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. 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
3. 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
4. A patient demonstrates a positive Trendelenburg sign on the right side during single-limb stance. Which muscle is most likely weak? → Right gluteus medius
5. Which of the following constitutes an appropriate professional boundary in physical therapy? → Maintaining a therapeutic relationship focused on the patient's rehabilitation goals
6. 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
7. Which tract is primarily responsible for carrying proprioceptive information from the lower extremities to the cerebral cortex? → Dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway
8. Which assistive device gait pattern requires the HIGHEST energy expenditure? → Swing-through pattern with bilateral crutches
9. A patient with diabetes has an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.6. What does this value indicate regarding wound healing potential? → Moderate to severe arterial insufficiency
10. Which dermatome is tested by assessing sensation over the lateral forearm? → C6
11. A patient on anticoagulant therapy sustains a minor cut during PT. The FIRST action the PT should take is: → Apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing and monitor for prolonged bleeding
12. A full-thickness burn that appears white or brown, is dry and leathery, and is insensate to pain is classified as what degree? → Full-thickness burn
13. A child with Down syndrome is referred for PT evaluation. Which musculoskeletal finding is MOST commonly expected? → Ligamentous laxity and generalized hypotonia
14. Which type of neuroglial cell is responsible for forming myelin in the central nervous system? → Oligodendrocytes
15. Which sensory test involves placing a familiar object in the patient's hand (without vision) and asking them to identify it? → Stereognosis
16. Which of the following BEST describes the ethical concept of distributive justice as it applies to physical therapy practice? → Allocating healthcare resources fairly and equitably regardless of patient characteristics
17. Which mobilization grade is MOST appropriate for a patient with a stiff elbow joint at end-range extension with a firm capsular end-feel and no pain? → Grade IV sustained stretch at the end of available range
18. A patient on NSAIDs long-term presents with edema and elevated blood pressure. The PT should: → Document findings and communicate to the referring physician
19. Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for assessing fall risk in community-dwelling older adults? → Timed Up and Go test
20. During manual muscle testing of the gluteus medius, which position should the patient assume? → Side-lying
21. During the swing phase of gait, which muscle is primarily responsible for maintaining foot clearance? → Tibialis anterior
22. Which type of end-feel would a physical therapist expect when assessing knee extension in a patient with a large joint effusion? → Soft end-feel
23. A patient with a Stage III pressure injury on the sacrum has significant wound exudate. Which therapeutic modality is MOST appropriate to promote wound healing? → Pulsed lavage with suction
24. When applying iontophoresis with dexamethasone to treat plantar fasciitis, which electrode placement is correct? → Dexamethasone under the negative electrode, dispersive pad on the dorsum
25. Which type of debridement uses moisture-retentive dressings to facilitate the body's own enzymatic breakdown of necrotic tissue? → Autolytic debridement
26. Which class of medication is most likely to cause orthostatic hypotension and increase fall risk during PT sessions? → Antihypertensives
27. Which electrocardiogram finding is MOST characteristic of atrial fibrillation? → Irregularly irregular R-R intervals with absence of distinct P waves
28. During a manual muscle test of hip extension in the prone position, a grade of 3/5 (Fair) indicates the patient can perform which action? → Move through full range of motion against gravity without additional resistance
29. Which orthotic device is most appropriate for a patient with a flaccid dorsiflexor paralysis and intact plantarflexors? → Posterior leaf spring AFO
30. A PT patient newly started on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reports dizziness upon standing. The BEST PT intervention is: → Teach sit-to-stand safety techniques and allow time for postural adaptation