NPTE-PT Physio Exam Prep 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.
Q1You are treating a 45-year-old male patient in a geriatric clinic who complains of frequent nighttime urination and difficulty starting urination. After your initial evaluation, you decide to focus on teaching the patient bladder training and behavioral techniques. Which of the following conditions does the patient MOST likely have based on the treatment approach you have chosen?
✓ Correct answer: D. Overflow incontinence
Answer: Overflow incontinence Overflow incontinence is characterized by continuous urine leakage due to the bladder being unable to empty properly, often from urinary retention caused by an anatomical obstruction like an enlarged prostate. The treatment typically involves bladder training and behavioral techniques. Urge incontinence involves the sudden need to urinate, often leading to leakage before reaching the toilet and is generally treated with pelvic floor exercises and medications. Anatomical obstruction indicates a physical blockage that prevents normal urine flow. Functional incontinence is associated with physical or cognitive impairments, impacting the individual's ability to reach a toilet in time.
Q2A physical therapist is assessing a 45-year-old male patient who has been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). During a routine check-up, the patient’s bloodwork revealed potassium serum levels of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following is the MOST likely explanation for this elevated potassium level?
✓ Correct answer: D. Kidney disease
Answer: Kidney disease The normal potassium serum level is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L. Potassium levels above 5.5 mEq/L indicate hyperkalemia. Kidney disease, particularly end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is a common cause of hyperkalemia. Other conditions associated with hyperkalemia include metabolic acidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis. In contrast, renal tubular disease, alkalosis, and diarrhea are conditions typically associated with hypokalemia, or low potassium levels.
Q3A physical therapist is reviewing the medical records of a 62-year-old male patient in an outpatient clinic who is undergoing rehabilitation for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The chart notes reveal the patient's blood test shows an elevated serum phosphorus level of 6.5 mg/dL. Based on this information, which comorbidity does the patient MOST likely have?
✓ Correct answer: C. Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Answer: Secondary hyperparathyroidism Explanation: The normal serum phosphorus level ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Elevated levels above this range indicate hyperphosphatemia. Chronic kidney disease frequently leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism as the kidneys lose the ability to excrete phosphorus, leading to high serum phosphorus levels. Other causes of hyperphosphatemia include hypoparathyroidism and excessive intake of phosphate supplements. Symptoms of hyperphosphatemia may include itching, muscle cramps, and joint pain. Conditions such as acute renal failure, metabolic alkalosis, and vitamin D deficiency typically result in hypophosphatemia, or low serum phosphorus levels.
Q4A physical therapist is working with a patient who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury and presents with difficulty in speaking and understanding language. Which of the following BEST describes the likely location of the brain damage?
✓ Correct answer: C. Damage to the left hemisphere, particularly Broca's or Wernicke's area
Answer: Damage to the left hemisphere, particularly Broca's or Wernicke's area The left hemisphere, specifically the Broca's and Wernicke's areas, is predominantly responsible for language production and comprehension. Damage to these areas can result in conditions such as Broca's aphasia or Wernicke's aphasia. Broca's aphasia affects speech production, while Wernicke's aphasia impacts comprehension. By contrast, damage to the right hemisphere, particularly the prefrontal cortex, would typically affect other cognitive functions such as problem-solving and emotional regulation. Damage to the occipital lobe would primarily affect vision, and damage to the parietal lobe would impact spatial awareness and sensory integration.
Q5A patient with advanced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has chosen to prioritize comfort over aggressive treatment interventions. The patient wishes to remain in a familiar, home-like setting where they can receive support to manage symptoms. Which of the following types of care is most appropriate for this patient, providing home-based support to manage the symptoms and ensure comfort?
✓ Correct answer: B. Palliative care
Answer: Palliative care Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It can be provided at home and aims to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Hospice care is a type of palliative care for patients who are at the end of life and are no longer receiving curative treatment. A skilled nursing facility provides round-the-clock nursing care, but is typically not home-based. Long-term acute care is for patients requiring extended hospital stays with complex medical needs.
Q6A new patient at a physical therapy clinic mentions that she's using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help with her grocery expenses. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding SNAP?
✓ Correct answer: B. It is a federal program that assists low-income individuals with food purchases
Answer: It is a federal program that assists low-income individuals with food purchases SNAP is a federal program designed to provide nutritional assistance to low-income households in the United States. It helps eligible individuals and families afford healthy food essentials. SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food and groceries, not other expenses like travel or accommodation. It is distinct from healthcare programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Q7During a gymnastics practice, an athlete sustains a sprain. The athlete goes to see a doctor and starts physical therapy for recovery. Which of the following is a third-party payer that would MOST LIKELY cover the services rendered in this situation?
✓ Correct answer: C. Private health insurance
Answer: Private health insurance Private health insurance is a third-party payer for health care services that is administered by employers, fee-for-service indemnity plans, or commercial insurance carriers. It typically covers incidents not specifically related to workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation provides health care services for individuals who are injured while working at their place of employment. Medicaid is a third-party payer for health care services that is administered by both the state and federal governments and is intended to help individuals with low income. Managed healthcare, provided by HMOs or PPOs, also works as a third-party payer but generally directs patients to specific providers within a network.
Q8A patient who has experienced a partial arm amputation after an industrial accident is undergoing rehabilitation to improve functional use of the remaining limb. What percentage of the humerus was preserved, and what type of amputation was performed?
✓ Correct answer: B. 50%; Transhumeral amputation
Answer: 50%; Transhumeral amputation The patient is receiving rehabilitation due to a partial arm amputation after an industrial accident. 50% of the humerus has been preserved, indicating that the surgery performed was a transhumeral amputation. A transhumeral amputation preserves a significant portion of the humerus, typically between 30-70% of its length. An amputation that preserves less than 30% of the humerus length is typically referred to as a short transhumeral amputation.
Q9A physical therapist is treating a patient who suffered a severe burn injury to their leg and subsequently underwent a knee disarticulation. Which of the following accurately describes this patient’s level of amputation?
✓ Correct answer: A. An amputation through the knee joint
Answer: An amputation through the knee joint A knee disarticulation is an amputation through the knee joint. A transtibial amputation is performed below the knee. A transfemoral amputation is performed above the knee and is not distinguished by the length of the femur preserved.
Q10During a balance assessment, a physical therapist observes that the patient exhibits a trendelenburg gait pattern. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY cause of this gait deviation?
✓ Correct answer: D. Weak hip abductors
Answer: Weak hip abductors A trendelenburg gait pattern is characterized by the dropping of the pelvis on the contralateral side of the body when one leg is lifted. This is typically due to weakness of the hip abductors on the stance leg side. Tight hip adductors do not typically cause a trendelenburg gait but may contribute to a scissoring gait. Weak quadriceps may result in difficulty with knee extension during stance phase. Shortened Achilles tendon could lead to early heel rise and toe walking, but not specifically a trendelenburg gait.
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