ATC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ATC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Before using an AED on a client removed from the pool, what must be done? → Move the client out of standing water and dry the chest
2. What should guide exercise selection in a treatment plan? → Patient's goals and abilities
3. Approximately how much does stroke volume increase with immersion to the neck? → 25-35%
4. Which clinical assessment & patient care method provides the MOST reliable results in Aquatic Therapy? → Standardized protocols with validated measurement tools
5. Which finding at intake is a contraindication to aquatic therapy that day? → Active fever
6. Which change on standing indicates orthostatic hypotension? → Systolic drop of 20 mmHg or more or diastolic drop of 10 mmHg or more
7. What is the MOST effective way to stay current with developments in pharmacology & treatment protocols for Aquatic Therapy? → Participating in professional development, industry events, and peer collaboration
8. The Lachman test is used to assess integrity of which structure? → Anterior cruciate ligament
9. A positive Trendelenburg sign (pelvis drops on the unsupported side) suggests weakness of the: → Gluteus medius on the stance side
10. A client accidentally slips during a session and is injured. What is the appropriate first priority for documentation? → Complete an objective, timely incident report following facility policy
11. The Berg Balance Scale is used in aquatic therapy outcome measurement to: → Provide an objective measure of postural stability and fall risk over time
12. What is the CDC hyperchlorination target for a diarrheal fecal incident to inactivate Cryptosporidium? → 20 ppm for about 12.75 hours
13. Which supplemental treatment, used with chlorine, helps inactivate chlorine-resistant Cryptosporidium? → Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection
14. What is the most important equipment to have available during aquatic therapy? → Backboard and AED
15. An object will float in water when its specific gravity is: → Less than 1.0
16. Which property of water helps in muscle resistance during aquatic exercises? → Viscosity
17. How long should adult client treatment records generally be retained? → As required by state law and facility policy, commonly several years
18. Which emergency rescue equipment must be immediately accessible at an aquatic therapy facility? → Reaching pole, ring buoy, and backboard with head immobilizer
19. Which competency is MOST essential for professionals working in pharmacology & treatment protocols in Aquatic Therapy? → Critical thinking combined with practical application of knowledge
20. Which condition is generally an absolute contraindication to pool participation? → Fecal incontinence
21. How does ongoing professional development support professional ethics & legal standards in Aquatic Therapy? → It keeps professionals informed of evolving standards and best practices
22. Which factor MOST impacts the usefulness of documentation & health records outputs in Aquatic Therapy? → Timeliness, accuracy, and relevance to the intended audience
23. When an aquatic therapy patient progresses from shallow to deeper water for standing exercises, the PRIMARY biomechanical change is: → Greater buoyancy force reducing lower extremity weight-bearing
24. Which rescue breathing sequence is appropriate for a drowning victim who is not breathing and has a pulse? → Start with rescue breaths, giving 1 breath every 5-6 seconds for an adult
25. Which statement about Homans sign for DVT is accurate? → It is unreliable and should be paired with clinical prediction rules like Wells
26. A therapist notices cloudy pool water and no measurable chlorine. What is the correct response? → Close the pool, correct chemistry, and retest before reopening
27. In Aquatic Therapy, how should clinical assessment & patient care results be communicated to stakeholders? → Through clear, structured reports with actionable recommendations
28. How does immersion in water affect heart rate during exercise? → Lowers heart rate
29. What is the MOST effective way to stay current with developments in infection control & prevention for Aquatic Therapy? → Participating in professional development, industry events, and peer collaboration
30. Increasing water depth during aquatic rehabilitation exercise for a lower extremity patient typically: → Decreases weight-bearing forces and reduces lower extremity exercise intensity