NPTE-PTA National Physical Therapist Assistant 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A PTA is performing iontophoresis with dexamethasone to treat plantar fasciitis. The dexamethasone should be placed under which electrode?
- Anode (positive)
- Cathode (negative) (Correct answer)
- Either electrode
- Dispersive electrode only
Correct answer: Cathode (negative)
Dexamethasone carries a negative charge and must be placed under the cathode (negative electrode) to be driven into tissue by iontophoresis.
Question 2: A patient with C5 ASIA A tetraplegia is being trained in functional activities. Which task is WITHIN the expected functional capacity for this level?
- Independent manual wheelchair propulsion on level surfaces
- Independent transfers using a sliding board
- Feeding using mobile arm supports (Correct answer)
- Independent pressure relief by leaning forward
Correct answer: Feeding using mobile arm supports
C5 ASIA A patients retain shoulder flexion and elbow flexion (biceps), allowing feeding with adaptive equipment such as mobile arm supports.
Question 3: When applying a hot pack to a patient's lumbar region, the PTA places 6 layers of toweling. After 5 minutes, the patient reports the heat feels very comfortable. What should the PTA do?
- Remove one layer of toweling to increase heat transmission
- Continue treatment and reassess at 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- Check the skin and reduce to 4 layers if no redness
- Remove the hot pack immediately as the patient may lack sensation
Correct answer: Continue treatment and reassess at 10 minutes
A comfortable sensation with appropriate insulation after 5 minutes is expected; the PTA should continue and reassess the skin at regular intervals.
Question 4: A patient is ambulating with Lofstrand (forearm) crutches. Elbow flexion during stance should be approximately:
- 0-5 degrees
- 15-30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45-60 degrees
- 70-90 degrees
Correct answer: 15-30 degrees
Elbow flexion of 15-30 degrees during stance with forearm crutches allows optimal weight transfer and shock absorption through the upper extremity.
Question 5: A PTA is treating a patient with rheumatoid arthritis of the hands. Which exercise principle is MOST important to protect joint integrity?
- Use high-resistance, low-repetition strengthening
- Avoid all resistive exercise during flares
- Use light resistance and avoid positions that stress joint surfaces (Correct answer)
- Focus exclusively on passive range of motion
Correct answer: Use light resistance and avoid positions that stress joint surfaces
Joint protection during RA hand exercise requires light resistance and avoiding positions (such as ulnar deviation under load) that stress already compromised joint surfaces.
Question 6: During the swing phase of gait, which muscle group is PRIMARILY responsible for foot clearance?
- Plantar flexors
- Hip extensors
- Ankle dorsiflexors (Correct answer)
- Hip adductors
Correct answer: Ankle dorsiflexors
Ankle dorsiflexors (primarily tibialis anterior) contract during swing phase to lift the foot and ensure clearance of the ground.
Question 7: A patient with a Stage II pressure injury over the right ischial tuberosity is being treated. The PTA should recommend which seating surface modification?
- Donut-shaped ring cushion to offload the area
- Standard foam cushion to maintain positioning
- Air-cell cushion to distribute pressure evenly (Correct answer)
- Positioning wedge to increase hip flexion past 90 degrees
Correct answer: Air-cell cushion to distribute pressure evenly
An air-cell or alternating pressure cushion distributes pressure evenly and reduces peak pressure at bony prominences, which is preferred for Stage II injuries.
NPTE-PTA National Physical Therapist Assistant 3
A PTA is performing iontophoresis with dexamethasone to treat plantar fasciitis.
The dexamethasone should be placed under which electrode?