NPTE-PT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presents with progressive proximal weakness. Which exercise prescription guideline is MOST appropriate? → Submaximal exercise avoiding overwork weakness with monitoring for decline
2. Which nerve root is primarily responsible for the patellar tendon (knee jerk) reflex? → L4
3. Which reflex arc component is responsible for detecting changes in muscle length? → Muscle spindle
4. A physical therapist measures a patient's elbow flexion range of motion at 145 degrees. This finding is classified as which of the following? → Within normal limits
5. During wound irrigation, which pressure range is recommended to effectively remove bacteria and debris without damaging granulation tissue? → 4-15 psi
6. A therapist uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) hold-relax technique. Which neurophysiological mechanism is primarily utilized? → Autogenic inhibition via Golgi tendon organ (Ib afferents)
7. A patient with emphysema demonstrates a barrel chest. Which underlying pathophysiological mechanism BEST explains this finding? → Air trapping due to loss of elastic recoil causing hyperinflation
8. During gait analysis, loading response (initial double support) is characterized by which combination of joint events? → Hip flexion, knee flexion, ankle plantarflexion
9. A patient presents with a positive Romberg test. What does this finding indicate? → Proprioceptive deficit with visual compensation
10. Which intervention is CONTRAINDICATED for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during an acute joint flare? → High-intensity resistive exercises targeting the acutely inflamed joint
11. Which phase of wound healing is characterized by formation of granulation tissue and angiogenesis? → Proliferation
12. Which of the following is the correct sequence for donning a sterile gown in an isolation room? → Hand hygiene → gown → mask → gloves
13. Which respiratory pattern is characterized by alternating periods of apnea and hyperpnea, often seen in patients with heart failure? → Cheyne-Stokes respiration
14. During lumbar spine assessment, a positive FABER (Patrick's) test suggests pathology in which structure? → Sacroiliac joint or hip joint
15. During TENS application for pain relief using the conventional (high-rate) mode, which sensory response indicates correct electrode placement and intensity? → Comfortable tingling or paresthesia without muscle contraction
16. A second-degree partial-thickness burn is characterized by which finding? → Blistering, moist, and extremely painful wound
17. A patient with a grade II MCL sprain of the knee is in week 3 of rehabilitation. Which intervention is MOST appropriate? → Full weight-bearing gait training with functional activities
18. Which pharmacological agent used in the treatment of hypertension can cause exercise-induced hypotension and blunt the heart rate response to exercise? → Beta-blockers
19. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is 0.55 in a patient referred for cardiac rehabilitation. The therapist should: → Modify exercise intensity and monitor for claudication symptoms
20. A patient demonstrates a positive Trendelenburg sign on the right side during single-limb stance. Which muscle is most likely weak? → Right gluteus medius
21. A patient with stroke has difficulty initiating voluntary movement. Which PNF technique is MOST appropriate to address this impairment? → Rhythmic initiation
22. Which condition is an absolute contraindication for applying thermotherapy (moist heat pack) locally? → Peripheral vascular disease with impaired circulation
23. A patient with cystic fibrosis performs the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT). What is the CORRECT order of components? → Breathing control → thoracic expansion exercises → forced expiration technique
24. Which type of muscle contraction produces the greatest force output? → Eccentric
25. Which of the following constitutes an appropriate professional boundary in physical therapy? → Maintaining a therapeutic relationship focused on the patient's rehabilitation goals
26. A patient presents with foot drop, weakness of ankle dorsiflexion, and sensory loss over the dorsum of the foot. Which nerve is most likely injured? → Common peroneal nerve
27. Which principle of therapeutic exercise states that training adaptations are specific to the type, speed, and range of motion used during training? → SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands)
28. When using the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) for airway clearance, the CORRECT sequence of components is: → Breathing control → thoracic expansion exercises → forced expiratory technique
29. When is it MOST appropriate for a PT to consult with a pharmacist during patient management? → When a patient's multiple medications may interact and affect rehabilitation goals
30. What does the principle of 'beneficence' require of a PT in clinical practice? → Acting in the patient's best interest and promoting their well-being