10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,036-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The NPTE-PTA exam has 180 questions and runs 4 hours.
These 10 free NPTE-PTA questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A PTA is performing a manual muscle test. The patient completes full range of motion against gravity but cannot tolerate any manual resistance. Which grade should the PTA document?
Correct answer: B - Grade 3 (Fair)
A patient is 4 days status post total hip arthroplasty performed through a posterior surgical approach. Which movement should the PTA instruct the patient to AVOID?
Correct answer: D - Crossing the leg past midline
A patient slowly lowers a dumbbell during a biceps curl, controlling the descent against gravity. Which type of muscle contraction is the biceps performing?
Correct answer: C - Eccentric
While measuring elbow motion, the PTA notes that extension stops abruptly with a hard, bony sensation at end-range. This end-feel is:
Correct answer: A - Normal for elbow extension
A patient has a complete C7 spinal cord injury. Which functional outcome is MOST realistic for this patient?
Correct answer: A - Independent transfers using a sliding board
During passive elbow extension, the PTA feels a catch followed by minimal resistance through less than half of the range of motion. Using the Modified Ashworth Scale, this is graded as:
Correct answer: B - 1+
After a patient completes a sit-to-stand repetition, the PTA says, "You shifted your weight too far back that time." This type of feedback is BEST described as:
Correct answer: D - Knowledge of performance
A PTA is treating a patient with multiple sclerosis. Which intervention consideration is MOST important for this patient?
Correct answer: B - Monitor for fatigue and avoid overheating
During ambulation training, a patient's systolic blood pressure decreases from 132 to 118 mmHg as walking speed increases, and the patient reports feeling lightheaded. What is the MOST appropriate action for the PTA?
Correct answer: C - Stop the activity and notify the supervising therapist
A patient taking a beta-blocker is beginning an aerobic exercise program. Why should the PTA use the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, rather than a target heart rate, to guide intensity?
Correct answer: D - Beta-blockers blunt the heart rate response to exercise
The NPTE-PTA exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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