2024 Version

NPTE PT Practice Test

Take this free physical therapist practice test to get an idea of what is on the National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) for physical therapists (PT).
 
The NPTE for PTs is a standardized exam produced by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

The test sections below are based on the NPTE PT test sections: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary, metabolic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, gentitourinary, lymphatic, system interactions, equipment, therapeutic modalities, safety, professional responsibilities and evidenced based practice.

The actual NPTE PT has 250 questions and five hours is given to complete the test.
 
 

Musculoskeletal System

1. A patient arrives at an initial evaluation with complaints of ankle pain that began with sudden onset after the patient jumped off a couch. The Thompson Test yields a positive result. This is indicative of:
2. A true leg length discrepancy may be differentiated from sacroiliac contribution by performing the supine to long sit test. When a patient has a right anterior innominate:

Neuromuscular System

3. While working with the upper extremity of a patient who recently had a right hemisphere cerebral vascular accident, the therapist should avoid:
4. In the initial evaluation of a patient with back pain, the patient describes symptoms including pain the radiates to the dorsal aspect of the foot accompanied by tingling. On assessment, there is weakness in ankle dorsiflexion. The most likely cause of the patient's back pain is

Cardiopulmonary System

5. A patient presents to therapy with moderate pain in the bilateral distal lower extremities. He reports that the pain is better when his feet are elevated. During evaluation, the therapist notes that the skin has brown discoloration and is flaky and dry. Pedal pulses are normal and +2 pitting edema is present bilaterally. The most likely cause of the patient's leg pain is:
6. While reviewing a chart of a new evaluation for PT in acute care, the therapist finds that the patient currently has the following lab values: pH: 7.41, PaCo2: 33, HCO3: 20. Which of the following is correct regarding this patient?

Integumentary System

7. A patient has a sloughy wound with moderate exudate. The most appropriate wound dressing for this patient is:
8. You are providing wound care for a recent adult burn unit admission. The patient presents with burns covering the left anterior leg, anterior chest, and left anterior arm. What percent of the patient can you estimate is the burn area?

Metabolic and Endocrine Systems

9. A patient has a diagnosis of Graves disease. Which physiological response to exercise can you expect for this patient in relation to their diagnosis?
10. A patient you are treating with Addison's disease arrives at therapy in visible distress and reports she has been vomiting and having diarrhea for the last two days. She states that the pain in her back and legs is unbearable now, and that she has been blacking out. You assess the patient's vitals and find her blood pressure to be much lower than previous sessions. The best course of action is to:

Gastrointestinal System

11. Pain from gallstones often refers to the:
12. When working with a patient with Chron's disease, the patient should avoid the following when trying to manage their pain:

Genitourinary System

13. You are performing seated exercise with a patient in acute care that has a complete SCI at T5. While performing exercise, he reports a sudden onset of a pounding headache and hisface is flushed. He begins sweating profusely and is nauseated. You suspect autonomic dysreflexia. The BEST next step is to:
14. You are treating a new mother for lower back pain. She reveals during the session that she is having urinary incontinence frequently, especially when she coughs or sneezes. The best intervention to begin for her is:

Lymphatic System

15. While performing an evaluation, the therapist palpates a hard, non-movable, lump in the patient's right axillary. The best action to take next is:
16. When determining therapeutic exercises for patients in phase 1 management of lymphedema, which of the following is appropriate:

System Interactions

17. An elderly patient reports bouts of dizziness regularly throughout the day. The patient has multiple comorbitiies she is being treated for. Her blood pressure is normal and positional vertigo is ruled out. The most likely cause for dizziness in this patient is:
18. In a patient with poorly managed diabetes, which of the following is a precaution that should be taken in their plan of care?

Equipment, Devices, and Technologies

19. A four year old child with spina bifida occulta, at the L5 level, is beginning to ambulate. Which orthotic would be the best option to address this child's gait deficits?
20. A therapist is working with new spinal cord injury (complete T4) patient on getting a wheelchair for discharge. The best features for this chair are:

Therapeutic Modalities

21. Which of the following patients are appropriate for phonophoresis treatment?
22. When using dexamethasone in iontophoresis, it should be:

Safety and Protection

23. What are the appropriate precautions to use with a patient with disseminated herpes zoster virus in acute care?
24. In a skilled nursing facility, a patient who is a high fall risk is finishing up with therapy. The patient's medical history includes dementia, impulsive behavior, and that she rarely remembers to use her assistive device. What measures should the therapist take when leaving to ensure patient safety?

Professional Responsibilities

25. While working in a busy outpatient clinic, a therapist is treating two medicare patients scheduled within the same hour. According to medicare law and guidelines, billed services for the patient can include:
26. In an outpatient setting, a therapist notices an elderly patient who lives with family has atypical bruising on the arms. When the patient's daughter goes to the restroom, the patient confides in you that she is often without food or personal care items at home. What is the best course of action for the therapist?

Research and Evidence Based Practice

27. Which statistical analysis is best used to compare outcomes of a group of individuals with small (less than 1 cm) rotator cuff tears split into three treatment groups: Surgical with post-operative rehabilitation, Conservative non-surgical rehab protocol and Non-surgical with home exercise program?
28. A new special test to predict integrity of the ACL was found to have a test-retest correlation of .95 and an inter-rater reliability of .75. Using this information, it can be said that: