NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient presents with a positive Lachman test. Which structure is most likely injured?
- Anterior cruciate ligament (Correct answer)
- Posterior cruciate ligament
- Medial collateral ligament
- Lateral meniscus
Correct answer: Anterior cruciate ligament
The Lachman test assesses anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) integrity by applying an anterior force to the tibia with the knee at 20–30° of flexion.
Question 2: Which manual muscle testing grade indicates movement against gravity with full range of motion but no additional resistance?
- Grade 2
- Grade 3 (Correct answer)
- Grade 4
- Grade 5
Correct answer: Grade 3
Grade 3 (Fair) denotes the ability to complete full range of motion against gravity without any added resistance.
Question 3: A PTA is treating a patient with lateral epicondylitis. Which structure is most commonly involved?
- Flexor carpi radialis
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis (Correct answer)
- Pronator teres
- Supinator
Correct answer: Extensor carpi radialis brevis
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) most commonly involves the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon at its origin on the lateral epicondyle.
Question 4: Which type of contraction occurs when a muscle produces force while lengthening?
- Concentric
- Isometric
- Eccentric (Correct answer)
- Isokinetic
Correct answer: Eccentric
An eccentric contraction occurs when the muscle generates tension while it is lengthening, such as when lowering a weight slowly.
Question 5: In the RICE protocol for acute musculoskeletal injury, what does the 'C' stand for?
- Cold
- Compression (Correct answer)
- Core stability
- Circulation
Correct answer: Compression
In the RICE acronym (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), 'C' stands for Compression, which helps limit swelling.
Question 6: Which vertebral level corresponds to the C5 dermatome?
- Thumb and index finger
- Lateral arm and shoulder region (Correct answer)
- Middle finger
- Ring and little finger
Correct answer: Lateral arm and shoulder region
The C5 dermatome covers the lateral aspect of the arm and the deltoid shoulder region.
NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 1
A patient presents with a positive Lachman test.
Which structure is most likely injured?