NPTE Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

A patient is being tested for general motor system function. The patient's weakness is not related to a nerve distribution. There are no changes in her reflexes and the tone is normal. Instead her is weakness is more generalized throughout the limbs.

What is most likely the cause of her weakness?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Myopathy.. Neurological assessment can help the physical therapist the determine the nature of musculoskeletal problems. Generalized weakness unrelated to nerve distribution or other disease is most likely due to myopathy. Myopathy is disorder stemming from the muscles themselves.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is false about Syme's amputation?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The residual limb cannot weight bear through its end. A Syme's amputation is loss of all foot functions. The residual limb can weight bear through its end. The residual limb is bulbous with a non-cosmetic appearance. Dog ears must be reduced for proper prosthetic fit. Adaptation is required for the increased weight of the prosthesis and diminished toe off during gait.

Question 3

Carol 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).

Which form of TENS can stimulate both nerve types?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Poliomyelitis is a viral infection resulting in a neuropathy that includes focal and asymmetrical motor impairments. Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a lower motor neuron pathology that affects the anterior horn cells of those previously affected by polio. There is no pharmacological intervention to alter the progression of PPS. Emphasis of treatment involves all of the following except:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Unsupervised exercise. Emphasis of treatment surrounds lifestyle modification and symptomatic intervention. Physical therapy should emphasize supervised exercise, functional independence, adaptive equipment, and education to assist patients to maintain as much independence as possible.

Question 5

A foot flat phase is defined as all of the following except:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Occurring before the heel strike. Foot flat is the point in which the entire foot makes contact with the ground and should occur directly after heel strike. The heel strike is the instant that the heel touches the ground to begin the stance phase.

Question 6

A patient that has delivered a 8.2 lb. baby boy 3 days ago via c-section, reports white patches on her breast that aren’t going away.

Which of the following medications may be necessary?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Nystatin. Thrush may be occurring and the patient may need Nystatin.

Question 7

A patient is receiving physical therapy to rehab an injured arm and hand.

Which muscle flexes and ABDUCTS the hand at the wrist?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Flexor carpi radialis. Many muscles act to flex and extend the wrist. The flexor carpi radialis muscle flexes and ABDUCTS the hand at the wrist. Movement goes towards the thumb.

Question 8

In terms of burn victims, a surgical procedure that is done to eliminate a scare contracture is which of the following?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Z-plasty. Z-plasty is a surgical procedure to eliminate a scar contracture. An incision is made in the shape of a “Z.” This allows the contracture to change configuration and lengthen the scar.

Question 9

A patient presents to the clinic with right shoulder pain and complains of difficulty reaching overhead, with pain especially from 60-120 degrees of shoulder flexion.

Which special test would be MOST informative for this set of symptoms?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Neer Test. The Neer Test is a test for subacromial impingement and is typically associated with the painful arc.

Question 10

Wrapping guidelines includes all of the following except:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Use 5-6 inch wrap for transtibial amputations. Wrapping guidelines include securing the wrap with tape; do not use clips. Use 2-4 inch wrap for upper extremity amputations and 3-4 inch wrap for transtibial amputations. Use 6 inch wrap for transfemoral amputations. Rewrap frequently to maintain adequate pressure.

NPTE Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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