NPTE-PT Pediatric Physical Therapy

Question 1

A physical therapist is assessing a 10-month-old child who cannot sit independently. According to normal developmental milestones, this finding is:

Accepted Answer

Delayed, as independent sitting typically occurs by 6-8 months

Answer

Within normal limits, as independent sitting occurs at 12 months

Answer

Within normal limits, as independent sitting occurs at 10-12 months

Answer

Delayed, as independent sitting typically occurs by 4-5 months

Question 2

Which standardized assessment tool is MOST appropriate for evaluating gross and fine motor development in a 6-month-old infant?

Accepted Answer

Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd Edition (PDMS-2)

Answer

Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2)

Answer

Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM)

Answer

Berg Balance Scale

Question 3

A child with cerebral palsy is classified as GMFCS Level III. Which functional description BEST applies to this child?

Accepted Answer

Walks using a hand-held mobility device indoors and uses wheeled mobility for longer community distances

Answer

Walks without limitations in all community settings

Answer

Achieves self-mobility primarily using a powered wheelchair

Answer

Has no means of independent self-mobility and is transported in a manual wheelchair

Question 4

A physical therapist evaluates a premature infant born at 28 weeks gestation who is now 4 months old (chronological age). When assessing developmental milestones, the therapist should use:

Accepted Answer

Corrected age of approximately 1 month

Answer

Chronological age of 4 months

Answer

Gestational age of 28 weeks only

Answer

Average of the chronological and corrected age

Question 5

Which of the following NORMALLY persists beyond 6 months of age in a neurologically intact infant?

Accepted Answer

Parachute (protective extension) reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Answer

Asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR)

Answer

Symmetric tonic neck reflex (STNR)

Question 6

A child with Down syndrome is referred for PT evaluation. Which musculoskeletal finding is MOST commonly expected?

Accepted Answer

Ligamentous laxity and generalized hypotonia

Answer

Muscle hypertonia and joint stiffness throughout all extremities

Answer

Spasticity primarily in the lower extremities

Answer

Rigid cervical spine with severely limited rotation

Question 7

An 18-month-old child demonstrates consistent toe-walking bilaterally with no history of prematurity. The MOST appropriate FIRST clinical step is to:

Accepted Answer

Assess for spasticity, calf muscle tightness, and neurological signs to identify the underlying cause

Answer

Recommend immediate surgical lengthening of the Achilles tendon

Answer

Prescribe bilateral AFOs without further evaluation

Answer

Reassure parents that toe-walking always resolves spontaneously and requires no assessment