NPTE-PTA National Physical Therapist Assistant 5

Question 1

A patient has been prescribed a straight cane following a right total hip arthroplasty (posterior approach). In which hand should the cane be held?

Accepted Answer

Left hand, contralateral to surgical side

Answer

The cane is held in the contralateral (left) hand so the cane and operated leg advance together, reducing hip joint reaction force on the surgical side.

Question 2

A patient presents with weakness of intrinsic foot muscles and sensory loss on the plantar surface. These findings are MOST consistent with injury to which nerve?

Accepted Answer

Tibial nerve

Answer

The tibial nerve innervates the intrinsic foot muscles and provides plantar sensation; injury produces weakness and plantar sensory loss.

Question 3

A PTA is applying cryotherapy using an ice bag to a patient's acutely sprained ankle. The PTA should place a barrier between the ice and skin primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent frostbite and ice burn to superficial tissue

Answer

A moist towel barrier between the ice bag and skin prevents frostbite and ice burn, which can occur with direct ice contact on skin.

Question 4

A patient recovering from a stroke demonstrates pusher syndrome. Which intervention is MOST effective for retraining postural alignment?

Accepted Answer

Using a mirror for visual feedback to correct vertical orientation

Answer

Visual feedback using a mirror helps patients with pusher syndrome recalibrate their perception of midline and vertical orientation.

Question 5

When documenting a patient's progress note using SOAP format, the 'A' (Assessment) section should contain:

Accepted Answer

The clinician's clinical judgment about progress toward goals

Answer

The Assessment section contains the clinician's professional judgment about the patient's progress, response to treatment, and likelihood of achieving stated goals.

NPTE-PTA - National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants Practice Test

NPTE-PTA - National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants Practice Test

NPTE-PTA National Physical Therapist Assistant 5