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National Physical Therapist Assistant Flashcards

7 cards from real NPTE-PTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 National Physical Therapist Assistant flashcards as text

  1. A PTA is treating a 70-year-old patient with osteoporosis. Which exercise type has the GREATEST evidence for improving bone mineral density?

    Answer: Progressive resistance and weight-bearing impact exercise

    Progressive resistance training combined with weight-bearing impact activities (such as walking or low-impact aerobics) provides the mechanical loading stimulus needed to increase bone mineral density.

  2. A patient receiving outpatient PT tells the PTA they were recently diagnosed with HIV. The PTA's FIRST response should be to:

    Answer: Continue treatment using standard precautions only

    HIV is transmitted through blood and body fluids, not casual contact; standard precautions are sufficient for routine PT treatment of a patient with HIV.

  3. When using mechanical lumbar traction, the minimum force required to produce vertebral separation in a typical adult patient is approximately:

    Answer: 25-50% of body weight

    Approximately 25-50% of body weight is required to overcome friction and produce actual vertebral separation during mechanical lumbar traction.

  4. A patient is performing a standing balance exercise on a foam pad with eyes closed. This activity primarily challenges the:

    Answer: Vestibular system and somatosensory integration

    Eyes closed on an unstable surface removes both visual and somatosensory cues, forcing the vestibular system to take primary responsibility for balance.

  5. A patient with a flaccid neurogenic bladder following a cauda equina injury asks the PTA about bladder management. The MOST appropriate response is to:

    Answer: Explain the condition and refer to the PT and physician for bladder management planning

    Bladder management for neurogenic dysfunction requires physician and PT coordination; the PTA should educate the patient and facilitate the appropriate referral.

  6. During manual muscle testing of the gluteus medius, the therapist positions the patient in sidelying with the tested limb on top. A grade of 3/5 (fair) would be indicated if the patient:

    Answer: Completes full range of motion against gravity with no resistance

    Grade 3/5 (Fair) is defined as the ability to move through full range of motion against gravity but with no additional resistance.

  7. A PTA notices that a patient's chart contains a physician's order for 'ultrasound to left shoulder.' Before beginning treatment, the PTA should:

    Answer: Consult the supervising PT for a complete plan of care before treating

    PTAs must work within a PT-established plan of care; if no PT plan of care exists, the PTA must consult the supervising PT before initiating treatment.