NPTE practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11A patient is being evaluated by a physical therapist for a diabetic ulcer that penetrates the subcutaneous tissue, extending into the subcutaneous fat and fascia but without any gangrene or osteomyelitis present. The physical therapist wishes to document the severity of the ulcer.<br/><br/>What is the MOST appropriate objective measure of the wound?
✓ Correct answer: D. Measure the depth and shape of the ulcer and classify it as a Grade 2 ulcer on the Wagner Ulcer Grade Classification System.
As a physical therapist, you should always document depth and shape of the ulcer. Grade 2 on the Wagner Scale is defined as a deep ulcer penetrating into the subcutaneous tissue, but without gangrene. The Wagner scale is commonly used to classify diabetic ulceration.
Q12Common speeds of motion for isokinetic dynamometry include all of the following degrees per second except:
✓ Correct answer: D. 100
Common speeds of motion include 60, 120, and 180 degrees per second. Benefits include the ability to test the muscle strength at various speeds, the ability to measure the patient's power, and that the patient will never have more resistance than they can handle during the isokinetic testing.
Q13Carol is receiving TENS for intense shoulder pain. The physical therapist wants to activate both the A-delta and A-beta sensory fibers associated with both pain control mechanisms (pain gate and opioid). <br/><br/>Which form of TENS can stimulate both nerve types?
✓ Correct answer: D. Burst mode TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) comes in a variety of modes and produces a variety of effects through its two mechanisms of pain relief. High frequency stimulation usually involves A-beta fibers and the pain gate mechanism. Low frequency stimulation involves A-delta fibers and the opioid mechanism. Burst mode TENS can stimulate both fibers and engage both mechanisms.
Q14A 42 year old female has ataxia and intention tremors. <br/><br/>What do intention tremors indicate?
✓ Correct answer: D. Cerebellar disease.
Ataxia is a common sign of cerebellar disease. Intention tremors also indicate cerebellar disease. Intention tremors should not be confused with essential tremors.
Q15For acute bronchitis, treatment includes:
✓ Correct answer: D. all of the above
Treatment for acute bronchitis includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids and breathing warm and moist air. Cough suppressants and acetaminophen or aspirin may also be recommended.
Q16Artificial airways keep the airway open. This is done through different means. If your patient has a tube inserted through the mouth and into the pharynx which of the following airways is being used?
✓ Correct answer: C. Oropharyngeal airway
An oropharyngeal airway is inserted through the mouth and into the pharynx. A nurse or respiratory therapist inserts the airway. An endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the trachea. A tracheostomy tube is inserted through a surgically created opening into the trachea. Pleural effusion is the escape and collection of fluid in the pleural space and has nothing to do with airways.
Q17Movement in and out of the lungs is controlled mainly by which of the following actions?
✓ Correct answer: D. Downward and upward motion of the diaphragm and elevation and depression of the ribs to increase the diameter of the chest cavity
Movement in and out of the lungs is controlled mainly by downward and upward motion of the diaphragm and by elevation and depression of the ribs to increase the diameter of the chest cavity. These changes affect the pressure and space availability within the lungs, thus forcing inspiration and expiration of air.
Q18Heart attack symptoms vary. Not all people who have heart attacks experience the same symptoms or experience them to the same degree. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Signs that can indicate a heart attack include:
✓ Correct answer: C. all of the above
Signs that can indicate a heart attack include discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.<br/><br/>It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.<br/><br/>Pain or discomfort in one or both upper extremities, the back, neck, jaw or stomach may also occur.<br/><br/>Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness are also common.
Q19Mr. Chen is seeing you because he has been diagnosed with a respiratory condition requiring physical therapy. He has a ventilation/perfusion mismatch and difficulty breathing. <br/><br/>Which condition results from a ventilation/perfusion abnormality causing renal hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, increased pressure in the peripheral tissues, and eventually leads to left ventricular failure?
✓ Correct answer: A. Cor pulmonale
Cor pulmonale can occur in the later stages of COPD. It results from a ventilation/perfusion abnormality. The abnormality causes hypoxia which causes a series of complications including pulmonary hypertension, renal hypoxia, polycythemia, increased systemic blood pressure. Cor pulmonale can eventually lead to death.
Q20A 71 year old male patient's respiratory function is so impaired he is receiving mechanical ventilation. <br/><br/>What is a non-pulmonary complication involved with mechanical ventilation?
✓ Correct answer: C. Neuromuscular atrophy.
Mechanical ventilation is a used when patients cannot breathe unassisted. This device is associated with pulmonary and non-pulmonary complications. Weakening of the chest muscles or atrophy is a non-pulmonary complication.
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Theory