fiber)
Hypertrophy of muscle fibers (Increase of one muscle fiber)
Fiber-type transformation
Incorrect
Question 20
0 / 2 pts
Following transverse carpal ligament surgery to release impingement of the median
nerve in the carpal tunnel, your patient has increased sensation of tingling when the
wrist is extended. The impairment and its intervention should be:
Joint adhesions: use joint-mobilization techniques.
Median nerve adhesions: use nerve-mobilization techniques.
Ligamentous stress from the surgery: use cross-friction massage.
Scar adhesions: mobilize the skin around the surgical site followed by range of motion
(ROM) exercises.
Question 21
2 / 2 pts
On examination, your patient reports that he is an avid cyclist and over the past 2
months has been experiencing numbness of the little finger and the ulnar side of his ring
finger that has become painful over the past week with an inability to effectively grasp
the handlebars. One area of possible nerve compression producing these signs and
symptoms is:
Carpal tunnel
Tunnel of Guyon ( Ulnar tunnel)
Thoracic outlet
Tarsal tunnel
Question 22
2 / 2 pts
One day following onset of pain and muscle guarding in the low back region, your
patient stands with lumbar flexion. Repeated flexion tests increase pain into the buttock.
Repeated extension increases the pain in the midback and decreases the pain in the
buttock. You begin treatment by:
Positioning the patient supine and having him bring both knees to his chest.
Placing the patient in intermittent traction at less than half his body weight for 20
minutes.
Having the patient lie prone and attempting passive extension with press-ups or prone
propping maneuvers after side gliding the thorax.
Placing the patient on complete bed rest for at least 4 days, applying modalities and
massage during that time.
Question 23
2 / 2 pts
Your patient describes posterior cervical pain and headaches that get progressively
worse throughout each workday. She is a computer programmer, plays tennis on the
weekends, and is an aerobic walker in the evenings. Your evaluation reveals a person
who is physically fit with well-balanced flexibility and strength. Your treatment emphasis
will be:
Teaching tension-reducing postures and modification of chair, desk, and computer
heights.
Stretching the short suboccipital, levator, and scalene muscles.
Teaching proper warm-up exercises and progressing her aerobic program to running.
Changing her sleeping posture and pillow height.
Incorrect
Question 24
0 / 2 pts
Scheuermann’s disease:
Is a rheumatic disorder.
Results from weakened vertebral end-plates.
Begins with radicular signs that diminish over time.
Requires functionally increasing the lumbar lordosis to prevent development of
kyphosis.
Incorrect
Question 25
0 / 2 pts
Your patient is an 87-year old resident of a skilled nursing facility. She sustained a
compression fracture of the T12 vertebrae several weeks ago when she inadvertently
sat down too forcefully on a hard chair. Incorporating resistance training that focuses
on eccentric exercises of her quadriceps & gluteal muscles in weight-bearing positions
represents what principle of therapeutic exercise?
Specificity of training
Reversibility of training
Overflow principle
Overload principle
Incorrect
Question 26
0 / 2 pts
While reviewing your patient's chart, you note that a recent pulmonary function test
revealed a decreased residual volume (RV) and decreased total lung capacity (TLC).
Which condition is more likely?
obstructive disorders (Accessory breathers)
restrictive disorders
cardiac disorder
renal disorder
Incorrect
Question 27
0 / 2 pts
Your patient has a recent history of orthostatic hypotension. You educate her to
perform ankle pumps and heel slides prior to sitting up from bed each morning. She
asks you how movement in the legs can possibly help keep her from feeling lightheaded
when she gets up. Which of the following is an accurate explanation?
ankle pumps maximize afterload therefore increasing cardiac index
arteries have no muscular layer and therefore require skeletal muscle movement in
order to bring blood flow to the cells of the body
ankle pumps maximize afterload therefore increasing stroke volume
muscle contractions help increase the pressure on the veins of the legs which helps
return blood to the heart to circulate again
Question 28
2 / 2 pts
During exercise, the heart must increase cardiac output to beyond resting average of 5
liters per minute. How is this accomplished?
decreased local blood flow due to vasoconstriction of working muscles
decreased heart rate and contractility due to vagus nerve response
decreased peripheral vascular resistance due to endocrine system response
increased heart rate and contractility due to sympathetic nervous system response
Incorrect
Question 29
0 / 2 pts
A recent echocardiogram report shows aortic valve stenosis. How might this affect your
patient's ability to tolerate exercise?
decreased afterload can decrease cardiac output therefore decreasing activity
tolerance
increased afterload can decrease cardiac output therefore decreasing activity
tolerance
the narrowed aortic valve will decrease the oxygen demand for the left ventricle
structure of valves in the heart and great vessels do not have an effect on exercise
tolerance
Question 30
2 / 2 pts
Patients experiencing ARDS due to COVID 19 infection may benefit from being placed
in the prone position for the following reason:
improved ventilation to the anterior lung segments and Left middle lobe
decreased cardiac preload in prone position
improved ventilation to dorsum of lungs, improved secretion drainage, improve
ventilation/perfusion matching
improved perfusion to the posterior lung segments, improved ventilation to anterior
lung segments
Question 31
2 / 2 pts
A patient presents with a grade II lateral ankle sprain incurred during a volleyball game
the previous night. Today, the patient ambulates into the clinic non-weightbearing using
bilateral axillary crutches and has a compression wrap on the involved ankle. During
early maximum-protection phase of rehabilitation, an appropriate treatment intervention
would be to:
Encourage full range of motion exercises
Perform isotonic exercise at 60% maximum strength
Incorporate muscle setting exercises (acute)
Use plyometric activities
Question 32
2 / 2 pts
What are the therapeutic guidelines for using intermittent traction to alleviate symptoms
of a lumbar herniated disc protrusion?
Utilize 75% of the patient's actual body weight
Utilize the lowest force possible to alleviate symptoms
Utilize the highest force tolerable by the patient to alleviate the symptoms
Utilize a fixed force, between 80 and 180 pounds
Question 33
2 / 2 pts
A physical therapist assistant is working with an office worker who is a long-term
smoker who now has emphysema. The physical therapist diagnosis and treatment plan
includes intervention and patient education for thoracic outlet syndrome. The patient
reports increased pain and tingling in bilateral hands after sitting at a desk for longer
than 1 hour. The assistant should focus treatment on:
Stretching the pectoralis major and rhomboid muscles
Stretching of the scalenes and pectoralis minor muscles
● (Thoracic outlet syndrome is brachial plexus nerve entrapment between
anterior/middle scalenes and retropectoralis)
Stretching the wrist and finger flexors
Stretching of the biceps brachii and brachialis
Question 34
2 / 2 pts
A patient presents with limited shoulder abduction secondary to adhesive capsulitis.
The supervising physical therapist determines that grade II & III joint mobilization
techniques will assist in promoting the return of normal joint accessory motion and
shoulder abduction. Taking into consideration the articular surfaces of the
glenohumeral joint, the direction that would be MOST appropriate for mobilization would
be:
Superior glide of the humerus on the scapula
Inferior glide of the humerus on the scapula (improves abduction)
Anterior glide of the humerus on the scapula
Posterior glide of the humerus on the scapula
Incorrect
Question 35
0 / 2 pts
A physical therapist assistant prepares to assess a patient's triceps using a reflex
hammer. The MOST appropriate positioning of the patient's arm during the testing
procedure is:
Shoulder extension & elbow flexion
Shouler flexion & elbow extension
Shoulder extension & elbow extension
Shoulder flexion & elbow flexion
Question 36
2 / 2 pts
A patient presents for outpatient physical therapy services with the diagnosis of
hypermobility of the shoulder. The physical therapist directs the physical therapist
assistant to provide therapeutic exercise to address the hypermobility. What is the
MOST appropriate therapeutic exercise?
Grade II & III manual peripheral joint mobilization
Stabilization exercises
Rotator cuff stretching exercises
Overhead strengthening exercises
Question 37
2 / 2 pts
A physical therapist assistant working with a patient who had an injury to the median
nerve following a Colle's fracture should expect to see a strength deficit of which
muscle?
Pronator teres
Extensor indicis
Flexor digiti minimi
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Question 38
2 / 2 pts
A patient is referred to physical therapy with a C6 nerve root injury. Which of the
following clinical findings would NOT be expected with this type of injury?
Diminished sensation on the anterior arm and the index finger
Weakness in the biceps and supinator
Paresthesias of the long and ring fingers
Diminished brachioradialis reflex
Question 39
2 / 2 pts
A patient with a 10-year history of diabetes reports cramping, pain and fatigue of the
right buttock after walking 400 feet or climbing stairs. When the patient stops
exercising, the pain goes away immediately. The skin of the involved lower extremity is
cool and pale. The assistant checks the record and finds no mention of this problem.
What are these observations an indication of?
Radiating pain
Muscle cramps
Intermittent claudication (muscle pain that happens when you are active and stops at
rest.)
Delayed onset muscle soreness
Incorrect
Question 40
0 / 2 pts
A patient has been admitted to a skilled nursing facility following an open reduction
internal fixation to the right hip for a femoral neck fracture. The physical therapy plan of
care includes strengthening the lower extremities, gait training, transfer training, and
patient education. Which of the following complications is LEAST likely to be an issue
with this patient?
Avascular necrosis
Deep vein thrombosis
Dislocation of the hip joint (Hip dislocation is more often associated with a total hip
arthroplasty than with an open reduction internal fixation.)
Respiratory compromise
Question 41
2 / 2 pts
The physical therapist's plan of care for a patient with acute low back pain identifies the
use of interferential current. Where should the physical therapist assistant place the
electrodes?
Immediately adjacent and parallel to the spinal column with one channel on each side
Perpendicular to the spinal column, one channel over the upper lumbar area, and the
other channel over the lower lumbar area
Diagonally so the channels cross near the area of most pain
Parallel to the spinal column, one channel from the mid-thoracic spine paravertebrals
to the lower lumbar area on the right side, the other mirroring it on the left side
Question 42
2 / 2 pts
A patient who has just undergone surgical repair for a chronic anterior shoulder
dislocation is participating in an exercise program. Early rehabilitation should avoid
which glenohumeral motion?
Lateral (external) rotation
Abduction
Medial (internal) rotation
Flexion
Question 43
2 / 2 pts
A computer specialist is unable to work because of weakness and altered sensation in
the dominant right hand. The patient complains of pain and tingling of the thumb, index
finger, long finger, and radial half of the ring finger. The therapist observes thenar
weakness and atrophy. Strength, reflexes, and sensation are within normal limits
throughout the remainder of the right upper extremity. The signs and symptoms are
characteristic of:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Pronator teres syndrome
Cervical root compression
Ulnar nerve compression
Incorrect
Question 44
0 / 2 pts
A newborn has a brachial plexus injury that is a result of a breech birth presentation.
Nerve roots C8 and T1 have been affected. The infant will MOST likely present with
which of the following?
Paralysis of the intrinsic muscles and wrist flexors
A shoulder that is adducted and medially rotated
A waiter's tip deformity
Winging of the scapula
Question 45
2 / 2 pts
A physical therapist assistant is treating an adolescent female who complains of anterior
knee pain. The PTA observes that the lower extremity shows medial femoral torsion
and a toeing-in position of the feet. The lower extremity position may be indicative of
excessive hip:
Anteversion (medial rotation of knee equates wider angle of hip)
Medial/internal rotation
Retroversion
Lateral/external rotation
Incorrect
Question 46
0 / 2 pts
A patient is receiving physical therapy because of lower back pain. The supervising
physical therapist is concerned that the patient may have a pars interarticularis defect
(spondylolisthesis) that is responsible for the symptoms. Until the patient's condition
can be verified through radiographic imaging, what exercises should be avoided?
Isometric strengthening of the abdominals
Stretching of the hamstrings
Isometric strengthening of the back extensors
Isotonic strengthening of the back extensors (involves torsion, extension, and flexion)
Question 47
2 / 2 pts
A patient who is substituting with the sartorius muscle during testing of the iliopsoas
muscle for a grade 3/5 (fair) muscle test would demonstrate:
Flexion of the hip and extension of the knee (thomas test)
Extension of the hip and knee
Internal rotation and abduction of the hip
External rotation and abduction of the hip
Question 48
2 / 2 pts
A physical therapist assistant observes a patient attempt to walk on their heels as part
of a lower quarter screening. This activity would BEST assess the:
L3 myotome
L4 myotome
L5 myotome
S1 myotome
Incorrect
Question 49
0 / 2 pts
An infant was referred to physical therapy for right torticollis. The MOST effective
method to stretch the muscle is by positioning the head and neck into:
Flexion, left side-bending, and left rotation (to stretch do the opposite of injury)
Extension, right side-bending, and left rotation
Flexion, right side-bending, and left rotation
Extension, left side-bending, and right rotation
Question 50
2 / 2 pts
A patient with chronic cervical pain is referred to an outpatient physical therapy clinic.
Past medical history reveals: appendectomy, 12 years ago; chronic heart disease;
demand-type pacemaker, 8 years ago; whiplash injury, 2 years ago. Presently the
patient complains of pain and muscle spasm in the cervical region. The modality that
should NOT be considered in the case is:
Mechanical traction
Ultrasound
Hot pack
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (contraindicated for pacemaker)