Sample Questions

The sample questions below illustrate the type found on the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant examinations.

Physical Therapist Assistant Examination

1. During a physical therapy evaluation, a patient with a sprain of the deltoid ligament of the ankle reported pain with palpation of the affected area and with ankle motion that stresses the ligament. To determine any change in the patient’s pain level during subsequent treatments, a physical therapist assistant should perform which of the following actions?

1. Palpate anterior to the lateral malleolus, and passively plantar flex the ankle.
2. Palpate inferior to the medial malleolus, and passively evert the ankle.
3. Palpate over the sinus tarsi, and passively invert the ankle.
4. Palpate deep to the Achilles tendon, and passively dorsiflex the ankle.

2. Which of the following instructions would be MOST appropriate to give a patient who is learning pursed-lip breathing?

1. Exhale through pursed lips while contracting abdominal muscles.
2. Exhale by blowing air out forcefully between pursed lips.
3. Exhale by relaxing air out through pursed lips.
4. Exhale in quick short puffs through pursed lips.

3. A patient with impaired kinesthesia who is performing active range of motion exercises of the upper extremities will MOST likely require which of the following supplemental interventions?

1. Visual cues while performing the exercises
2. Pain-relieving modalities prior to performing the exercises
3. Trunk stabilization while performing the exercises
4. Stretching prior to performing the exercises

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS: 1.b; 2.c; 3.a

Physical Therapist Examination

1. After sitting at a computer station for 2-3 hours, an individual reports experiencing a sharp, localized pain in the left arm. When asked to show the location of the pain, the individual points to the area of the insertion of the deltoid. The pain disappears when the individual stands up and walks around briefly. Which of the following interventions is MOST likely to correct the problem?

1. Isometric strengthening of the deltoid
2. Lumbar extension exercises in prone
3. Instruction in correct postural alignment in sitting
4. Instruction in shoulder active range of motion exercises

2. A patient with a medullary level vascular lesion has increased vagal nerve activity. Which of the following descriptions BEST represents the cardiovascular effects that occur when the patient transitions from supine to standing?

1. Rise in blood pressure and no change in heart rate
2. Drop in blood pressure and no change in heart rate
3. Rise in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate
4. Drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate

3. A patient has used crutches with a partial weight-bearing toe touch gait for the past 3 months. When progressed to full weight bearing, the patient is unable to demonstrate a heel-toe gait sequence with the involved extremity. Which of the following disorders is the MOST likely origin of the gait abnormality?

1. Plantar fasciitis
2. Fibular (peroneal) nerve palsy
3. Heel cord tightness
4. Hammer toe

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS: 1.c; 2.b; 3.c