NPTE-PT MCQ 3

Question 1

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the gag reflex (afferent limb)?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve IX

Answer

CN IX (glossopharyngeal) carries the afferent signal from the posterior pharynx for the gag reflex, while CN X carries the efferent motor response.

Question 2

A PT measures a patient's shoulder ROM at 160° of flexion. According to the APTA, the normal value for shoulder flexion is:

Accepted Answer

180°

Answer

Normal shoulder flexion is 180° according to standard physical therapy reference values.

Question 3

Which type of muscle contraction produces the greatest force output?

Accepted Answer

Eccentric

Answer

Eccentric contractions produce the greatest tension because cross-bridge cycling is combined with external stretching forces.

Question 4

A patient reports that pain decreases with walking and worsens with prolonged sitting. This pattern is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Discogenic low back pain

Answer

Discogenic pain typically worsens with flexion-loaded postures like prolonged sitting and improves with extension activities such as walking.

Question 5

When applying TENS for pain modulation using the gate control mechanism, which parameters are used?

Accepted Answer

High frequency (80–150 Hz), low intensity (sensory level)

Answer

Conventional (high-frequency, low-intensity) TENS activates large-diameter Aβ fibers to close the pain gate at the dorsal horn.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test