1.

A therapist instructed to provide electrical stimulation to a patient with a venous stasis ulcer
on the right lower extremity. What is the correct type of electrical stimulation to promote
wound healing?
A. Biphasic pulsed current
B. Direct current
C. Interferential current
D. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation

2. Which of the following is contraindicated to ultrasound at 1.5 watts/cm 2 with a 1 MHz sound
head?
A. Over a recent fracture site.
B. Over non-cemented metal implant.
C. Over a recently surgically repaired tendon.
D.Over the quadriceps muscle belly

3. The therapist has given a patient an ultraviolet treatment. The patient calls the therapist the
next day with complaints of peeling and itching. These signs and symptoms resolve three
days later (a total of 4 days after treatment). What dosage did the patient receive?
A. Suberythemal dose
B. Minimal erythemal dose.
C. First-degree erythemal dose.
D. Third-degree erythemal dose

4. A 25-year-old woman has been referred to a physical therapist by an orthopedist because of

low back pain. The therapist is performing an ultrasound at the L3 level of the posterior
back when the patient suddenly informs the therapist that she is looking forward to having
her third child. On further investigation, the therapist discovers that the patient is in the
first trimester of pregnancy. Which of the following is the best course of action for the
therapist?
A. Change the settings of the ultrasound from continuous to pulsed.
B. Continue with the continuous setting because first trimester pregnancy is not a
contraindication.
C. Cease treatment, notify the patient’s orthopedic physician, and document the mistake.
D. Send the patient to the gynecologist for an immediate sonogram.

5. The therapist is treating a new patient with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis. The therapist
decides to use iontophoresis driving dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is an _________ and
is administered with the ______.
A. Analgesic, anode.
B. Analgesic, cathode
C. Anti-inflammatory, anode
D. Anti-inflammatory, cathode.

6. Which of the following theories support the use of a transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS) unit for sensory level pain control?
A. Gate control theory
B. Sensory interaction theory
C. Central summation theory
D. None of the above

7. Which of the following tissues absorbs the least amount of an ultrasound beam at 1 MHz?
 A. Bone
B. Skin
C. Muscle
D. Blood

8. The therapist decides to use electrical stimulation to increase a patient’s quadriceps

strength. Which of the following is the best protocol?
A. Electrodes placed over the superior/lateral quadriceps and the vastus medialis obliquus
– stimulation on for 15 seconds, then off for 15 seconds
B. Electrodes over the femoral nerve in the proximal quadriceps and the vastus medialis
obliquus – stimulation on for 50 seconds, then off for 10 seconds
C. Electrodes over the vastus medialis obliquus and superior/lateral quadriceps –
stimulation frequency set between 50 – 80 hertz, pps
D. Electrodes over the femoral nerve in the proximal quadriceps and the vastus medialis
obliquus – stimulation frequency set between 50 – 80 hertz, pps

9. A therapist chose to work with her patient using fluidotherapy rather than paraffin wax. The
patient has lack of range of motion and also needs to decrease hypersensitivity. There are
no open wounds on the had to be treated. Which of the following would not be an
advantage of using fluidotherapy versus paraffin wax in the above scenario?
A. The therapist can assist range of motion manually while the patient has his hand in the
fluidotherapy and not while in the paraffin wax.
B. The fluidotherapy can be used to assist in desensitization by adjusting air intensity.
C. The fluidotherapy can be provided at the same time as dynamic splinting, and this
cannot be done while in paraffin wax.
D. The fingers can be bound, to assist gaining finger flexion, with tape while in
fluidotherapy and not in paraffin wax.

10. The terms below refer to properties of water that make hydrotherapy valuable to a variety
of patient populations. Match the following terms with the statement that best relates to
each term.
1. Viscosity
2. Buoyancy
3. Relative density
4. Hydrostatic pressure

a. This property can assist in prevention of blood pooling in the lower extremities of a
patient in the pool above waist level
b. This property makes it harder to walk faster through water.
c. A person with a higher amount of body fat can float more easily than a lean person
because of this property.
d. This property makes it easier to move a body part to the surface of the water and
harder to move a part away from the surface

A. 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a

B. 1-b, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a

C. 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d
D. 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
11. Which of the following statements is false about treatment with infrared lamps?
A. Near infrared heats deeper than far infrared.
B. Infrared lamps heat both sides of an extremity at one time.
C. The therapist can change the intensity of the heat by changing the angle between the
beam and the body part being treated.
D. The therapist can change the intensity by placing the lamp closer to the part being
treated.

12. Use of shortwave diathermy and microwave diathermy is not contraindicated in which of the
following conditions?
A. On a patient who has a pacemaker.
B. Over the site of a metal implant.
C. On a patient who has hemophilia.
D. Using pulse shortwave over an acute injury.

13. When using electrical stimulation with a unit that plugs into the wall, the therapist must take
many different safety precautions. Which of the following precautions probably would not
increase safety to the patient and therapist?
A. Never placing the unit in close proximity to water pipes while treating the patient.
B. Never using an extension cord when using a plug-in unit.
C. Always adjusting the intensity of stimulation during the off portion of the cycle.
D. Both A and C are measures that are not likely to increase safety.

14. A patient is receiving electrical stimulation for muscle strengthening of the left quadriceps.
One electrode from one lead wire, 4 x 4 inches in size, is place on the anterior proximal
portion of the left quadriceps. Each of two other electrodes from one lead wire is 2 x 2
inches in size. One of the electrodes is placed on the inferior medial side of the left
quadriceps and one on the inferior lateral side of the left quadriceps. This is an example of
what type of electrode configuration?
A. Monopolar
B. Bipolar
C. Tripolar
D. Quadripolar

15. In comparing the use of cold pack and hot pack treatments, which of the following
statements is false?
A. Cold packs penetrate more deeply than hot packs.
B. Cold increases the viscosity of fluid and heat decreases the viscosity of blood.
C. Cold decreases spasm by decreasing sensitivity to muscle spindles and heat decreases
spasm by decreasing nerve conduction velocity.
D. Cold decreases the rate of oxygen uptake, and heat increases the rate of oxygen uptake.

16. A physical therapist is performing electromyograhic testing. During a maximal output test of
the patient’s quadriceps muscle, 35% of the motor unit potential is polyphasic. What is the
significance of this finding?
A. It is normal in the quadriceps.
B. It is normal in the triceps brachii, not in the quadriceps
C. It is normal in the biceps brachii, not in the quadriceps
D. It is abnormal in any muscle.
17. A physical therapist is setting up a portable whirlpool unit in the room of a severely
immobile patient. What is the most important task of the physical therapist before the
patient is placed in the whirlpool?
A. Check for a ground fault circuit interruption outlet.
B. Check to make sure the water temperature is below 110 o
C. Make sure the whirlpool agitator is immersed in the water.
D. Obtain the appropriate assistance to perform a transfer.

18. A patient is being treated with iontophoresis, driving dexamethasone, for inflammation
around the lateral epicondyle of the left elbow. The therapist is careful when setting the
parameters and with cleaning the site of electrode application to prevent a possible blister.
This possibility is not as strong with some other forms of electrical stimulation, but with
iontophoresis using a form of _________ , precautions must be taken to ensure that the
patient does not receive a mild burn or blister during the treatment session. Fill in the blank
A. Alternating current
B. Direct current
C. Pulsed current
D. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

19. A physician has ordered a specific type of electrical stimulation that utilizes a frequency of
2500 Hz with a base frequency at 50 Hz to achieve fused tetany. What type of electrical
stimulation has the physician ordered?
A. Iontophoresis
B. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
C. Intermittent flow configuration
D. Russian stimulation

20. A physical therapist who is pregnant has been studying the use of transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation during labor and birth to decrease pain perception. Which of the
following is the most effective technique in this situation?
A. Place the electrodes over the upper abdominals during the first stages of labor and over
the lower abdominals during the later stages.
B. Place the electrodes over the paraspinals at the L5 level and S1 level throughout labor
and delivery.
C. Place the electrodes in a V pattern above the pubic region during labor and delivery
D. Place the electrodes over the paraspinals at the L1 and S1 level initially during labor, and
over the pubic region during the later stages.

21. A patient with chronic back pain is referred to physical therapy for application of a
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit. The parameters chosen by the therapist
are set to provide a noxious stimulus described as an acupuncture type of stimulus. Which
of the following lists of parameters produces this type of stimulation?
A. Low intensity, duration of 60 sec, and a frequency of 50 Hz
B. High intensity, duration of 150 sec, and a frequency of 100 Hz
C. Low intensity, duration of 150 sec, and a frequency of 100 Hz
D. High intensity, duration of 150 sec, and a frequency of 2 Hz

22. A patient arrives at an outpatient clinic with an order from the physician for whirlpool and
wound care to a lower extremity wound. The therapist decides to set the temperature in
the whirlpool at warm. Which of the following setting in degrees Celsius is appropriate?
A. 27.5o Celsius
B. 35.5o Celsius
 C. 49o Celsius
D. 60o Celsius

23. A physical therapist receives an order from the physician to treat a patient using
iontophoresis. The order indicates that the purpose of the treatment is to attempt to
dissolve a calcium deposit in the area of the Achilles tendon. When preparing the patient for
treatment, the therapist connects the medicated electrode to the negative pole. Which of
the following medications is the therapist most like preparing to administer?
A. Dexamethasone
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Hydrocortisone
D. Acetic acid

24. A 63-year-old woman presents to physical therapy with a diagnosis of herpes zoster. The
physician informs the physical therapist that the L5 dorsal root is involved and that a
transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) unit should be used to help
control the pain. Where should the TENS unit electrodes be placed?
A. Posterior thigh
B. Lateral hip/greater trochanter area
C. Anterior thigh
D. Anterior lateral tibia

25. Your plan of care includes use of iontophoresis in the management of calcific bursitis of the
shoulder. To administer this treatment using the acetate ion, the current characteristics and
polarity should be:
A. monophasic twin peaked pulses using the positive pole
B. monophasic twin peaked pulses using the negative pole
C. continuous monophasic using the positive pole
D. continuous monophasic using the negative pole

26. A patient rehabilitating from a lower extremity injury is referred to physical

therapy for hydrotherapy treatments. The physical therapist would like the patient to
fully extend the involved lower extremity while in the hydrotherapy tank. Which type of
whirlpool would not allow the patient to extend the involved lower extremity?

1. Hubbard tank

2. highboy tank

3. lowboy tank

4. walk tank

27. A physical therapist plans to administer ultraviolet radiation to the anterior trunk
of a patient with psoriasis. Which form of protective equipment would be the most
appropriate for the therapist to utilize?

1. lead shield

2. gloves, gown, mask

3. eye goggles

4. protectiver equipment is not necessary

28. A physical therapist prepares to treat a patient with continuous ultrasound. Which
general rule best determines the length of treatment when using ultrasound?

1. 2 minutes for an area that is 2-3 times the size of the transducer face

2. 5 minutes for an area that is 2-3 times the size of the transducer face

3. 5 minutes is the maximum treatment time regardless of the treatment area

4. 10 minutes is the maximum treatment time regardless of the treatment area

29. A physical therapist treats a patient using high voltage galvanic stimulation. During
treatment the therapist observes smoke rising from the machine and smells an unusual
odor. The most appropriate immediate response is to:

1. unplug the machine and label it “Defective – Do Not Use.”

2. file an incident report

3. contact the appropriate service group

4. request an investigation by the biomedical instrumentation department

30. A physical therapist working in an acute care hospital attempts to determine the
effectiveness of treating psoriatic lesions with ultraviolet. The most appropriate initial
action is to:

1. design a research study which examines the effectiveness of treating psoriatic lesions with
ultraviolet

2. determine if the current patient population would allow for an adequate sample size for a
research study

3. submit a research proposal to the hospital’s institutional review board

4. conduct a literary search for research related to treating psoriatic lesions with ultraviolet

31. A 55-year-old female diagnosed with a right hip intertrochanteric fracture is eight
weeks status post open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and pinning. The
patient has pain with active hip flexion and abduction. Acceptable modalities for the
patient include all of the following except:

1. hot packs

2. whirlpool

3. pulsed ultrasound

4. shortwave diathermy

32. A physical therapist examines a morbidly obese patient in physical therapy. The
therapist would like to incorporate modalities into the patient’s care plan, but to
concerned about excessively elevating the patient’s tissue temperature. Which modality
would potentially be the most hazardous?

1. shortwave diathermy

2. hot packs

3. paraffin

4. pulsed ultrasound

33. An 18-year-old male six weeks status post open reduction of a Colles’ fracture is
referred to physical therapy. Examination reveals mild swelling on the dorsum of the hand
and limited flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joints in all digits. The most appropriate
heating agent for the patient is:

1. paraffin

2. hot packs

3. vapocoolant sprays

4. ultrasound

34. A physical therapist applies an electrical stimulation unit to a patient rehabilitating

from an Achilles tendon rupture. Which of the following types of current has the average
current?

1. low volt

2. high volt
3. Russian

4. interferential

35. A 28-year-old male referred to physical therapy by his primary physician complains of
recurrent ankle-pain. As part of the treatment program, the therapist uses ultrasound
over the peroneus longus and brevis tendons. The most appropriate location for
ultrasound application is:

1. inferior to the sustentaculum tali

2. over the sinus tarst

3. posterior to the lateral malleolus

4. anterior to the lateral malleolus

36. A physical therapist explains to a patient the benefits of using electrical stimulation
for muscle reeducation. The patient appears to understand the therapist’s explanation,
however seems extremely frightened and asks the therapist not to use the electrical
device. The most appropriate therapist action is to:

1. reassure the patient that the electrical stimulation will not be harmful

2. only small amounts of current

3. select another appropriate treatment technique

4. discharge the patient from physical therapy

37. A physical therapist prepares to treat a patient using ultraviolet light by determining
the patient’s minimal erythemal dose. The most common location for testing is:

1. on the posterior aspect of the upper arm

2. on the posterior aspect of the forearm

3. on the anterior aspect of the thigh

4. on the posterior aspect of the lower leg

38. A physical therapist tests a small area of skin for hypersensitivity prior to using a cold
immersion bath. The patient begins to demonstrate evidence of cold intolerance within 60
seconds after cold application. The most appropriate response is to:

1. limit cold exposure to ten minutes or less

2. select an alternative cryotherapeutic agent

3. continue with the cold immersion bath

4. discontinue cold application and document your findings

39. A therapist prepares to administer ultrasound to a patient with lateral epicondylitis.

When applying ultrasound the amount of heat absorbed is least dependent upon:

1. the intensity

2. the duration of exposure

3. the choice of coupling agent

4. the size of the area sonated

40. A physical therapist is employed at a physician owned physical therapy clinic that
charges for treatment by the modality. One of the physicians, who is an owner of the
practice, requests that all of his patients receive a minimum of heat, ultrasound and
electrical stimulation during each treatment session. The therapist feels that the majority
of patients receive little clinical benefit from the proposed treatment regime. The most
appropriate immediate response would be to:

1. ignore the physician’s request and treat each patient as you feel is indicated

2. discuss with the physician the rationale for requesting modalities on each patient

3. report the physician’s conduct to the American Medical Association

4. inform the physician that he is abusing the health care system

41. A patient employed in a machine shop is referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis
of carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient indicates that he is scheduled for a diagnostic test
that may help to confirm the diagnosis. Which of the following electro diagnostic tests
would be the most appropriate?

1. electroencephalography
2. evoked potentials

3. nerve conduction velocity

4. electromyography

42. A physical therapist applies a hot pack to the lumbar region of a patient rehabilitating
from a laminectomy. Which mode of heat transmission is utilized when using the hot
pack?

1. conduction

2. convection

3. evaporation

4. radiation

43. A physical therapist administers ultrasound to a patient rehabilitating from a burn in

an attempt to increase range of motion and decrease joint stiffness in the foot. When
applying ultrasound to the dorsum of the foot, the patient complaints of significant
discomfort from the sound head contacting the skin. The most appropriate treatment
modification is:

1. Decrease the intensity of the ultrasound beam

2. reduce the size of the area being sonated

3. utilize an underwater technique

4. select another thermal agent

44. A patient sustains a deep laceration on the right anterior thigh after stumbling and
falling into a modality cart. The physical therapist’s most immediate response should be
to:

1. Apply direct pressure over the wound

2. Apply heat

3. Apply ice

4. Fill out an incident report

45. A physical therapist uses ultrasound to elevate the tissue temperature at the insertion
of the sopraspinatus. What would be the most appropriate patient position for the
ultrasound application?

1. patient in supine with the arm abducted and laterally rotated

2. patient in supine with the arm adducted and medially rotated

3. patient in supine with the arm abducted and medially rotated

4. patient in supine with the arm adducted and laterally rotated

46. A physical therapist administers neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the

quadriceps using a bipolar electrode configuration. After observing the muscle
contraction, the therapist decides to modify the treatment set up in order to increase the
depth of current penetration. The most appropriate action is to:

1. utilize carbon rubber electrodes

2. increase the size of the electrodes

3. utilize additional electrodes using a bifurcated lead

4. increase the distance between the electrodes

47. A patient with degenerative joint disease is referred to physical therapy with right
shoulder pain. During the initial examination the physical therapist identifies significant
muscle guarding and spasm throughout the right shoulder. If the therapist elects to treat
the patient using ultrasound, which patient position would be the most appropriate?

1. supine with the upper extremity slightly flexed and adducted

2. supine with the arm resting against the abdomen

3. supine with the glenohumeral joint in the resting position

4. a position where the patient is comfortable and relaxed

48. A physical therapist implements an aquatic program for a patient rehabilitating from a
total hip replacement indicates how much easier it is to walk in the water compared to on
land. What factor is responsible for the patient’s ability to walk in water?

1. Buoyancy
2. Pressure
3. Cohesion
4. Viscosity

49. A 55-year-old female diagnosed with a right hip intertrochanteric fracture is eight
weeks status post open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and pinning. The patient
has pain with active hip flexion and abduction. Acceptable modalities for the patient
include all of the following except:

1. Hot packs
2. Whirlpool
3. Pulsed ultrasound
4. Shortwave diathermy

50. A patient that sustained a lower extremity burn three months ago is treated in an
outpatient physical therapy clinic. The patient’s burns appear to be fully healed, however,
the patient exhibits decreased knee flexion hue to scar tissue. As part of the treatment
program the physical therapist performs passive stretching activities in an attempt to
promote collagen extensibility. Which thermal agent would be the most beneficial to
enhance the effectiveness of the treatment session?

1. Pulsed ultrasound
2. Continuous ultrasound
3. Hydrotherapy
4. Fluidotherapy

51. Persuading a sedentary patient to become more active, the therapist explains the benefits of
exercise. Which of the following is an inappropriate list of benefits?
A. Increased efficiency of the myocardium to obtain oxygen, decreased high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) and decreased cholesterol.
B. Decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL), decreased triglycerides, and decreased blood
pressure.
C. Increased efficiency of the myocardium to obtain oxygen, decreased cholesterol, and
decreased LDL.
D. Both B and C are inappropriate lists.

52. A pitcher is exercising in a clinic with a sports cord mounted behind and above his head. The
pitcher simulates pitching motion using the sports cord as resistance. Which
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) diagonal is the pitcher using to strengthen
the muscles involved in pitching a baseball?
A. D1 extension
B. D1 flexion
C. D2 extension
D. D2 flexion.
53. The therapist is treating a track athlete who specializes in sprinting and wants to increase his
or her speed on the track. To accomplish this goal, the plan of care should include
activities to develop fast-twitch muscle fibers. Characteristics of this type of fiber include:
A. Fatigues slowly, fiber colors appear red and used more in aerobic activity.
B. Fatigues quickly, fiber colors appear white and used in anaerobic activity.
C. Fatigues quickly, fiber colors appear white and used more in aerobic activity.
D. Fatigues slowly, fiber colors appear white, and used more in anaerobic activity.
54. A patient reports to therapy stating that his “sugar is too high” for exercise. What is the
minimal blood glucose level that is considered too high for a diabetic patient to begin
exercise?
A. 300 mg/dl
B. 400 mg/dl
C. 300 g/dl
D. 400 g/dl

55. The therapist routinely places ice on the ankle of a patient with an acute ankle sprain. Ice
application has many therapeutic benefits. Which of the following is the body’s first
response to application of ice?
A. Vasoconstriction of local vessels
B. Decreased nerve conduction velocity
C. Decreased local sensitivity.
D. All occur simultaneously.
56. A therapist working in an outpatient physical therapy clinic evaluates a patient with a
diagnosis of rotator cuff bursitis. The physician’s order is to evaluate and treat. During the
evaluation the following facts are revealed: Active shoulder flexion = 85 o with pain; Passive
shoulder flexion = 177 o ; Active shoulder abduction = 93 o with pain; Passive shoulder
abduction = 181 o ; Active external rotation = 13 o ; Passive external rotation = 87 o ; Drop arm
test = positive; Impingement test = negative; Biceps tendon subluxation test = negative;
Sulcus sign = negative. Of the following, which is the best course of action?
A. Treat the patient for 1 week with moist heat application, joint mobilization, and
strengthening. then suggest to the patient that he or she return to the physician if there
are no positive results.
B. Treat the patient for 1 week with ultrasound, strengthening, and ice. Then suggest to
the patient that he or she return to the physician if there are no positive results.
C. Treat the patient for 1 week with a home exercise program, strengthening, passive
range of motion by the therapist, and ice. Then suggest to the patient that he or she
return to the physician if there are no positive results.
D. Treat the patient for 1 week with strengthening, a home exercise program, and ice.
Then suggest to the patient that he or she return to the physician if there are no positive
results.

57. The therapist is crutch training a 26-year-old man who underwent right knee arthroscopy 10
hours ago. The patient’s weight bearing status is toe-touch weight-bearing on the right
lower extremity. If the patient is going up steps, which of the following is the correct
sequence of verbal instructions?
A. “Have someone stand below you while going up, bring the left leg up first, then the
crutches and the right leg”.
B. “Have someone stand above you while going up, bring the left leg up first, then the
crutches and the right leg”.
C. “Have someone stand below you while going up, bring the right leg up first, then the
crutches and left leg”.
 D. “Have someone stand above you while going up, bring the right leg up first, then the
crutchesandtherightleg”
58. A 35-year-old woman with a diagnosis of lumbar strain has a physician’s prescription with a
frequency and duration of 3 sessions/week for 6 weeks. The physical therapy evaluation
reveals radiculopathy into the L5 dermatome of the right lower extremity, increased
radiculopathy with lumbar flexion, decreased radiculopathy with lumbar extension, poor
posture, and hamstring tightness bilaterally at 60 o. What is the best course of treatment?
A. Lumbar traction, hot packs, and ultrasound.
B. McKenzie style lumbar extensions, a posture program, hamstring stretching, and a home
exercise program.
C. McKenzie style lumbar extensions, a posture program, hamstring stretching, home
program, hot packs, and ultrasound.
D. Lumbar traction, hot packs, ultrasound, and hamstring stretching

59. What is the best way to first exercise the postural (or extensor) musculature when it is
extremely weak to facilitate muscle control?
A. Isometrically.
B. Concentrically.
C. Eccentrically.
D. Is kinetically.

60. A patient living in a nursing home with Medicare Part A as the source of reimbursement is
treated by physical therapy only. What is the required minimal frequency of physical
therapy treatment?
A. Once a week
B. Three times a week
C. Five times a week
D. Thereisnorequiredtimeframe

.61. What is the closed-packed position of the shoulder?

E. Internal rotation and abduction
F. External rotation and abduction
G. Internal rotation and adduction
H. External rotation and adduction

62. Which of the following neural fibers are the largest and fastest?
I. C fibers
J. A fibers
K. A and C are equal
L. None of the above

63. The therapist is asked to evaluate a baseball pitcher’s rotator cuff isokinetically. Which isokinetic
evaluation is most appropriate?
M. 190o/second, 180o/second, and 240o/second
N. 30o /second, 60o /second, and 90o /second
O. 60o /second, 120o /second, and 180o /second
P. 180o/second,240o/second,and360o/second
64. To decrease the risk of hypoglycemia in a patient with type I insulin-dependent diabetes,
which of the following is inappropriate?
Q. Eat or drink a snack high in carbohydrates 30 minutes before exercises.
R. Exercise muscles that have not had an insulin injection recently.
S. A carbohydrate snack for each 30-45 minutes of exercise
T. Exercise at the peak time of insulin effect

65. A 67-year-old woman presents to an outpatient facility with a diagnosis of right adhesive
capsulitis. The therapist plans to focus mostly on gaining abduction range of motion. In which
direction should the therapist mobilize the shoulder to gain abduction range of motion?
a. Posteriorly
b. Anteriorly
c. Inferiorly
d. Superiorly

66. In developing the plan of care for a 28-year-old pregnant woman which of the following muscles
should be the focus of the strengthening exercises to maintain a strong pelvic floor?
e. Piriformis, obturator internus, and pubococcygeus
f. Obturator internus, pubococcygeus and coccygeus
g. Rectus abdominis, iliococcygeus, and piriformis
h. Iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, and coccygeus

67. A patient is positioned in the supine position. The involved left upper extremity is positioned by
the therapist in 90o of shoulder flexion. The therapist applies resistance into shoulder flexion, then
extension. No movement takes place. The therapist instructs the patient to “hold” when resistance
is applied in both directions. Which of the following proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
techniques is being used?
i. Repeated contractions
j. Hold-relax
k. Rhythmic stabilization
l. Contract-relax

68. A physician prescribes isotonic exercises for the left biceps brachii. Which of the following
exercises is in compliance with this order?
m. Biceps curls with the patient actively and independently flexing the left elbow
using a 5-pound dumbbell as resistance
n. Rhythmic stabilization for the left elbow.
o. Elbow flexion at 90o per second with speed controlled by a work stimulator.
p. None of the above.

69. A therapist is attempting to gain external rotation range of motion in a patient’s right shoulder.
The therapist decides to use contract-relax-contract antagonist. In what order should the following
rotator cuff muscles contract to perform this movement successfully?
q. Infraspinatus – teres minor
r. Subscapularis – supraspinatus
s. Teres minor – infraspinatus
t. Supraspinatus – subscapularis

70. The therapist is assessing a patient’s strength in the right shoulder. The patient has 0 o of active
shoulder abduction in the standing position. In the supine position, the patient has 42 o of active
shoulder abduction and 175 o pain-free passive shoulder abduction. What is the correct manual
muscle testing grade for the patient’s shoulder abduction?
u. 3-/5 (fair -)
v. 2+/5 (poor+)
w. 2-/5 (poor-)
x. 1/5 (trace)

71. A 32-year-old man is referred to physical therapy with the diagnosis of a recent complete
anterior cruciate ligament tear. The patient and the physician have decided to avoid surgery as long
as possible. The therapist provides the patient with a home exercise program and instructions about
activities that will be limited secondary to this diagnosis. Which of the following is the best advice?
y. There are no precautions.
z. The patient should avoid all athletic activity for 1 year.
aa. The patient should avoid all athletic activity until there is a minimum of 20%
difference in the bilateral quadriceps muscle as measure isokinetically.
bb. The patient should wear a brace and compete in only light athletic events.

72. A therapist is mobilizing a patient’s right shoulder. The movement taking place at the joint
capsule is not completely to end range. It is a large amplitude movement from near the beginning of
available range to near the end of available range. What grade of mobilization according to
Maitland, is being performed?
cc. Grade I
dd. Grade II
ee. Grade III
ff. Grade IV

73. A therapist has been treating a patient who received a rotator cuff surgical repair with sessions
consisting only of passive range of motion (for an extended period). The patient has just returned
from a follow-up doctor’s visit with an additional order to continue with passive range of motion
only. Which of the following is the best course of action for the therapist?
gg. Continue with passive range of motion as instructed, and call the physician to
consult with him or her about the initiation of active range of motion.
hh. Begin active range of motion within the pain-free range, and continue passive
range of motion.
ii. Continue passive range of motion, and do not question the physician’s decision.
jj. Perform passive range of motion and any other exercise that is within the normal
protocol for this diagnosis.

74. A therapist should consider using a form of treatment other than moist heat application on the
posterior lumbar region of all of the following patients except
kk. Patient with a history of hemophilia
ll. Patient with a history of malignant cancer under the site of heat application
mm. Patient with a history of Raynaud’s phenomenon
nn. Patient with a history including many years of steroid therapy

75. A therapist is massaging the upper trapezius of a patient. One of the techniques involves lifting
and kneading of the tissues. What is the correct name of this technique?
oo. Tapotement massage
pp. Effleurage massage
qq. Petrissage massage
rr. Friction massage
76. A physical therapist completes a manual muscle test on a patient that sustained a
laceration to the anterior surface of the forearm. When performing the test on the
flexor pollicis brevis, the therapist should direct the force:

1. along the volar aspect of the proximal phalanx of the thumb

2. along the volar aspect of the distal phalanx of the thumb
3. along the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx of the thumb
4. along the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx of the thumb

77. A patient with an I.V in the antecubital region is treated in physical therapy. The
physical therapist would like to instruct the patient in upper extremity active range of
motion exercises, but is concerned about placing excessive pressure on the infusion site.
Which of the following exercises would not be indicated?

1. shoulder abduction and adduction

2. shoulder flexion and extension
3. elbow flexion and extension
4. wrist flexion and extension

78. A physical therapist performs goniometric measurements on a patient

rehabilitating from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. When measuring
rotation of the cervical spine , which of the following landmarks would be the most
appropriate for the axis of the goniometer?

1. centered over the external auditory meatus

2. centered over the center of the cranial aspect of the head
3. centered over the C7 spinous process
4. centered over the midline of the occiput

79. A physical therapist performs a manual muscle test on a patient with unilateral
upper extremity weakness. The patient is able to complete 75% of the available range of
motion with gravity eliminated. The therapist should record the muscle grade as:

1. poor plus
2. poor
3. poor minus
4. trace plus

80. A physical therapist performs a manual muscle test on a pattern’s hip flexors. The
therapist attempts to complete the test in supine, but the patient has difficulty holding
the limb in the rest position. What alternate test position would be appropriate to test
the patient’s hip flexors?
 1. prone
2. sidelying
3. sitting
4. standing

81. A physical therapist treats a 37-year-old-female with diminished lower extremity

range of motion due to harmstrings tightness. As part of the treatment program, the
therapist attempts to identify an appropriate active exercise technique to improve range
of motion. Which objective finding would result in contract-relax being an undesirable
treatment option?

1. the limitation of movement is accompanied by pain

2. the limitation of movement is greater than 505 of the normal available range
3. the limitation of movement involves mutiple planes
4. the limitation of movement occurs in a noncapsular pattern

82. A physical therapist completes a manual muscle test on the right lower trapezius
muscle. In order to properly assess the muscle, the therapist should position the patient
in:

1. supine
2. prone
3. right sidelying
4. left sidelying

83. A physical therapist examines a patient with shoulder subluxation secondary to a

flaccid upper extremity. The therapist’s short-term goal is to prevent further
subluxation. The following techniques would be beneficial in treating the flaccid upper
extremity except:

1. distraction and stretching techniques

2. approximation techniques
3. neuromuscular electrical stimulation
4. arm support when sitting and standing

84. A physical therapist instructs a female athlete to complete ten minutes of stretching
before beginning her treasmill program. While observing the athlete the therapist
notices repititive bouncing and a failure to maintain the stretch for more than five
seconds. Why is this type of stretching considered to be inadequate?

1. The athleter should maintain each stretch at least 30 seconds

2. The athlete should stretch only after running on the treadmill
3. The athlete is activating the stretch reflex
4. The athlete should remain activity specific and does not need to stretch the hamstrings if
she is running on the treadmill
85. A physical therapist utilizes resistive testing as part of an initial examination. To
assess the C5 myotome the therapist should resist:

1. wrist radial deviation

2. elbow extension
3. shoulder abduction
4. thumb extension

86. A physical therapist receives a referral to instruct a patient in pelvic floor muscle
strengthening exercises. Which of the following explanations would be the most effective
to assist the patient to perform a pelvic floor contraction?

1. tighten your muscles like you were trying to expel a large amount of urine in a very short
amount of time
2. pull your muscles up and in like when you have to go to the bathroom, but there is no
toilet
3. tighten your abdominal muscles and anteriorly rotate your pelvis
4. gently push out as if you had to pass gas

87. A manual muscle test is conducted on the medial portion of the deltoid. The muscle
is able to move through the full range of motion with gravity eliminated, but cannot
function against gravity. The results of the manual muscle test should be recorded as:

1. trace
2. poor
3. fair
4. good

88. A physical therapist uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to increase joint

range of motion using the hold relax technique. The technique utilizes an --------
contraction, which is used at the end point of the available range of motion.

1. isotonic
2. isometric
3. isokinetic
4. eccentric

89. A physical therapist designs an exercise program for a patient rehabilitating from
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Which of the following treatment options
would place the least amount of stress on the reconstructed ligament?

1. walking with crutches

 2. stationary cycling
3. walking
4. jogging at a slow speed on a level surface

90. A physical therapist discusses how to perform pelvic floor muscle strengthening
exercises with a 36-year-old female diagnosed with stress incontinence. The patient
describes involuntary leakage of urine when she coughs, sneezes or exercises. The most
appropriate ratio of rest to hold time when initiating pelvic floor muscle strengthening is:

1. 1:2
2. 1:5

91. A physical therapist works with a 70-year-old patient diagnosed with general
reconditioning. The patient is pleasant and cooperative, however has short term memory
deficits. The therapist initiates an exercise program that the patient is able to complete
with verbal cueing. Which of the following home exercise programs would be the most
beneficial for the patient?

1. a program that allows for individual exercise selection

2. a program that requires significant attention to detail
3. a program that alternates exercises on consecutive days
4. a program that varies based on the results of a subjective pain scale.

92. During an examination a physical therapist examines a patient’s general willingness to

use an affected body part. What objective information would provide the most useful
information?

1. bony palpation
2. active movement
3. passive movement
4. sensory testing

93. A patient diagnosed with right shoulder adhesive capsulitis is limited to 25 degrees of
lateral rotation. Which mobilization technique would be indicated based on the patient’s
limitation?

1. lateral distraction and anterior glide

2. medial distraction and posterior glide
3. lateral distraction and posterior glide
4. medial distraction and inferior glide

94. A physical therapist designs an exercise program for a patient rehabilitating from a
lower extremity injury. The single most important factor in an exercise program designed
in increase muscular strength is:

1. the recovery time between exercise sets

 2. the number of repetitions per set
3. the duration of the exercise session
4. the intensity of the exercise

95. A patient two months status post total knee replacement is referred to physical
therapy for range of motion and strengthening exercises. Which treatment technique
would be inappropriate for the patient?

1. active stretching using the contract-relax technique

2. joint mobilization to increase joint play
3. exercise on a stationary bicycle against mild resistance
4. performing straight leg raising, short arc extension and knee flexion exercises using the
leg weights

96. A physical therapist attempts to obtain information on a patient’s endurance level by

administering a low level exercise test on a treadmill. Which of the following
measurement methods would provide the therapist with an objective measurement of
endurance?

1. facial color
2. facial expression
3. rating on a perceived exertion scale
4. respiration rate

97. A physical therapist implements an aquatic program for a patient rehabilitating from a
total hip replacement . During the treatment session the patient indicates how much
easier it is to walk in the water compared to on land. What factor is responsible for the
patient’s ability to walk in water?

1. buoyancy
2. pressure
3. cohesion
4. viscosity

98. A physical therapist performs a manual muscle tests on a patient with unilateral lower
extremity weakness. The therapist should test the patient’s hip adductors with the patient
positioned in:

1. prone
2. side lying
3. standing
4. supine

99. A patient is referred to physical therapy 24 hours after total knee replacement. What
exercise would be the most appropriate to begin treatment?

1. quadriceps steps
 2. short arc quadriceps
3. standing leg curls
4. straight let raises

100. A physical therapist uses repeated contractions to strengthen the quadriceps of a

patient that fails to exhibit the desired muscular response throughout the entire range of
motion. This proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique should be applied:

1. at the initiation of movement

2. at the point where the desired muscular response begins to diminish
3. at the end of the available range of motion
4. only after a manual stretch to the hamstrings