NATA-BOC Practice Questions 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which reflex is assessed by tapping the patellar tendon, and what nerve root does it test?
- Achilles reflex — S1
- Patellar reflex — L3/L4 (Correct answer)
- Biceps reflex — C5/C6
- Triceps reflex — C7
Correct answer: Patellar reflex — L3/L4
The patellar (knee-jerk) reflex tests the L3 and L4 nerve roots via the femoral nerve.
Question 2: A pitcher presents with a positive Speed's test and pain in the bicipital groove. Which structure is MOST likely irritated?
- Supraspinatus tendon
- Biceps brachii long head tendon (Correct answer)
- Subscapularis tendon
- Coracobrachialis muscle
Correct answer: Biceps brachii long head tendon
Speed's test loads the biceps long head tendon; a positive result (pain in the bicipital groove) indicates bicipital tendinopathy.
Question 3: Proper hydration before exercise in a hot environment should begin approximately how many hours beforehand?
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour
- 2–4 hours (Correct answer)
- 8–12 hours
Correct answer: 2–4 hours
NATA recommends athletes begin hyperhydrating 2–4 hours before exercise by consuming 17–20 oz of water.
Question 4: Which compartment is involved in the MOST common acute compartment syndrome of the lower leg?
- Posterior deep compartment
- Lateral compartment
- Anterior compartment (Correct answer)
- Posterior superficial compartment
Correct answer: Anterior compartment
The anterior compartment of the lower leg is most susceptible to acute compartment syndrome due to its rigid fascial boundaries and limited volume.
Question 5: Under HIPAA, an athletic trainer may share a student-athlete's protected health information (PHI) with a coach without consent under which condition?
- The coach is the athlete's parent
- The disclosure is the minimum necessary for legitimate athletic department functions (Correct answer)
- The athlete is a minor
- The coach requests it in writing
Correct answer: The disclosure is the minimum necessary for legitimate athletic department functions
HIPAA's 'minimum necessary' standard permits sharing PHI within a covered entity for legitimate operational needs such as return-to-play decisions.
Question 6: A distance runner presents with gradual-onset pain at the posteromedial tibia that worsens with running and is tender along a 5–10 cm region. The MOST likely diagnosis is:
- Tibial stress fracture
- Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) (Correct answer)
- Popliteal artery entrapment
- Deep posterior compartment syndrome
Correct answer: Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
Diffuse posteromedial tibial tenderness over a 5–10 cm area that worsens with running is the hallmark presentation of medial tibial stress syndrome.
Question 7: Which ethical principle requires an athletic trainer to act in the best interest of the patient even when it conflicts with what the patient wants?
- Autonomy
- Beneficence (Correct answer)
- Non-maleficence
- Justice
Correct answer: Beneficence
Beneficence obligates the clinician to act for the patient's benefit, which may sometimes conflict with the patient's own stated preferences.
