NPTE-PTA Practice Test

NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Practice Questions

Musculoskeletal makes up 12 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest NPTE-PTA practice test. Here are 10 of the 48 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-10 by the Tigertest team. Based on the FSBPT NPTE-PTA Test Content Outline (2024). Original questions; 50 per test, weighted like the real exam. Not affiliated with FSBPT.

1. 1. When measuring knee flexion with a goniometer, where is the axis placed?

   • A.Fibular head
   • B.Lateral epicondyle
   • C.Medial joint line
   • D.Center of the patella

   Answer: B. The goniometer axis sits over the lateral epicondyle of the femur, with the stationary arm toward the greater trochanter and the moving arm toward the lateral malleolus.

2. 2. For shoulder flexion goniometry, where is the stationary arm aligned?

   • A.Spine of the scapula
   • B.Along the clavicle
   • C.Lateral midline of the humerus
   • D.Midaxillary line

   Answer: D. The axis is near the acromion, the stationary arm follows the midaxillary line and the moving arm follows the humerus toward the lateral epicondyle.

3. 3. A patient moves the elbow through full range against gravity but cannot take any added resistance. What manual muscle test grade is this?

   • A.3/5 (fair)
   • B.1/5 (trace)
   • C.2/5 (poor)
   • D.4/5 (good)

   Answer: A. Fair (3) is full range against gravity with no added resistance. Poor (2) is full range with gravity eliminated; good (4) holds against moderate resistance.

4. 4. A patient moves the hip through full abduction only while supine on a powder board. What grade is this?

   • A.1/5 (trace)
   • B.0/5 (zero)
   • C.2/5 (poor)
   • D.3/5 (fair)

   Answer: C. Full range with gravity eliminated is grade 2. A palpable contraction with no movement would be grade 1.

5. 5. After a posterior approach total hip arthroplasty, which motion is usually restricted?

   • A.Hip extension to neutral
   • B.Knee flexion to 90 degrees
   • C.Flexion past 90 degrees
   • D.Hip abduction to 20 degrees

   Answer: C. Posterior approach precautions limit flexion past 90 degrees, adduction past midline and internal rotation, the motions that can dislocate the hip backward.

6. 6. After an anterior approach total hip arthroplasty, which combined motion is commonly avoided?

   • A.Extension and external rotation
   • B.Flexion and adduction past midline
   • C.Abduction in standing
   • D.Flexion and internal rotation

   Answer: A. Anterior approach precautions, when the surgeon uses them, guard against hip extension and external rotation. Protocols differ by surgeon.

7. 7. Early after ACL reconstruction, which exercise is usually chosen to strengthen the quadriceps with less graft strain?

   • A.Jump landings from a box
   • B.Resisted knee extension near 0 degrees
   • C.Deep loaded squats past 90
   • D.Mini squats from 0 to 45 degrees

   Answer: D. Closed chain work in a limited range co-contracts the hamstrings and limits anterior tibial shear. Resisted open chain extension near full extension loads the graft most.

8. 8. A patient two days after total knee arthroplasty asks for a pillow under the knee. What should the PTA say?

   • A.It protects the patellar tendon
   • B.It may cause a contracture
   • C.It speeds wound healing
   • D.It is needed with a CPM

   Answer: B. Full knee extension is a key early goal. A pillow under the knee holds it bent and promotes a flexion contracture; support under the heel is used instead.

9. 9. In the first weeks after a rotator cuff repair, which exercise is usually allowed?

   • A.Push-ups against a wall
   • B.Passive range of motion
   • C.Resisted external rotation
   • D.Active overhead lifting

   Answer: B. The repaired tendon is protected early, so motion is passive within the surgeon's limits. Active and resisted work come later.

10. 10. After a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, which motion is commonly restricted early?

    • A.Wrist and hand range
    • B.Pendulum exercises
    • C.Elbow flexion and extension
    • D.Hand behind the back

    Answer: D. Combined shoulder extension, adduction and internal rotation (reaching behind the back) can dislocate a reverse prosthesis, so it is avoided early.