NPTE-PTA Physio Asst 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.
Q11In patients undergoing rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries, what does a motor program refer to?
✓ Correct answer: A. A set of prestructured muscle commands
Answer: A set of prestructured muscle commands A motor program is a set of prestructured muscle commands that, when initiated, results in a specific coordinated movement sequence. These commands can be carried out largely uninfluenced by peripheral feedback. A motor plan is an overall strategy for movement, i.e., an action sequence requiring the coordination of various motor programs. Feedback is afferent information sent by various sensory receptors to control centers, updating those control centers about the correctness of movement while it progresses. These terms refer to interventions and learning strategies, not documentation such as the plan of care.
Q12Which of the following movements at the elbow joint typically results in a hard end-feel?
✓ Correct answer: B. Elbow extension
Answer: Elbow extension A hard end-feel occurs when bone contacts bone and restricts further movement. This is typically observed during elbow extension where the olecranon process of the ulna approximates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus. Elbow flexion usually results in a soft or firm end-feel, depending on the soft tissue and muscular stretch involved. Wrist flexion on a patient with severe edema would likely result in a boggy end-feel due to fluid buildup. Shoulder external rotation on a patient with extensive scar tissue would likely present a firm end-feel due to capsular or ligamentous stretching, but could also present a pathological end-feel depending on the nature of the scar tissue.
Q13Which property of air is primarily responsible for resistance to movement when a physical object moves through it?
✓ Correct answer: D. Air resistance
Air resistance, also known as drag, is the property of air that causes resistance to movement when a physical object moves through it. It is similar to water cohesion but occurs in the context of air. To overcome air resistance, more force is required, making it an important factor in activities such as running and cycling. Buoyancy, in the context of air, is the force that causes objects to float. Drag force is a component of air resistance but to a lesser extent. Lift is the force that allows objects like airplanes to rise.
Q14While treating a patient with shoulder joint dysfunction, the PTA decides to incorporate PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) techniques. She instructs the patient to "push your hand up, turn, and push your arm up and out." What BEST describes this PNF diagonal?
✓ Correct answer: C. D2F
Answer: D2F D2F (diagonal 2 flexion) for the upper extremity involves flexion-abduction-external rotation of the shoulder. The elbow may be straight, flexing, or extending. D1E (diagonal 1 extension) for the upper extremity involves extension-adduction-internal rotation of the shoulder. D1F (diagonal 1 flexion) for the upper extremity involves flexion-adduction-external rotation of the shoulder. D2E (diagonal 2 extension) for the upper extremity involves extension-adduction-internal rotation of the shoulder.
Q15A patient is four weeks postoperative from a cementless total hip replacement. What is the highest ROM the physical therapist can reasonably expect for this patient?
✓ Correct answer: D. 90 degrees
Answer: 90 degrees Following a cementless total hip replacement, the physical therapist can expect the patient to achieve 0-60 degrees ROM within two weeks, and 0-90 degrees ROM within 3-4 weeks.
Q16A patient presents with knee valgus during a squat assessment, indicating muscular imbalances. According to the plan of care, the PTA should focus on functional strengthening exercises. Of the following options, which is the MOST appropriate way to target the weakened musculature and address this movement deviation?
✓ Correct answer: D. Hip abduction exercises with resistance bands
Answer: Hip abduction exercises with resistance bands Knee valgus can be due to weakness in the hip abductors, particularly the gluteus medius. Hip abduction exercises with resistance bands will help strengthen the gluteus medius muscle and correct this deviation. Straight leg raises target the hip flexors. Wall squats target the quadriceps and gluteus maximus muscles. Prone hip extension targets the gluteus maximus.
Q17A PTA is educating a patient recovering from a total hip arthroplasty on positions to avoid in order to prevent hip dislocation. What position should the therapist stress avoiding?
✓ Correct answer: A. Sitting with the hip flexed beyond 90 degrees
Answer: Sitting with the hip flexed beyond 90 degrees A common precaution after a total hip arthroplasty is to avoid positions that increase the risk of hip dislocation. Flexing the hip beyond 90 degrees can place undue stress on the joint and should be avoided. Lying supine with the legs extended or prone with a pillow under the abdomen does not increase the risk of dislocation. Walking with an adduction brace is a precautionary measure to stabilize the joint.
Q18Various vitamins play different roles in the human body. Which of the following vitamins is important for blood coagulation?
✓ Correct answer: A. Vitamin K
Answer: Vitamin K Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation because it helps in the synthesis of proteins required for this process. Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and immune function. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health, while Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell formation and neurological function.
Q19Which of the following options is the LEAST LIKELY reason to use ultrasound therapy in physical therapy?
✓ Correct answer: D. Impaired sensation
Answer: Impaired sensation Areas of impaired sensation are a precaution, not an indication, for ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound therapy may be used to reduce edema, promote soft-tissue healing, and manage pain, but impaired sensation is a precaution.
Q20Which type of nerve injury features random focal lesions in different nerves, commonly without following a recognizable distribution pattern?
✓ Correct answer: C. Mononeuritis multiplex
Answer: Mononeuritis multiplex Mononeuritis multiplex involves random focal lesions in different nerves without a systematic pattern. For instance, a patient might experience symptoms in the left facial nerve, right median nerve, and right sciatic nerve. Plexopathy is a nerve injury affecting the brachial or lumbosacral plexus. Radiculopathy involves the nerve root(s). 'Bilateral neuritis' is not a commonly used term.
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Theory