NPTE-PT Test Physical Therapist Review 1

Question 1

A physical therapist assigns a manual muscle test (MMT) grade of 3/5 to the hip abductors. Which description best matches this grade?

Accepted Answer

Full range of motion against gravity without additional resistance

Answer

An MMT grade of 3/5 (Fair) indicates the muscle can move the limb through its full range of motion against gravity but cannot tolerate any additional external resistance. Grade 3+ adds minimal resistance, and grade 4 tolerates moderate resistance.

Question 2

A patient presents with a positive Hawkins-Kennedy test. This finding is most consistent with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Subacromial impingement syndrome

Answer

The Hawkins-Kennedy test internally rotates the shoulder at 90° of flexion, compressing the supraspinatus tendon under the coracoacromial ligament. A positive test — pain with this maneuver — strongly implicates subacromial impingement syndrome.

Question 3

Which nerve root is primarily responsible for the patellar tendon (knee jerk) reflex?

Accepted Answer

L4

Answer

The patellar tendon reflex is primarily mediated by the L4 nerve root (with L3 contribution). Diminution or absence of this reflex is a key clinical indicator of L4 nerve root pathology, such as from an L3–L4 disc herniation.

Question 4

A patient with moderate COPD is experiencing dyspnea during an exercise session. Which position would best optimize ventilation and reduce the work of breathing?

Accepted Answer

High Fowler's position (sitting upright at 90°)

Answer

High Fowler's position allows the diaphragm to descend fully without abdominal compression, maximizes lung expansion, and reduces the work of breathing. It is the preferred position for patients with obstructive lung disease experiencing dyspnea.

Question 5

According to Maitland's joint mobilization classification, a Grade IV technique is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Small-amplitude oscillations at the end of the available range

Answer

Maitland Grade IV consists of small-amplitude rhythmic oscillations performed at the end of the available range of motion, used to address stiffness and restricted joint mobility. Grade III is large amplitude reaching the end of range, while Grade V is the manipulation thrust.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Physical Therapist Review 1