NPTE-PTA Neuromuscular & Nervous System 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which spinal cord level is responsible for the knee jerk (patellar) reflex?
- L1–L2
- L2–L3
- L3–L4 (Correct answer)
- L4–L5
Correct answer: L3–L4
The patellar (knee jerk) reflex is mediated through the L3–L4 spinal cord segments.
Question 2: A patient with a complete C6 spinal cord injury would retain which muscle function?
- Finger extensors
- Wrist flexors
- Wrist extensors (Correct answer)
- Elbow extensors
Correct answer: Wrist extensors
C6 innervates the extensor carpi radialis, so wrist extension is preserved in a complete C6 injury.
Question 3: Which type of stroke causes deficits on the SAME side as the lesion?
- Middle cerebral artery stroke
- Cerebellar stroke (Correct answer)
- Basal ganglia lesion
- Cortical stroke
Correct answer: Cerebellar stroke
Cerebellar lesions cause ipsilateral (same-side) deficits because the cerebellum controls the same side of the body.
Question 4: The Romberg test primarily assesses which sensory system?
- Vestibular only
- Visual only
- Proprioception (Correct answer)
- Cerebellar coordination
Correct answer: Proprioception
The Romberg test assesses proprioceptive (somatosensory) function by removing visual input while the patient stands.
Question 5: Which gait deviation is most characteristic of a patient with foot drop?
- Trendelenburg gait
- Antalgic gait
- Steppage gait (Correct answer)
- Scissor gait
Correct answer: Steppage gait
Steppage gait (exaggerated hip and knee flexion to clear the foot) is the compensatory pattern for foot drop.
Question 6: Spasticity in upper motor neuron lesions is characterized by:
- Velocity-independent resistance
- Velocity-dependent resistance (Correct answer)
- Flaccid tone
- Cogwheel rigidity
Correct answer: Velocity-dependent resistance
Spasticity is a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes, distinguishing it from rigidity.
NPTE-PTA Neuromuscular & Nervous System 1
Which spinal cord level is responsible for the knee jerk (patellar) reflex?