NPTE-PT Test Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems Questions and Answers

Question 1

A physical therapist is evaluating a patient who presents with flaccid paralysis, significant muscle atrophy, and fasciculations in the right lower extremity.
Deep tendon reflexes are diminished (1+).
Sensation is intact.
These signs are MOST indicative of a lesion in which of the following locations?

Accepted Answer

Anterior horn cell

Answer

Cerebral cortex

Answer

Basal ganglia

Answer

Dorsal column

Question 2

A 68-year-old male with a 5-year history of idiopathic Parkinson's disease is referred to physical therapy to address progressive difficulty with walking and frequent freezing episodes. Which of the following interventions would be MOST effective for improving gait initiation and continuity?

Accepted Answer

Use of external visual and auditory cues

Answer

Massed practice of sit-to-stand transfers without cues

Answer

High-amplitude, low-repetition strengthening exercises for the quadriceps

Answer

Prolonged static stretching of the hip flexors and pectorals

Question 3

A patient is in the acute phase of recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and is currently on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. The patient is medically stable but has profound, symmetrical ascending weakness. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate physical therapy intervention at this stage?

Accepted Answer

Passive range of motion and positioning to prevent contractures

Answer

Active-resistive exercises to prevent deconditioning

Answer

Functional mobility training, including bed-to-chair transfers

Answer

Overground gait training with a body-weight support system

Question 4

A physical therapist is examining a patient with a complete C6 spinal cord injury. Which of the following functional abilities would be the MOST realistic expectation for this patient following comprehensive rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Independent self-feeding and grooming with adaptive equipment

Answer

Independent driving of an adapted van

Answer

Independent ambulation with knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs)

Answer

Independent floor-to-wheelchair transfers

Question 5

A patient recovering from a right cerebrovascular accident (CVA) exhibits significant left-sided weakness and pushes strongly toward the left side when sitting, walking, or transferring. The patient resists any attempt at passive correction toward midline. This clinical presentation is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Pusher Syndrome (Contraversive Pushing)

Answer

Ataxia

Answer

Apraxia

Answer

Unilateral Neglect

Question 6

Which of the following sets of clinical findings is MOST consistent with a diagnosis of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)?

Accepted Answer

Clearly defined episodes of new or worsening neurologic symptoms followed by periods of partial or complete recovery.

Answer

A steady, continuous worsening of symptoms from onset without distinct relapses.

Answer

A slow, progressive worsening of symptoms from onset, which is later followed by the development of distinct relapses.

Answer

Initial relapsing-remitting course followed by a progressive worsening of disability with or without occasional relapses.