NATA-BOC Practice Questions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A volleyball player has a positive empty can test and weakness with shoulder abduction. Which structure is MOST likely injured?
- Infraspinatus
- Subscapularis
- Supraspinatus (Correct answer)
- Teres minor
Correct answer: Supraspinatus
The empty can test isolates the supraspinatus; a positive result indicates supraspinatus pathology.
Question 2: Which type of muscle contraction produces the greatest force output?
- Concentric
- Isometric
- Eccentric (Correct answer)
- Isokinetic
Correct answer: Eccentric
Eccentric contractions generate the greatest force due to the contribution of passive elastic elements along with active cross-bridge cycling.
Question 3: When applying a compression wrap for an acute ankle sprain, the wrap should be applied in which direction?
- From proximal to distal
- From distal to proximal (Correct answer)
- Circumferentially at the same level
- Only over the malleoli
Correct answer: From distal to proximal
Compression wraps are applied distal to proximal to promote venous return and minimize distal edema.
Question 4: A gymnast presents with pain in the anatomical snuffbox after a fall on an outstretched hand. Which bone injury must be ruled out?
- Distal radius fracture
- Hamate fracture
- Scaphoid fracture (Correct answer)
- Lunate dislocation
Correct answer: Scaphoid fracture
Anatomical snuffbox tenderness following a FOOSH mechanism is a classic presentation of a scaphoid fracture.
Question 5: Which electrotherapy modality is MOST appropriate for reducing acute post-surgical edema?
- Ultrasound
- High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) (Correct answer)
- Interferential current (IFC)
- Russian stimulation
Correct answer: High-voltage pulsed current (HVPC)
HVPC has the strongest evidence for reducing acute edema and promoting tissue healing in the early post-surgical phase.
Question 6: A basketball player reports numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers after elbow trauma. Which nerve is MOST likely involved?
- Median nerve
- Radial nerve
- Ulnar nerve (Correct answer)
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Ulnar nerve
The ulnar nerve supplies the ring and little fingers and is vulnerable to injury at the cubital tunnel following elbow trauma.
Question 7: According to NATA guidelines, athletes suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play and not returned until evaluated by which professional?
- A certified strength and conditioning specialist
- A licensed healthcare professional trained in concussion management (Correct answer)
- A team coach with concussion training
- A physical therapy aide
Correct answer: A licensed healthcare professional trained in concussion management
NATA standards require evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional trained in concussion management before return to activity.
NATA-BOC Practice Questions 3
A volleyball player has a positive empty can test and weakness with shoulder abduction.
Which structure is MOST likely injured?