NPTE-PT General Exam 2

Question 1

A patient presents with weakness of shoulder abduction and external rotation following a traumatic injury to the neck. Which nerve root level is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

C5

Answer

C5 innervates the deltoid (shoulder abduction) and infraspinatus/teres minor (external rotation) via the axillary and suprascapular nerves.

Question 2

During gait assessment, a therapist notices the patient's pelvis drops on the left side during right stance phase. Which muscle is most likely weak?

Accepted Answer

Right hip abductor

Answer

A contralateral pelvic drop (Trendelenburg sign) during stance indicates weakness of the stance-side hip abductors (right gluteus medius).

Question 3

A patient recovering from a stroke demonstrates hypertonicity with elbow flexion, wrist flexion, and finger flexion. This pattern is consistent with which synergy?

Accepted Answer

Upper extremity flexor synergy

Answer

Elbow, wrist, and finger flexion are hallmarks of the upper extremity flexor synergy pattern seen post-stroke.

Question 4

Which spirometry value is most useful for differentiating obstructive from restrictive pulmonary disease?

Accepted Answer

FEV1/FVC ratio

Answer

The FEV1/FVC ratio is reduced in obstructive disease (airflow limitation) but normal or elevated in restrictive disease.

Question 5

A physical therapist is treating a patient with a stage III pressure injury. Which of the following best describes this wound?

Accepted Answer

Full-thickness skin loss with visible subcutaneous tissue

Answer

Stage III pressure injuries involve full-thickness skin loss where subcutaneous fat is visible but bone, tendon, and muscle are not exposed.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT General Exam 2