NPTE PRACTICE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS
CORRECT Latest Update 2025-2026 Exam 75 Questions with 100% Verified Correct Answers Guaranteed A+
A 19-year-old male rehabilitating from a tibia fracture sustained in a motor vehicle accident is referred to physical therapy. The patient demonstrates loss of active dorsiflexion and a high stepping gait in which he raises his foot higher than necessary and suddenly brings it down producing a "slapping" sound. What is the MOST likely rationale for the patnt's current condition?
1.Severing of the common peroneal nerve 2.Anterior compartment syndrome 3.Hip flexor weakness
4.Calcaneal spurring - CORRECT ANSWER: Severing of the common peroneal nerve
To effectively analyze gait, physical therapists should possess an understanding of the normal gait cycle, muscle action, and common gait deviations.
1.Severing the peroneal nerve would cause foot slap and dragging of the toe during gait, which would result in a compensatory high-stepping gait pattern.
A 23-year-old male sustains serious burns to over 30% of his body in a house fire. The burns range from superficial partial-thickness to full-thickness and encompass the majority of the patient's lower extremities. What is the MOST appropriate therapeutic position for the patient?
1.Supine with the knees extended and the toes pointing toward the ceiling 2.Prone with a pillow placed on the dorsum of the feet and ankles 3.Sidelying with the hips and knees slightly flexed using pillows between the legs 4.Hooklying with a pillow placed between the knees - CORRECT ANSWER: Supine with the knees extended and the toes pointing toward the ceiling
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The primary goal of positioning for patients with severe burns is to prevent contractures due to hypertrophic scarring and immobility. As a general rule, joints should be positioned with consideration of future function and in the direction opposite the anticipated direction of contracture.
1.Positioning the patient in supine with the knees extended and the toes pointing toward the ceiling maintains the hips, knees, and ankles in an optimal position and therefore reduces the likelihood of lower extremity contracture.
A 28-year-old female with low back pain is referred to physical therapy. The patient indicates that her pain started the previous weekend after painting a ceiling and currently is localized on the left side of her low back. The patient states the pain is better when sitting in a "slouched" posture and is worse during periods of prolonged standing.An examination reveals a positive quadrant test and positive Kemp's test on the left.Based on the presented information, which structures are MOST likely involved?
1.Right thoracic facets 2.Left thoracic facets 3.Left lumbar facets
4.Right lumbar facets - CORRECT ANSWER: Left lumbar facets
The facet joints are likely to be stressed in positions of spinal extension, especially when combined with a rotation and/or lateral flexion component (e.g., position used when painting overhead). Flexion (i.e., slouched posture) will relieve the pain since pressure is taken off of the facet joints. The quadrant test and Kemp's test are tests which are used to indicate pathology of the facet joints.
During the quadrant test or Kemp's test, the patient extends and laterally flexes or rotates to the side of pain. This causes maximal narrowing of the intervertebral foramen and stress on the facet joint. Since the patient had a positive test when moving to the left, the left lumbar facet joints are likely the source of the pain.
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A 30-year-old female is seen in physical therapy secondary to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Which of the following physical therapy treatments would MOST benefit this patient?
1.Dix-Hallpike maneuver 2.Canalith repositioning maneuvers 3.Singular neurectomy
4.Gaze stability exercises - CORRECT ANSWER: Canalith repositioning maneuvers
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an intense and intermittent vertigo that occurs in relation to rapid movement of the head in a particular direction. The condition is believed to be a mechanical disorder of the labyrinths. Canaliths develop and float into the semicircular canals causing the brain to interpret their presence as an intense rotation of the head.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers are a highly effective treatment for BPPV and are designed to dislodge the provoking canaliths. This treatment technique attempts to move the canalith debris out of the affected semicircular canal and back to the otolith.Canalith repositioning maneuvers begin in the Dix-Hallpike position to provoke vertigo.Repeated head rolling utilizes gravity to assist with movement of the debris. Treatment continues until no further nystagmus is noted.
A 36-year-old female who gave birth to three children over the span of nine years is referred to physical therapy during her fourth pregnancy. The patient presents with complaints of involuntary urine leakage when she coughs or sneezes and when she participates in an aerobics class. Which type of incontinence is MOST consistent with the described presentation?
1.Urge 2.Overflow 3.Functional
4.Stress - CORRECT ANSWER: Stress
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Urinary incontinence is defined as an involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. Muscle weakness, neurological disorders, and limited functional abilities are most commonly reported as causative factors.
Stress incontinence is characterized by the inability to hold urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing or exercising. Stress incontinence is typically the result of weak or poorly coordinated pelvic floor musculature.
A 62-year-old female with a transtibial amputation is examined in physical therapy. The patient has been using a roll-on silicone liner inside of her prosthesis. What is a potential disadvantage of this type of liner?
1.Increased shear force on the residual limb 2.Reduced padding over bony prominences 3.Potential trauma to the suture line
4.Heat buildup, especially in warmer climates - CORRECT ANSWER: Heat buildup,
especially in warmer climates
The silicone liner does not breathe as well as the fabric shrinker and therefore heat build up can be problematic. The silicone liner allows for a roll-on design that is usually less traumatic to the suture line and more effective in controlling edema.
Silicone liners do not breathe as well as a fabric shrinker and as a result tend to produce a buildup of heat, especially in warmer climates.
A 65-year-old female was referred to physical therapy for mobilization of her left wrist.The patient sustained a Colles' fracture eight weeks ago and although the fracture is well healed the patient continues to experience significant wrist stiffness. What technique would be the MOST appropriate to help improve extension at the radiocarpal joint?
1.Glide the lunate and capitate anteriorly in relation to the radius 2.Glide the triquetrum and lunate anteriorly in relation to the head of the ulna
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